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“That makes you nervous?”

How does he always know these things?“Uh, no,” she said, aloud.

The corner of his mouth curled up. “Why?” he asked. She dunked the sponge again and slid it down his chest and across his abdomen. He caught her wrist before she could venture further. “You’re trying to distract me.”

“Fine.” She dropped the sponge in the water and curled her arms around his neck and rested her cheek on the crown of his head. His hair faintly smelled of lemon. “The thought of introducing you to Aunt Evalyn makes me nervous because you’re the Black Mage.”

“And not the noble High King,” Hel murmured.

“I’m sure she knows that’s over. It’s just convincing her that you’re not a terrifying, frightening villain… will be difficult.”

“But I am a frightening villain.”

She giggled and leaned down to kiss his damp cheek. “Not to me. Let’s plan to have you meet Aunt Evalyn in the next few days.” It had to be done some time, the sooner the better.

Her hair fell forward, and the ends dipped into the tub. Hel caught a lock of it between his fingers. “Why aren’t you in here with me yet?”

“Because I’m still dressed.”

“I know, it’s rather disappointing.”

She pulled away from him and went into the other room. “Where are you going?” he called after her.

Her weapons belt hung on the wall. She only needed the small knife. Pulling it from the sheath she set it on the bed then stripped her clothes. When she entered the bathing chambers again, Hel sat up straighter and his gaze trailed down her body,lingering a little longer on her breasts then on the knife in her hand.

“I’m slightly confused but strangely intrigued,” he said with a smirk. “New foreplay idea? Or perhaps my mate wishes to try to kill me again. You do have a temper.”

Biting her lower lip, she stepped behind him and pressed the dagger’s blade to his throat. Then she grabbed his hair and pulled his head back. He was completely vulnerable and in her hands. “Does it turn you on?”

“Fuck,” he hissed and gripped the sides of the tub. “I’m a little frightened of you sometimes, and I love it.”

She pulled the blade away. His eyes sparkled with curiosity as she climbed into the tub with him. The hot water rose around her hips, and she leaned forward, kissing him, sliding her tongue against his. He gripped her hips and jerked her onto his lap. The kisses continued hot and wet until she pulled back and she slid the tip of the blade carefully across the top swell of her breast and cut open about an inch. Blood started to seep, and his dark eyes fell to the crimson staining her flesh. If she had to make taking her blood more appealing, so be it.

He let out a low growl, pressing his thumb to her mouth and tugging on her lower lip. “Gods, you truly are my undoing.” Slowly, he lowered his mouth to drag his tongue over the blood. He closed his eyes, letting out a low hum of delight. Then he began sucking on it and Valeen arched her back, quietly gasping. Sensual magic seemed to be in his tongue as it swept over her skin. She wrapped her arms around the back of his neck and let him pull her onto his lap. He suddenly stood up, and she hooked her legs around his hips. Dripping wet, he carried her into the bedroom and to the oversized armchair. “I’ve been thinking about having you on this chair for days.”

She pulled his lips to hers. “Days? Why wait?”

“I have a list. This was only one of them.” Cupping her behind with one hand, he used the other to push a lock of wet hair off her forehead.

“Where else?”

“Remember that flat by the waterfall where you tried to push me to my death? And in your chariot while Starborn and Night fly us through the night sky.”

“I remember. And I don’t have… Starborn or Night or my chariot anymore.” For a moment she let herself wonder what happened to her winged horses. Were they lost to the stars? Were they roaming the green hills in her old territory?

“You will. We’ll find them.” His lips roamed hungrily over her throat until he set her on her knees in the chair. “Now be a good girl and turn around for me.” Heat pooled between her thighs, and she whimpered as she turned and gripped the back of the headrest. “That’s it. For once you do what you’re told.” He nipped her neck, and she closed her eyes. Arguing was the last thing she had in mind at the moment. His calloused fingers pushed her hair aside, and her breath caught as he kissed down her spine. Never had she wanted anything more than him, than this. He took her breasts in his hands and pulled her back flush against his front. “Do you want me, love?”

“Yes,” she breathed.

He pushed her knees further apart. “I didn’t hear you.”

“Yes, I want you Hel,” she panted.

“Good because I will always want more of you,” he whispered.

Lyingon the balcony of Thane’s old bedroom next to her own gave the perfect view for the winking stars above Valeen. Thesoft silk nightgown she wore fit snugly against her and was perfect for the warm night. There were many nights she spent just like this at her old home, watching the stars on a blanket of sheepskin. The moon was half-full and partially covered by dark clouds. Crickets chirped in the bushes below, and the murmur of soft voices drifted up from the guards on patrol. Thane had doubled them the day after the attack.

Most of the past few days Katana and Valeen helped Presco get his study back into order and tried to save as many of the books as possible. His desk was in shambles and pages scattered all over. After the initial cleanup it took them days to sort out which pages went to which books. But they used the time to talk about what she could use as an anchor for the magical shield to protect Palenor. What happened to House of Night couldn’t happen here, and none of them wanted more random attacks. The last one almost killed Presco and hurt Katana and her friends. Thank the All Mother no one died.