The Abyss (Fae's Captive #7) - Lily Archer Page 0,26

a pile of gray ash, his blue eyes laughing. “Ever been mounted by a unicorn? Could be fun. I’m game if you are.”

12

Beth

“Why does everything want to kill us?” I pet Iridiel and feed him a juicy bit of waterberry. “I mean, those vines could’ve offered to build us a shelter for the night or, I don’t know, asked if we needed help with our washing or cooking or given us directions on how to survive the Abyss. But no, they tried to kill us.”

“It’s the way of Arin.” Iridiel chews the fruit, then lolls his tongue out for another.

“He’s had half the supply,” Gareth grumbles and fusses with our sleeping pallet.

“He saved our lives.” I stroke his snout and do the baby talk he likes. “Didn’t you, you sweet wittle unicorn?”

“I did.” He chews another giant waterberry. “Not to mention I scared off the houndlike creature that was coming for you.”

“What?” I can feel the blood drain from my face. “What did you say?”

“There was a huge black wolf thing bounding across the vines toward you. My light had it tucking its tail and running.” A dribble of waterberry juice runs down his jowl.

A familiar, lingering dread sours my stomach, and I glance at the scars on my arms, noticing them for the first time in a while.

“You know that creature, I take it?” Iridiel slurps unceremoniously. “Judging by the greenish look on your face, I assume it wasn’t a pleasant acquaintance?”

“Kizriel is a vampire hound. I was his favorite snack for years.” I rub my eyes. “He’s still on my trail.”

“I will kill that beast.” Gareth peers around, though we can’t see much in the dark.

“Well, you won’t get the chance since I handled the vines and the vampire hound thing.”

“I was about to take care of it.” Gareth fluffs my makeshift pillow, frowns when it goes flat, then fluffs it so hard I fear he might pound it into nothing. “My magic was there, ready to go. We didn’t need a glowing horned buffoon to barge in when I had it under control.”

“I know you were going to come through.” I suppose I’ll have to pet both my beasts, given the way Gareth is pouting. “But it was kind of Iridiel to help us out.”

Iridiel snags the last of the waterberries from my hand and says as he chews, “This horn is for more than handjobs, though I wouldn’t turn one down if you—”

“Beth, time for rest.” Gareth sits heavily and pats the blanket beside him.

We have a watch set up to keep an eye on the vines and any other intruders, so the rest of us can sleep safely.

“Goodnight.” I pat Iridiel once more, then drop to my knees beside Gareth. “You could be a little more grateful.”

“I’m grateful. I thanked him. But I don’t see the need for handfeeding him when he’s perfectly capable of feeding himself.” He pulls me to his chest as he lies down on his side.

I scoot up so we’re nose-to-nose. “Do you want me to handfeed you? Is that it?” I pet his hair. “I can stroke you, too.” I kiss his nose. “Give you all the special treats your kitty heart desires.”

His lips twitch, but he doesn’t break.

I scratch behind his ears. “Good kitty. The best kitty. My hero kitty.”

He rolls me onto my back. “Such a cheeky changeling.” He kisses me, then pulls back. “You know I will keep you safe, right?”

“I know.” I return his kiss and nibble his lip. “Don’t be mad that the unicorn stole your glory.”

“I’m not mad.” He wrinkles his nose.

“Okay. You’re not mad.” I nod, knowing full well he’s totally mad.

“I mean, he just gloats and gloats, is all. A true hero wouldn’t do that. He’s just a … a showboat. And I’m your mate. I think about you every second. My need to claim you is almost more than I can bear. And I need you to know that I will give my life for you. I can protect you.”

“I know.” I stroke his back and drop gentle kisses on him. “I know you can. I’ve never doubted that, and I never will.”

Back when Leander and Taylor were doing their mating dance, I used to think it was ridiculous that Leander would get so worked up. He would act a fool because Taylor was cockblocking their mating, and the need to claim her was frying his reasoning. He went from a fierce, logical king, to a jealous, possessive beast. But now,