Page 31

CHAPTER 31

‘I know you don’t want to go, but I promise it’ll be worth it,’ Remi said to Innes as she braided her hair.

‘So you keep saying.’ Innes sighed, but even she could feel the smile trying to break free.

Since telling Remi of her heritage, there had been a new level of freedom in how they spoke to each other, a level of ease Innes had never known to exist.

It was thrilling and terrifying in equal measures.

‘And I’ll keep saying it until you listen.

The full moon is tomorrow night, when are we going to get this chance again?

’

Innes glared at her in the mirror, her pout dramatic.

‘The party’s on the roof of the palace, so it’s not like you’ll be parading around town.

It’ll just be the warriors and Myrra, and you already know you can trust them.

’ Remi’s voice cracked on the last word and the levity Innes had been feeling fell away.

‘It’ll be fun,’ Remi continued, softer, fingers working.

‘Fine.’ The gentle pull on her head was heavenly, and Innes blamed how relaxed it made her for agreeing so easily.

If she closed her eyes she could nearly pretend they were a normal couple, in the early phases of getting to know one another.

It was nice.

More than nice, if she was being honest.

‘Done,’ the warrior said.

She’d plaited two long braids down her back, the curl of Innes’ hair adding so much volume it looked wild, sexy.

A blush crept over her cheeks.

‘Thank you.’

Remi nodded, tugging a curl of hair free near her face, and smiled.

‘It’s my pleasure.

’

Innes met her eyes in the mirror, tension crackling through their bond.

She hadn’t known something this simple could feel so monumental.

She wanted to recite poetry to Remi, bequeath her with wreaths that fostered good health and prosperity.

She would have been disgusted with herself had it not felt so good.

Remi smiled, mischievous and beautiful.

‘We’re going to be late.

’ She pulled Innes to her feet.

Innes unconsciously stepped closer, smelling jasmine on the warrior’s collarbone.

She breathed deeply and Remi brought her head down, drawing Innes’ face up to meet her own with a gentle finger.

Their breath mingled, and goosebumps broke out along her spine.

They hadn’t discussed the kiss the other day.

Or what would happen when she returned to Telorne.

They needed to, but she didn’t want to break the spell – not yet.

She closed her eyes.

‘We should go or I’m not going to come.

’

‘Trust me, you’re going to come.

’ Remi’s eyes glinted with mirth and Innes laughed, unsure if the warrior was being hyperbolic.

She didn’t let herself think of the alternative, not when desire was already wreaking havoc on her self-control.

Remi nodded to attendants as they made their way through the palace and up a winding set of stairs, until they came out onto the rooftop balcony.

Four giant trees enclosed the corners of the sweeping floor, and firelights were roped between them, swaying in the evening breeze.

The light of the moon cast the ocean in liquid silver, and the crash of waves mingled with the sounds of music.

Shouts erupted when they were spotted.

Innes froze, her feet dragging at the shock but Remi pulled her forwards with a grin.

A wine glass was handed to her and she grasped the stem, as if it would anchor her against the feeling of overwhelm.

Meeting her twinsoul was one thing, but being thrust into the inner circle of the Vettonian Warriors was another.

She hadn’t spent extended time with anyone but her grandmother and Briony in years.

It didn’t matter if Remi swore on the warriors’ trustworthiness, she couldn’t help the tic in her brain that made her glance over her shoulder, petrified someone was about to turn her in.

A glass clinked and she looked to Kella, who corralled the group into a hush.

The captain raised her glass, her gaze on Remi.

‘We may have brought you here under false pretences, Remi. While some of us are leaving for the border tomorrow—’ A wave of shouts erupted, only to die down when Kella cast a glare.

‘We also wanted to celebrate you. Never in a million years would we have thought our very own Remi would find her twinsoul. I think I speak for all of us when I say that while we’re shocked and a little bit jealous, we’re also unbelievably happy for you.

You deserve the world, Remi, and it is our honour to stand by you through this next chapter.

Guided by Ever, grounded by valour.

If one calls, we all follow.

Until the Ending takes us.

We love you.

To Remi and Innes!

’

The warriors all raised their glasses and echoed Kella’s words, laughter breaking out as people came over and hugged Remi.

Innes forced herself to smile but stepped away before she could be pulled into the embrace, her heart stuttering as she processed Kella’s words.

Just because they knew about her didn’t mean she needed to run.

Remi trusted them, and she trusted Remi, right?

Her twinsoul wouldn’t have put her in a position that resulted in her Ending.

