Chapter 97 The Leaders
The Leaders
ONE MONTH LATER
Tovi and Eldrick raced through the hills of Drystan, their smiles as bright as the sun that shone overhead.
Four weeks had passed since they’d fulfilled the prophecy, and cold hadn’t ventured through Tovi’s homeland since. Summer lingered in the air, warm and spicy as wildflowers dotted the verdant grass.
Behind them, Drystan Castle stood tall and proud against the mountain it’d been built into.
Flecks inside the dark stone glistened. Amethyst banners lined the watchtowers, and dozens of twin flags flapped in the wind.
Wagons filled with rubble traveled from the top down the windy road to the village, construction on adding more windows for light well underway.
Tovi had promised the last time she stood in Drystan Village, the castle would be hers. She’d fulfilled that oath, along with so much more.
She’d abolished arranged marriages, naming the act after Lady Anastasia and her bravery.
Families who continued the archaic practice faced prison time.
Lords had grumbled when they’d heard the news, but no one seemed inclined to vex the queen when she’d helped break the curse, leading Drystan into a new era.
Female vampyrs arrived daily to Drystan Village, intent on finding their freedom.
Cas and Bran also reported many venturing to Sorin, excited to explore the continent.
Tovi dismounted from her horse near a gathering of trees. Ahead, the river roared to life as mountain snow melted, filling its banks with a chilly current.
“Where should we ride to next, my king?”
Eldrick snatched her waterskin, rolling his eyes. “I still haven’t agreed to the title, dove.”
“I didn’t ask, I bestowed.” She raised a brow.
Sweaty from an hour of riding, Eldrick’s fresh and spicy scent lingered heavier in the air. Tovi inhaled it as he stepped closer.
It’d been only four weeks, yet her mate thrived here.
He’d fallen into his duties with ease. Rebuilding the village.
Managing repairs and supplies needed throughout the kingdom.
He even met with those demanding an audience.
Sven, who’d moved back into the castle with Opal and the littles, had also commented on Eldrick’s naturalness amongst their kind.
The castle had warmed to him, and he’d become a whispered name amongst vampyrs.
To Tovi’s delight, Drystan's silk suited his muscular frame, too.
“Must I heed to all my queens commands?” Eldrick asked, delight gleaming in his eyes.
Tovi reached out and traced his sharp jaw. “Not all of them, but this one . . .”
“. . . really means something to you,” he finished with a sigh. “I could simply be your consort or a prince even. I don’t need a title, Tovi.”
“You deserve it, Eldrick,” she said, counting the rivets in his eyes. She placed a hand on his chest. “We’re equals in this.”
Eldrick softened at her words. “I know, dove.”
Tovi’s heart skipped a beat at the nickname. She wasn’t sure she’d ever tire of hearing it, not when fate and the prophecy had brought them together. Restoring her kingdom was one thing, but having Eldrick at her side made it all the more magnificent.
Eldrick stepped closer, thrusting the waterskin into the grass. He threaded loose strands of Tovi’s hair through his fingers, studying her lips. “You look happy.”
“I am,” she whispered.
Eldrick placed two fingers under her chin and tilted her head up. He placed his lips against hers, and soon their sweet sighs turned into hunger. Their hands explored. A grumble rumbled through Eldrick’s chest. Tovi released a satisfied hiss. Clothes came off. Their boots thudded to the ground.
Tucked behind a tree, Tovi and Eldrick fell to the soft plush grass and entangled their naked limbs as they enjoyed one another. The sun beat across Tovi’s back, ignited the spark in Eldrick’s gem eyes, and warmed them both.
Eldrick’s kiss screamed his devotion. His fingers found her pleasure, drawing unabashed gasps from Tovi that rang with the songbirds.
Warm and ready, Tovi straddled Eldrick and sank onto his length in one swift motion, and Eldrick groaned as he stared up at her. Tovi rocked her hips, relishing the feel of him inside her and chasing the glorious friction. Their bodies buzzed as the thread between their souls awakened.
Eldrick peppered kisses across her collarbone and up the slope of her neck. His hold on her waist tightened, and he encouraged her to quicken her speed. One hand dipped where their bodies joined, finding Tovi’s bundle of nerves.
Her breaths came out more like whimpers. She whispered his name. Lay her forehead against his. The surrounding land flourished like their love, and Tovi’s fangs released.
They’d not yet completed their bond, and Eldrick’s eyes widened. She felt his length twitch. The tightening of his hands, and the scent of need perfuming the air.
This, in the land they saved. Under the sun. Without a worry clinging to either of them.
Tovi lowered closer to his throat, running her fangs up the slope of his neck. Eldrick entangled his fingers in her hair, encouraging her descent. Tovi’s baser instinct to feed rose in one mighty wave.
She lapped her tongue over the perfect spot and sank her fangs into Eldrick.
Euphoria rushed to her core. Sweet basil and spearmint coated her tongue. Tovi rocked her hips as she drank, feeding from her mate. Eldrick growled, and his wolfish claws sprouted from his fingertips and dug into her flesh.
“I love you,” he whispered into her ear, words ragged.
A sacred rawness pulsed between them, tugging the thread between their hearts closer and closer—
Tovi burst into a thousand pieces. Eldrick unraveled beneath her.
Their mating bond pulled insatiably taut, weaving with their past, present and future. The thread burned a magnificent green, pulsing with everything they’d endured together. It vibrated with strength, enough to withstand the test of time.
Entangled in one another’s arms, Tovi and Eldrick didn’t move from their spot in the hills. Fireflies dotted the grass, and the peaceful evening descended across the land.
Tovi traced her fingers across Eldrick’s chest. “We’ll need to discuss tonics now. Conceiving is far more likely between a mated couple.”
He stared down at her. “I’m already taking a tonic.”
She reared up, resting on her forearms. “For how long?”
Eldrick shrugged. “Since I was fourteen or fifteen. Its custom for werewolves to start taking one during their teens. It’s a daily practice.”
“Females and males? Can you somehow bring that custom into Drystan?”
Eldrick snorted. “If my queen commands it. Do you still want children?”
After everything, he seemed to say, but refrained.
Tovi nodded. “I want to build a family, with you.”
“Then why the discussions of tonics?” A wry smile played on his lips.
“Because all of this is new, even us.” Tovi shook her head. “You are also very young compared to me.”
“We don’t need to wait on my account.” Eldrick tucked hair behind her ear. “If you’re ready, I’m ready. I swear, Tovi, we can venture any journey together.”
Tovi’s heart hammered in her chest. She’d come so far, and the future before held so much promise, she refused to hold back on the possibilities. “No tonics then?”
Eldrick’s face split into a wide-brimmed smile. “No tonics.”
Tovi and Eldrick returned to the castle and enjoyed dinner with their family.
Sven and Opal pried on where they’d disappeared to.
Brynn and Juni giggled as servants tried to serve them.
Cas and Bran arrived late, per usual, but with the best wine.
A warm breeze escaped through the open windows of the dining room, snaking around Tovi’s ankles.
It was like the land gave her a parting hug, reminding her of what she’d achieved.