Page 31 of Deadly Maiden (Dragons and Darkthings #1)

Rorsyd

I climb into bed with Wyntre, and it’s as if it’s the first time, which illustrates how bizarre these past weeks have been. My survival in this relationship is balanced on the direction of a wind I cannot see. My shifting ability is unreliable.

For twenty years I had nothing.

Since I’ve been with her, it’s returned to me, fleeting, erratic.

A love for life returned to me then I threw it away.

I can’t know if I will have this in a day, a week, a month, but I am weak when I lose it. I let myself succumb to the lure of the drink and drowned myself.

I need to solve this. I have to or I will lose her.

“The bed is so small,” she grumbles sleepily as I crawl up from the foot of the bed then wriggle between her and the wall then pull her into me, spooning.

I kiss her bare back. She’s wearing only underwear, as am I.

This afternoon, I went looking for a place I could shift as well as to give the horses exercise. We rode Snake-eyes and Blossom out the south gate. Wyntre is tired, unused to riding.

“I’ll let you sleep. Don’t worry about rolling out of bed.” I wrap my arm over her, making sure she feels safe, that she can’t get away. Same, same, I convince myself.

“Mmm-kay,” she mutters then snuggles back into me, her ass almost inviting sex.

Her body heat and scent are enough to stir my cock.

I can wait.

Until morning.

She smooths her hand along my forearm, wriggles that ass again. I resist nibbling her neck, forming my hand around her breast, knowing it will lead to more. Then I wait, patiently, for her breathing to slow and become the rhythm of sleep. I close my eyes, and sigh. I am content. All I have to do, tomorrow, is convince her the world will survive if we stay away from this coming war.

That is all. Nothing much.

If only she weren’t so stubborn.

* Like us? *

I snort softly. Yeah. Like us.