In the early morning hours, there was a cautious silence between us. However, the tension in the air didn't stop the glances we sent one another when we thought the other wasn't looking. But we knew.As soon as the sun had risen, I was outside of the cave inhaling the scent of the forest after the intense rain. Filling my lungs with the fresh air and listening to the excited birds fluttering through the overhead foliage woke my senses fully.There was a patch of sunlight breaking through the trees and shining down on a stretch of rock near the base of the waterfall. Even with the morning chill in the air the smooth stone was warm, and I spread out to soak up as much of the sun's rays as I could. The cold was quickly forgotten as I took the opportunity to regain the energy, I lost last night.Caliban left the cave, stopping briefly to look over at me where I was sunning on the rocks. Not wanting to see the heat in eyes, I closed my own and listened to the sound of his footsteps as he m
"My shadows are for stealth more than anything. My mother could sense illnesses though." His mouth snapped shut as he realized he was talking to his enemy about his mother."Queen Mortala?""Yes," he hesitated to answer. “You heard of her?""I might not have paid attention to most of my studies, but I still learned more than most do. A princess still needs to know the names of her enemy even if she isn't the one plotting against them." Caliban let loose a gruff laugh at that."And yet I know next to nothing about the solen family. Mostly rumors.""Like my father having a brood of children?" I snorted."Indeed, that is one I've heard.""Well, it's just the five daughters. My mother passed in childbirth with the sixth, but that one would have been a boy." My chest ached at the memory and I wondered why I'd even said it in the first place."I'm sorry," Caliban's deep voice surprised me as he said that.."No, you're not. The death of a Mithran queen is probably a cause for you to celebrat
We stopped conversing after that revelation. Tears had begun silently streaming down my face to think of my father sending an assassin to kill Queen Mortala.It seemed there was more to war than I ever could have imagined. And for some reason I didn't even question Caliban when he accused my father of doing such a thing. Some part of me knew it was true and that he was capable of doing it.And where was King Helios while Caliban's parents had been fighting on the field with their soldiers? He was safely sitting on his throne ordering others to do the work for him. Just like his fathers before him. It would be the same for whichever of my sisters had a son first and that boy took the throne.Hours passed quietly and the longer we went without stopping the more my bottom began to hurt in the saddle. My entire lower back and legs were aching terribly, and I was desperate to stop.It didn't make matters any better when the air around only got tremendously colder the deeper that we got int
Wrapped in the blanket I watched the shadow king lead his horse to the shed and make sure he was settled for the storm. As he did, I stood shaking by the bags on the ground and watching in awe as snow blanketed the ground so quickly it seemed as though the world turned white in the blink of an eye."Come on." Caliban brushed past me as barely more than a whisper before stomping through the snow-covered ground to the cabin's door. When he tried to open the door, it wouldn't budge at first. He pulled back and rammed his shoulder into it and the door swung open.It was pitch black inside, but Caliban stepped inside with ease, the shadows welcoming him. Cautiously I stepped in after him, but I couldn't make out anything more than a few outlines. The relief from the powerful winds outside was enough for me to enter the cabin and shut the door.Leaning against the cabin door with the blanket around me I waited for my eyes to adjust. Only the sounds of Caliban shuffling around in the darknes
As soon as I sat on the edge of the creaky bed and wrapped the blanket around my shoulders the door swung open and I let out a startled yelp. Whipping my head over I saw Caliban striding in on his long legs with something brown slung over his shoulders.His long white hair was soaking wet and his black clothing was all stuck to his broad frame and each muscle was perfectly defined. Gulping hard I moved my eyes from his body to the catch he was tossing onto the table."Some poor rabbit was still out in this weather?" My voice sounded meek as I asked whatever came to mind first, so we weren't in another awkward silence."Something like that." Caliban shrugged and turned from the table to look at me where I sat on the bed. As soon as his eyes landed on me, he straightened up a fraction and I noticed the way his eyes roved over the dark clothing I now wore, and my hair bundled atop my head. Yet he gave nothing away about what he thought of my appearance and I believe I preferred it that w
*smut warning*In the morning my heart was broken. The snow had continued to fall and still showed no signs of stopping. This led me to sitting in one of the old wooden chairs by the window trying to soak up as much sunlight as possible. There wasn't much natural light that was able to stream in at the current angle.And despite the foot of snow at the door Caliban had gone out to hunt again leaving me alone in the cabin with nothing more than the sound of crackling wood in the new fire he'd set before leaving.Boredom got the best of me and I was back to ransacking the little kitchenette and closet for whatever I could find. Looking with the dim morning light this time I found some assorted teas, so I set about making a pot.Back home I had servants who did all of this for me and it reflected on my skills now. I had no idea what I was doing and hoped I knew just enough to make something drinkable.The smell of leaves and herbs told me there was a ginseng and chamomile mix. It was the
