Page 61 of The Crownless King
Levi gave him an absent-minded nod, his gaze steady on his mate as his friend left the room. She had willingly given him blood, even after she claimed she would never. During his healing, he’d felt Amaya tethering him to this side of the veil as the poison worked through his system. How could he thank her for helping to save his life? Careful not to jostle and wake her, Levi unwrapped himself from her.
He padded to his bathroom, needing to wash everything that had happened tonight off his body. Well, last night, as the shutters being down announced that it was a new day. Once his baby woke, he would get them to change the sheets too. As he bathed his body in the scalding hot water, his mind went to the events of the night. Someone had tried to kill him.
Twice in one night.
Was it a coincidence?
Hell nah. He would bet money that the attacks were coordinated.
He was poisoned during the Collective meeting; did that mean one of the elders were working with the Buru? That didn’t bode well for the South if someone on the Collective was going outside of their territory and bringing in their enemies. Going toe to toe with the council hadn’t been in his game plan, but shit, plans could always be adjusted. He reached out to his best friend.
Bas answered his summons immediately, his voice groggy with sleep.‘Yeah?’
Shit, he realized the time of day.‘Never mind. We can talk this evening. Thank Firefly for me, please.’
‘Will do.’
Bas withdrew from his mind and Levi was once again left alone with his own thoughts. That brought a startling realization to him. The fogginess of the Akachi was completely gone from his mind. Had Raven’s healing fire destroyed what Amaya’s shielding hadn’t been able to reach? He could think straight for the first time in months. With that thought came an immediate sense of guilt for the way he’d started his relationship with his mate. There should never be any doubt on her end that he would care for her.
But he’d seen firsthand from Amaya’s mind how she’d been affected by their interactions. He lowered his head and braced his hands on the tile wall in front of him.
He’d fucked up.
There was no question about it. Even the warnings and admonishments from Lucas and Sebastian hadn’t gotten through to him. He’d seen so much in his mate’s heart and mind when she’d opened up to him. There had been a sense of forgiveness, but she was still wary of him. Even as she gave herself freely to him, a small part of her held back because she was unsure of Levi. He couldn’t fault her. Seeing his madness from her eyes brought home just how erratic his actions had been lately.
He owed all of his coven an apology.
Finishing up his shower, he got out and wet a washcloth with warm water. Carrying it out to the bedroom, he paused at the foot of his bed and just watched his sleeping baby doll. She rested peacefully.
Fuck.
He would make it all up to her, no matter how long it took.
He joined her in bed, lifting the hem of her gown. The evidence of her climax was all across her thighs, reigniting the hunger in him. Before using the washcloth, he leaned down and licked across her skin.
“Amaya.” Her name was a whispered plea from his lips.
She shuffled a little, but still didn’t awaken. He kissed the inside of her thigh, hunger clenching his stomach. It was too soon to feed from her again, but he promised himself that would be his first stop. Gently, he wiped the cloth across her sex, pushing down the lust making his mouth water.
Temptation proved too much, though, because no sooner than he’d promised himself he would behave, he was trailing kisses up her thigh. They started out innocently enough, but he was intoxicated by her; there was no other word for it. He licked across her skin, dragging open-mouth, pleading kisses up her thigh.
“Levi.” She whispered his name softly as she fought through the fog of sleep. He raised his body over hers, dropping soft kisses on her lips and all over her face.
Obsession.
He was obsessed with his mate, and damn if he cared. Amaya’s arms snaked around his neck and she pulled him down until his weight pinned her to the bed.
“You saved me, baby doll,” he said softly, nipping her ear.
She nodded, her eyes still closed. “You’re welcome.”
Chuckling softly, his bite to her chin was a little rougher. “Can I have you?”
Her eyes opened then, the debate written on her face. Lust and longing flitted across her gaze also, and that gave him hope. Her heart and mind were still open to him and Amaya wanted him just as much as he wanted her. Allowing her time to ruminate on her answer, he slid down the strap of her gown. Unable to resist the expanse of skin, he kissed her rounded shoulder, indulging in her softness. Her bountiful breasts spilled from the gown and Levi lifted one, sucking her nipple into his mouth.
Amaya squirmed beneath him, whispering his name.
“Say yes, baby doll. You’ve already started our bond, let me seal it. I’ll take care of you. You’ll never have to want for anything. You’ve seen my heart and know how I feel about you.” He stared into her eyes, willing her to see his sincerity.
