Bite Of Winter (Fae's Captive #3)(34)

I close my eyes, and focus on his touch, but he nips at my lip. “Open your eyes, little one. I want to see you come apart for me.”

I meet his dark gaze, my insides molten and my core tightening with each stroke. His fangs seem to lengthen even more, the tips lethal. Why does that make me hotter? I lean up and lick one. He growls and kisses me, tasting the hint of blood from my tongue. With an animal roar, he thrusts harder, and I hang on, my nails digging into his back as I give myself over to him.

Each impact hits me just right, sending me higher. And when he stays deep and grinds against me, I think I might lose my mind.

“I can feel you clenching me, begging for my seed.” He holds my gaze as he pumps his hips, and my legs begin to shake. “I will give you what you want, little one. I will coat you in me so that no other male will ever doubt who you belong to. Would you like that?” His low voice is gravelly, sex in a sound.

“Yes.” I shudder, my heels digging into the backs of his thighs.

“Mine, little one. You’re mine forever. Say it.” He grinds against me, stealing every bit of thought until I run on nothing more than animal instinct.

“I’m yours, forever.”

“Promise me.” He runs his lips along my jaw.

I already know it’s true, the bond between us unbreakable. “I promise.”

“I love you, Taylor. My mate. My queen. And I will be yours forever. I promise.”

The sting of magic ripples across my body, and he thrusts hard and deep, then sinks his fangs into my shoulder.

I come so hard that my vision goes black for a moment. Everything inside me falls apart, pleasure shooting through me like fireworks across a dark sky. The bliss comes in waves, rolling over me and drowning me in the most perfect sensations—release coated in love and sealed with completion. I hold onto Leander as he thrusts again. His body tenses even more, and he roars against my skin as he comes, his hot seed filling me as my body is caught in the delicious throes of ecstasy. He doesn’t release his hold on my shoulder, his fangs marking me so deeply that I can feel his claim on my soul. His pleasure filters through me, and I feel his love as it dances and entwines with mine.

When the orgasm slows and only pleasant echoes remain, I relax, my arms falling to my sides. I gulp in the chilly air and try to calm my rampaging heart.

He gingerly releases his bite, and I can’t be bothered to care about the hint of pain. Staring down at me, his mouth twists into a satisfied smile, my blood lingering on his lips. Why is that hot? It shouldn’t be. But it is.

“Mine.” He kisses me gently.

“Mine.” I lean up and bite his bottom lip.

His answering growl turns me to mush. He pushes me back down onto the fur and kisses me into a stupor all over again as the snow swirls, the icy wind blows, and I give my heart away—all at the king of winter’s command.





17





Leander





“More?” I offer Taylor another snowberry.

“I’m stuffed.” She snuggles down in our furs as a roaring fire crackles nearby.

“Just one more?” I wave it in front of her plump lips, bruised from my kisses.

“You are always trying to fatten me up.” She opens her mouth, and I slide the berry onto her waiting tongue.

“I must provide for my mate.” I watch as she chews, and my gaze travels to the bite at her shoulder. It’s still red, the skin angry, but my mark will never be questioned. She is mine as I am hers.

“You’re a giant wolf.” Her eyes drift closed.

“At least I’m not a unicorn, right?” I kiss her forehead.

Her nose wrinkles. “Ugh.”

“So you like the wolf?”

“I love him.” The wrinkles flatten out. “I think I’ll keep him.”

I kiss her, the snowberry tart and Taylor sweet. Claiming her again is on my mind, but as it was her first time, I know I must give her time to recover. Surely, no more than an hour at most. I run my fingers along her pink cheek as she falls asleep. I can feel her slumber through the bond, the quieting of her mind. It’s so much stronger now, and I only hope it grows more so each day.

Gareth and the others are gathered by the fire, and they sneak glances at us every so often. I can’t blame them. Beth has been complaining loudly about missing the mating ever since we made camp.

I rise quietly and steal over to them.

Gareth stands and joins forearms with me. “Congratulations.”

I can’t keep the smile from my face, the pride impossible to hide. “She is everything I ever hoped for.”

“I’ll drink to that.” Ravella raises her cup, and the others follow suit. “To our queen.”

I grab a cup of wine and join them. “To Taylor.”

We drain our cups.

“You marked the ever-loving Spires out of her,” Thorn says appreciatively.

“No male will mistake that mark.” Valen nods.

“I can’t believe I missed it.” Beth drops her head into her hands.

Valen pats her on the back. “Maybe you’ll catch the next one?”

Gareth lets out a low, barely-audible growl.

“Whoa.” Ravella turns to him, her eyes narrow. “What was that for?”