Dark Promise by Annika West

41

Hux pulled back a fraction of an inch. There was a brilliant kind of surprise I never thought I’d see in his constantly stoic expression. It was as shocking as when he’d leaned his cheek on the bathtub, looking all vulnerable and cute.

“You love me.”

I didn’t reply.

It wasn’t a question.

“And you haven’t panicked and disappeared, either. I was certain you would, after a statement like that.”

“You did threaten to burn down half of the Spring Court if I did,” I reminded.

His shoulders relaxed. “Your father wouldn’t have allowed it.”

Oh.

The tension in his jaw disappeared. A small smirk played on his lips. “I do enjoy that about you, Aster. You take everything so seriously.”

“I just watched you destroy half the gardens!” I protested. “What else was I supposed to think? And you could have just asked me here to talk if you wanted to talk.”

“And risk you running away or avoiding the conversation? Not a chance.”

“You are the actual worst.” I pounded my fist into his side, but it was like the dragon hadn’t even noticed.

“Look at me,” he said.

“You’re filling up my entire field of vision,” I deadpanned. “Where else am I supposed to look?”

“Aster. Please.”

That stilled me. When did he ever say ‘please’?

My insides squirmed. My instincts told me to flee.

It was too vulnerable. Too dangerous.

But so necessary.

His eyes flicked over my face, warm and amused and content. It was as if he couldn’t quite believe what was in front of him.

“I love you too, Aster. I don’t care what you are or how long you’ll live. I am yours.” He didn’t falter even a little. The deep gravel of his voice tamed my nerves instantly.

“And here I thought dragons were all about claiming things and stealing them. Aren’t you supposed to say, ‘you’re mine, Miss King, now shut up and kiss me’?”

My insides trembled. He’d said it. He’d actually said it.

“What, that’s all?” he inquired with a soft chuckle. “I was certain you were about to ramble.”

“When have I ever rambled? When, in the span of all history, have I told you about any fun facts at unnecessary times? Unless you do want to know about the ideal temperature that melted chocolate needs to get before it seizes, especially if you want that shiny finish on the top —”

He interrupted me with a kiss. Goodness, it was like this man was touch-starved or something.

Not that I was complaining.

It was a relief, to be honest. I wasn’t sure if I had the ability to stop myself from running that sentence on all day long.

I shuddered as Hux’s tongue ran over my lip.

“I have a better idea on how you can put that eager mouth of yours to use,” he whispered.

“So… threatening…”

“I don’t know if I can be gentle, Aster,” he admitted, his huge hands spreading over my hips and gripping me.

The ache inside me sharpened and grew. “I really, really don’t want you to.”

He helped me discard my clothing. It couldn’t come off fast enough.

I squirmed in anticipation as his hand slid in between my legs, rough and warm.

“You are the most absurd person I’ve ever met, Aster,” Hux informed me, his thumb brushing over my clit. “Fucking hell, you’re so beautiful. So ready for me.”

I gritted my teeth and tried not to moan.

Damn. I’m going to be embarrassingly quick.

He wasn’t edging my pleasure. He was going to fly me off the fucking cliff with how he was moving his thumb.

“In all truth, your personality hardly invites intimacy or arousal.”

I hissed, “Is this really the time for character insults?” I got my revenge when I reached in between us and gripped his cock in my hand.

I know our last time wasn’t that long ago, but will that actually fit inside of me?

His whole body twitched, and the haze pressed down on us, urging us forward. It was insistent and warm. The connection between Hux and I rang like crystal between us.

Not enough. It isn’t at all enough.

“And yet, when you stop thinking and allow your instincts to take control – he moaned as I stroked his shaft. “You’re the most divine creature this world has ever known.”

I missed his taste. I missed hearing those little noises he makes when he feels good.

I was a throbbing, wet disaster. My brain in a fog, my attention fully on Hux’s body, I hardly noticed the intensifying mating haze.

He pulled my ass toward him and slipped his fingers into me.

I took him into my mouth.

Now, both of us were panting and twisting with pleasure.

But too soon, Hux made a noise of frustration. One second, I was in his arms.

In the next, he had me bent over, ass in the air as he pressed the head of his cock against my entrance.

One single, breathless yes passed my lips, and I didn’t even feel the rough stone on my knees as he thrust into me.

I couldn’t stop the sounds coming out of my mouth, and there wasn’t space in my mind to consider being embarrassed. All I was was a puddle of heat and need and desire. All I wanted was him.

“You really are at a disadvantage,” he growled, gripping my hips tighter and increasing his speed.

“W… what?” I managed to get out.

“Seeing you swollen and pink and clenching around me… it’s so fucking sexy.”

The sound of our bodies coming together, his words, and the feel of him hitting the perfect spot was too much. I came around him, my body curling and spasming as he held me.

I thought the bastard was about to let up, but even as he slowed down, each thrust became harder and more vicious. His fingers dug into my hips as he held me ruthlessly.

The mating haze pressed down on me, filling my lungs and my mouth. My senses were full of my connection with him, and a growing need for… something increased.

He must have felt it, too, because he pulled me upright.

I sat myself on his lap, and he held me to his chest while we moved together. Our runes were at the center, our skin sliding together. The golden glow became brighter and brighter still, matching the mouthwatering, soul-shattering sensations.

When Hux and I reached our peak together, spilling our ecstasy as one, the rune’s glow rose to a blinding level, and then winked out entirely.

We held each other, shaking and panting and slick with sweat. I touched Hux’s chest.

“One more mark,” I said.

His rune wasn’t glowing anymore. Instead, there was the faint outline of it etched into his flesh like a barely-perceptible tattoo.

He touched the place over my heart.

“I think…”

“I know.”

We laughed, and I saw the biggest fucking smile of Huxley Cayne’s face. I’d never seen more joy in one expression before, much less his.

We were mates.

And the bond was officially complete.

* * *

We stayed in the cave overnight.

Doing… well… mating bond stuff.

What can I say? It’s not every day a girl gets magically hitched to her murderous dragon lover, is it?

Plus, something about the newly made bond gave us extra doses of energy. Ones that didn’t require silly things like sleep or rest or food for several hours.

But eventually, we did sleep.

And when the next day arrived, we both decided it was time to go home, and finish this mission for good.

Hux didn’t want to talk about Oz at the moment, but not because he was angry. Because he was trying to figure out how he felt about his living brother, and the implications of their fight.

I knew he’d be speaking to Oz again and asking more questions. But they had a lot of time for that conversation.

As it was, Hux told me that we’d need an entire team to complete the portal crystal mission, and that a big planning meeting would be necessary.

Oz, included.

Willow had already returned to Vulcan Corp, with the help of Adair. Apparently, there was a portal master on his payroll, which gave the fae lord a few extra perks.

Now, it was our turn.

And I really couldn’t wait to go home. To Vulcan Corp.

To my new life.

But first, we had a mission’s ass to kick.