Chapter 24
AUREN
Icannot sleep. Lying on my back, I stare up at the faint curve of canvas above us while my pulse refuses to settle.
She’s turned away from me, and we’re no longer touching, but it matters not, because I can still feel the lingering heat of her body against mine as I held her, and the warmth of her breath that has not yet faded from my lips.
Closing my eyes, I try to sleep, but it’s useless as my mind keeps recalling the moment she surged toward me, pressing her mouth to mine.
When I entered the tent, there was fear in her eyes. And despite her anger when I asked about the knife, I could see her worry for me, even before she said the words aloud, followed by her relief that I’d returned.
A smile tugs at my lips. My mate is brave. She was coming to save me.
And when she saw I was well, it unleashed something inside her. She kissed me as though she worried I might vanish.
Hope unfurls deep within. The kiss was her choice. She is the one who reached for me, and I am both in awe and humbled.
I’ve seen humans kiss, and I’ll admit I’ve been curious about it. I’ve imagined tasting her mouth more times than I care to admit. But I did not expect the warmth or the way she leaned closer, as though she could not help herself… the sweet scent of her arousal thick in the air.
A low purring sound vibrates in my chest before I can stop it, and I turn my head slightly toward her.
Moonlight filters through a seam in the canvas, tracing the elegant line of her shoulder beneath the blanket. Her hair is a dark cascade across the furs, catching silver where the light touches it.
She lies very still. Her breathing is careful and measured, and I know she’s awake.
I long to pull her into my arms again, to slide my hands along her waist, to press my mouth to hers…
Gods help me, I want her more than I’ve ever wanted anything before.
Something dark and primal stirs deep within. It wants to gather her close. To roll her beneath me. To sink my fangs into the curve of her neck and shoulder, giving her my claiming mark so that any male who sees her will know that she is mine.
Mine. The word moves through my veins like fire, but I push it back down.
She chose me tonight. And even though she called it a mistake, I could see the truth in her eyes and smell it on her skin. She cares for me. More than she wants to admit.
I will prove myself to her. I’ll win her heart. Just as she has already won mine.
Dawn seeps slowly into the tent, pale light spilling through the canvas and turning the world soft and gray.
Vivienne is still asleep, nestled against me, her head resting on my shoulder and her hand on my chest. As much as I’d love to stay like this, if I am to prove myself a good husband, that means taking care of her needs.
And when she awakens, she’ll need her tea and breakfast.
Carefully, I untangle myself from my lovely wife and then rise from the bed. I tuck the blanket and furs around her, to make sure she’s warm. I brush a stray curl from her face and press a tender kiss to her forehead.
Pulling a tunic over my head, I exit the tent and head for Thalric, sitting next to the fire. “Good morning.” I smile. “Shall we make breakfast for our mates?”
“Mates?” He arches a skeptical brow as he darts a glance at Vivienne. “You seem awfully confident in that word.”
I chuckle at his teasing. “Come, my friend. Let’s prepare breakfast before they wake up and Vivienne finds new reasons to scold me.”
Thalric huffs out a laugh and then proceeds to stoke the fire back into a roaring flame, while I lay out a spread of cooked meats, cheese, bread, and fruit.
“Thank you,” Thalric says. “We appreciate all you’ve done for us.”
“I must thank you as well.” I grin. “Vivienne insisted I sleep in the tent with her last night.”
Thalric blinks at me in surprise.
“She even rolled into me in her sleep. Snuggled, actually.” A wistful sigh escapes me as I remember how she lay against me all night.
“She trusts me to protect her now.” I gaze at my still sleeping bride.
“She’ll love me soon,” I murmur, thinking of the heat of our kiss. “I’m quite confident of it.”
“You’re a glutton for punishment, my friend,” Thalric teases.
I bite back a grin. “No, I’m just persistent.”
Thalric snorts.
He’s a rather agreeable male. I’d always heard Gargoyles were stoic.
And he is, but he’s also quite friendly as well.
It would be nice to stay with him and his human mate a bit longer.
Especially through these woods where one can occasionally come across Ogres.
Perhaps we can travel together for a bit.
“Which way are you traveling?” I ask. “We’re headed east. Perhaps we could stay together for a while.”
“We’re going west.”
He appears just as disappointed as I am by this news. And even though I don’t know the full story of why they’re here, I know from their lack of supplies that whatever led to their current state was something they weren’t prepared for.
