Page 14 of King of Moon and Claws

“And what is it my darling desires for her first feast?”

Bastian ran his fingers from her ankles all the way up to her knees. The dress was long, and he pushed his hands beneath it, stopping abruptly at the spot where her thighs began.

He then circled her thighs with his palms as if to massage them. His touch was electric, and she wanted more of it.

“A sow?” she said, swallowing dryly. “The most prized kind too?”

She liked to tease him. He brought out the flirtatious, whimsical side of her. The way his eyes tried to tear through her skin made her heart flutter like a mad bird.

Elora wanted to burst out of her skin for him, and only him.

He chuckled, then stood. The way he loomed over her was intimidating, but at the same time, possessed her with an unshakable desire. She peeked her eyes up at him, wishing that the dress was showing off more of her chest.

“The most prized, for my most prized,” he whispered, stroking her chin. “Now come. Let us explore the castle while the chef prepares dinner.”

The castle was spectacular and elegantly decorated. Elora couldn’t believe the majesty of the high ceilings and cathedral windows, the way every shade of green seemed to blend and shimmer with a profound opulence. Every room one could imagine existed within the castle walls, and though she still didn’t enjoy the implication of confinement, she didn’t want to explore the hallways on her own.

The entire time they sauntered, Bastian maintained an air of cordiality and chivalry. Every now and then, he would place a hand on her lower back, but nothing that crossed the line into the lewd. Elora found herself craving the man she’d been with in the hot springs, the unleashed, feral beast that was both primal and tender. She wanted to see his wolf come out to play, yet not be too hard with her.

He did have various servants and housekeepers around him who would likely spread rumors, and he would only have himself to blame. She understood his obligations and respected the restraint.

But Elora wanted him. She waited patiently during the dinner, which served the most succulent steak, pork, and lamb she had ever ingested. It was a luxurious affair that took place in a private dining room, a fire roaring beyond them and scoring the ambiance of their sexual tension.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” Bastian asked.

Elora smiled, guiding the remains of a slice of vanilla cake into her mouth. It was moist and dense, bathed in a candied hazelnut glaze. She covered her mouth as she chewed, holding a single finger in the air as she swallowed the remainder of the dessert.

When she did, she took the napkin from her lap and placed it on the table. The king watched her the way a hawk watched its prey.

It made her feel naked.

“I am. I never thought I’d be eating in a castle. Every other meal won't be able to live up to the task.”

Bastian chuckled. His eyes seemed to glow with a vividness that was bewitching. He went to her, lowering himself to his knees as he had in the lounge earlier.

But that time, he did not stop himself at her thighs. He fluttered his fingers softly up between her legs, and while not applying hard pressure, he circled the boundaries of her underwear. Elora found herself panting.

“Do you think this will ever be topped?” he murmured.

Elora parted her legs for him, bucking her waist forward, encouraging him to go for her throbbing core. “Convince me,” she grunted at him.

The night of sensual paradise had begun.

NINE

BASTIAN

Bastian held Elora’s legs open, using his forearms to keep her thighs parted so he could tease her wet folds through her underwear.

Every time she moaned and tried to pull away, he tightened his grip, forcing her pleasure. She wanted convincing, then so be it. He would spend hours on his knees convincing her with orgasm after orgasm.

She was his mate, after all. This wasn’t just a one-night stand with an attractive woman. He was more than willing to do right by her and win her over, knowing that making love to her tonight would set the tone for what he hoped would be the rest of their lives together.

His hands, roughened by years of hard work, found comfort in the softness beneath his touch. He kissed her through her underwear, watching her squirm as he applied gentle pressure. His breath was hot against her sensitive skin, and Elora released helpless sounds. She arched her back, urging him closer.

Yet Bastian played along with a patience that was new to them both. A series of low, rumbling growls vibrated against her center as he continued his teasing, watching the buildup of need in her eyes.

Elora's fingers knotted in his hair, tugging urgently when she attempted to guide him to offer more direct contact. However, Bastian merely chuckled against her skin at the frustrated sound she made. His determined gaze held hers as he stood. Then he led her into his private bedroom where they could enjoy each other all night long.

---