Page 17 of The Court of Thorns and Wings

I’d put him in the bathroom and forgot to let him out after we had sex.

Even though Tavish’s body was cooler than mine, the jolt between us warmed me so much that I didn’t need covers. I inched slowly from Tavish’s arms and tiptoed to the bathroom.

At the door, I turned the handle slowly so as not to make a noise. When it was about two inches wide, Nightbane shoved his nose through the crack, forcing the door the rest of the way open.

I stumbled back a few steps as Nightbane trotted out, glaring at me. His eyes weren’t lime-colored—like when he wanted to attack but worse. They were a dark green, like I’d hurt him.

It was official.

I was a wildling.

“I’m sorry.” I hung my head, feeling like I was getting chastised by a parent. “I…” I stopped short, unsure what to say.

“Listen, beast,” Tavish rasped sexily. “Don’t make my mate feel bad about needing to connect with me. You’ve cuddled with her many nights while I’ve lain awake, jealous. It was your turn.”

My head jerked in his direction, and I took in his disheveled appearance. Warmth spread through me. Clearly, he was havingsimilar thoughts because his eyes were locked on my naked body, and he was already hard.

Go ahead and put him back in the bathroom, sprite.He licked his lips.I’m thinking we need more time alone without an audience. Waking up to you naked and covered in fated-mate markings is the sexiest thing I have ever experienced in any realm.

As my cheeks warmed, my legs took on a life of their own, forcing me to head toward him.

Nightbane huffed, reminding me that Tavish and I weren’t alone. Then someone knocked on the door.

My lungs seized, and I searched frantically for my gown. I didn’t want someone walking in on us naked.

“Your Majesty, do you want to join us this morning to search for Eldrin?” Finola called. “We’re getting ready to leave, and you haven’t been down for breakfast.”

Tavish scowled, and heaviness like disappointment filled our bond. “Yes, I do,” he called back. “Please get someone to bring breakfast to the room immediately and inform them I’ll be eating off both plates, so neither better be poisoned.”

I spotted the gown crumpled on the floor where I’d pretty much attacked him. I snagged it and slipped it over my body as Tavish searched around the bed for his own clothes.

If it weren’t for Eldrin, there’s no way I’d leave this bedroom.Tavish stepped into his pants, a frown on his face.But you won’t be safe until he’s behind bars, so I’m sorry.

Enjoying the view, I strolled around the bed, damn near pouting as he slipped on his tunic. He closed the distance between us and placed his hands on my ass cheeks to pull me against him.

I yelped before his lips captured mine, and his tongue slid into my mouth.

I responded eagerly, but another round of knocks on the door had me wanting to snarl.

“I’m coming in,” Caelan informed us, and the door opened.

When I attempted to take a step back, Tavish held me in place, moving his mouth so he nibbled on my jaw. My breath caught, and I enjoyed the unexpected sensation.

Caelan’s disapproving headshake had me closing my lips altogether. He held black armor in his hands.

Tavish groaned and glared at his friend. “What’s so urgent?”

“I thought you might be grateful for me locating armor for Lira.” He tossed the top and bottom onto the bed. “I’m assuming she’ll be joining us while we search for Eldrin.”

My heart rate picked up. I’d been outside the castle only twice. Once when I’d arrived and the other when I’d attempted to escape. The thought of actually learning about the kingdom had my blood pulsing with excitement.

“It’s too risky for her to be out there.” Tavish frowned. “She should stay here where she’s safest.”

That joy quickly changed to frustration, and I took a step back, needing distance. “You’ve got to be joking.”

“Why in the blighted abyss would I joke about something likethis?” Tavish lifted his chin and crossed his arms. “Your safety is the only thing that matters to me.”

“And that of your people.” Caelan rolled his eyes.

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