Total pages in book: 169
Estimated words: 156210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 781(@200wpm)___ 625(@250wpm)___ 521(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 156210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 781(@200wpm)___ 625(@250wpm)___ 521(@300wpm)
Skulls of kelpies who are no longer with us hang high up on the walls, each marked with a name and dates of their service to my family. My father also had the huge antlers of a Stag of Sunrise put up, a testament to his love of hunting. The interior itself is rather dark, with swamplight burning in only a couple of spots. I like to think it’s because this reminds the kelpies of their underwater home, but right now it creates an intimate atmosphere for me and my promised.
We’re alone in the stables, and as my hands start their slow descent toward the backside I’ve become so utterly obsessed with, Luke gets to his toes and gasps into my ear.
“I never got why some people like to wear latex, but…” he slides his hand up my arm and the leather squeaks, “I think I get it now.” Luke gives my earlobe a teasing lick that tells me he’s just as excited to see me after the few hours apart as I am.
At times I get so jealous of all the men he’s been with I want to choke each of them with my shadow, but then he looks at me with fondness, and I let myself dream that maybe I am special to him too.
I will do whatever it takes so he forgets any other arms that ever held him.
“I like looking at you no matter what you’re wearing,” I say, grinning.
He slips out of my grasp and stands at arms’ length. “Just looking?” he asks with a smirk. The expression makes his sharp features even more fox-like.
He is delectable.
“No, not just looking,” I say and grab his hips, pulling him back to me. Oh, I can already sense a rush of heat down my body.
“I missed you,” Luke whispers, and it feels like being fed the sweetest little cake when he adds a kiss to his words.
I shiver at the throb of excitement in my balls.
“Yes,” I rasp and make a fast dip to grab his thighs and wrap them around my hips.
I live for the sweet, surprised gasp I get in response, and for the weight of his slender arms around my neck. That’s the one collar I’m willing to wear for as long as I breathe.
“Fuck. I keep forgetting how strong you are. You carry me like I weigh nothing,” he says, smiling, and I would gladly freeze this moment in time.
After being stuck in my brother’s shadow my whole life, I’m not only seen, but also touched, hugged, kissed. Luke plays with my hair as if I mean more to him than a way to pass the time as he waits to go home. But my thoughts also turn much darker when I sense his cock harden against my stomach.
I wonder if he’d have liked my twin as much as he likes me. He was just as handsome, and a part of me worries that maybe Luke would have preferred a real prince, not the impostor, but as my lover leans in, kissing me, the gloom is chased away. I stumble toward the nearest empty stall and place him on top of a tall wooden box so that he sits at the height of my hips. “I like having you close and despise every hour we’re apart.”
He stills, silent for a moment as I run my hands up and down his thighs, unable to stop touching him. The way his legs open for me drives me mad.
“Same. I’m glad you can take time out of your busy day filled with princely duties to court me.” His fingers slide up my stomach in a teasing motion, and the thin layer of leather separating us somehow enhances the sensation instead of being an uncomfortable barrier.
“No day is too busy for my promised,” I rasp, supporting his back with one hand while I rub my face into his fragrant neck, then leave kisses on his shoulders before finding respite in the warmth of his chest.
Sometimes, I wish our flesh would merge so he wouldn’t even consider leaving me behind after we’re wed, but I still have time left to show him that he will only gain by staying at my side. I can’t wait to feel his shadow easily within reach of mine.
“You’re just saying that ‘cause you’re horny,” Luke whispers with a grin and slides his hand over my trapped cock. He almost purrs, looking into my eyes. I never imagined being so lucky with my choice of Dark Companion, but it seems destiny does know better than any elf can.
Kyranis wouldn’t have valued Luke for what he is. He would have used and discarded him, and thinking about it makes my latent hate for him burn hot again. Because Luke is sweet and deserves more than being a convenient weapon. I would have never committed him to a life of containment in the shadowild, and not just because I know painfully well how lonely an existence that is.