Conversation flowed, but all I could think about was getting Aileana alone. The kiss had started something that I absolutely wanted to finish. Minutes passed in agonizing slowness as I waited for it to be late enough that we could leave without drawing too much attention to ourselves.
When the moon was high, the stars illuminating the forest, Aileana arched her back like a cat. She raised her arms above her head, showing off every delicious curve that made up her body. Yawning, her mouth twitched as she glanced at me suggestively.
“Well, it’s late and I’m exhausted. I think I will turn in.” She stood, dusting off her leggings and giving me the perfect view of her ass before she looked over her shoulder. “Are you coming to bed, Xander?”
Bolting to my feet so quickly that the log shook beneath me, I said, “Yes.” Forcing a dramatic yawn, I turned to the others. “It seems I, too, am exhausted.”
Daegal coughed, making a crude joke under his breath. His twin sister snickered, and I glared at both the Fortune Elves. There was no venom in my stare, though, and I patted him on the shoulder as I passed him by. “Good to have you back, brother.”
“Likewise.” Daegal smiled, and he placed his hands on his Death Elf’s shoulders. She sat between his legs, leaning against his chest as she stared into the fire. Her horns brushed the bottom of his chin, but he didn’t seem to mind. “Ryllae and I can take the first watch.”
A snarky retort rose to the tip of my tongue, but before I could, a burst of amusement came through the bond.
Elyxander, I seem to have misplaced my clothes,Aileana said suggestively.Can you help me find them?
Ignoring the catcalls coming from our companions, I turned and ran towards the structure Aileana had built. They could have their own fun. I was finally going to be alone with my bonded mate. Dropping to my knees, I pulled apart the curtain made of ivy and crawled into the lean-to.
“How does one lose their clothes…” My voice trailed off and my breath caught in my throat as my eyes adjusted to the darkness. Aileana sat cross-legged on the other side of the small shelter, completely naked. A carpet of moss was beneath her, and the moonlight illuminated the curves of her body. The green tattoos that covered her from her collarbone to her toes glowed faintly, casting a soft light inside the tent. Her missing garments were folded in a pile next to the daggers at her feet.
I smirked. “Found your clothes.”
A throaty laugh escaped Aileana, and her shoulders shook. Her breasts bounced with the movement, and I inhaled sharply as want rushed through me.
“So, you did. Well done.” Aileana canted her head, revealing the sharp, pointed tip of one ear. She raised a brow, meeting my gaze. “Are you coming in, dragon of mine?”
“An army of Winged Soldiers couldn’t stop me,” I growled. It had been far too long since I’d had the opportunity to spend time with my mate. Seeing her here, naked, willing, and waiting for me, ignited a fire within me.
Aileana gasped as I darted inside the makeshift structure, causing the vines to shake as I disrobed with the speed of a starving male who had finally been offered some food.
And I wasstarvingfor my mate. I would take whatever Aileana would give me. Even a single kiss would provide me with sustenance to survive for days. But I wanted a lot more than just a kiss. I was greedy, and I needed to feel my mate beneath me.
Dropping my sword next to her weapons, I kneeled before Aileana wearing nothing but the necklace containing the map. The top of my head rubbed against the branches acting as the roof, and I smirked as the entire structure shook around us. “It’s a little tight in here, Sunshine.”
Aileana smiled. “It is, but it’ll do for what I have in mind.”
“Oh?” I waggled a brow, taking her hand in mine. “What was that?”
Her tongue darted out, wetting her lips. “Would you believe me if I said I was tired and wanted to go to sleep?”
A deep growl rumbled through me. “I would not.”
Putting aside the matter of the obvious want pulsing through our bond, her eyes were dilated and dark. She watched my every movement and her lips parted as the scent of our mutual desire filled the air.
She laughed, the sound like wind chimes dancing in the summer breeze. “I thought that would be the case.” She uncrossed her legs, moving in the small space as she pulled me over her, until her back rested on the bed of moss. “Then I suppose it’s a good thing I’m not tired, Xander.”
Her hand wrapped around my neck, and she drew me towards her. Our lips met in a fiery kiss that spoke of our matching need for each other. My skin burned where it touched hers, and heat roared through my veins. I yearned to touch her everywhere at once, to show her how much I had missed this—how much I had missed her.
I nipped the bottom of Aileana’s lip, and she moaned, arching her back into me and pressing our bodies together.
“More, Elyx,” she pleaded.
How could I deny a request such as hers?
My hands landed on her chest, and I traced her markings with my fingers and tongue, moving slowly towards my favorite part of her body. Soft, low moans escaped her lips as she moved beneath my touch. Every breath, every whimper that came from her lips was music to my ears. I would never tire of this. No matter how many times we came together, it was never enough.
When she was begging for more, I captured her lips with mine. Her legs wrapped around my hips, and that fire within me burst into flame as we became one.
Nothing else mattered.