Page 181 of Bound to the Shadow Prince

“Because it’s me. Because Fellians are responsible for so many wrongs that have been done to your people. Because you put your trust in me and I broke that trust.”

I cover his hand with mine and move it directly between my thighs. “You’re my husband and my mate. And Lios lost the war, true, but it’s a war that we started, so I cannot say we’re blameless. As for trust, you were willing to abandon your people to go to Lios with me. Whatever your brother demanded you do in the tower, did you do it because you wanted to destroy me or because you loved me and you wanted me?”

“I loved you. Loved you from the moment I saw you in your bath.”

“Then there is your answer. Just because Ivornath commanded it doesn’t mean that it was what you wanted. I can’t think of how many times Erynne bade me to kill you?—”

“What?” Nemeth draws back, startled.

Oops. Did I not mention that? I pat his hand. “We can talk about that later. Are you going to touch your mate or not?”

With a frustrated growl, he leans in and nips at my ear, sending a shiver through my body. “You and I are going to talk about that later. For now, open your pretty thighs for me.”

I thought he’d never ask. Sighing, I do as he commands. His hand is under my skirt, hidden from view, but I don’t need to see his actions. I tilt my face toward his and he rubs his nose against mine. In bed, we’re close to the same height, which makes the nuzzling possible (and delightful).

“My beautiful Candra.” Nemeth’s fingers sweep over the mound of my pussy, stroking my curls. “It’s been far too long since I’ve touched you.”

“Yes it has,” I agree, closing my eyes. He’ll find no argument here.

His lips brush over my cheek, even as his fingers slide through my rapidly dampening folds and caress me. “You’re not wearing undergarments.”

“I’m not,” I agree. “They’re a chore with a big belly, so I go without.”

“I like this. I think you should go without all the time. Then you can just be ready for your mate’s touch at any moment.” One finger brushes against my clit, even as his teeth graze my jaw. “I like knowing that you’re ready to take my knot. But this pussy needs to be much, much wetter.”

I whimper with agreement.

The breath hisses from my throat when he strokes through my slick folds again. He works his finger up and down my cleft, dipping into my core and then moving back up to my clit to circle it slowly. I arch against his touch, all the while Nemeth murmurs filthy things in my ear.

“I bet you can’t wait for me to stretch you with my knot again,” he says. “Do you need it? Do you ache inside to feel melocked inside you, giving you so much cock that your body has to work to take it all? Is that what you like?”

“Yes,” I moan. “Gods, yes, Nemeth. Please. I need you so badly.”

He teases a finger inside me again, his thumb rubbing my clit as he fucks me with his hand. I cling to him as he works me to a climax, coming hard and fast. My big Fellian holds me tightly as my legs tremble and my pussy clenches with the force of my release, and he nuzzles my cheek as I come down again. “My perfect, sweet mate. Mymilettahn.I love you so much.”

I lift my chin so he can kiss me, and our lips brush. A drowsy contented feeling drifts through my body, and when he pulls his hand away to lick his fingers, I roll onto my side and gaze up at him. His warm gray coloring is still a bit paler than I’d prefer, and his cheekbones are more prominent as he’s lost weight from his sickness, but I love the sight of him. I love knowing that he’s mine and that he’s coming back to health.

I also love the hard length pressing against my lower leg, reminding me that he hasn’t enjoyed his own release. “How would you feel about staying abed a bit longer?” I ask, my hand playing on his bare chest.

Nemeth guesses my game immediately. “What sort of enticement do I get?”

“A wife that pins you to the mattress and has her way with you…and your knot?”

His teeth flash in a wicked grin. “You’re fascinated with my knot.”

“I really am. Is that a no, then?”

He chuckles, his hand going to my thigh to grip it. “My darling Candra, for you, it is always and forevermore a yes.”

Excellent answer.

Epilogue

Months Later

“My lady, if you don’t get back in bed this instant, I am going to tell your husband,” Riza says when she encounters me in the hall.

It’s the same argument she gives me every time she sees me out of bed. I’d swear that no one had ever had a baby before me with the way Riza’s been fussing. And sure, my little Bodahn was a large baby with an oversized head and teeny tiny wings curled around himself, but we both sailed through the birth easily. “Then get the cart, Riza, because if I’m not allowed to walk on my own, someone had better pull me along.”

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