Chapter 67
Ryker
I hadno idea what time it was when I made my way up the ladder to Tucker’s home, but the fire had died down, and most of the amsirah were already sleeping. Tucker, me, and a few guards stationed around the perimeter of the clearing were the only ones still awake.
Though the beer had taken some of the edge off, I was far from drunk or tired. I could have stayed at the fire with Tucker, but I wanted to make sure Ellery was okay, although she was probably sound asleep by now.
I’d planned to return home tonight. Those plans had changed with Ellery’s earlier words; they still haunted me. “I feel safer here.”
I hated that she felt safer in this place of ghosts, poltergeists, and countless lethal creatures than she did in her bed. That seemed to be the way most amsirah felt now.
I wasn’t in any rush to return to my father’s castle, but I didn’t go to sleep or wake up with the same concerns as Ellery and the others. I’d experienced that feeling during the war, in Doomed Valley, and while imprisoned by the ophidians, so I understood how they felt.
However, I loathed that they did so in a realm that had been a haven for them before the ghouls attacked and destroyed everything.
I’d hoped never to fight another battle again, but I doubted that would happen after what Ivan and the aristocrats did to Tempest. If I ever encountered the ghouls again, I’d happily carve those flesh-eating monsters to pieces.
Some of the anger the alcohol dulled came roaring back to life. My teeth ground back and forth as I climbed.
Being near Ellery right now probably wasn’t the best idea, but she was probably already asleep. I’d seen her sitting in the doorway earlier, but as I’d made my way to the tree house, I noticed the lantern remained on, and she’d vanished from the doorway.
She’d probably kept the lantern on for when I arrived. Tucker said the mattress was big enough for us to sleep comfortably on; doing so probably wasn’t my best decision, but I was a grown man and could control myself… even around her.
Reaching the top, I pulled myself through the hatch, grabbed the rope ladder, pulled it up, and settled it on the floor. After I finished, I closed and latched the door.
When I turned to survey the room, I discovered Ellery sitting in the doorway again. Her legs dangled over the edge, and her beautiful eyes were on me.
My breath sucked in, and blood flooded my cock as I drank in her beauty. I’d seen many beautiful women throughout my life and bedded my fair share of them, but none had stolen my breath like she did.
It was more than her outer beauty; it was also the splendor of her soul. She was strong, brave, and a fierce protector of those she loved.
During our time together, I’d gotten to know her well, and there wasn’t anything I didn’t like about her. Yes, she could be reckless and might get herself killed one day because of it, but only when it came to those she loved.
In the woods, she was methodical and ever aware of the danger lurking around us. When the incident with Mouse occurred, I was sure she had a death wish, but she wasn’t careless with her life or mine.
She didn’t have a death wish; she just had a giant heart. And while I knew that heart might get her killed and would most likely be broken many times, I admired her strong spirit and determination to keep those she loved safe.
She shouldn’t have to be afraid to go home, but she was. Other than losing someone she loved again, it seemed to be the only fear she harbored.
I didn’t only desire this woman; I also liked her. I had no time for entanglements and no ability to give her what she deserved… security, love, a family.
Even knowing that, I couldn’t stop staring at her as lust pulsed through me. Along with it came a craving for the peace she brought every time we touched. I could have consumed all the beer in Tempest tonight, and none of it would have given me an escape from the memories, the failures, and the perils to come the way she did.
I wanted more of it. I wanted her.
So much for being a grown man who can control yourself.
That past version of me was an optimistic fool. The one standing here, staring at her, knew the truth… I could never say no to her and had no control when we were close.
“I thought you’d gone to sleep,” I said.
She shrugged before shifting her attention to the sky. “I tried, but it’s so beautiful and peaceful here. I wasn’t ready for it to end yet.”
“And you feel safer here.”
She hesitated before replying, “Yes.”
My hands fisted as I stared at the dark tumble of her hair spilling down her back. I’d never seen her hair completely free before and itched to run my fingers through it. I craved to know what it would feel like spilling across my chest as she rode me.
With her untamed spirit, she would be a fantastic fuck.
I shook my head to rid it of the images flooding my mind. She was admitting to being too scared to go home, and I was picturing encircling her hair around my wrist and dragging her down to kiss me while I moved within her.
“I won’t let anything happen to you,” I vowed.
“Could you stop them if they came for me at night, or at any time, and threw me into one of those prison carriages?”