Page 27 of The Healer (The Blood of Legends #2)

Chapter Twenty-Seven

IT’S DONE

I lona’s ringtone broke through deep sleep. She threw out a hand to slap the nightstand. What she found was a hair-covered chest and hot velvet skin. Her eyes flew open, and she blinked into Rhys’s sleepy blue gaze.

“Oh.” As memories flooded her, heat exploded to her hairline, and she would swear in front of a panel of her peers, that the blush traveled along her throat to pucker her nipples.

“Your phone,” he mumbled, then inched closer, tugging her hips into the cradle of his.

The nightstand was empty. “But where—?”

“In your jeans.” He gestured to the floor, and curled an arm around her waist, holding her close. “Call them back later.”

A nuzzle at her neck, a tweak of her nipple, and any thoughts of who the caller was, slipped from her mind. She moaned, now familiar with the craving coiling inside her.

“That sexy ass of yours…” He growled and nipped her shoulder.

Her clit twanged, and she swirled her hips, trying to ease the growing fire.

“Woman.”

As threats went, she wasn’t impressed. Biting her lip, she gyrated on purpose and found herself face first in the pillow with Rhys spreading her thighs.

A stroke along her clit had him groaning. “You’re wet for me, sweetheart.”

He pressed his delicious hardness where she needed him the most. She whispered encouragement and buried her face as she shoved her ass back, urging him on. He rubbed the head of erection along her labia, then plunged into her vagina to the hilt. She cried out, relishing the sparking of her nerve endings, of the fire spreading outward.

“Harder, please, Rhys.”

He obliged with a grunt, and within seconds, the cliff rushed toward her. Withdrawing completely, he waited, then thrust in, and repeat, until she whimpered into the wet spot her drooling had made. Wave after wave of intensity rushed over her, barreling her closer to the edge. He reached around her and thrummed her clit. The additional sensations made her scream and plunged her into a molten universe of stars, a kaleidoscope of colors, of sweet and wondrous bliss.

His roar bounced off the ceiling, just as he bit her shoulder.

Another orgasm hit her, so unexpected, it snatched her breath and catapulted her across the endlessness of the cosmos.

Without withdrawing, he collapsed, taking her with him. Wrapping his arms around her, he cradled her to him, feathering kisses across her temple and the crown of her head.

“Lunar, I love waking with you in my arms.”

She stilled. He had said so before, and repeating it now proved his sincerity. Twisting, she cupped his jaw and captured his mouth with hers. “So do I.”

His breath rushed out of him. He crushed her to him, helping himself to another kiss. “Ilona, my forever.”

Tears pressed the backs of her eyes, and she smiled, dipping her temple to his chest to hide them. Gasping, she yanked out of his arms and landed on the carpet with a thud. “Shit, that was Gran.”

She crawled on the floor until she found her jeans, then dug in the pockets for her phone. Sitting there, she redialed, uncaring that grinning, he had rolled over to her side of the bed to watch her.

“Hi, Gran.” She waved at Rhys, trying to get him to stop smiling. “Sorry I missed your call.”

“She’s moving to Inner City,” he bellowed.

“You are?” Gran squealed, then repeated the news to Amos, no doubt.

Ilona sighed. “Yes, I have an interview at Heartstone.”

“That’s wonderful,” Amos called, and the video screen activated, showing Gran’s happy smile and blooming cheeks, but at an odd angle.

“I’ll let you go then, what with Rhys by you and lots of packing to do.”

“Wait. Gran, do you want Mom’s dinner set?”

“The white set with the embossed roses?” Her green eyes shimmered. “Yes, please.”

“I’ll ship it to you or bring it myself.”

“I’d love to see you.” Amos appeared on the video call.

Ilona’s heart twanged again at how much he cared for her already. It was silly to be so emotional, but there it was. Rhys sprawled on the carpet, circled her waist with his arm, and tugged her into the V of his legs, his chest against her back. Warmth engulfed her. She no longer felt alone.

“We’ll bring it,” he answered on her behalf. “Tell Harriet to get to baking. I’m desperate for chocolate cake.”

“Will do,” Amos said before their images flickered off.

Rhys didn’t move but continued to hold her. She layered his arms with hers and snuggled deeper into his embrace. He buried his nose in her neck and inhaled.

“Lunar, I love your scent. I should bottle it and make a fortune…if I was willing to share.” He chuckled, and the sound sparked joy through her.

To wake up like this every morning, to sleep in his arms, no one could be as blessed as her. “The auctioneers are coming at nine. I’ll need to call the movers too.”

“We’re driving to Inner City?” He arched a brow, then bent to kiss her bare shoulder and toy with a nipple, watching it pucker under his heated gaze.

“Yes, my dad gave me my car. It’s…” She trailed off on a moan when he slipped his fingers between her thighs to tease her clit.

“Sentimental?” Rhys finished. His smile vanished, leaving behind something beautiful. Need burned in his eyes, but there was another emotion she wouldn’t name but dared to hope for.

His talented fingers continued to swirl, rub, pinch, and torment. She trembled, wanting to arch, to close her eyes, and ride another orgasm.

