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His eyes were a steady silver, but there was pity in them as well. “How can you be so ignorant of what’s happening to you?”

Fury ignited at the sore spot he’d just pressed. “Look, anything I know I’ve gotten from scrolls. Do you know how many scrolls there are covering succubus history? Like three.”

His voice was much gentler when he spoke again. “Scrolls?”

A soft feeling of irritation mixed with sorrow filled her. “When my mother met my father, it was a setup by our clan. They wanted her to drain his riches dry, just as my grandmother had done to my grandfather from the Southern Elven Kingdom. They didn’t expect for her to fall in love or choose him over their desires, but she did. As such, she, along with her progeny, is banned from lands held by any succubus.”

His nose flared, and his chest expanded. “No one should have to live without the chance to know where they came from.”

She shrugged, “I went 26 years with no need to know much about it. If I would’ve never met you, I’m sure I could’ve gone the rest of my life.”

He reeled her back into his arms, a small crooked smile tugging at the corner of his lips, and she knew he saw through the lie she’d offered.

Of course, she craved to know the truth behind her succubus’ side. She despised being ignorant over such a huge part of her life. But there was nothing she could do other than take it one day at a time and confront any hazards that came along the way.

His eyes pulsed red as he leaned down to capture her lips in a soft kiss.

She didn’t have it in her to fight this, to fight him.

When he pulled back, his eyes raked all over her face. “If we are baring our souls here, I suppose I should tell you that this isn’t a one sided dilemma. When you tried to mark me, it sent my dragon wild. The only thing stopping me from sinking my fangs into your neck is that you’re healthy, strong, and that we’re alone.”

She bit her lip. “What does that mean?”

“I can’t leave. My dragon is stuck, hovering too close to the surface, but I have an idea.”

“Which is?”

“He might eventually calm down. In the meantime, you just come to see me whenever you need to fill up. You could continue living your life in a sort of ordinary way. We don’t even have to have sex if you find someone to actually love out there. Before I locked myself away, I found I could transfer my energy through touch.” A thrill of his energy seeped into her with a simple swipe of his finger over her arm.

Confusion threaded through every fiber of Rowan’s being. “You speak as if you’re planning on staying here for a long time.”

He didn’t answer, but his eyes were still flickering between red and silver.

Anger bubbled in her throat.

“The world without the Dragon King?” She demanded. “When the shifters need you the most?”

He chuckled, though she could feel it held no amusement. He was seething. “Now, now, little elf, as great of a beast as I am, the world would continue spinning. My heir can take on my duties with the backing of my generals. I only regret that I won’t be able to take care of Antoni Barros. I planned on doubling what he took from you.” His finger stroked the edge of her eyepatch.

“No.” She whispered.

“Princess Rowan.”

Irritation swelled through her at the obvious ploy to put distance between them. She reached down and grasped his warm, pulsinglength. “You ever call me Princess Rowan again and I’ll make your dick my personal chew toy.”

His nose flared, but it seemed she had his attention. She relaxed her grip and, before letting it go, she gave the straining piece of his body a soft brush with her finger. Hunger once again burned hot in her veins.

She took a step back to cool her head. “This wouldn’t be your home. This would be your prison.” Her chin rose in defiance. “I couldn’t just leave knowing that I could simply assure your freedom.”

“This is anything but simple, Rowan. Assuring my freedom takes yours away.” He tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. “I’ve lived a long life. There’s very little I haven’t done or accomplished. You have yet to experience anything real. You've been busy hiding in the shadows because of the Coven. You deserve to flourish.”

It might not be simple for him. But to Rowan, her freedom included the stubborn man. She still hadn't gone toe to toe with him. She had years before she would be strong enough to even dream about challenging him to a proper duel. And her bluster about the feeding frenzy? That was a straight lie. She would rather face demon poison again than go through that hell once more. Terra asked her to listen to her succubus, and her succubus was screaming in her head

Take. Take. Take.

As frantic as she has been in that bathtub. But with her recouped strength Rowan had a choice.

“Let me flourish with you by my side!” She hissed and exposed her neck. “Come on, sink your teeth in.”