Page 31 of The Demon of the Wood

He didn’t respond immediately, and she wondered if she’d said the wrong thing. Finally, he replied, “Yes, very much so. Demons grow up communally. Family is very important. It’s been difficult being alone all these years.”

She stroked her hand across his chest comfortingly and looked at him. “I understand that. Would you ever try to go back to your family?”

His eyes traced the lines of her face, and her breath seemed to disappear. “I’ve thought of it often. I’m just afraid they don't want me, or that they've moved on without me. Where would my place be there? I’ve built a life here and the thought of going where I’m not wanted isn’t appealing.”

Her heart ached. “Kaemon, they’re your family. I’m certain they would rejoice to be with you again.”

He smiled and his hand slipped up to the base of her skull, supporting it so she could keep looking at him with ease, his fingers tangling in her hair and sending a tingling sensation through her body, making her press her thighs tighter together and her eyes blink rapidly as she tried to clear her head from the torrid thoughts that assailed her.

“Do you know how happy I am that you’re here?” His voice was low and rough, and she wanted to kiss him, to press her lips against every part of his skin. “I’ve been so alone for so long. I wish your life had been different, but I am so grateful to have you here now.”

“I’m so happy to be here with you, too. I’ve had no one for so long. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.” Her voice was thick with emotion, but something passed over his face, making his eyes more remote, less open to her. Still, he smiled.

“You’re the best friend I’ve ever had, too, Melina.” He pulled her back against him and she listened to his heartbeat and the crackling of the fire, warmth filling her bones and her heart, lulling her to a deep sleep.

fifteen

Kaemon

Themorningsundidn’tshow its face the next day, only shy rays finally came through the dense cloud cover, providing soft light in the cabin. Kaemon blinked awake, barely remembering where he was, only conscious that it differed from where he normally slept. Several things reached his awareness before his eyes fully cleared.

First being that his wings were up and coiled around him in a protective measure, as mates did for one another, and two, that there was a weight laying across him, small hands on his bare chest, legs entwined around his, and an erection that throbbed the more aware he became.

His eyes shot open.

Melina’s limbs wrapped around him. Her cheek smashed against his chest, her hand pressed against it, her hair splayed about him. She looked so soft and content and happy that his heart sang for her to be in his arms, but then he thought about how close her thigh was to pressing against his arousal, and panic set in.

He shifted to move, but she shifted with him, a soft noise escaping her lips that set his wild thoughts racing and blood straight to his groin in a way that made him grit his teeth. Her thighs tightened around his, gripping it hard, and he had the wild urge to wrap his body around hers, tangling every part of them, fusing every inch of them together, running his lips and tongue over every part of her skin.

He swallowed the groan that tried to escape him and forcefully stood up. She jolted awake from the movement. It was regretful, but with his desire running too rampant, he could barely think straight. Every thought revolved around him either stripping her down and pressing into her, watching her groan as she took the length of him, or his thoughts were of him reprimanding those errant musings. Not that he hadn’t had a few of those in the past when looking at her, but mostly he'd kept them to a steamy admiration, not the explicit nature they were at the moment.

She gazed up with sleep-soft eyes, a smile on her face and pink tinged cheeks that made him wonder if they would blush similarly with his head buried between her legs.

Shit. Stop. Why are you thinking like that?

His wings had curled in enough to cover his erection, and she gave him a curious look.

“I’m going outside for a bit. Be back soon,” he said hastily.

He turned and left, slipping out the door, glancing back to see her brows raised in confusion. Confusion was better than understanding, he supposed. The sky was overcast and melancholy, delicate flurries of snow drifting lazily, the snowdrifts up to his knees. The bitter cold nipped at him, but he welcomed it as it cooled the flush of his body and calmed his racing pulse, settling his erection. He grabbed a shovel and made a way to the outhouse, taking his time, waiting to recover himself and his thoughts before seeing her again.

What had he been doing? The morning erection was one thing, and not overly uncommon for him, but the wings curled around them? He gritted his teeth. He could think of only one proper explanation, and it scared him.

If she was his mate, it would only end in heartache. Living here with him was no proper life. She’d said it last night. He was a good friend. Not that he hated that. He loved her friendship more than anything. He often banished his wayward thoughts of more because he wanted to just sit in the warmth of her friendship and presence. But she wouldn’t return the feelings he was developing and when she inevitably left, he’d be more alone than he had been before.

He came back in, finding her standing in front of the mirror, brushing out her long brown locks, the waves from her braid falling elegantly on her shoulders. He halted, taking in the careful strokes of the brush and her hand as it ran through the strands. Wind filtered in and she shuddered, turning to see him. She smiled placidly, her expression guarded.

“Are you feeling well, Kaemon?” she asked. “You were out there for so long. Are you not cold?”

Kaemonwascold. He wouldn't freeze, but his skin was splotched and red all over his bare chest and his hair was damp from the snowflakes melting on his head. “I’m fine. I cleared a way to the outhouse and shed.”

She nodded, then began making breakfast. Kaemon came beside her, helping, his hands brushing against hers as they both grabbed for the breadbasket. She gave a breathy chuckle, and he couldn’t do anything but stare at her shy smile, suppressing the way he wanted to moan from that touch alone.

Fuck.

This was bad. Very bad. He frowned and took the basket, setting it on the table and then the plates. She brought over the eggs and deer sausage. Fire crackled in the hearth and wind whipped outside, the sounds a reflection of how it felt inside Kaemon at that moment. They sat down and Kaemon poured them both coffee; the steam rising and twirling over the mugs.

Melina took her cup, wrapping both of her small hands around it to warm them. “You’re upset with me.”

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