“Look at me, Lona-love. I want to see you explode in my arms. I want to remember this moment for as long as I breathe.”

At his sweet request, she obliged and met his gaze, not once looking away when the pleasure exploded in her, tearing a cry from her.

His nostrils flared, and the blue of his eyes darkened. He twisted and sprawled her on top of their strewn clothes. This time, every move he made, every thrust, touch, and kiss, was in slow motion, as if he savored her. His gaze locked with hers, not once breaking contact as she spiraled outward on another orgasm. When he shuddered, and his face twisted in beautiful agony, he grunted. His eyes narrowed, but he didn’t close them.

She drowned in a pool of emotion, like liquid warmth and love. Her breath caught, as she allowed his soul entry into hers. His eyes shimmered like Gran’s had done, but he chuckled and caught her lips in a short kiss.

“Time for breakfast?” He arched a brow. “Because if you don’t cover your gorgeous body, we’re not leaving this bed.”

“Me? What about…?” She gestured to all of him.

He slid out of her, before rising and taking her with him. “You shower, and I make coffee?”

She nodded. “That’s the best offer I’ve heard this morning.”

“Better than my momentous lovemaking?” He snorted, despite the twinkle in his eyes. “Lies, I tell you.”

“Ha ha, very funny.” She laughed. “Give me ten minutes.”

“Five, or else I’ll investigate what’s taking you so long.” He ran his gaze over her and growled. “Lunar, woman, you could tempt a saint.”

Shyness struck, unused to such open admiration. Her fingers twitched to cover herself despite him having kissed every inch of her. When pain lanced across her right gluteus maximus, she yelped. “Did you just—?”

“Slap that ass? Sure did.” He grabbed her shoulders and spun her. “Go…shower.”

When she glanced back, he was yanking on his jeans. She shut the bathroom door on him making the bed. Faced with her reflection, she gaped. Having avoided the mirror since Coedwig, where she expected to see a jagged scar, ran a long silver line. “Shit.” She tilted her head to study it from all angles. This was…unbelievable. Stroking along it proved she wasn’t imagining it.

“From Dane or Dimitri?” That was the real question and having access to Rhys’s labs meant access to vampire blood too.

The only problem would be if the healing agent was in their saliva. Unraveling the bandage, the fine red line made her gasp. Healed, just like that. Slapping her thigh, she cursed. Of course, Rhys had shared his blood. She needed Evie to take another sample.

Ilona showered, hurrying through it, and was yanking on a T-shirt when Rhys called from the kitchen.

“What do you want for breakfast?”

Her mouth watered. “Salmon? Two portions. Menu on the fridge. Cash in the cookie jar.”

His voice rumbled as he made the call. When she strolled into the kitchen, he raised his gaze to meet hers and lingered enough to spark tingles. He hung up, placed his phone on the counter, and swept her into his arms. “I’ll never grow tired of looking at you, of holding you.”

She burrowed into his embrace, relishing the safety his presence brought.

“Your salmon is on the way. I also called the top-rated movers in the area. They’re sending someone around.”

She leaned back to kiss him. “Thank you. I’ll just pack the dinner set and stack it with the other boxes. There’s more in the study. I’m taking Mom and Dad’s medical books too.”

Rhys released her. “You listen for your sushi while I lug those to the door.” He bounded up the stairs before she could stop him.

Smiling, she folded a box and wrapped each plate, bowl, gravy dish with bubble wrap. One by one, she filled two boxes and slid them across the hardwood floor to the door.

“What can I bring? What furniture do I need?” She blew a stray strand of hair out of her vision when Rhys returned. Scanning the dining room table, the lounge suite, and the appliances, she tapped her chin, wondering if it would be easier to buy something in her style. “Never mind, I can shop when I’m there.”

“The cabin has the bare necessities, but I’ll have Noah clear and clean it before we arrive.” Rhys rested his hands on his hips and grinned at her. “Aiden will be happy to see you.”

“He’s in Inner City?”

Rhys chuckled. “Balls deep in a woman he’s had a crush on his entire life.”

“What?” Ilona squeaked.

Shrugging, Rhys twirled her on the spot so he could access the filtered coffee. “The Lunar Fest means matings and hookups as long as the moon remains full. It’s the shifter way.”

“Oh, so this…?” She gestured between them.

“Happened way before the full moon, sweetheart, and I don’t expect you to go into heat.”

“What? Shifters do that?” She fanned her burning cheeks. If she did, it would explain her uncharacteristic need to sleep with him. She snorted, like humans needed an excuse.

“The women do, and it alters their scents, driving the men crazy. Pheromones?” He arched a brow as if asking for clarity. “Anyway, no boundaries between packs exist during this time, and anyone can do anyone without repercussions.”

“My scent hasn’t changed.” She grinned.

“I beg to differ. You smell amazing, and it muddles my mind, sending me on a high.” He buried his face in her neck for another sniff then leaned back to offer her a coffee. “Two sugars and cream?”

She nodded, trying to hide her shock. He knew how she liked her coffee. Either he was super vigilant or he cared to learn. Well, they had a fourteen-hour drive ahead of them. Plenty of time to learn a few things about him too.

