Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 34185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
Notalus chuckled behind his fist at the horrified expression on Iulien’s face before he walked away with his head hanging low.
“I have arranged your meal in the Rowan dining hall. I believe the charming room will provide the intimacy you are seeking.” Iulien led them through a maze of walkways, and Dustin continued to gaze at the decoration and flourishes of his autumn oasis. Iulien slid open the double doors to the Rowan room and announced, “Dinner is served, my lords.”
“Holy shit!” Dustin pushed past Notalus and damn near ran toward the oval dining table that was overflowing with several kinds of meat and countless vegetables and fruits native only to Fhomhair. The servers were still removing the silver domes from the food platters when Dustin—knowing nothing of ceremony—sat in the first seat he saw and started shoveling seared meats onto his plate. “Is all of this for us?
“Um, my lord, please.” Iulien hurried inside, motioning for the servers lining the wall to quickly come and assist. “We will do that for you.”
“Nah, that’s quite alright.” Dustin licked some juice that ran down his fingers as he added pineapple and Asian pears to one of his several plates. “I got this, my man… trust me.”
Notalus sat in the seat opposite his betrothed and motioned politely for Iulien to prepare his meal.
“I don’t know how much more of this I can bear,” Iulien whispered while he filled Notalus’ goblet half full of wine. He then began to add some slices of lamb to his plate of freshly gathered vegetables. Iulien knew just how to prepare Notalus’ meals. It was an ingrained part of his Galin culture to anticipate his lord’s service needs.
“Dustin has been on his own all of his life. He’s not used to being cared for. He’s not going anywhere, Iulien. Give him time,” Notalus murmured in answer. He was sure Dustin heard them with his enhanced hearing, but he didn’t stop tearing through the buffet spread and adding to his plates long enough to comment.
Notalus stared with barely refrained amusement as Dustin ate enough for three titans. It surprised him that he was content with just watching Dustin eat and be merry while he picked at the few remnants left on his own plate. Notalus had a hearty appetite for his size, but he had nothing on how much a shifter could consume. The thought of this man being his for the rest of his days made honey bees swarm in his belly. No one had touched his heart with what he loved most, until Dustin saw to the true core of him. He didn’t care of Notalus’ title or his station. His betrothed didn’t care how much worldly possession he could provide him with. Dustin had a true heartfelt love for the season of autumn; therefore, he truly loved him.
Notalus smiled when Dustin finally came up for air and noticed several eyes watching him with fascination. He sat back and rubbed his rock-hard abs. “That was delicious. I thought I’d miss Henry’s cooking when I was here, but hot damn. I’ve never eaten that good in my life.”
Iulien smiled, all white teeth and deep dimples. “That is a grand compliment, my lord. I am glad it satisfied the alpha’s needs.”
“What kind of meat was that right there?” Dustin asked, pointing to nothing but pieces of crust he’d left on the platter.
“How is he to recognize it with only scraps left?” Notalus laughed, surprising Iulien. It wasn’t common for him to laugh so boldly and without thought, especially as of lately.
Iulien held his amusement as best he could when he glanced at the remnants left and nodded. “The master cook informed me that the meat you are inquiring about is pronghorn. Apparently, antelope is native to the northerners in the earthy realm and very difficult to acquire. A delicacy, if you will. The master will be pleased to hear that you enjoyed it.”
“I more than enjoyed it,” Dustin vouched before he downed the last of his cider, then his goblet of water, then the hot tea.
Dustin wiped his mouth with the white cloth napkin and stared at Notalus for a long moment, both of them holding an eye contact so intense that it cleared the room. The atmosphere became charged from their heated looks until Dustin’s chest began to rumble. His eyes turned a shade darker as he gripped the armrest hard enough that the wood creaked under the pressure. Notalus’ head swam with lust as his wind swept into the room and stirred the pleasure around them until Dustin leapt to his feet and yanked Notalus out of the chair and into his arms.
Dustin was definitely no longer suppressing his wolf’s dominant side. And Notalus was glad because he didn’t have to do that here. He allowed Dustin to move them through the palace to his residence in a flurry of hot kisses and burning touches anywhere they could reach.