She just needed to calm down and take a second to acknowledge this new normal.

This strange, unforeseen new normal.

‘If you hurt her, you’ll have the weight of the Vettonian Warriors on your back,’ Kella said, coming to stand beside her.

Innes turned and stared at the captain.

Despite her hard tone, Kella seemed relaxed amid the chaos.

‘We will close ranks around her before she gets hurt again.’

Innes swallowed, fighting the urge to flee, and forced herself to hold Kella’s gaze, feeling the weight of her next words carefully.

‘I would ask nothing less.’

Kella gave a sharp nod, then pushed herself off and strode into the fray, swaying in time with the music.

Innes loosened a sigh and took a swig of her wine, stepping back to lean against the stone.

One more day.

She could deal with this for one more day.

‘Did she scare the shit out of you?’ Myrra asked as she came to stand next to Innes.

They stood side by side, looking at the fray.

‘She did. In fairness, I would have done the same if it were my cousin.’

‘Remi mentioned she’s pregnant.

Did you scare the shit out of him?

’ Myrra asked, taking a sip of her wine.

Innes chuckled, remembering back to when Briony told them she was pregnant.

‘No, I’ve definitely scared off one-night stands, but I’ve never met the father.

It’s not really tradition among witches.

’ The word got stuck on her tongue, but she forced herself to continue speaking.

‘When a witchling wants to be born, it’s written in the Ever.

The father is inconsequential once the witch accepts her fate as Mother.

Few men choose to move to Telorne.

’

‘That sounds familiar; I have no idea who my father is,’ Myrra said.

‘I sat Remi down when I heard she and Elva were dating though.’

Innes was surprised at the laugh that spouted from her lips at the thought.

‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up—’

Innes waved off Myrra’s apology and took another sip.

She’d never expected Remi or her friends to pretend she hadn’t had a life before they met.

Hell, she had her own past they were sure to talk about at some point.

‘Honestly, I would have liked to see that.’

Myrra smirked and they both looked towards the unfurling party.

Remi wrestled with a bottle and when the cork popped, honey-coloured liquid fizzed out, spraying the two women closest, a mayhem of warriors.

‘I’m not used to being surrounded by this many people, let alone this many people who know the ins and outs of each other’s lives.

’

‘Once you get to know everyone it’ll feel less chaotic,’ Myrra said as Kella lined up a row of shots, then set them all on fire.

Innes turned, resting her forearms on stone as she looked out over the ocean, noting the size of the moon.

The countdown in the back of her mind grew stronger.

‘You promise?’

Myrra smiled and nodded.

‘I promise.’

‘Why haven’t you turned me over?

’ The question burst forth before she could stop it, and she winced as Myrra turned her flinty green gaze on her.

Aeons passed before Myrra spoke.

‘If one calls we all follow, until the Ending takes us.’

‘There you are!’ Remi’s arms snaked around her waist and Innes melted into the warrior’s touch without conscious thought.

Her body warmed and a sigh of contentment built on her tongue.

If she’d known pretending house would mean this, she would have ignored her hesitation weeks ago.

‘Sorry, Myr, I know this is over the top but I promise not to vomit when it happens to you!’

Myrra rolled her eyes good-naturedly and pushed herself off the railing, raising her glass in a salute before turning to Innes, a genuine smile on her face.

‘I’m excited to get to know you, Innes.

Congratulations to you both.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go and spew.

’

Myrra’s laughter faded as she disappeared into the crowd.

The breeze picked up on the rooftop, and Innes leaned further into Remi’s arms.

‘Are you having fun?’ Remi’s breath was warm where the ocean breeze was cool, and tingles broke out along her neck.

‘It could be worse.’

Remi’s chest vibrated in quiet laughter.

‘I’m sorry they made a fuss.

’

Innes sighed, allowing herself to relax back into the warmth of the woman behind her.

Maybe it was the wine, maybe it was because she was surrounded by people who knew what she was and didn’t seem to care, but the tightness in her chest mellowed.

‘It’s a lot to be surrounded by people,’ she said, her voice quiet against Remi’s neck.

‘I know.’

‘I’m not used to any of this.

’

The bond shimmered between them and Remi turned Innes so they were standing face to face.

Then the warrior dipped her chin and drew her into a featherlight kiss.

The bond went effervescent, shooting stars ricocheted between them, a never-ending galaxy.

Innes’ knees felt like they might give out, and she wrapped a hand around Remi’s waist to anchor herself, grazing her teeth over her bottom lip.

