Page 64 of Oleander
It’s erotic, intimate, and so, so filthy.
I love it.
I start to rock my hips, and Skyler gets the hint, removing a hand from my ass and grasping my cock instead. It doesn’t take more than a few pumps as he continues to lick inside of me. An epic orgasm builds, and I hold it back for as long as I can before my cock detonates, exploding into Skyler’s hand and the sheets below.
I collapse to the bed, waves of bliss rolling over me.
“I’ll be right back.” Skyler slips into the bathroom, and my eyes shut of their own accord.
“Ander.” A soft caress pulls me from the brink of sleep. “Ander. Let me clean you up.”
I roll over, allowing him to run a warm washcloth over me, feeling no shame after what we just did and the erection he’s sporting.
“What about you?” I mumble, sleep nearly stealing me away again after his tongue sent me soaring to another realm.
“Shh. Your mouth was heaven. Now, rest.” I feel his soft palm brush the hair from my forehead before he presses a gentle kiss to my overheated skin. “Goodnight, Ander.”
“‘Night,” I murmur, snuggling into his side as he pulls me close.
Skyler runs his fingers through my hair, caressing the tip of my ear. I nuzzle his warm skin, breathing his citrusy scent deep into my lungs and letting it lull me to sleep.
He’s safe. We’re safe. Here in our suite, in bed together. Nothing can harm him right now, not even my own magic. I close my eyes, letting sleep take me. I need my rest.
One more day until the Hunt.
It’s the day before the Hunt, and I’m headed to the meditation garden to connect with the earth and recharge my magic. I need nature’s blessing and the plants’ promise to help when we need it. Because I am certain we will.
The morning is chilly, but the sun is bright, shining down on my face. I hastily cross the campus, trying to keep Skyler’s backpack as steady as I can while it bounces on my back. Ipacked a small snack to enjoy while I’m there, and I don’t want to spill my tea. I tuck my oversized sweater tighter around my body, burrowing my hands deeper into the pockets.
Turbulent thoughts keep me focused on the Hunt and worried about Skyler.
I can’t lose him.
And it’s life or death out there deep in the wild Fae woods.
For the past few weeks, I’ve strategized, worked out contingency plans, and stocked tonics—both medicinal and defensive. I’m lucky my grades haven’t slipped. We’re as prepared as we can be mentally and physically, having packed all of my own gear and two swords from my personal collection. Our date was the perfect cover to get what we needed from the castle.
As frightening as the Hunt is, a part of me can’t help but think I subconsciously signed up to prove to my mother that I’m worthy and not just to have Skyler’s back. That fourteen-year-old boy who was scared and ashamed, hiding himself away from the world, wants acceptance. If Skyler and I get the most kills and win this thing, I could demonstrate my strength and show her I’m both capable of protecting my people and deserving of being king one day.
“Ander—”
In my own head and another world, I nearly jump out of my skin at the sound of my name. I spin around and clutch my chest, looking at my reflection.
“What do you want, Flame?”
His lips pinch, and he glances to the side before staring at me once again. “I made you something.”
“Youmademe something?” I laugh, pretty rudely, I admit. Images of the wonky birdhouse we built for our mother when we were nine flash through my mind.
Flame narrows his eyes at me. “I’ve been learning to work with metal. Practicing.” He unzips a duffel bag and pulls out a long chain that looks to be about three feet long. The links are large, and the metal looks thick, heavy, and shiny.
“Is that—” I ask in awe, but Flame cuts me off, flicking the chain like a whip. A loud metallic crack rings out, echoing around us.
“An iron chain. You can wear it around your wrist, as a waist chain, or as a necklace. Although I’d advise wearing it on top of your clothing so the iron doesn’t irritate your skin or interfere with your magic. I suppose I don’t need to tell you that, huh? I imagine you’re intimately acquainted with the feeling.”
I ignore the barb and gratefully take my new weapon from his hands.
“Whoa.It’s so light.” My eyes dart up in shock, catching a satisfied grin on my brother’s face.
