“Colette,” he rasps out as his head falls against my shoulder. “I’m sorry.”
He eases me to my stomach and works my clothing free while I lie there limp and happier than I’ve ever been.
“Are you all right?” he asks, his voice tight now.
I turn my head and lift myself up so he can free me of my corset. He pulls my dress off with graceful movements.
“I’m wonderful.”
“Not too lightheaded? Who is the mayor? What is your best friend’s middle name?”
I laugh. “Rustion. And Lysandra doesn’t have a middle name.”
“Good. Good.” His face is flushed more than I’ve ever seen it and he’s stripping off his trousers. His shirt is already gone and I wonder when that happened.
I exhale and roll to my back while he cleanshimself with one of the washing linens I keep at the stand in the corner near the water pitcher and bowl. His necklace swings across the mate mark and the muscles in his forearms and biceps shift as he moves. He is so incredibly handsome. This male who loves the shadows is somehow the perfect fit for me, the one who adores the sun. Perhaps that’s why we are an ideal match. We are a balance for one another.
“I can’t believe we are fated mates.”
“Me either,” he says, his eyebrows lifting and a wry but somehow also sweet grin tugging at his red lips. “I never would have called that one.”
“You look happy.”
He climbs into bed and pulls me close. I nuzzle into his chest and inhale deeply. He smells wonderful.
“I am happy, my sunlight.”
I smile against his warm skin. “Are you always this warm after drinking or is this the lovemaking part?”
“That was an appetizer. Once you’re ready, I will show you some proper lovemaking.”
I wiggle in his arms and grin. “Ooo, yes. I’m ready when you are.”
“And you’re certain I didn’t Taste you too deeply? Be painfully honest. I need to know. I nearly lost myself at the end there.”
“I felt that and I was a bit lightheaded, but I don’t think it was due to the fangs and their work.”
He huffs a laugh into my hair and hugs me tightly. I can feel that his body is ready for another round.
“I will always be pulling you into parties around here, you know. Oh, will you move to Leafshire Cove?”
“I’ll do whatever you wish. I have no real ties to Honey Sands. Nothing that would keep me from your side. And I have friends here now. A chosen family, I hope.”
“You do.”
“I will go to parties for you, my sunlight, but only if you permit me a corner table and an early bedtime.”
I chuckle. “Done.”
“And I will tug you into the shadows with me. To talk deeply and occasionally bemoan the state of the kingdom.”
“Of course. It will only make the parties that much more of a relief!”
He pinches me lightly and nips at my ear. “Brat.”
Chapter 21
Archer
