Page 71 of Fate Unchained

Hazel flicked at the sleeve of her coat as if removing dirt from it, but it was spotless. “Runes are unpredictable, so it’s difficult to answer that question for sure, but no, I don’t think it will go away. The rune is here for a purpose.” She glanced up, her gaze flicking from Lilah to Kyril. “And it’s still connected to Kyril. You need to find it because I think Kyril and Lilah are the ones who need to determine its fate. If they don’t … I think Morana will figure out how to keep it for herself.”

She and Kyril worked on her magic together as he’d promised. Kyril was wonderful with her. He encouraged her and anchored her. She’d never come close to losing herself to the magic because she always sensed him at her side, so she’d gained strength and control, but she hadn’t learned anything further about their rune or how it worked.

Zann growled. “Hans said there was a reason for the runes being with the vulk, too. He also said we need to get it back.”

Kyril crossed his arms. “He hasn’t spoken to me.”

“He’s coming to join us soon. He wants to speak to you in person.”

“Great.” But Lilah thought Kyril seemed pleased. He sat back down at the table. “I’ll go with Lilah into this club. Boris doesn’t know I can take human form, so I can set off the spell near him. And Zann and I can speak to each other the entire time, so he’ll know what’s going on if something isn’t right.”

Lilah’s brows lifted. “You’ll need to pretend we’re actually there to have tea, you know? You’ll have to blend in.”

Finn smirked. “Can I hide somewhere where I can watch Kyril drink tea?”

Kyril growled. “I’ll be fine. Don’t courting males take their partners to places like that?”

Lilah’s face grew hot. “Yes. I have seen couples in there.”

Finn chuffed. “You should get all dressed up. Wear one of those,” he motioned around his neck like he was choking himself, “tie things. And a hat.”

Kyril swiped at him, but Finn easily dodged. “All right,” Kyril said. “If Lilah stays far away from Boris, this might work.”

They discussed the plan for several hours until everyone was satisfied. Kyril didn’t speak as he walked her to the Grande after the meeting ended, but he clutched her hand. It was the first time he’d held her hand in weeks, and warmth spread through her fingers and up her arm. As if his very touch awakened her.

Since they were in public, he was in his human form and wore boots, his steps short and heavy on the cobblestones. The mustachioed desk clerk was behind the counter at the hotel, but Kyril strode past instead of hurling a demand at him like he normally did. He took Lilah to their room.

The door had barely closed before his mouth was on hers. A small purr of pleasure rumbled low in her throat, a rather vulk-like sound, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. He hadn’t kissed her since their tryst at the library. Actually, he’d barely stayed in human form around her at all. Only when it was absolutely necessary.

He growled and picked her up. Her back landed against the door as his lips slanted over hers. Hungry. Demanding. She wrapped her legs around his waist and hung on. His woodsy taste, with his bergamot scent, surrounded her. She sucked on his lower lip, running her tongue up the small crease.

He hissed and pressed her harder against the door. His mouth went to her neck. “If we defeat Boris tomorrow, your debt with him will be cleared.” He nibbled down her throat. “The rune will be free. Our pact will be over.”

She swallowed, her throat suddenly thick. “You’ll be able to rejoin your pack. Go back to your old life.” He was a vulk. An immortal. She knew Kyril wasn’t going to stay with her forever. She’d always known. He lived a life that was like something out of a legend. She simply read about things like that. Her most intimate relationships were with people in her books. Where it was safe. Where she wouldn’t be betrayed. Or have her heart broken.

He turned, and keeping her in his arms, strode into the bedroom. When he stood her on the floor, he moved to fling his shirt off, but she reached out. “Wait.”

A small bench was at the foot of their bed, positioned for someone to sit on while removing their clothes. Lilah climbed on it to stand face-to-face with him. She reached down and grabbed the hem of his shirt, slowly easing it up and over his head.

Then she smoothed her hands over his skin. Up his tight stomach and over his chest. Her fingers memorized every taut muscle. She bent her head and kissed along his collarbone, flicked her tongue in the hollow at the base of his throat, then kissed up the column of his neck. His hands went to her waist, his fingers digging in slightly, but otherwise, he remained still.

She meandered her way up to his mouth. She sucked on his lips, taking in more of his taste. Her hands dipped to his trousers, and she opened them, sliding them down his hips.

She cupped his cock, already hard, and he jerked. His teeth went to her neck, and he bit, gently holding her in place. She wore a wool-lined buttoned shirt, and he took his time flicking open each button, all while holding her in place with his mouth.

Heat blazed through her. She’d never been more aware of her body, or more aware of how much she wanted someone else to touch her. Her head fell back. “Kyril …” Her shirt fell open and slipped over her shoulders to the floor.

With one tug, he ripped her bodice, tossing it aside.

His hands trailed up her stomach. He cupped her breasts, and his thumbs lazily rolled across her nipples. She’d been naked with him plenty of times, but this felt different.

He released his hold on her neck, and his lips returned to hers. But he moved so slowly, sliding his mouth over hers whisper soft. Again. And again. When she opened for him, he claimed her mouth slowly.

He purred, and she sighed, her knees going a bit weak. Unsnapping her britches, he bared her legs, then moved her knickers down her hips, baring all of her.

His hand went between her legs. “I don’t want you to move.” His mouth returned to where her neck sloped into her shoulder, and he bit down again, holding her. Slowly, his finger stroked, toying with her exactly as she needed. She gasped, and her legs shook, but he didn’t stop. One fingertip circled. Played. Dragged through the moisture she’d made for him.

While his teeth gently held her in place, and his one hand teased her, he wrapped his other arm around her waist, holding her close. Heavens above this was exquisite. She had to remain standing, to remain still, while waves of the most intense pleasure swamped her.

---