I mewl for more, and his breath sets off my nerves as he breathes on me between kisses and little licks to my earlobe.
Then his hand moves over my clit, and my breath catches at the sharp, throbbing sensation that instantly builds in me.
I can feel something building, swirling, and that thing pulling us together, it’s binding us everywhere we touch.
With every kiss, every stroke, I moan, and he captures my mouth again as he continues to expertly work over my clit better than even I can when I need a release after a stressful day.
This is different. I’m with someone. He’s here with me. Our bodies are warm and passionate. Our souls are connecting too, whether I want them to or not.
I can’t stay distant from this wonderful man as he kisses and makes love to my mouth, to every part of me he touches, and the fire inside rises to unbearable heights.
I’m squirming now, and he’s playing with me, circling his finger, drawing it out as he brings me to a peak then circles back.
“When you come, I want you to feel it stronger than ever before. I want you to explode in such a way that you never forget our first bonding. That you melt whenever you even think of my touch. That you know that only I can own your body because only I can ever come this close.”
I tighten my hold on his arms, jerking on him in desperation as he continues to draw out this pleasurable, almost painful tension between my legs.
“So wet. So beautiful for me,” he says. “You deserve pleasure beyond anything you can imagine. But for tonight, so as to not overwhelm you, just this once…”
I want to scream at him that I want him to overwhelm me, that once will mean nothing, but his mouth closes over mine, hot and demanding and sensual, as his finger gently presses down on the spot he’s been carefully circling for so long.
And the pleasure that’s been building surges up and through me as I let out a scream, which he catches against his lips as he continues to stroke me.
I thrash as waves of something extremely strong wash through me. Yes, an orgasm but something else. Something in my heart that entwines with this pleasure and heightens the result.
I feel so safe and so wanted, and as a result, the waves seem unending and strong, head-to-toe, full-bodied pleasure that goes on and on. Because he took the time to know me, because he’s here holding me in his arms.
As the pleasure slowly abates, it still feels like I’m drowning in heat as I stare at the room around me.
Then up at the man who made me feel so good.
He’s glowing, it seems, and I realize his wings are up, bright blue, stretching to the ceiling like flames.
His eyes widen as he realizes what I’m looking at, and the flames quickly abate as he closes his eyes, focusing. I can see his heartbeat in his throat. It’s racing so hard.
His hardness is still pressed against his pants, but he doesn’t seem eager to do anything about it as he slowly pulls off of me and walks to the opposite wall.
He stands there catching his breath, looking like he doesn’t know what to do with me.
“I’m sorry, Avery,” he says. “I want to go further. I need so much more of you. But not until you are ready to bond.”
I give him a shaky nod because after how much just one orgasm rocked me, I’m not sure how I’d survive going all the way.
I don’t know how he’d feel inside me or how I’d be able to take having multiple orgasms.
And if I saw him come and those beautiful wings shoot out and his hair come out and him in all his fae warrior prince glory…
God, my body’s getting ready all over again.
But my heart, my heart is shaky. I don’t know what this means, how much I’m drawn to him.
I can’t picture a life without him, even though he’s only been here a few days.
But then again, I’ve spent my whole life not wanting anyone.
So doesn’t it mean something that I finally want him now?
His eyes study me, and his mouth drops open in shock. “Your ears.”
I reach up to touch them and gasp, feeling that they are slightly elongated. I get up, running on shaky legs to the bathroom mirror, and can’t believe what I see.
I’m the same, except for my ears, pointed and delicate. No wings. No powers. No staff or wand or whatever you call it.
But something.
Some kind of proof that I am what he says I am.
Suddenly, I feel faint. I don’t know how to handle this. But just as I feel like my head is going to explode and my legs are going to give out, I feel him draw me into his arms.
He turns me into him, supporting me, and I can’t pull back, even though touching him only makes me hungrier.
Slowly, the heated passion fades to warmth, to relief, as the confusion of the moment fades.
I sigh against him, then open my eyes in surprise as I feel myself lifted in his arms.
He carries me back to the bedroom, quiet and steady, as if all of this is perfectly normal.
Though, I doubt it is, even in his world.
He lays me down gently, then sits on the edge of the bed, watching me fall back against the covers, still trying to remember how to breathe right.
My sex is still wet and hot from his touch. My skin all over is warm, glowing from orgasm.
I give him a grin as I pat the mattress next to me, and his smile is genuine as he rolls onto the bed, curling up behind me and pulling me in, my back to his chest and stomach.
God, even from here, I can feel how beautiful he is. I love the feel of his muscles, the length of his body, the breath on my shoulders.
The way he’s so gentle, even though he’s so strong.
And though I may feel different in the morning or have complications to deal with when the love chemicals in the air have faded, tonight, I just want him close.
18
Avery
I don’t know if it’s just the stress he’s been under or the excitement of last night, but Brett is still sleeping soundly when I wake.
I glance over at the window where shards of light stream through the closed blinds and then look down at the beautiful man next to me.
I smile when I realize his beautiful ash-blond hair that appears steely in sunlight is spread over his muscular shoulders. It’s long for some reason.
