Page 47 of A Realm of Fire and Ash

"Irid," I greet Caius' sister. She looks less menacing than usual. She's had a chip on her shoulder ever since her mate was killed. Not that I blame her any.

Caius steps protectively in front of Morte, as if to shield her.

"Oh, brother. I won't harm the girl." She chuckles. "I'm here to see if she's ready for the upcoming hunt?"

Morte rises to her full height, standing stoic. "As I'll ever be, I suppose."

"Good." Irid smiles, her gaze turning almost indulgent. "I come bearing gifts." She reaches into a satchel over her shoulder and takes out a dagger.

Morte stares at the offer for a beat and then she reaches out and takes it. She turns it over, almost in awe, running her fingers over the intricate engravings along its hilt.

Irid points to the blade. "You'll need something to defend yourself with. Word has gotten out that you're close with Aggonid and my brother, so you're a prime target. Keep it close, and strike first." She unsnaps her breastplate and hands it to Morte. "Wear this during battle. You may have that necklace, but it only protects you if they aren't willing to die to hurt you. If you die, they die."

Morte nods and tucks the dagger in her pocket. "Thank you," she says softly as she slides the plate under her arm.

Irid bows, then turns to Caius. "Come, brother. We have a hunt to plan for."

Caius gives Morte one last lingering look before turning back and following his sister.

"Hey." I give Morte's shoulder a squeeze. "I'll treat you to some dinner at the tavern. You were busy getting off during lunch, and I'm sure you're starving."

Her head snaps up, eyes narrowed. "What do you want for it?"

I smirk, amused. This fae. "Your company is payment enough."

Morte hesitates. "You told me I can't trust you."

I sigh. "Fine, if you would like to repay me by allowing me to feed from you, consider us even." The idea sends a jolt straight to my cock.

"F-feed from me?" Her eyes widen. "Isn't that kind of already giving me something?"

"What do you mean?" I keep my face stoic.

"You know ..." She gestures vaguely.

"Ohh," I smirk. "The orgasms. Yes, I suppose you're getting those, too."

A deep flush spreads over her porcelain skin, from her cheeks to her neck and down to the valley between her breasts. A wave of desire radiates from her, making my heart pound and my cock twitch. Her lips part slightly, and a tantalizing scent wafts up to me, my nostrils flaring to breathe her arousal in deep. Fuck. It has me wanting to haul her over my shoulder, drag her through the door, and ravage her until she's screaming my name. I need to feel her tight little pussy around me as I make her mine.

A rumble of desire escapes my throat as I draw near to Morte and suggest, "You could let me feed from you somewhere else." I let my smoldering gaze drift across her body, before settling between her thighs and raising a brow. My tongue flicking against my tongue ring, and I purr, "Has anyone ever made you come with their tongue?"

A pink blush spreads across her cheeks as a breathy whisper escapes her lips. "No."

I step even closer and growl, "That's a shame." My hand slides slowly down her stomach, settling to cup the mound between her thighs. With a shuddering hiss I beg, "Let me feed from you here."

She inhales sharply, her breath hitching in her throat. I can feel her trembling beneath my touch, her body warring with her mind. She stares at me for a long moment before finally nodding and allowing herself to succumb to desire.

"Excellent," I murmur. I hook her arm around mine and lead her to her hut. "Get changed into some clothes that fit you, and we'll head out."I really just want her out of Aggonid's clothes.

"I don't have anything else."

"You sure about that?" I raise a brow and glance over her shoulder.

She follows my line of sight to a small trunk at the foot of her bed I'd had delivered while she was recovering earlier.

"Who in the … I didn’t earn anyone’s favor," she mumbles as she kneels in front of it. After lifting the lid, she pulls out a few simple pieces of combat gear. I could've got her something lacy and frilly, but she's going to need something to fight in if she wants to survive here.

"This will do." She slips the leather corset on, cinching it tight against her torso. She grabs a pair of pants and slides them up her legs.

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