"Did you do anything useful for your family?" he ridiculed all while keeping his eyes on the fire. I glared at his back hoping he could feel the daggers I was sending his way and I suddenly began to feel very warm."Besides spread my legs and make flower crowns, right?" I sassed back. "Oh, sorry that you captured a useless princess, your majesty." Ilaced my voice which as much venom as I could as I sneered out his title."Indeed," he grunted.Red swarmed in my eyes and without a second to question my actions I flung my empty tea glass at the back of Caliban's head. It shattered and he whirled around with a curse. His eyes were glowing gold as he glared at me.I held my position on the edge of the bed ready to throw the next thing within reach and he sat lurched in his chair ready to fight back.The air was crackling with the sound of the roaring fire and the afternoon light was fading as the sun disappeared early due to the storm outside.Images of the night in the cave flashed behind
Before I could second guess myself and cover my chest, the king was moving up my body and placing his hot mouth on my breast. A cry left my lips as his tongue pressed against one sensitive bud and a strong hand grasped the other. His tongue flicked over my nipple and his hand kneaded the soft mound of my other plump breast.Without a second thought I wrapped my legs around his midsection and lifted my hips to grind myself against him gasping at the need to relieve the ache between my legs."Eager for my filthy shadow elf cock, are you?" He mocked before biting my nipple. I cried out and rocked against him again as electricity spread over my skin and his tongue laved over my nipple to ease the ache from his bite."Your cock is hard for a sun elf whore," I scoffed."That it is," his gruff voice growled, and I felt it in my bones as he continued to bite and lick across my breasts and up my neck. The bites were so hard I knew I'd see marks from his teeth in the morning. It didn't matter a
Ever reluctantly picked up the last one, his mouth turned down into a pout."Wait a minute," I looked at Brian. "I'm going to need a shot of whiskey to chase this down.""Me too," Ever piped up and added miserably, "and a glass of milk...a big fucking glass of milk."Brian disappeared, only to reappear with another tray containing three more shots and three glasses of milk. Once we gathered the additional shots and milk, Brian said cheerfully, "Cheers, gentlemen."I tossed the hot sauce down my throat, purposefully keeping it out of my mouth, and gulped it down in one swallow. It still burned like a mother in my esophagus. I grabbed the shot of whiskey and drank it slower, letting it wash away the remnants of the hot sauce.Ever coughed and sputtered. I looked over to find tears rolling down his cheeks while he cursed and sucked down milk at the same time. When he could finally catch his breath, he eyed Gwen and threatened, "I am sooo spanking you when we go home, woman."I laughed, "
"Oh yeah, we got it," Ever replied. His lips were curled into a smug expression as he also watched Hycinth's responses. His confidence was high. Clearly looking forward to the game.Hycinth noticed his stare as well, but rather than reflect irritation as she had earlier, her lips curled back, flashing him a brilliant smile with fang.And fucking winked at him!Fuck, she was bold. Her confidence not only met but exceeded his. I was dying to know if she could back it up. Either way, her ballsy response threw him off. His expression froze. He blinked. But then he recovered, licking his lips, looking even more eager.Brian continued explaining the rules, "If a ball hits the ground, it is retired, and a fresh ball is put into play." He pointed toward a small bucket of gleaming white ping-pong balls on a countertop behind him."For the shot to count, keep your elbows behind the edge of the table."Hycinth listened attentively."No fingering or blowing."At this, she squeezed Gwen's hand and
LEANDER'S POV Surprisingly, she gave it to me. She kept one hand on my shoulder, and raised the other, letting it sway freely in the air. Her body molded to mine, pliable, willing to let me move her as I wanted. And oh, I wanted to move her...in many ways. Most of which, we couldn't do on a dance floor surrounding by an audience of strangers. But it didn't stop me from forcing my knee between her legs and jerking her lower body tight to mine until no space remained. The movement caused her dress to slide up, but I still couldn't see whether or not she wore panties. However, the heat of her core was unmistakable against my leg."Oh!" she gasped loudly, chest heaving. And then began grinding herself against my thigh, her hips moving in time with the music...using me for her own pleasure. I wondered if she even realized she was doing it.My breath caught in my throat. The image of her was almost too much. Eyes closed, mouth slack, hips moving wantonly against me, her belly rubbing pleas
