Page 187 of What Lies Within Blood & Heirs

Every bit of desire pooled between her thighs as Garrik held her stare. And her hands roved up his muscled chest, elicitinga long, rumbling groan from his throat that thrummed into her entire being.

“I want you stretched and breathless beneath me,” he began. “While I kiss and fuck you with a passion, the likes of which this starsdamned realm has never witnessed before.” His voice dropped an octave, and she willed herself not to fall to her knees.

“The next time you gallivant around on the princeling’s arm, indulging in the thrill of his perfectly polished armor, think of my cock deep inside you while you moan my name. Because when I told you that you aremine…” His lips brushed her jawline, teasing so close he could steal a kiss. “Know I meant it. And I will not hesitate to claim you the moment youspeakthat I am yours.”

Draped on her marbled balustrade as she inhaled the scent of morning dew from the gardens far below her balcony, Alora clung to her steaming mug.

The final ball was that evening. A masquerade.

She glanced down the pebbled trails of greenery, the near-silent stream along the paths and benches. Wondering whatridiculous dress Ezander might request her to wear to flatter his attire like last evening.

Jade plopped down on a lounge behind her, groaning at the breakfast pastry in her hand, licking her fingers after eating it whole. Alora watched the starfire ring glisten against the sunlight when Jade groaned, “You’re getting spoiled.”

She met Jade’s stare as she licked the last of the glaze from her fingers, then leaned forward and grabbed another.

Miwa subtly smirked from her couch, turning a page in her book.

Footsteps padded up the staircase, drawing their attention. Alora half-expected to see Ezander, already chewing the inside of her cheek as to what to say about last night when they all turned and found a head of black hair and shale eyes.

“And how are you fine ladies this morning?” Aiden drawled, stopping on the last step to lean his hip against the pillar.

Jade simply rolled her eyes and laid her head on the cushion, popping a torn-off bite of pastry in her mouth as she fiddled with her melted coin necklace. Miwa looked awfully content, paying him no mind, and flipped another page of her book, then tensed with a feline grin at whatever she read.

Alora blew into her mug, lifting it slightly, and answered, “Fantastic. I’ve got tea.”

Aiden’s eyes danced with mischief as he sauntered forward, flattened his hands on the balustrade beside her, and grinned. “Herbal or verbal?”

She huffed a laugh and smiled, pointedly offering him a devious wink. “What are you up to so early?” Taking a sip, she surveyed him in his white tunic, which fluttered open and revealed his muscles and sea-worthy tattoos around the Dragon emblem.

Her sea captain scratched calluses against the marble, backing away to turn, and hopped on the ledge to swing his feetbefore he said, “Ole’ Gray and Scary”—he winked—“has business to attend to. Requested I stay here.” And gestured his head over his shoulder.

Alora followed the movement. Turning to the gardens below, scanning them more than once until she found a smear of white near the gates. The very open gates surrounded by High Guardsmen with Her High Prince and Thalon mounted on their horses in the midst of them.

She couldn’t see Garrik’s face, but from such a far distance, she felt every bit of indignation and reluctance pouring off those taut shoulders. In the way he gripped his reins. The slight blanching of his skin.

Where are you going?Alora called to him.

Without a second of silence, Garrik responded,Brennus summons me.

The air was cruel. It punched from her lungs the moment he finished speaking. Nerves fit to burst to flame, Alora dropped her mug on the marble, surprised when it didn’t shatter as she picked it back up, and moved to run through her balcony doors.I’m coming with you. Give me a moment. I need to change into my leath?—

Thalon is accompanying me.There was a short pause as if he felt her panic.I will be safe, clever girl. She was about to practice dawning again and settle herself on Ghost when he continued,I have searched the unguarded minds of those in the Raven’s encampment.Sheis not there.Garrik smiled, and somehow, she felt it. Then added,Guardians intimidate Brennus. He has never remained steady when Thalon is with me. We will return for the ball this evening.

Thalon moved his horse toward the gate.

Garrik followed, against her every protest.Do not allow Aiden to fall into trouble while we are absent. You have my permission to tie him somewhere until evening.They werethrough the gates now. A speck of black and white in the sea of autumn armor.

“Don’t go,” she whispered to the wind, but her mind goaded across the gardens,You want me tying up another male? Here I thought it was only you that you’d want me binding and yielding to my will?

Clearly, he heard the challenge. Enough that he stiffened in his saddle and his growl rumbled through every surface of her.Wicked, clever girl. To taunt me when I cannot so much as feel your skin against my fingertips.

Come back sooner than the masquerade, and perhaps I can make it up to you.

Mmm,he growled, and she could have sworn she felt hands brushing down her sides.Make no mistake, clever girl. If I get my hands on you tonight?—

Miwa shrieked behind her.

This time, the mug did shatter against the floor when Alora jolted, toppling it over the edge of the railing.

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