Bite of Winter (Fae's Captive #3) - Lily Archer Page 0,39

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?”

Valen withdraws his hand and gives Gareth a knowing smile. “I have an idea.”

“What?” Beth looks around, baffled, as if expecting a wraith to come swooping out of the trees. “What is it?”

Gareth grumbles and pours himself another drink. I hide my smirk in my cup.

“Does this mean the curse is broken for all of the winter realm?” Branala ignores the tension.

“I don’t know.” I run a hand through my hair. “Do any of you feel the bond?”

“No.” Valen shrugs. “But maybe our mates are elsewhere.”

“Could be. Have you had any reports of mates in Cold Comfort?” I keep Taylor in my view as she slumbers.

Branala frowns and tosses the remains of her wine into the fire. “No.”

“Has anyone heard from Brannon?” I need a rundown of everything that happened while I was away, but I’ll settle for the highlights. Finding out what happened to Yvarra is paramount—because she deserves justice and because her death is linked to the king beyond the mountain.

“He’s gone quiet. Set out for Silksglade as soon as I gave him your orders. Haven’t heard anything, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t decimated the entire town by now.” Thorn stands and stretches.

“He wouldn’t do that.” Branala scowls. “You never give him a chance.”

“A chance to knife me in the back? No thanks.”

“That’s enough,