Page 4 of Mountains of Mist and Magic

“But we've done other things...”

A deep sigh rattled in Sion's chest as he pulled her close. His scent washed over her—masculine yet sweet, like cut hay under fresh snow. Cupping her cheeks, he gazed into her eyes. The heat between them intensified.

“I can't resist you, my darling girl. I try in every way that I can, but my resistance to your charms is getting thinner and thinner each day. Watching the way you come undone in my arms is therapeutic to my soul.”

Selenia bit her lip. “But you never get to—come...undone...” The words came out awkwardly, her inexperience evident.

A smile played on Sion's lips as he kissed the top of her head. “I take care of myself, my dear one. Don't worry about my needs.”

Curiosity overrode Selenia's uncertainty. “Show me,” she whispered, heat creeping up her neck and into her cheeks.

“Selenia—”

“Please, Sion. Show me what it's like for you. I just—I don't understand.” Selenia longed for her mother for many reasons, but now she missed the guidance of an older woman, someone to talk her through these things. Renya usually filled that role, but with the wedding and honeymoon, they hadn't had time to talk.

Sion looked torn. Finally, he nodded. Just the tiniest jerk of his head.

“Sit on the bed, Selenia. Don't come near me unless I tell you to. My control is...tested...when you're around.”

She did as he asked, sitting near the headboard of her bed, legs drawn underneath her, and eyes focused on her mate.

Sion looked at her, and his expression was hard for her to read. She thought she detected some embarrassment, but desire, too.

His fingers moved to his trousers, and he undid the buttons. Selenia held her breath as he pushed them down.

Fear gripped her heart as she took him in, seeing how hard he strained. It seemed to take no time at all for him to turn rock-hard, and she gulped when she realized that this part of his anatomy was meant to fit inside her. She'd felt him against her thigh and core before, but always with some kind of clothing separating them. But now...there was no hiding.

Eyes drawn to hers, he grabbed himself, moving his hand slowly up and down his length. She watched, hypnotized by the motion, shocked as tiny drops of liquid leaked out from the tip.

“Is that—your seed?”

“Hush, Selenia. I'll tell you everything you need to know when our time comes. But now—just watch. It's hard enough to resist you, but nearly impossible while your pretty lips are moving.”

She blushed again but looked on, watching his face morph into one of concentration. His hands moved quicker along his length, squeezing and pulling, his legs trembling a bit as he looked at her. The liquid drops beaded on the tip of him, and she longed to know if he felt what she did at that moment when her body seized up on itself.

Sion started to pant, working himself even harder. His cheeks were red, and the tip of his member was shiny with his fluid. He bit his lip, then urgently croaked. “Selenia, grab a towel.”

She got off the bed and ran to her bathroom, hearing him pant and strain in front of her bed. She moved back towards him, and he grabbed her arm, steadying himself.

“Unbutton your nightgown,” he commanded, his voice gruff and husky.

She did as he asked, moving aside the cotton, watching as his eyes became glued to her nipples; his expression darkened, and he took a huge gulp of air.

“Hand me the towel—now, Selenia!”

She did as he asked, memorized as he shuddered and groaned. He seized up, his face one of indescribable pleasure.

It was a look she knew well; one she wore when he'd buried his fingers between her legs.

Sion continued to shake, and she moved into him, holding out her arms as he collapsed into her waiting embrace. He panted, his shallow breath warm against her ear.

“How could I not want you?” he whispered, his voice shaky. He stroked her back gently and pushed her hair over her shoulder, then kissed her on the forehead. “I do this almost every night—thinking of nothing but you.”

Chapter Three

Phillippe was glad that Sion was fit and able to train with him again. With Grayden absent, there was no one else in the lodge that was a worthy partner. The crisp winter air filled his lungs as he raised his sword, savoring the satisfying clash of iron against iron when Sion blocked his move. He pivoted on his heels, muscles tensing as he quickly gained the upper hand. The tip of his sword hovered just beneath Sion's chin, glinting in the pale sunlight. Sion promptly dropped his weapon and threw his hands up in mock defeat, a wry smile playing on his lips.

Phillippe lowered his blade, wiping the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. It felt good to work his body this way, to release some of the tension that had been building during this long period of abstinence. The exertion brought a welcome warmth to his limbs, counteracting the biting cold of the Snow Lands.

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