I raised an eyebrow. "Out of all of them, alcohol is the one you fixated on? Should I be worried?"There was a sparkle in her eye, a hint of mischievous I'd never seen before. "Certainly not. I enjoy dancing and music just as much.""Uh huh," I replied, not at all convinced by her innocent act. It seemed I was definitely going to have to keep an even closer eye on her during the evening.When we reached the living room, Ever and Gwen were waiting for us, as well as Asher and Willow. Gwen wrapped Hycinth in a bear hug. "You look gorgeous!"I was surprised to see Hycinth blush. But she recovered quickly. "Thanks so much for letting me borrow it!""Ready?" Asher grinned.I gave a hard nod. "More than ready."We decided to use drivers rather than drive ourselves. Knowing myself, Ever and Asher, none of us would be in the best shape to drive later. When Hycinth and I climbed into the back of the Cadillac, she settled comfortably into the plush, oversized leather seat next to me. The driver
Sit Up & BegLEANDER'S POV After I touched base with Ever to confirm our plans, I quickly made my way up the stairs.My Wolf was flying high on his mate. Completely blitzed and full-out addicted. Spending hours running, playing and lazily lying around, was exactly his definition of perfection. There was nothing better than having her close to him...well, except for under him. I couldn't agree more. She was better than any drug. Everything about our mate was intoxicating.Rounding the corner and heading down the long hallway, excitement coursed through me, leaving my skin tingling, and my manhood itching to get free. That particular part of my anatomy only ever had one goal- to forever bury himself in Hycinth's hot and tight flesh. Pure bliss. But alas, as much as I wanted to indulge that train of thought, I had more to focus on than just my carnal desires. Not to mention it would be hugely uncomfortable and inconvenient to walk around with a hard-on all night, so I exhaled and forcef
HYCINTH My Wolf was in heaven. The wind whipped through her fur as we flew by tall trees rising out of the earth to kiss the sky. Her nostrils flared with the scents of moss, bark and wild mushrooms. The spongy surface beneath our paws gave away easily, still damp from the recent rain showers. Acorns, pine cones, and fallen leaves were strewn about the well-worn path like spilled trinkets.And her mate by her side.There was nothing better for her. No other place she would rather be than right where she was. Leander's Wolf was magnificent. Powerful and sure, sleek and dominant-a potent elixir to our senses. Primal.Addictive.We were running at the front of the pack. He was pushing her endurance and testing her ability. His big paws powered ahead, silently gliding over the uneven ground, pitted with rocks and roots, easily leaping to clear dead logs, and maneuvering around encroaching thick brambles -a virile display of his strength and agility. My Wolf had to put forth considerable
Lucky's expression was still affected by the scene that had unfolded in front of him, but he nodded his head and walked away with the guards.Ever turned to Hycinth and murmured, "We have stalls located on the east side where you can remove your dress in privacy and shift.""Okay," she responded and looked at my Wolf hesitantly. It was obvious she wasn't sure what he would be doing while she changed. He answered that question for her by walking toward the changing stalls. She quickly scrambled after him. When they reached their destination, he nudged the door open with his big head. She went inside the large sectioned off space that was open to the air above. And he followed along right with her, not intending to leave her side for even a moment.Her heart raced as she understood what he wanted her to do get undressed in front of him and shift. Amazingly enough, there was no negotiation like I'd had to go through to see her creamy flesh. She simply complied with his wishes, removing h
Running With The WolvesLeanderI kept Lucky close by during the ceremony. Not just for the reason I gave Hycinth...because Lucky didn't seem to give a shit before he said whatever the hell he wanted...I liked his boldness and the opportunity he might spout other useful tidbits of information about my little mouse. However, the other reason was much, more simple I wanted him to see how she reacted to me, I wanted him to see us together. Regardless of his parentage and his history, he was a full adult male Wolf. I could sense it pained him not to have his own mate...and he understood how nature was driving me to possess mine.I also wanted his blessing. I would never tell him that, but I recognized how invaluable it would be. All I had to do was be transparent enough, and let him see the truth for himself...how I felt about his sister. Maybe it wouldn't change anything, maybe it wouldn't help...but maybe it would. It couldn't hurt to try. And I was willing to try anything at this poin
I refocused on Leander. "Stop it. Whatever you are thinking, stop it right now! My brother's just being an ass. It comes naturally to him. He can't help it."Leander looked at Lucky, not quite ready to let it go and said, "Maybe we should keep your brother with us during the rest of the celebration. Just in case he has any other pearls of wisdom he would like to share.""Maybe, he should go back to the dungeon until he learns to behave," I retorted.Lucky's face fell, genuine hurt crossing his expression, and instantly, I regretted my words. I said hurriedly, "I didn't mean that! Of course, I want you to stay with us for as long as possible.""Why don't you find him a seat nearby," Leander said to one of the wolves guarding him. The Wolf did as ordered and all three sat down close by.Leander and I went back to the still waiting line of wolves and continued where we'd left off. I enjoyed hearing their stories and was fascinated as I watched Leander interact with them. He made eye cont