by Tami Lund
When the messenger interrupted their kiss, James’ first inclination had been to insist Sabine stay in his private chamber, surrounded by every warrior who would not be accompanying him to go search for the lost youngling. But as soon as the thought entered his head, he immediately banished it.
Sabine Flemming was no simpering maiden, no wilting flower, no dainty, fearful female who expected the males in her life to protect her from danger. She faced the danger head on—and won. It may have only been one, but she had killed a shifter. James was certain no other female Lightbearer in history could make that claim.
Her confidence, her attitude, her ability to conjure a sword all warmed his blood and sent it surging south to between his legs. He had not been able to resist touching her, massaging her back, kissing her. And he wanted to do it again. He wanted to do much, much more than kiss the fascinating female.
“Social standing within the coterie is important, James.” His mother’s voice entered his head as clearly as if she had accompanied them on their trek to find the lost child. “You must choose wisely when it is time to take a mate. And to be honest, that time should be sooner than later. You are king now. You must carefully select the appropriate female and take her to mate and get her with child. A Bennett has worn the crown since we were banished to this world. It is your responsibility to ensure our family continues this responsibility. If you would like, I can offer my recommendations.”
James almost snorted. He could well imagine his mother’s recommendations. Actually, he did not need to imagine. Collette, who walked with her nose perpetually in the air. Ginger, who was so thin and frail, he imagined the act of coupling might break her. Beatrice, who told anyone who would listen about her family lineage, and how the Yarrows had mated to more kings than any other family within the coterie. And then there was Wilma, who screamed when a bug crossed her path and then cried if someone squished it.
He wanted nothing to do with his mother’s recommendations.
The first time Sabine had caught his eye, she had been chiding her girlfriend for allowing her mate to dictate the color of the dress she had planned to wear. James had been fascinated with her despite the clear difference in their social standing within the coterie. When he had mentioned her to his mother, the woman had lectured him until he could take no more and had retired to his chamber to drink himself into a stupor.
A curious sense of possession welled up within him when he and Sabine met with his men and James informed them she would accompany them in their search for the missing youngling. She was young and attractive, unique in that she was not artfully made up like most of the women in the coterie. Her hair was kinky and wild, her cheeks almost always flushed. She did not waste her magic on enhancements to her face or body, clearly preferring her natural self. And, naturally, she was a stunning beauty even while she was almost entirely hidden behind unrevealing clothing. The images that formed in his head of what she looked like when she stripped out of her dress made his shaft uncomfortably hard.
His warriors had initially protested her inclusion, until she had summoned a sword and offered to spar. They had changed their stance, and James could tell their minds had wandered to the same dark and sexy place his had.
He wanted to stride over and drape his arm across her shoulders, a blatant show of possession. He wanted to make it clear to these men who were looking at her with admiration and lust in their eyes that they could not have her, could not touch her.
His own reaction amused him, because this was not a woman who would be possessed by anyone, not even her king.
His second-in-command, Dirk Northwood, pointed his sword at James. “You should stay in the cave, where you are better protected, your grace. I will lead the men to find this youngling.”
“I will not send my warriors to do anything I would not do myself. Besides,” he said, his lips quirking into a smile despite the circumstances, “Sabine will protect me.”
The pride written on her face told him he’d pleased her. Perhaps he’d be rewarded with another kiss, when they returned to the coterie after this expedition.
