Page 24 of Own To Obsess

“Where are we going?”

“To my home.”

Shaya perked up, her mood lifting at the idea that she was going to see Rozalia's home, and possibly see Treska too. “How far away do you live?”

“Not that far. It shouldn’t take you more than half of an hour to get to me each day no matter the weather.”

She hesitated. “Each day?”

Rozalia nodded. “Kardos wishes you to visit me each day.”

Shaya almost said that she didn't give a damn what Kardos wanted, but she held her tongue. She had to remember whom she was speaking to—someone who wasn’t truly on her side. “Why? You are with me every day anyway.”

Rozalia inclined her head. “I have been, but my position with Nyek tribe is as a potionist, Shaya. I cannot give up my duties for so long without consequences to the tribe. I have to get back to work and shinno Kardos would like you to familiarize yourself with the potions I work with in the Southern Lands.” She smiled at her. “I know you have some experience with potions, so it shouldn't be too much of a chore for you, and I'm hoping that you will also enjoy the work.”

“Why is he sending me to work with you?”

“He wants to ensure you’re not bored,” Rozalia admitted. “You have enough experience to be a benefit to me and he believes that you may enjoy my gardens.”

“You have gardens?” Shaya asked, and excitement stirring within her at the idea that she could spend time in gardens again.

“Yes,” Rozalia said. “But do not expect to see the same as what you had,” she warned. “My gardens are not the same as yours, even though they may have the same function.”

Shaya smiled, a warmth burrowing down to her stomach. Any kind of garden that she was able to visit would be better than being stuck in that room constantly.

When they arrived, she wasn't surprised to see that Rozalia's home was similar in style to Kardos' only smaller. She was, however, surprised at Rozalia’s gardens.

There were two behind Rozalia’s hut set side by side; one was simply a large yard of snow with a few silver branch trees she had seen dotted all over the Land, and the other was an enormous plot covered by a transparent structure, similar to a shed but much bigger. It was tougher than glass, though just as clear, and it generated its own warmth. Rozalia explained it was made from izak-rock, which was the rock she had seen on the ship. Within the structure, the ground was soft earth where shrubs and plants had been planted, and there were even a few thick trees similar to the ones in her own gardens.

Rozalia took her on tour, explaining the purpose of the structure, and the different plants and ingredients she was able to cultivate from both gardens. The snow garden had plants rooted in the ground deep within the snow, and Rozalia said there were special techniques to reap the rewards of the plants that thrived in that condition. Although they were hardy, tough, and resilient plants and fruits, they usually had strong flavors and were used sparingly in potion recipes. Many of them were essential for the potions that were important to the Southern Lands.

By the time they finish talking, the day had gone, and Shaya was shocked when Rozalia said it was time for her to head back.

“But we didn't do anything,” she protested.

Rozalia tilted her head, her nest of brown hair tipping the side in a heap. “So you would be interested in working with me?”

Shaya grinned. “I have found it all very interesting,” she admitted.

“Good.” Rozalia grinned. “Then this will be fun. I will send for you tomorrow and we can begin.”

“You won’t be coming back with me?” Shaya asked, alarmed.

Rozalia took her arm. “You are completely capable of traveling from your home here and back. You have guards and it’s not too far.”

Shaya stilled. “That is not my home,” she said quietly.

Rozalia nodded, somewhat apologetically. “It is now, Katashaya.”

She led Shaya back to the carriage, fixed the curtains and then bid her farewell for her journey home.

That night, Kardos woke her with his mouth, sucking on her nipple gently as he slipped his hands across her body to squeeze her ass. She opened herself for him, allowing his hand access between her legs, breathing in his scent as she sought more of him. Strangely, he was gentle today—as gentle as an Alpha like him could be. He kissed every part of her, used his tongue to lap her skin as though she was some kind of exquisite delicacy that he couldn't quite get enough of. He caressed her everywhere, gentle but firm as his mouth followed in the wake of his fingers. Shaya reveled in the attention, her own fingers seeking out each bulge of his body, her mouth sucking on whatever part of him he allowed her to have, and when he tucked his head to her shoulder, she immediately closed her mouth over the healing scar of her bite. As soon as she did, it was as though a jolt shot through his body, the same time an excitement shot through hers.

Before she was even aware of it, he was slamming inside her, rough and wild, and furious, like an animal. The pressure of his weight on her heightened her pleasure and the savagery of his need for her made her drip, her slick coating his invading cock as he bruised her so deliciously.

The night was just as consuming as the ones that came before, and Kardos clawed at her, gripped her, twisted her, pinned her in every incredible way he could before knotting her from behind while on all fours. They both slid down to the bed, her trapped under his body, and she fell into a gratifying sleep as her breathing calmed.

And yet, in the morning, everything remained the same as the morning before. Kardos took her again and then took his leave, leaving Shaya just as disheartened as the day before.

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