A Lost Light (The Bestiary #4)

21. Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Andy

E lijah's body might be borrowed and re-modeled, but it truly was a work of art. He was tall and broad shouldered, deliciously muscular, but not bulky—just sculpted perfection. The glowing branches of his wings spread out behind him, glittering with his bright angelic magic. It was easy to see why any mere mortal might think he was a being sent by the gods.

I ran a hand up the center of his sculpted chest, teasing my fingers over the faint dusting of golden hair as I smiled up into his bright blue eyes. “You are so beautiful,” I told him reverently. My angel had been denied physical sensations for decades until he met me. And even then, he had only experienced the comfort and pleasure of physical contact through me while he occupied my aura. I knew the experience had meant a lot to him, but it probably wasn't the same as having your own body, your own sensations to drown in.

He caught my hand and brought it to his lips, kissing the backs of my fingers, his gaze never leaving mine, burning with intensity. “I'm happy that you think so. That you aren't… concerned about the origins of my new home. But nothing compares to you, Oleander Lovell. You are beauty incarnate. Soft and strong, lush and welcoming, your heart as fathomless as the heavens.”

I huffed a laugh, even as some part of me basked in his flowery praise. “Ooh… listen to you, making me swoon.”

His chiseled lips curved upward in fond humor. “I only speak the truth. Would you accuse a divine being of lying?”

I tugged my hand free so I could wrap my arms around his neck, going up on my tiptoes to press my body to his as I pulled him down for a kiss. His arms gently enfolded me, not rushing or greedy, despite how long we had waited and wished for this moment.

Kissing Elijah was… heavenly. Pun intended. His skin was surprisingly warm against my own, despite his revenant state, probably thanks to the angelic magic coursing through his entire being. His lips were soft against my own, inviting, not questioning, but gently claiming, asserting that this was how it was meant to be. I opened to him and his tongue danced with mine, sweet, but not hesitant. He dipped and got his hands under my ass, effortlessly lifting me off my feet.

I kissed him deeper, trusting him to know his own strength as I wrapped my legs around his lean hips. He didn't falter, squeezing my ass as he pressed me impossibly closer, slowly moving toward the bed as I drown in his kisses.

I came up for air when he laid me on the bed. He hovered over me for a moment, his glowing blue eyes taking in every feature. “I've wanted you for so long,” he murmured. “And yearned for this even longer. To be able to feel. To experience the warmth of another's touch.”

I reached up and cupped his cheek, feeling like I might melt from all the sweetness. “The feeling is absolutely mutual,” I said honestly. “I haven't endured all that you have, but I thought my heart might actually break for you. I'm so glad you're here now, with me, like this.”

He turned his head to kiss my palm, then drew back, giving me a sultry look that was sin incarnate on the face of an angel. “I plan to enjoy this. To take my time drinking in every wonder being corporeal has to offer. Let me get the door.”

I huffed a laugh as he drew away and turned to go lock the door. I didn't blame him for being greedy. While it would definitely be fun to be there when Elijah got to experience the others—who I absolutely knew would be interested eventually—I understood his need for privacy this time. I was also feeling a bit selfish myself right about now. I watched the flex of his perfect ass and long legs as he crossed the room and wondered if I might be dreaming.

Elijah was here, alive and warm, and with a beautiful body to share in the pleasure. I was tempted to pinch myself.

I pushed myself up against the headboard and stuffed some pillows under my shoulders so I could recline while I watched him prowl back to me. His every move was graceful and determined, and while I couldn't get enough of that, I also couldn't help but tease.

“Wait,” I said, making a confused face. “You're an angel. Aren't you guys supposed to be all about purity?” I was only half joking when I tilted my head and asked, “Are you a virgin, Elijah?”

He stopped at the foot of the bed and looked down at me, a towering golden being of magic and grace. “I am,” he said, lifting an eyebrow. “Although I don't know if this body's experiences before I took over possession count….” He grinned. “But don't worry, witch. I saw the things the High Choirs got up to when they thought no one was looking. The orgies. The drunken revelry.” His smile grew absolutely wicked. “And I've been present for enough of your own sexual encounters. I'm observant. I've felt what you felt, intimately, when you held me inside your aura while you were with the others.” He bent down and started to crawl up the bed and over me, his wings flaring out to the sides, bathing us both in golden light. “I know exactly what you like and what you dislike. What makes your breath come short and your body quake with pleasure.”

I licked my lips, my brain short-circuiting as I took that all in.

“Fuck,” I finally breathed out, desire pulsing through me.

Elijah grinned. “That is the idea, yes.”