Page 115 of The King has Fallen

I turned back to my mate, unfurling my wing so she just stood next to me, my heart—and my body—swelling in the rush of bathing in her gaze, even if it was disapproving.

“We have three days, Yilan. It’s the latest I could justify leaving for the front. At the end of that time, I’ll leave you in the cage for Gault to retrieve you. You’re to escape the moment I’m gone. I’ll figure out a plan for how we can find each other later.”

She folded her arms again. “I’m notleaving you. You’remine.” Even while she was pissing me off, my heart thrummed when she spoke with that possession in her tone. “We will not meet later as enemies. We will stay together as allies. And you will lead this continent in truth. That crown is yours.”

Rage coursed through me, right alongside the warmth of her claim and I turned, looming over her, leaning down into her face and hissing the words through my teeth. “Mate or not, you will never, ever speak those words in this camp to me again. Or I will cut out your tongue.”

I expected her to argue, to prod me, to force me to silence her. But to my surprise she tilted her head and put fingers to her chin as if she were considering my words.

“But Melek… with no tongue… how would I pleasure you?”

The jolt that snapped through me then—every sense heightened, lust burning in my belly.

I knew I should stay angry. Should force her to give me her word. But the sly smile on her face, and the burning heat in her eyes…

“God help me,” I groaned, and dove for her mouth.

40. The Taste of You

~ MELEK ~

The beast within me was roaring to possess her again, but I knew she’d be sore. And the humanity that still held the reins in my heart ached for her. I had to be careful.

So, taking a firm grip on my leash, I kissed her deeply, delving the sweet depths of her mouth with my tongue and growling my need for her. She gave a small, startled laugh when I first kissed her, but within moments she was humming her own need and wrapping her free arm around my neck.

I picked her up, urging her to wrap her legs around my waist while I pulled her hand down and used my bound arm to carry her back to the bed without breaking the kiss.

It was strange to have her sit so high, her breasts pressing against my chest, her mouth level with mine, and her slim arm locked behind my neck.

Strange, andwonderful.

Unable to resist, I slid my free hand up her side, then between us to cup her breast that didn't quite fill my hand, but the sensation of its plump warmth, combined with the way her nipple went rivet-hard under my touch, sent a jolt of desire straight from my heart to my cock.

“Shit, Yilan. Do you hurt?” I rasped against her lips, then kissed her again before she could answer.

“I want you, Melek,” she breathed back.

I caught that she hadn't actually answered me. But I could feel her body coming alive, and the bond was thrumming between us.

Who was I to deny my mate’s need?

When I reached the side of the bed, I tipped her back onto it and she gave a little squeak, but she smiled and her cheeks flushed again. God, I loved the way her eyes sparkled when she looked at me—and how she reached for my chest.

But I needed to touch her, toexploreher. Our first mating had been so desperate, so frantic… This would be slower… easier on her.

With her laying there on her back, me standing between her knees, I reached for the tie that bound us. “I may need your help with the knots—”

Her other hand slapped at mine where I’d started pinching at the knot and I stopped immediately, looking at her—surprised to see a flash of fear andinsecurityin her big eyes.

“Can we leave it for now?” she asked carefully, taking my free hand in hers and drawing it away. “It’s a… tradition. The bond grows stronger the longer we’re bound…” she trailed off, her cheeks heating adorably.

I couldn’t help but smile down at her, twining the fingers of our other hand and leaning over her.

“Of course,” I murmured, drawing the tip of my nose against hers. “Hell—if it will help, tie my other hand as well. I’ll use my body as a shield and go to the grave if it draws you closer,” I murmured.

Her eyes widened. “Truly, Melek?”

I blinked. “Yes. I… Yilan, you’re mymate.My soul is tied to yours. Do you truly believe I would resent my body being tied to you also? I don’t even want to speak words that would take me from your side. I cannot imagine that moment… but I know it must be. The only thing that would hurt me more than leaving you would be watching you harmed.”

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