Road To Winter (Fae's Captive #2)(25)

“Are there many people there?” I don’t know why I’m so curious. I intend to leave as soon as I get there.

“Cold Comfort is the biggest city in the winter realm, but it still doesn’t have the numbers of the summer realm.”

“But didn’t you win a war against the southern realm?” She arches a brow. “How, if you have so fewer people to fight?”

“I won peace, yes. And I think you’ll find that the fae of my realm are a hardier people than those who inhabit the summer lands.”

“If they’re anything like you, then I’m not surprised you won.” I smile as his chest puffs with pride. He can be so cute sometimes, even though he’s a hulking warrior. “Hey, speaking of battles, I want you to teach me how to use this.” I pull the obsidian blade from the makeshift scabbard Beth crafted for me.

“You have no need of that.” Gareth shakes his head. “Your king and the Phalanx are your devoted protectors.”

“Sure, but you aren’t always with me. Remember Tyrios?” I suppress a shudder. His memory is one I fear I’ll never be rid of. “He caught me alone, and it’s been dangerous ever since. I need to be able to defend myself. I mean, at home I could use my car keys between my knuckles or aim a kick between the legs, but here, that’s not enough.”

“You’ve kicked a male between the legs?” Gareth pales a little beneath the road dust on his skin.

“No, but I will if I need to.”

“She’s right,” Leander says. “She needs to be able to defend herself.”

“By the end of this journey, you’ll be able to cook, clean, and flay a man alive,” Beth says brightly.

“Certain skill sets never go out of style.” I return her wry grin.





“Ouch?” I palm my butt as Leander darts past me. “Do you really have to spank me with that thing?”

He twirls a short sword in his wrist. “I’ll happily do it with my hand, if you like. Perhaps put you over my knee when you underperform?”

My stomach clenches at the image he puts in my head, and a low growl rips from him.

“Careful, little one.” His bare arms flex under the hot sun.

“You be careful!” I rush him and stab forward with the obsidian blade.

He dodges with ease and smacks my ass again with the broadside of his sword. “You’re getting a little better.”

“I’m not.” I huff and realize maybe I should’ve utilized my free gym membership at the student rec a little more. “But I will.”

“That’s the spirit.” Beth raises a skin of water in toast before drinking.

“Maybe you should try? Practice with me?” I raise my sword. “Maybe it wouldn’t be like shooting fish in a barrel the way it is for Leander.”

“You have the oddest expressions.” Beth takes another gulp.

My mouth waters.

“Focus.” Leander grabs my throat.

I drop my sword and try to pry his wrist away.

His palm tightens. “Never drop your weapon. Never. You’re a changeling in a world full of creatures that are stronger and faster. I’ve been at a tiny fraction of my usual speed with you. Don’t let it fool you.”

I reach out to smack his bare chest, but to my embarrassed horror, I can’t even reach him when he holds his arm out straight.

He smirks as I swing again and hit only air.

“Asshole!” I scratch his wrist, drawing blood.

When his pupils blow, I know I’ve screwed up.

“I’m sorry,” I squeak.

He yanks me to him, and I’m crushed in his arms as he pulls me up to his height.

“Gareth!” Beth yells.

“My mate seeks my blood.” His fangs lengthen.

“Leander, you’re doing the feral thing again.” My voice trembles.

“I will give you all you desire, little one.” His voice is low and gravelly, and I can feel his erection pressing against my thigh.

My breath quickens, and I can’t seem to focus on anything except his lips. “I didn’t mean to—”

He stops me with a kiss, his lips rough and demanding. That wire that seems to run between us tightens, and I open my mouth, letting him in, giving in to the pleasures of his mouth. I’ve never been kissed like this, never felt such a fever in my soul from the simple touch of another’s mouth on mine. How does his tongue manage to stroke mine until I’m keening and wrapping my arms around his neck? One of his hands strays to my ass and squeezes, while the other holds me steady with firm pressure on my back. I should stop this, tell him to put me down. I don’t. Instead, I wrap my legs around him and sigh as his low purr rumbles between us.

“My lord?” Gareth stands a few paces away.

“Mine,” he grits out before returning to our kiss.

“She drew blood,” Beth says amusedly.

“Damn.” Gareth steps closer, and Leander’s purr turns to a growl.

“Taylor, when a mate draws blood, it’s a… well, it’s—”

“An aphrodisiac,” Beth calls. “You may as well have licked the point of his ear or stuck your hand down his pants.”

Leander kisses down to my neck, his tongue dancing over the sensitive skin as goose bumps rise along my arms and back.