He’s oddly vulnerable right now, without any cocky comebacks. His arrogance is lost in sleep, and I want to reach over, brush his hair back, touch his brow.
Instead, I quietly get up to grab some clothes and leave the room, shutting the door silently behind me.
I can still barely believe what happened last night.
I don’t know what came over me.
And it still hasn’t changed anything. He’s meant to go sparkle in his perfect, sparkly world, and I’m meant to stay here in the darkness, helping other people in the shadows.
But for some reason, my heart aches at that thought now.
For the first time, a part of me wishes it could be some other way.
To my surprise, there’s a knock on the door, and I look through the lock, relieved to see it’s just Matt, the policeman from the other night.
I undo the deadbolt and open the door but step out to keep him from coming in.
He seems nervous. “Sorry to bother you, but I need to ask you some questions if that’s okay.”
I nod. “What is it?”
“Mr. Kearns…” Matt looks like he doesn’t even want to tell me this. “He wants to press charges. For his hands.”
I do my best to suppress my reaction. “How so? Was he hurt? I only saw Brett tackle him and restrain him until we could get the gun.”
Matt sighs. “You’re not even going to believe this, but Mr. Kearns is claiming the guy gave him frostbite.”
I press my lips together. “How?”
“We don’t know,” Matt says. “But Mr. Kearns swears that he had normal hands when he attacked the shelter.” He rubs the back of his neck. “This sounds stupid, I know.”
“No, it’s just…” I think for a moment. “Some guy getting frostbite unexpectedly? Seems like that’s more a question for a doctor or some show about unsolved mysteries.”
I frown as I shut my door behind me, not wanting him to catch sight of Brett.
The fae princes are good, and I want to protect them from disclosure.
Even more than me, they can help keep people safe.
“I know him a little,” I say, feeling extra protective of Brett. Especially after last night. “But I’m not sure how you get him in for an interview.”
“Hm,” Matt says. “Damn, I was hoping to get this out of the way so we could let it go. Honestly, I think they’re just using this as an excuse to distract from the case against Mr. Kearns.”
“Here,” I say, gesturing for him to follow down the hall to the stairway. “Let’s go talk outside for a minute. I’ll tell you what I saw, and that should clear it up.”
Matt looks hesitant, then nods. “I guess you’re the only lead I have. Other than Sally, I guess. I’ve been telling them to put me on cases involving the shelter.” He ducks his head slightly. “Some of us do care, you know.”
I get a good feeling about this man. I believe him.
“Do you think if you interview me, you can let it go?”
He nods. “I hope so.”
We walk across crunchy snow to his squad car, and he stands against it while pulling out a notepad.
“Okay,” he says. “Tell me what you saw that night.
I glance up at my floor, hoping Brett doesn’t wake up soon. When I see no sign of movement, I begin giving my statement to Matt, starting with arriving at the shelter after a call from my friend, all the way to the cops showing up.
“So yeah, I don’t know what you want me to tell you, but I never saw Brett hurt him unnecessarily. And it’s just plainly impossible for him to do what Mr. Kearns is accusing him of.”
Matt lets out a sigh as he finishes taking my statement and puts away his notepad. “I guess that’s that, then.” He gives me a bashful grin. “Honestly, I think he’s kind of a hero.”
I snort. “He’d love to hear you say that.” Actually, he’d probably hate to hear Matt say anything, given his immense distrust of most humans.
“Well, if that’s all you need,” I say, turning to go.
“Wait, Avery,” Matt says, reaching out to grab the side of my jacket.
I turn back to him, narrowing my eyes.
“Uh, sorry,” Matt says. “But to be honest, I had something else to ask you. It’s not really professional. It’s just—”
He stops as we both hear cursing and pounding, the sounds of someone hurrying down the steps from upstairs in the apartment complex.
We both look over just as Brett rounds the corner, shirtless except for the robe he’s wearing over his pajama pants.
His hands tighten into fists and he strides toward us, and I’m not sure if he’s ever looked angrier in his life.
He steps forward, grabbing my hand and pulling me behind him. “It’s okay. I’ll handle this, Avery.” He shoots me a look over his shoulder. “Why didn’t you stay in the apartment?” he hisses.
Matt is still trying to get his bearings. Perhaps he didn’t notice in the dark before, but Brett is tall, ripped, and fairly intimidating.
He’s usually polite enough not to use his size to frighten anyone, but he’s not in that mood right now.
“What are you doing here?”
Matt puts up both hands. “I think there’s been a misunderstanding.” He glances back to me. “And wait, didn’t you say you didn’t know him very well?”
I lift a shoulder. “I don’t.” My eyes meet Matt’s, daring him to judge me for my choices when it’s clear Brett has just come from my room.
Matt lets out a sigh, looking defeated. “You know, the chief wants to talk to you,” he says to Brett, because he apparently has a really strong dedication to his work. “We could really use your cooperation.”
Brett’s back straightens as he rises to full height. “That’s not happening. Especially now that I know you have intentions on Avery.”