She sipped her coffee while he watched, his blue gaze intense. With that slow sensual smile that inflamed her senses, he flicked his hair out of his face. After moaning her pleasure when the sweet caramel smokiness coated her tongue, he poured himself a cup.

“While we wait for your…strange breakfast, why don’t you walk through the house for a final check?”

“What are you having?” She frowned. “I’m so sorry, Rhys. How selfish of me. I tossed out all the perishables including eggs and bacon. I can run to the local store—”

“The same as you, Lona-love. I’m a bear, and salmon happens to be my favorite.” His expression softened.

“Now I know something about you.” She smiled, drained her cup, set it in the sink, and abandoned him before she succumbed and kissed him. Damn, but he had a kissable mouth.

He found her in her parents’ walk-in closet fifteen minutes later. Mom was far too petite for any of her clothing to fit Ilona, but she gathered her jewelry, and Dad’s wristwatch collection, placing them inside an empty black handbag she had always liked. She had packed Dad’s laptop and Mom’s tablet, along with all their important paperwork Dad kept in a folder marked ‘Important Paperwork.’ Seeing it had summoned a smile.

Thankfully, before Gran had left Fenneg, she had sold the vehicles. It meant one less thing for Ilona to deal with. She followed Rhys to the dining room, set the handbag on the table, and sat to enjoy her salmon.

“You know, I never liked raw fish before or Chinese food for that matter.” She moaned as she bit into a sliver of the sweetest fish she had ever tasted.

He stilled and watched her take another bite. “Lunar, woman, don’t do that. I’m hard again.”

She laughed. “What if I strip, and you eat pieces of fish off my body?”

He growled and lunged for her.

Squealing, she darted around the table, flushing at the hunger in his eyes. “Rhys. Stop, we don’t have time—”

He caught her and silenced her with a kiss.

Groaning, she climbed him like a tree to spread her legs wide across a hard bulge. She wanted him again, as if they hadn’t done it twice this morning. The taste of salmon sent her to heaven, and she sucked his tongue deep into her mouth. He rumbled, wrapping his arms around her and crushing her against him.

The auctioneer intruded, and despite the heat on her cheeks, she led the bespectacled man through the house. He mentioned an amount, and she accepted, only if he could take it all that day. When she returned to the kitchen, her phone pinging with proof of payment, Rhys was talking to a man in a gray T-shirt and jeans.

“All the boxes, except these two to this address.” He rattled off somewhere in Inner City she had to assume was her new home. “Your apartment?”

“Can go in my car. Just clothes, and Carl, maybe an appliance or two.”

“Carl?” Rhys growled, his shoulders stiffening.

“My cactus.” She winked.

“Good, because I don’t share.”

“Carl doesn’t mind.” She grinned. “Once this place is emptied, we’ll head on over. I need to stop at Amity for Evie to draw my blood.” At his furrowed brow, she showed him her palm. “For research.”

“No more cutting yourself.” He tugged her into his arms, running his hands up and down her back to cup her gluteus maximi.

She nodded, shifting to ease the growing ache between her thighs when he massaged her. “Now, tell me, was it Dimitri’s saliva that healed my scar or Dane’s blood?”

He shrugged. “I’m not the doctor. All I know is bite marks heal with a swipe of their tongue. You can ask Callie or Dimitri. Maybe even Syl can tell you.”

He shuffled his feet as if in a slow dance, rubbing his erection against her stomach.

She struggled to gather her thoughts. “Syl?”

“He’s the head suckblood of the de Winter hold.”

Chuckling, she sidled closer, swaying her hips. “Suckblood?”

“Callie’s term. I like how it lowers their mysticism. They suck blood. That’s what they do.”

“And her term for you?”

He had the grace to snort. “Beast.”

Ilona’s breath caught. “In the bed, out of the bed?”

He rumbled, dipping to nip her neck. “Anywhere with you.”

Men walking in and out of her house disturbed their conversation. Groaning, Rhys adjusted his erection in his jeans with a heated glare leveled on her.

“Wear a skirt for the drive.” His husky command made her moan, and she folded her arms across her chest to hide her pebbled nipples.

It was two hours later before she could lock the now empty house. Rhys drove behind her to the car rentals so he could drop off his SUV. He climbed in with her, dumped his duffel bag on the back seat, and twisted to watch her.

“You know what’s awaiting us at your apartment, right?” His voice dipped to a sexy drawl that scattered her thoughts and thrummed hot need through her.

“You mean after Evie draws blood?”

“Shit.”

She laughed. “It won’t take long, and it’s close to my apartment.”

“Good, because, woman, your scent is driving me wild.”

She whipped a glance at him. “Again?”

He shrugged. “Full moon.”

A wave of disappointment hit her. “Oh? And after the full moon?” Damn, she hoped his eagerness didn’t wane with the moon.

He brushed hair off her face, ran his fingers along her neck, then across her collarbone to her upper arm. “I doubt I’ll ever get enough of you.”

What a sweet thing to say. She faced forward, hoping he didn’t spot the burn on her cheeks and the tears in her eyes.