Lord of the Hunt

Chapter 24




The cabin on the edge of the Charleston property was only habitable because she’d used some magic on it. Verden couldn’t go into the house because it was protected from Greys by a magical silver tea set. Not that it mattered. Living out here was fine for now. It was theirs, even if was just some blankets on the floor at the moment.

She moved closer to Verden, not wanting to get up yet but knowing she needed to run some errands for Felan and make an appearance at Court. Verden looped his arm over her, his wrist still marked from the enchanted cuff.

“What are you thinking about?” His fingers trailed over her stomach.

“Nothing.”

“Liar. I knew you were smiling.” He gave her belly a tickle.

Taryn rolled over to face him. “I’m smiling because we are here, together.” Something which had almost seemed impossible only days ago.

He traced her cheek with the back of his hand. “Whatever happens, we’ll survive.”

She nodded, then leaned over and kissed him. “I have to get moving.”

“I’m sure a few more minutes won’t matter.” He rolled onto his back and drew her to him, the length of his shaft pressing against her, tempting her to delay doing her job.

“Yeah?” She sat up so she straddled him, heat already simmering in her blood.

“I need you more than Annwyn does.” He placed his hands on her hips, positioning her directly over his shaft.

She laughed. “That may be true, but I still have a job to do, and so do you.”

“By the time you get back, this place will have a bed and curtains.”

“Is that right?” Having an actual bed would be nice.

Verden had taken on the job of fixing up all three cabins to give him something to do. She knew that not using magic was bugging him. While he wasn’t complaining, he was being very strict with himself and conserving all power that he had—few Greys did that. He and the changeling, Caspian, were getting on. Caspian had been wary at first but had come around fast when Taryn had explained the situation and Verden’s new status as Grey and guardian. Her parents had returned to Annwyn in preparation…and she’d let Caspian know that he’d get a new Brownie after the power shift. She was sure he understood what she wasn’t saying but was smart enough to say nothing.

“It’s all arranged. While you run around for Annwyn, I’m remembering what manual labor feels like.” He ran his roughened palms over her thighs so his fingers brushed the lips of her sex.

A few more minutes with Verden wouldn’t matter. Then she’d go. She leaned down to kiss him, taking her time, knowing that days here were a fraction of the time in Annwyn. Annwyn could wait, but she couldn’t.

Verden smiled, knowing he’d won. They both had.