More sparks shot through their bond, filling her senses until all she could do was think and touch and breathe Remi.

Innes’ hand travelled down, skirting over her lower back and the warrior groaned, pulling her closer, her tongue moving in slow strokes, gentle and teasing.

Remi ran her fingers through Innes’ hair and trailed them down to cup her chin, tilting her head back slightly so she could have better access to graze her teeth over her neck, and nipped.

Innes shuddered and pressed their bodies closer in a tangle of limbs and heat.

Every touch echoed in her soul.

She was consumed, unable to separate where she ended and Remi began.

Shouts broke the spell, and Remi pulled away, cursing as the warriors behind them whooped in glee at their show.

Innes tried to quiet the thrum of her heartbeat and took a step back.

As soon as their contact broke she felt cold, and the yearning to be near again nearly left her winded.

‘Let’s get out of here,’ Remi said, stepping closer to rest a hand on her lower back.

She bit back a groan as warmth immediately flooded her system at the touch.

She stepped away again, shaking her head.

‘No, no this is your party. We should stay.’

Remi grabbed her hand, halting her backwards movement.

‘I see these idiots every day. It’s you who I want to spend time with, Innes.

’

Her breath caught and she gazed at Remi, unwilling to believe the woman before her was real.

How is any of this real?

‘I need you to know that I am very close to losing all semblance of rational thought, and if we leave—’

‘I know,’ Remi said.

Their eyes locked and the world around them ceased.

Just them.

Just us.

‘We’ve been drinking,’ she said lamely as Remi moved closer.

‘I’ve had one glass.

I’m not even tipsy, but if you—’

Innes shook her head, another excuse tumbling from her lips.

‘We haven’t talked about what this would mean.

’

‘It can mean whatever we want it to.’

Innes didn’t know if she spoke or just thought the next words: I want you.

Remi’s laugh tickled her neck and through the bond she sensed just how much Remi yearned for her in return.

The throb between her legs intensified, and her breath came in shallow pants.

She’d never wanted anyone this much in her life.

The warriors had returned to their conversations, and from the shadow of their position in the corner she didn’t think anyone was watching as Remi threaded her fingers through her own and dragged her slowly away from the party.

They slipped into one of the inner hallways, their movements fumbling and slow.

As soon as they opened the door to Remi’s quarters, Remi pulled her through the door and Innes’ back hit the stone wall.

The dampener she’d been forcing over her lust shattered, flooding their bond with rampant desire.

She moaned and tilted her head back as Remi nipped her.

Her fingers pulled the warrior’s body hard against her own, their chests rising in time with one another.

Remi trailed a hand over Innes’ left nipple, and she gasped at the contact.

Remi chuckled and repeated the motion, pinching just hard enough for her to feel a pool of wet heat between her legs.

She wanted her dress gone, but didn’t have the patience to pull it off.

She ground against Remi, pulling the woman closer still so she could get even a fraction of friction between her legs.

Remi’s hands travelled down from her nipple and she shuddered, then her fingers brushed against her clit, and Innes godsdamn whimpered.

Remi paused, her breath hot against Innes’ lips.

She opened her eyes to find the warrior staring at her.

She didn’t know who or what flooded the bond, but it was all she could do to not gasp at the thrum of need.

She brought her lips to Remi’s and kissed deeply, nodding with approval as Remi stroked her fingers over the fabric of her dress.

Innes panted, beckoning and hungry.

Remi’s eyes shone back at her, lips parted, a gentle blush heating her cheeks.

Without breaking eye contact, Remi lifted the hem of her dress and brought her hand to the apex of Innes’ thighs, her fingers grazing her clit so gently she wanted to combust.

A smile curled at the corner of Remi’s lips, and Innes dropped her head back to rest on the wall, expression heavy with invitation.

Fire sparked in Remi’s eyes, and she slowly stroked her fully.

Innes groaned, couldn’t help but buck her hips as pleasure rocked through her core, hot and sharp and everywhere.

She needed more, so she hitched one leg up, inviting Remi in further.

Remi’s movements increased, stroking and thrusting, stoking the inferno inside of her.

Their lips met in a crush and she groaned, the heat in her core building until beads of sweat dotted her brow, and when Remi brought her face down to lick her jaw, the muscles inside of her clenched with desire.

Remi increased her pace, and she wasn’t going to – couldn’t – oh, fuck.

