Page 52 of Untethering Dark

Chapter Nineteen

Gudariks found the witch sitting on the tree stump outside her yard, a new plate of Plätzchen balanced on her lap. As she gazed up at him, her pale, mismatched eyes reflected the golden sunset behind him. So warm and inviting, like she was tonight’s true offering.

His mouth watered.

Was this intentional?

Before the blood in his body rushed southward, he turned his attention to the treats she made. As much as he wasn’t ashamed of his attraction to her, he doubted she’d appreciate having his anatomy pointing directly at her face.

He crouched down to be more on her level. “Hello again, meine Hexechen. Have you been waiting long?”

She tucked a wayward, windblown strand behind her ear, her cheeks cold-kissed and rosy. “Only since last night.”

Her smile was sweet, a little shy, but she didn’t avert her eyes. The undercurrent of fear that he scented on her when they first met was gone.Good.He was here to woo the witch and, unless shewantedhim to scare her, fear was off the table.

But how delicious it would be if she did want fear. To be chased and overpowered and claimed...

“I missed your company, too,” he said, forcing the words past the gravel in his throat. Now was not the time to think aboutclaiming, as much as he would like to. He’d every confidence this beautiful and ruthless witch could handle it—could handle him—but a vile human had just broken into her home. One he could’ve dispatched days ago if only he had his wits about him.

All night, Gudariks kept watch over her home, making sure the poacher didn’t return. And all night he wished himself inside, his body curled around hers. The comfort of her weight tucked firmly against him, the coolness of her skin, and the steady rise and fall of her chest as their breathing fell into rhythm. Just knowing that she was there and safe and completely his.

A few dozen meters and a stone wall stood between them. So close, and yet much too far away. She didn’t need the protection or the comfort, not like he needed her, but he couldn’t leave knowing someone had invaded her home.

“I see you’ve got the new wards up, and the garden looks good. You finished planting today?” This close to it he could feel the seedlings in the earth begin to germinate, aided along by Astrid’s skillful magic.

She nodded. “Thank you again for all your help. I’m sure you didn’t come expecting to be put to work.”

“Maybe not, but I didn’t mind. Truth be told, I spent much of the daylight hours waiting for sundown.”

“Oh?” Though she arched a brow, she was also fighting off a grin. “And what would you have done if I hadn’t tired you out with all the gardening?”

His gaze dipped to her lips. “Why, I would have asked to hear more about your vicious exploits. Throwing axes at hikers and such. Do you usually let them go free?”

“Are you asking me if I’ve ever not missed?” Her smile turned wicked. “Because if you are, I must inform you that a lady never kills and tells.”

“A shame. I really would’ve liked to know.”

Astrid was being coy. After three decades of offerings, he knew much of the blood that stained her hands, and that she’d make a fine hunting companion.

“Perhaps someday.” She winked and, propping an elbow on her knee, held the plate of cookies aloft. “Would you like to try?”

“Always.”

These ones had powdered sugar dusted on top; their middles filled with apricot jam. And when he bit into one—the taste of Astrid’s excitement and eager yearning danced on his tongue. Such decadent, irrefutable proof that her feelings reflected his own.

He took another. “What a sweet tooth you have given me.”

“If I had known a few batches of cookies was all it would take to win you over, I would have done this years ago,” she teased, brushing her thumb across his lower jaw. Powdered sugar came away on her finger, and the giddy feeling brewing inside him grew tenfold.

It wasn’t the cookies that had initially drawn him to her, though the unexpected gesture had been a delightful shock to his system. He quite liked her bravery and wicked cunning in the face of death, and that when she spoke to him that very first time, it wasn’t to beg and plead for her life. Even without the full powers of a Winter Hag, Astrid was a formidable creature, and he coveted her for himself.

“Still not over the fact that you accept market cold cuts, too.” She pouted.

“That’s a mistake I won’t soon repeat, but for you, Astrid...” He caught her hand, cool as ice, and clasped it in the palm of his. The need to touch her burned constantly. “I would’ve happily been bewitched sooner.”

Her heartbeat fluttered. “I’ve bewitched you?”

Thoroughly. Helplessly. “Is that surprising?”

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