My face drains of blood. Dear God, no. “Brett, he wasn’t—”
“I saw him!” Brett takes another step forward, glaring at Matt. “You were blushing, looking at her, fidgeting. Is that how a cop should behave?”
Matt is stuttering now. “It’s not, but it’s not what you think.”
Brett scowls, giving him a slow once-over. “I think it’s exactly what I think.” He takes another step. “How many suppressors are you using, chaos pr—”
“Okay, that’s enough,” I say, getting in front of Brett so I can push him backward.
It’s a good thing Matt doesn’t look like he understood any of what Brett was just talking about.
Brett has clearly lost his mind.
“You don’t interview her without me,” Brett yells at Matt as I push him back. “You don’t interview her alone. I don’t trust any of you!”
Matt is gaping as I smile at him apologetically.
“Look, Matt, it’s probably best if you just dropped this.”
Matt’s jaw is still hanging open, but he slowly shuts it. Then he nods because he probably realizes that either Brett didn’t cause the frostbite and this is pointless or Brett did and could do the same thing to him.
I feel bad for the young cop, I really do, as I keep pushing Brett back to the apartment.
Matt gets in his squad car and pulls away, and I really hope that is the end of this investigation.
I’m frustrated that Brett had to intervene, because I was handling it. I wasn’t in any danger.
The second we’re inside the apartment again, Brett whirls to face me, and I retreat until my back hits the door.
He comes closer, and I try not to look at his magnificent chest, bared in the open robe that is way too small for him anyway.
“What the hell did you think you were doing?”
I shrug, trying to look casual. Deep down, I did know he was going to be pissed, but I thought I could handle this for us. “I was doing fine.”
“Like hell you were!” He looks away, trying to compose himself for a moment. “I told you where you go, I go until the chaos prince is caught!”
“I don’t know what to tell you,” I say. “I was using my best judgement, and--”
He runs a hand through his hair, exasperated. “How many times do I have to tell you that you don’t understand chaos? They invaded this world before we came over legitimately. Their suppressor technology might be far ahead of ours. We have no idea where they are.”
I blink up at him. “I’m sorry, but I really didn’t think it would be a problem. I had a good feeling about Matt, and—”
His brows lower as he takes a step back. “So you would trust him over me?”
I shake my head. “Of course not, but—”
“Then why wouldn’t you wake me? Why would you just go out there alone? You think I would rather sleep than watch out for my—”
“I was trying to protect you!” I blurt out, frustrated. “I didn’t want you or your friends to get into trouble, especially for helping me. So I didn’t bring you out because I thought I was just going to take care of it and be done.” I let out a puff of air. “Then I would have come back to you.”
He’s rubbing his jaw now, thinking it over. “I suppose… me talking to the police isn’t the best.” He sighs. “But I still don’t like you going anywhere without me.”
I glare up at him. “And I don’t like you being controlling. Tanner said you’re not supposed to overly interfere with my life.”
Brett frowns. “But I am supposed to protect you.”
“And I want to protect you!” I say a little more emphatically than I mean to.
He just stares at me for a moment, shock on his handsome face “But… why?”
He looks so… human right now, with that taken-aback expression, and I can’t help feeling my heart softe
n toward him.
I think I can feel my magic within me. Warm and burning. Surging.
I take a deep breath, ready to do something I never do.
Apologize.
“I’m sorry, Brett,” I say, walking over to him to pull him into a hug. “I shouldn’t have left without telling you.”
Immediately, his body relaxes against me, though his muscular warmth is a hard contrast to my curves.
“I was so worried,” he says softly. “When you were gone—”
“I know.” My arms are around his waist. “And I’m sorry you were worried. I promise to try and communicate better.”
He pulls back slightly, putting his hands on my shoulders to gently move me back so he can see my face. “I’m a prince and capable of protecting myself against almost anything. You’re strong, but I’ve been training with my powers all my life. You don’t need to protect me, Avery.”
“I do,” I say stubbornly. “From the cops. From humans who wouldn’t understand you or the other fae.” My hands are in fists again as I glare up at him. “Don’t you understand? I worry about you also.”
He flushes deeply, and I can tell he’s biting the inside of his cheek. “Why?”
I take a deep breath. “Because I care about you, obviously, you silly fairy.”
I look up to see him absolutely shocked.
He steps back until his legs hit the couch, then sits down on it, looking thoughtful. He rubs his jaw, and when he looks up at me, I can see he’s trying to suppress a smile again. “So… you like me?”
I sigh. “Of course. Do you think I would do what we did last night, any of it, with someone I didn’t care about?” I look away, flushing. “I told you that was my first time.”
He still looks like someone told him the best news in the world, but he doesn’t know whether or not to believe it. “So what now?”
I bite my lower lip. “I don’t know. I know we’re only just starting. I know we still might not work out together, but all I can say is that I’m ready to explore things with you.”
After last night, I don’t think I could ever resist.
And I think, looking into his soulful blue eyes, that maybe he can finally show me what bonds are. What it means to trust and be trusted by another person.
Found by Frost: Wings, Wands and Soul Bonds Book 1 Page 12
