Winking, I lowered my voice as though I was imparting a secret. “Admit I’m fierce, dragon boy, or I’ll leave you here in the forest.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” he snarled, yanking on the vines.
They snapped back, refusing to break despite his strength.
“Says who?” I asked.
“Me,” was his growly response.
I shrugged, pretending nonchalance as I lifted my icy hand and studied my fingernails, looking for dirt that didn’t exist. “Oh, I don’t know.” My gaze flicked to his. “Perhaps you might convince me to let you go.”
His eyes searched mine before a smile broke over his face. He leaned forward, no longer struggling against the vines, and his warm mouth captured mine. This kiss was claiming, biting, demanding—and loving.
“Are you convinced yet?” he asked, pulling away.
I pretended to think for a moment. “Not quite,” I said, rather breathlessly.
He snorted. Leaning in, he sucked on my bottom lip. Warmth ran to my core, and I writhed beneath him. “How about now?”
“Getting closer,” I breathed.
His lips claimed mine for a third time, as a hoot came from behind us.
Daegal chuckled. “I would tell you to get a room, but I don’t think that’s possible, given our current circumstances. However, if you’re done, can we keep going? We’re almost there.”
Xander kissed me once more, before glancing up at the Fortune Elf. “We’ll be right there, brother.”
Our friend nodded, and moments later, the other three elves walked past, deep in conversation.
When we were alone once more, Xander turned to me and raised a brow.Finally, he capitulated to my demands. “You are strong and fierce and utterly incredible, mate of mine.”
I smiled smugly. “That’s all true.”
He laughed. “Now will you release me, oh Fierce One?”
“Of course, it would be my pleasure.” I waved a hand, and the vines disintegrated into thin air.
Once his wrists were free, Xander stood before helping me to my feet. We dusted ourselves off before Xander’s arms wrapped around me.
“Thank you, Aileana,” he said, holding me against him.
I looked up at him in surprise. “What for?”
He pressed his lips against my forehead. “For bringing me happiness. The past few days, I’ve been… in my head.”
Nodding, I bit my lip. I’d noticed his distraction—it would have been difficult not to notice. But I didn’t blame Xander for needing some time to process everything. He was taking Saena’s betrayal hard, and he had every right to be upset. The evidence of the broken balance was all around us.
“I’m glad I could help,” I said earnestly.
Xander’s eyes searched mine. “How do you do it?” he whispered.
“Do what?”
He sighed. “You’ve been through so much, Aileana.” He kissed me softly. “How did you not lose your spirit? The things you’ve suffered, the loss of your family, the Red Shadow, and the high king…”
I frowned. “It sounds rather depressing when you say it like that.”
“Yes.” He held me tight. “You’ve survived so much, and yet you are still happy. Carefree. You know how to laugh easily.”