The wave of pleasure crested and crashed, sending Innes hurtling over its edge and into oblivion.

Shockwaves of her orgasm rippled through her body, her core tightening with each wave.

She moaned Remi’s name, unable to think of anything else.

The warrior brought her lips to Innes’ own and kissed her, their tongues twining in a glorious mess, their breath short and shallow, in sync.

Innes smiled against her lips, thoughts sluggish as reality began to slowly seep back in.

Her body was loose and warm, and felt so perfect she never wanted the sensations to end.

Amusement shone in her eyes when she realised that tonight, they didn’t have to.

She brought her leg down and pushed them off the wall until the back of Remi’s knees hit the edge of the bed and they toppled onto the mattress.

Innes braced her bodyweight with one arm and smiled at the woman beneath her.

‘You’re gorgeous,’ she said, trailing a series of kisses along her jawline.

Remi breathed a quiet laugh and brought Innes’ face back to hers.

‘It takes one,’ Remi said, as she nipped her way up Innes’ neck to the tender spot behind her earlobe, ‘to know one.’

Innes pulled away, silencing Remi’s protests with a look as she lifted the dress above her head, revealing her smooth, ink-speckled skin beneath.

Remi’s eyes widened as she took her in, and the pulse in their bond went quiet, tender.

Remi’s hands grazed her exposed flesh, lingering on the inky dots marking her arms and chest.

She had expected to feel shy, to feel vulnerable with her heritage on display so obviously, but she felt calm.

She was meant to be here.

Remi sat up and slowly lifted her own shirt off, huffing quietly when the lacing got caught on her long hair.

Innes gently pulled the ties out, until she too was finally naked.

Where Innes was all curl and bounce, Remi was lean and athletic, tight muscles rippling across her arms and abs.

Innes wanted to lick every delicious curve of muscle roping her body – there wasn’t enough time in the world to satisfy her hunger.

She pushed Remi back against the bed and kissed her, tongue dancing across her lips, until she slowly traced a kiss down her jaw, her neck, collarbone and breast.

She kissed the tattoo on Remi’s arm, then licked her nipple, smiling when Remi let out a hiss of pleasure.

Further she trailed a line of kisses, until she was finally perched between Remi’s legs.

She met the warrior’s eyes with a question written on her expression, and when Remi met her gaze and nodded, she slowly lowered her face to the apex of her thighs and nestled into the soft folds, drawing a long, smooth line with her tongue.

Remi gasped, her hips bucking until Innes placed a hand on her abdomen to keep her still.

She tasted amazing, like brine and something else, something that was both familiar and new and endlessly intoxicating.

She licked again, savouring the taste, unable to help a low growl escaping.

Remi groaned and ran a hand through her hair, the other holding onto the headboard.

She paused her movements, bringing one hand forwards to lick her own fingers while holding Remi’s gaze.

Remi gasped at the sight and nodded when Innes motioned what she wanted to do.

‘Yes, oh, gods, yes.’

Innes hid her smile in a gentle kiss, and then pulled back to let her fingers work small circles, teasing her until Remi couldn’t take it any longer.

‘More,’ she gasped, pushing herself onto her elbows so she could see Innes slide a finger inside her.

Remi let out a long sigh of pleasure, and when she was sure that she was ready, Innes bent her head and began tracing small circles with her tongue, thrusting at the same time.

Remi groaned, and it was all she could do not to consume her entirely, feast upon the woman before her like she was a banquet.

She added another finger and Remi writhed, her panting becoming quicker and quicker, the muscles around her fingers clenching.

‘Don’t stop, please, don’t stop.

’

She increased the pace, feral delight ravaging her senses as Remi cried out, groaning her name as her body trembled and an orgasm ripped through her, sending waves of rapture down the bond, barrelling into Innes so hard she felt the pleasure as if it was her own.

She gasped, her vision swimming at the all-consuming tidal wave, and then she shattered again.

She squeezed her eyes closed as she tried to piece her fractured reality back together.

Only the sound of Remi’s panting brought her back.

She tumbled forwards and kissed Remi deeply, the warrior’s tongue tracing lazy patterns onto her own as perspiration slicked their skin.

She pulled back, unable to comprehend whatever the hell had just happened.

‘What are you staring at?’ Remi asked, breaking her trance.

She shook her head and smiled, dipping her head to kiss the smile spreading across Remi’s face.

Innes’ entire being was enraptured by her, and even if a demigod had appeared before her right then, she’d have ignored them in lieu of the woman underneath her.