Page 45 of Consort

Deep down, I want to believe that he enjoyedmeduring my heat. Not just my body. Maybe I was charming and sweet. Or funny and clever. If that’s even possible while mute. But it seems I’ve scared him off. And all I want in this simple life of mine is for him to come back.

“I’m going for more berries,” I call to my mother, who is bathing around the side of the hut.

I tried to be strong, but I can’t resist checking. It almost doesn’t matter anymore if I end up disappointed. The uncertainty is worse than seeing proof he’s forgotten about me.

“You’ve had quite the sweet tooth lately, Rue,” she calls back. “Just bring some roots and we’ll plant one for ourselves inside.”

“Yes, Madda,” I yell, having no intention to. I just need to check to ease the tightness in my chest.

When I look out, the space beneath the bush is still empty. I was right. I found the one decent fae in the realm and pushed him away. Maybe it’s time to give up. After retreating back inside, I wander over to the biggest tree in our enclosure. I flop down on the ground and resting my back against its thick, blue trunk.

“Good morning, dryad,” I mumble. “At least I have a friend.”

I almost choke when I hear a deep voice respond from right outside the thicket. “Friends are overrated. You really only need one.”

My heart leaps at the sound, and I can’t stop the smile that takes over my face. But I don’t want Durin to know how excited I am that he’s here. I clear my throat and try to sound strong while whispering, “Oh yeah? And I suppose you think you deserve the spot?”

I bite my lip and stare at the thicket while I wait for his response. He chuckles, returning the smile to my lips.

“Nah,” he says. “I don’t stand a chance against a dryad.”

Luckily, Mother is on the opposite side of the enclosure, shielded by the hut. I stand and creep up to the hidden break in the thicket. If I’m quick enough, I might catch Durin wearing a grin as goofy as mine. I shove my head through, ready to gloat. But when I find his perfect fae face waiting, barely a breath from mine, I’m the one caught off guard.

A shriek rises in my throat, but his reflexes are quick. He clamps his hand over my mouth, muffling the sound before it can escape. The heat from his fingertips sinks into my cheek, and his thumb rests gently beneath my chin. I shiver as I imagine his touch trailing down the front of my neck, then continuing on to my chest.

“Sorry,” he says, releasing my face and straightening to his full height. He reaches through the thicket for my hand and pulls me right out of my hiding spot. “I just wanted to quiet you in case your mother is sleeping, or...”

“Or what?” I ask, raising my brows at him.

“Or… you were practicing your banshee impressions,” he says, still holding onto my hand.

His lips twitch as he tries to hold back a smile. My mouth falls open at his unexpected humor, and all that comes out is a surprised huff. As I stare at him, trying to think of what to say, my thoughts drift to more familiar territory.

Did he kiss me with those full lips? Did I try to kiss him, only to be denied?

I’ve wondered about that a lot. I don’t know why it matters to me so much. I’ve never been the romantic kind. Arya had that covered for the both of us. The only kiss I can recall was the one with Cirro. It was unrequested, although not entirely unpleasant. But it didn’t give me the chills I get when I imagine Durin kissing me. It didn’t leave me wanting more. The situation was wrong. The kiss wasn’t real. It didn’t count because it wasn’t what I truly wanted.

But if Durin kissed me during my heat… I have a feeling I liked it and wanted more. It could have been my first real kiss that wasn’t forced. Only forgotten.

When I realize I’ve been staring at his lips for too long, I quickly lift my eyes to meet his gaze. My mind goes blank when I see he’s been focused on my own mouth as well. Part of me wants to flee. The other part wants to grab his face and take what I want. The pulls are so opposed that I’m stuck in the middle with no choice but to let him decide.

He lowers his face and pauses to watch me. I can feel his breath on my skin and struggle to find some of my own. He leans a bit closer, bringing our lips a hair away from meeting. His scent wraps around me, urging me to move forward and close the distance.

But before I can do it, he pulls back with a grin and asks, “What’s your name, Omega?”

I’m too taken aback to respond or even know how to react.

“I gave youmyname. It’s only fair,” he says, giving me a fake pout.

Oh… he’s teasing me. He’s being silly… having fun with me. Flutterbugs begin dancing in my stomach. I wrinkle my nose, trying to hide my excitement. I feel like a foolish youngling. But Ilikeit. A lot. I like him a lot. I think.

I snicker, unable to hide how ridiculous I feel. He chuckles and pulls me confidently against his chest. I grab his tunic with both hands, steadying myself from the surprise. He curls his other arm around my waist like he owns me and hovers his lips just above mine again. An invitation? Or another trick? I have no idea. I’m so overwhelmed by being this close to him, I’m not sure I could have a rational thought if my life depended on it.

So I go with instinct and lean in to take what I want. But he pulls back again.

“Not so fast Omega,” he says. “You still didn’t tell me yourname.”

My mouth drops open at his playful demand, and my name slips out before I can stop it. I curse my Omega for choosingnowto reappear. Can’t she just let me have this moment for myself?

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