I walk to my pack and remove one of my leather satchels of supplies. It has extra food and gold coins. I hand it to Thalric. “For your journey. I hope it’s enough.”
He stares at me in shock for a moment before replying, “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
I clap a hand on his shoulder. “Of course.”
Making a quick cup of tea, I return to my tent to awaken Vivienne. I’ve learned enough in our time together to know that she enjoys tea with her meals, especially breakfast.
Kneeling beside her, I study her a moment. She looks so beautiful and peaceful, I hate to wake her, but we have far to travel today. I rest a hand over hers and squeeze it gently. “Vivienne?” I murmur. “Wake up, my dear wife. I’ve brought you some tea.”
Her eyelids flutter and open and as soon as her gaze lands upon my smiling face, she does her best to feign a scowl, but I know her well enough now to see through it.
She’s beginning to soften toward me. Even if she’s not quite ready to admit it yet.
After breakfast, I help Thalric pack the supplies I gave them. He turns to me. “I cannot thank you enough, Auren,” he says solemnly. “I will never forget this kindness you have done for us.”
“I’m glad to do it.” I gesture to Aurora, standing off to the side. She’s saying goodbye to Vivienne. “Take good care of your mate.”
He glances at my bride, and a hint of a grin crests his lips. “I believe your mate can handle herself, but I wish you luck all the same.” He arches a brow. “I think you’re going to need it, my friend.”
I chuckle. “Safe journey, my friend.”
“To you as well,” he replies.
As soon as they’re gone, Vivienne turns to me. “Do you think they’ll be alright?”
I tilt my head to the side to regard her. “I thought you’d be happy to see them leave, seeing as how you thought they’d cut our throats in our sleep.”
“I was being cautious.” She purses her mouth. “You are far too trusting, and I was merely advising you to be careful.”
My lips twitch. “Because you care about your dear husband?”
She narrows her eyes and then turns toward Vaelen. “Let’s go.”
“As you wish, my darling wife,” I reply, biting back a smile.
I help her onto Vaelen’s back and then settle behind her.
Vaelen surges forward, the steady rhythm of his stride drawing her body gradually closer to mine despite her pride.
I feel it in the subtle way she leans into me when the path dips, and the way her back rests more fully against my chest when the trees close in around us.
The sun is beginning to set by the time we reach an inn at the edge of the woods. Vivienne perks up as we approach. “Thank the gods,” she murmurs under her breath. “We’ll have a real bed and bath this evening.”
I dismount and help her down. Her hands settle briefly at my shoulders for balance before she withdraws them.
Her braid has loosened in the wind, strands brushing her cheeks.
It’s been a long day of travel. I know how much she detests sleeping in the tent, so I’m hoping she’ll be able to rest more comfortably tonight.
And perhaps she’ll even allow me to share the bed with her. My heart swells. Maybe she’ll even grant me another kiss. The mere memory of her lips upon mine makes my fangs extend.
Swallowing hard, I push these thoughts aside as we enter the inn.
Inside, the common room is thick with bodies and a cacophony of sound. Tankards slam against wood as laughter erupts from a crowded table. The air is heavy with ale and sweat and too many people in too small a space.
When I request a private room, the innkeeper offers a regretful shake of his head.
“I’m sorry, but there’s not one left. Storm’s coming in from the west. Travelers have been pouring in since midday.
” He jerks his chin toward a narrow stairway at the back.
“There’s space in the loft, with several blankets on the floor, but you’ll have to share the room with the others. ”
The thought makes my skin crawl, but I know how much Vivienne dislikes sleeping outdoors. Instead of answering him right away, I turn back to her. “What do you want to do?”
She stands very still, gaze sweeping the room with quiet calculation. Several men stare at her, their eyes lingering on her form. Subtly, she moves closer and presses into my side, instinctively seeking safety.
Fierce protectiveness surges through me, and I wrap my arm around her waist, tugging her even closer. A low growl vibrates deep in my chest as I glare back at the men ogling her. “They won’t touch you.”
“I know,” she whispers, but she doesn’t move away. “I’d rather camp.”
I’m surprised. “Are you certain? There’s a storm coming.”
Vivienne nods. “I prefer it to be just us.”
Just us. Pride settles in my chest. She feels safer with me.
I incline my head. “Very well.”
We leave without further negotiation.