Changed by Fire (Phoenix Rising #6) - Harper Wylde Page 0,141

The last thing I wanted was to wear her out completely. We’d been playing long enough. I knew that my human form, I would have worked up a sweat, and I was sure she was hungry. The realization that his mate needed care was enough to have my Kitsune relinquishing his control and allowing me to shift back.

Nix was bubbling with laughter as she dressed, her hair windblown and wild, her cheeks stained with color. “That was wonderful,” she gushed emphatically, as she adjusted her shirt. “I can’t believe you glow, you never told me that.”

“You never asked,” I teased.

“Hey.” Nix stilled my hands for a moment, looking me in the eye. “I’m sorry about that. Sometimes it gets hard to balance everything. But if I’m neglecting you—”

I cut her off with a kiss, deepening it to taste her. Her smoky flavor was stronger since she’d just shifted, and I groaned into her mouth before pulling away. “We’re not neglected, sweet girl,” I assured her. “Things are different right now because of the rebellion. He may not like it, but he understands. Your safety and health are his priority as well as my own. You don’t have to worry.”

“But if I’m—” I cut her off again. She was breathless when I pulled back. “If any of you—” I kissed her again, smiling as my lips claimed hers, and she melted against me.

“I think you want me to kiss you into silence,” I remarked, patting her butt when I pulled back.

“Well, the kissing part is true,” she replied with a laugh. The rumble of her stomach drew my attention, and I weaved my fingers through hers.

“No more doubts,” I warned her, “or I’ll add another spanking to the list.”

Nix grinned wickedly, and I knew then and there she was truly debating testing me, enjoying my spankings as much I enjoyed giving them. “I have no doubt of that.” She chuckled and pressed a hand to her growling stomach. “I am hungry though.”

“Come on. Let’s get some food in you.” A naughty idea popped into my head. “I wonder if there are any strawberries in the dining hall.” It only took a look for her to realize my intentions were of the dirty variety, and she laughed.

“As long as you don’t suggest a banana, I’m game.” I hugged her tightly against me, pressing a kiss to her hair. My mate was perfect and, if I had my way, we would be doing this again soon. We needed these moments to remember what it was like to live rather than train, to celebrate rather than worry. This war wouldn’t be forever, but my love for her would be, and I wanted her to know that, even if she lost me—lost any of us—that she could turn to these memories of our laughter, our joy in her, and revel in the sunshine they provided.

Thirty-Three

Ryder

The cabin was eerily quiet when I walked in and slung my bag off my shoulder, dropping it by the front door. Damien hated the clutter, but I liked to keep it handy. Shrugging off my coat, I hung it on the peg and stretched my arms over my head as I sauntered into the kitchen. I was starving after a long day of working in the infirmary, having only shoveled a small lunch down so I had more time to play with the hybrid children during my break, and my body was craving something sweet.

Yanking open the refrigerator, I studied the contents before shutting it quickly and moving on to the cupboard in my hunt for something that would satisfy my craving, but a white piece of paper taped to the shelving caught my attention. Reaching for it, I gave it a tug and read the words scrawled in perfect, feminine loops.

My eyes darkened as I read Nix’s teasing missive telling me if I wanted something to eat, she was waiting for me upstairs. I suddenly ached for something so much sweeter that dessert. The note fluttered to the floor as I crossed the cabin and took the stairs two at a time, flicking open the buttons of my shirt until I stopped cold in the doorway of the bedroom.

“Fuck me sideways.” I gaped at the wickedly sinful outfit Nix wore as she lounged on the bed, her breasts and pussy covered in leather lingerie that made her look like a dominant in the bedroom.

“A possibility to be sure, but I’m not sure if that position will be on the