Page 61 of The Stolen Bride

He must have experienced a similar reaction. In unison, we increased our pace, attempting to escape the growing cognizance between us.

Nature’s romantic serenade didn’t help. Distant calls harmonized with the gentle rustling of leaves and the low rasp of our inhalations, creating a carnal chorus meant for lovers. We came across many of Deco’s traps, but Viktor sussed them out before we tripped one.

Without warning, he spun in front of me. I crashed into his big body, bouncing back. His powerful arms shot out, slinging around my waist to keep me close and upright. For balance, I flattened my hands against his pecs. His heart raced, and the heat of his skin radiated through his shirt.

“Is something wrong?” I trembled with anticipation as he backed me into a tree.

“Ja.” He planted his hands near my temples, caging mein. His attention slid down the curves displayed oh, so vividly in my barely-there pink ensemble. “I haven’t yet marked you. But I want to.”

My breath caught, trapping his incredible fragrance in my nose. My head. Mom had told me about a mark between berserker mates. A cut on each person’s palm, the mingling of their blood, a kiss, and an unbreakable bond no other warrior could deny. The greatest gift a sentinel could give his woman, forever protecting her from other immortals if ever they were parted.

“Let me,” he demanded, letting his lips hover over mine. “I sense no threat in our vicinity.”

“I…shouldn’t.” The refusal required every ounce of strength I possessed. Gliding my palms up his chest, I said, “Creating a permeant tie when we’ve only just met is foolish.”

Far from upset by my response, he set his beautiful mouth at my ear to whisper, “Why delay the inevitable?”

In that moment, he was kindling; I was flames. Heartbeat a storm of thunder and lightning, I tossed caution into the wind. Forget waiting for the right time to enjoy him. Danger smanger. “Kiss me and I’ll think about it.” And probably nothing else.

Understanding the assignment, he swooped down and melded his lips to mine. I opened without hesitation, welcoming the thrust of his tongue. His groan of pleasure filled the air around us.

We devoured each other. His taste transcended perfection, and I couldn’t get enough. As little mewls and growls erupted in my chest, sublime power pulsed from him.

He liked my reaction to him.

“I want to make you mine in all ways,” he rasped.

“You are temptation itself.” Emboldened, I sank myfingers into his silken hair, clinging to his strength. He gripped my hips and yanked me closer, only clothing separated us.

The kiss turned fevered, spinning out of control, becoming a fiery exchange I never wished to end. Thoughts realigned, each centered on a single word:More.

But. Footsteps. Nearby. Shifters?

With a ragged roar, Viktor wrenched his face from mine. We both panted, breath sawing between us. Actual claws sprouted from the tips of my fingers.

“It’s only Bodi.” He traced his thumb over my cheek, studying me as if I were some kind of exotic creature worth more than anyone could afford. “At the first opportunity, we’ll pick this up where we left off.”

My claws retracted—something I’d consider later. At the moment, I was a little too drunk on him to do anything but nod.

When Malachi had found me and thrown me into this unwanted adventure, I’d been alone with no idea of my lineage. Now I had a sister and a possible firebrand within reach.

There. I’d admitted it. I might have a firebrand, too. Something else to consider later.

Bodi emerged from a thicket. Gashes littered his face and torso, and crimson streaked his skin. Leaves were scattered throughout his sandy golden hair. He stopped when he spotted us, grumbling, “If your goal is to cross the terrain without drawing notice, you’re failing. I heard you a mile back.”

“What happened to you?” Viktor demanded, releasing me. “I ordered you to go home.”

He had?

The prince swiped his tongue over a scab on his upperlip. “A contingent of shifters has chased me nonstop since the incident at camp. Rather than do battle at the traveling stones, I’ve gone in circles, slaying my tail one by one. I just killed the last shifter an hour ago.”

Poor Bodi. “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you if other shifters show up.” I flipped my hair over my shoulder. “Excuse my humble brag, but I’m kinda really strong now.”

The prince didn’t spare me a glance, but arched a brow at his brother. “She broke then?”

Guess the pair had discussed the possibility. “She did,” I answered for him.

Viktor’s chest puffed with pride. “I’m her firebrand. I calmed her rage.”

---