Page 72 of Bonded to the Fallen Shadow King

“Thank Fate for that,” he murmured, then covered my mouth with his.

Heat burst through my body, and my wolf howled in approval. I pressed closer to him and grabbed the lapels of his surcoat.

His tongue demanded entrance, and I agreed. He tasted of blackberries and spice, which was now officially my favorite flavor in the entire universe. He moaned and gripped my hips, and I could feel his hardness.

Holy shit. He washuge. How the hell was I supposed to take that into me? The thought was a little alarming, but the challenge sounded like awholelot of fun.

He lifted me and flapped his wings, air whipping past. Soft leather hit my back as he set me gently on the couch.

He hovered over me, not putting all his weight on me, but my wolf surged forward, needing more of him. Our teeth grazed together as our kisses became desperate, and his hand cupped my breast.

My cells caught fire, and my hand traveled to his trousers just as his fingers slid under my bodice and caressed my breasts. He groaned, empowering me with his responses.

I palmed his dick, and his wings fluttered. He pulled away from my mouth, kissing down my jaw and neck. When his mouth hit the base of my neck, I gasped and threaded my fingers through his hair.

Everything inside me wanted him to bite me. To claim me. Make me his. I needed it more than oxygen, and something pinged inside me, reminding me of what Ember had told me about her and Ryker and their fated-mate bond. Was Vad my fated mate? Was that even possible with him being fae?

He raked his teeth against my skin, and I desperately slid my hand into his trousers. When I gripped his cock, he lost control. His mouth trailed down to the top of my dress, and his hand moved to lower my top

Then a loud knock came on the door, followed by it opening.

ChapterTwenty-Four

Vad

Heat and passion exploded in the frenzy of finally having Briar beneath me, her hand around my hardness. It all splintered into a cacophony of confusion as a dull rap beat at the door and then the hinged creaked. Dazed and drunk on the most beautiful woman who had ever walked, I lifted my head, only to see my so-called friend barging in. I quickly removed my hand from her dress as she pulled hers from my pants.

“Silus, what the feck are you doing here?” I roared. Blood thundered in my ears and my groin.

Silus canted his head, his expression as grim as if he’d walked into an execution. Not a trace of apology creased his features. “King Merrick is weary. He needs to retire, and he requests that you return to resume your duties as the officiator of the ball.”

Feck. I dragged a hand through my hair and stood. The floor tilted, rolling beneath my feet as I tried to steady myself and return to reality. “I’ll go to him directly.”

“I will wait for you.” Silus folded his arms and remained in the doorway.

Then wait he would. I repressed a growl as I returned my focus to Briar. She stared up at me, her lips parted and her beautiful breasts rising and falling as she fought to calm her breaths. I couldn’t wait to explore those further and make her pant even harder. Leaning closer, I took her hand and kissed it. “You can stay here as long as you like or return to the ball, but, please, meet me in front of the Ascension Hall in two hours. The ball should be concluded by then, and there’s someplace special I want to take you.” And special things I wanted to do as well.

Her cheeks remained flushed and her eyes bright. The tip of her tongue flicked over her lips to moisten them, and my mouth went dry. Then her mouth curved into a crooked smile. “I’m going to go back to my room. These shoes are gorgeous, but I need to take them off. Even fae magic has its limits.”

“Perhaps we’ll find some better enchantments then.” I cupped my hand beneath her ankle and lifted it, eyeing the violet shoes that cradled her perfect feet. “You should not ever feel any pain at all, my sweet.”

Silus cleared his throat.

Glowering, I turned to face him.

One of his eyebrows ticked up.

I was not in the mood for Silus's skepticism, but I wasn’t going to fight with him in front of Briar. Standing, I straightened my surcoat and tunic and willed my blood to calm. Scaffing void, this was unpleasant. I offered Briar my hand and helped her to her feet. “Let me take you to your room.”

“I can find my own way.” She smoothed her skirt. It rustled as it fell back over her shapely legs.

The memory of how incredible they’d felt wrapped around me clashed with my imaginings of how much more perfect it would be when I sank between them with her heels on my back as she drew me in tighter.

Feck.

This wasn’t helping to cool my blood.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” I looped her arm through mine and pressed her hand into the crook of my elbow. “It’s no trouble.”

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