Chapter 35
AURORA
Evening shadows stretch long and deep across my chambers as I pace restlessly, my gaze straying repeatedly to the door. Thalric was summoned away hours ago, to begin his training with the other Gargoyle guards, and I already miss him so much it aches.
I have a temporary Gargoyle guard while he’s away, but no one can truly replace Thalric’s comforting presence. It feels like part of me has gone missing.
Today was strange, filled with smiles and careful laughter shared with Ryllen. He is kind and thoughtful. I’m surprised by how easy it is to be in his company.
In the gardens, I felt guilty each time I smiled, knowing Thalric could see us. Did he think I’d forgotten him? Did he think my heart no longer belonged to him, when the truth is he has held it all along?
I drift to the balcony, pulling open the tall glass doors. Cool evening air rushes in, mingling with the scent of roses and distant rain. Below, in the palace gardens, Thalric trains with another Gargoyle I met, but his name eludes me right now. I only know he’s one of the king’s elite guards.
My breath catches as I watch him move. Despite his heavily muscled form, he moves with fluid and lethal grace, muscles rippling beneath his smooth gray skin with every precise strike and parry.
They spar with wooden staffs, the hollow clash of wood echoing up from the training yards. It is both mesmerizing and heart-stopping to watch him spar. Thalric’s broad wings flare slightly as he pivots, his tail lashing, golden eyes fierce with concentration.
Heat curls low in my belly, my pulse quickening as I watch him. Gods, he is breathtaking.
When he finally lowers his weapon, his chest is rising and falling with exertion. My heart twists as he walks away with his sparring partner, disappearing from view.
Fierce longing stabs at my chest as I return inside, leaving the balcony doors slightly ajar, hoping desperately that Thalric will come to me tonight as he did before.
Slipping into bed, I stare at the canopy above, my thoughts swirling restlessly until exhaustion finally claims me.
“Aurora.” The sound of Thalric’s voice awakens me. He’s standing in the doorway of the balcony. Rolling thunder booms overhead and lightning fingers across the night sky behind him.
“Thalric,” I breathe. Rushing toward him, I throw my arms around his neck. “I wasn’t sure you would come. I was worried you’d think—” I shake my head. “When I was talking with Ryllen, I worried you’d think—”
“Never,” he says, resting his forehead against mine. “I would never doubt your feelings for me, Auri. Never.”
“I love you, Thalric,” I whisper as I cup his cheek. “You, and only you.”
His eyes flare molten gold as he pulls me against him and crushes his mouth to mine.
My lips part in shock and surrender as he curls his tongue around mine.
Lifting me into his arms, he carries me to the bed, setting me gently at the edge of the mattress. Kneeling before me, he captures my mouth again as he slides his hand down my body. Gripping my thigh, he drags me closer, until I’m pressed flush against him, my legs circling his hips.
Deep down, I know we should stop, but I find myself holding him tightly, worried he’ll vanish if I dare let him go.
My heart pounds as he trails a series of suctioning kisses down my throat. I gasp as he tugs at the neckline of my nightshift, exposing my breasts.
A soft cry escapes me when his mouth closes over one taut peak, his tongue laving at the sensitive tip, sending sparks of pleasure racing through me.
I grip his shoulders and my head falls back as he worships me with his lips and his tongue.
“Thalric.” His name escapes me in a breathless moan as I writhe against him, wanting more. “Don’t stop.”
He trails his hand down my body and slides my nightshift up around my hips. A shiver runs through me as he traces the tips of his claws along my inner thighs. His gaze holds mine and I hear the subtle whisper of his claws retracting as he moves higher.
The breath stutters from my lungs as he drags his fingers through my already slick folds. A low moan leaves my lips when he reaches the small bundle of nerves at the cleft. “Please,” I whisper, clinging to him as pleasure coils deep within. “More,” I barely manage. “Don’t stop.”
I gasp as he slides one thick finger inside me, arching into his touch.
He captures my mouth in a claiming kiss as his hand continues to move between my thighs, driving my desire higher with his touch.
“I love you,” I whisper against his lips, pressing closer, my hips rocking helplessly into his hand. “Only you, Thalric. Always.”
A deep rumble of approval rises in his throat before he crushes his lips to mine in a searing kiss as his fingers move steadily inside me, balancing me on the edge of my desire.
My hearts flutter wildly as I give myself over to his touch, his mouth, and his powerful form over mine. My entire body goes taut a moment before my pleasure crests, and I cry out his name as I shatter, clinging to him as waves of ecstasy ripple through me.
My eyes snap open and I gaze around in confusion. Thalric isn’t here. Breathless and panting, I’m tangled up in the sheets.
Disappointment fills me as I realize it was only a dream. Gods, it felt so real. My body is still trembling with my climax from his phantom touch.
Thunder cracks and a sudden flash of lightning illuminates my chambers as rain patters against the windows.
The balcony doors, still slightly ajar, suddenly swing open with a heavy gust of wind. A large form alights on the railing, and a smile curves my mouth as I recognize the shape.
It’s Thalric.
Folding his massive wings behind him, he enters the room. Rain streams down the chiseled planes of his abdomen and chest, soaking his loincloth until it clings to him like a second skin. His fierce golden eyes meet mine, searing me with their intensity.
His powerful muscles ripple beneath his rain-slick skin, water dripping from his dark hair onto the floor as he moves closer. He stops abruptly, his nostrils flaring as he scents the air.
“I can scent your need, Aurora,” he growls, his expression full of fiery possession. “Tell me, was it the Fae prince who inspired it?”
“No,” I snap, embarrassment and indignation burning through me. “I was dreaming about you!”
Thalric goes utterly still, shock flickering across his features before his eyes darken with desire.
My breath catches as he closes the remaining distance between us, his powerful muscular form overwhelming my every sense as he cups my jaw, tilting my face up to his.
“Aurora.” His voice is rough as his gaze holds mine, full of hunger. “You should not say such things.”
Before I can respond, he crushes his mouth to mine in a passionate kiss, stealing the breath from my lungs.