Page 59 of The Rowan's Stone
“I’m going to ask Solandis to make a few very discreet inquiries,” I inform her. “We need to know all of our enemies going forward. There’s a bigger picture we’re missing, and I’m not sure if it has to do with the…Primary or something else.”
“Great idea,” she states. “And the other two witches? We know I’m Elven, so I’m guessing it has to be one of them?”
Fallon interjects, “Let’s check out my kingdom first. Hopefully, we won’t even have to go to the dark Elven territory.” His compressed lips show his distaste for his dark brethren. “My father’s been wanting to meet you, and we can accomplish two tasks with one visit.”
“I don’t want your father to know about the MacAllisters,” Arden states firmly. “My mother was very clear about the danger, and I don’t know him.” She holds his gaze steadily until he agrees. “Also, I still want to check out the witch who went to the dark Elven territory.”
“Why?” Fallon asks, his voice hard. “I can’t escort you into their territory.”
She raises her eyebrows at his reaction. “Because in order to tell their story, I need to know what happened to every single one of them. And if you can’t escort me, that’s fine. I’ll find someone else. I know you’ve got a painful past with them.”
I can tell he’s torn when he hears her reply—the prince in him respects her answer, but the man whose mother was killed by dark elves wants to bar her from going. He finally dips his chin in acknowledgement but says nothing.
“Valerian, can you come back for a couple of days to go with us?” I ask.
“Things are going well, so I can spare a few days,” he confirms. “And it will give me a chance to see Arden.” He winks at her.
She blushes. “You don’t have to come back, I can…” Her voice trails off when she sees us all shaking our heads.
“Astor and Daire can’t accompany us. The light Elven king hates the dark and everyone associated with it. He tolerates me, but only if I use my summer form. He actually likes Valerian, which always helps,” I explain, watching her eyes widen with every word. “Fallon’s father is a bastard who doesn’t like anyone. You’re an unknown, and he’ll single you out and drill into you the first chance he gets. We’re going to make sure he doesn’t get the chance. Right, Fallon?” I give him a hard stare.
He runs a hand over his face. “He’s right, it’s never pleasant visiting with my father,” he admits. “And he’s not been…well.”
“This should be fun,” she gushes with mock cheerfulness. “You know, this group isn’t doing too well in the parent department. Good thing we have Solandis, Vargas, and Lucifer to share. I can even throw a brother into the mix, although you all sort have it covered. And we can add Meri as a sister. One big happy family.” She grins and dusts her hands off. “Done.”
Shaking my head at her antics, I barely hold in my smile. “We’ll leave tomorrow afternoon when Valerian gets here.”
I wait as everyone files out and catch Arden’s arm. “A moment?”
35
THERON
Pulling her around, I cage her between me and the wall. “A certain vampire told me you tucked me in last night?”
She gives a delightful blush. “You looked uncomfortable. And you’ve been working so hard on the search for Agnes and now my ancestor. It’s the least I could do.”
“So it’s something a friend would do for another?” I ask her intently.
She snorts. Leaning into me, she places her mouth by my ear and whispers, “You always have my attention. Whether you’re organizing a trip to the Kingdom of Dragons, making reservations for a delightful dinner, or staying up all night searching for my ancestor, I see you. When you’re not in sight, I wonder what you’re doing, and sometimes, I worry about you.” She kisses the corner of my mouth. “And yes, you’re my friend, but goddess, you’re…so much more.”
She throws my own words back at me, but they sound a hell of a lot better coming from her. I still, barely breathing, waiting for her next words
Her eyes stare intensely into mine. “Friend, warrior, icy winter Fae, warm summer Fae, member of the Imperium Cadre. They are all facets of you, and I want all of them.” Cupping my jaw with her hands, she continues, “You’ve been a commanding presence in my life since the moment I arrived, but all that pales to how Ifeelaround you. I live to see the tiniest change in your expression or the tapping of your fingers. When you ditch your formal attire for jeans or grace me with a full-blown smile, you leave me breathless. But nothing compares to seeing your violet eyes filled with turbulence and desire for me.” She pauses. “Because then I know how much I disturb you. I know the desire you feel for me is real, and it makes me burn with the need to have you inside of me.”
When her words crash into me, I savor each and every one, and the formidable control I’ve held onto for so long shatters. I lean into her body, spear my hands through her hair, and bring my mouth crashing down onto hers, taking and claiming everything she has to give. I’m relentless, refusing to give her time to think or walk away. Not this time.
Not content to be passive, she demands more, her lips sucking and tugging on mine. Her hands tighten around my neck, and she rubs against me. “Theron,” she gasps. “You’d better not walk away.”
“Never,” I promise. “You ripped into my heart and tore down all my barriers. Goddess, I need you.” My hands roam over her delectable body, trying to learn how close my dreams match reality. Using magic, I remove her shirt and groan when her luscious breasts fall into my hands. Ever since I saw her in the towel the first time, I’ve ached to see and touch them. Skimming over them lightly, I watch her dark pink nipples pucker.
She moans and arches up, pulling my head down to her breast.
Latching onto her nipple, I alternate between sucking and flicking before releasing it for the other. Back and forth, I worship each one with my mouth and tongue. The tug of her hands in my hair and her moans make me groan with satisfaction.
“Theron,” she rasps. Her hand reaches down and grips my cock, and it’s my turn to thrust up. She slides her hand down and back up again, and I swear.
Using magic, I remove my pants, needing to feel her hand wrapped tightly around me. When it does, I have to lock my knees to remain standing.
