Page 134 of May: Bloom & Bane

“Which is?”

I hesitate, searching for the right words.

Let me tell her.

“My rut isn’t like Sage’s,” Ashán says. “While he’s drawn to your fertility and the life you can create. I’m drawn to your mortality. Everything that makes you human and alive.”

His hand slides up to cup her throat, thumb brushing over her pulse. “I need to taste your entire life.”

“Will it hurt?” she whispers.

“No,” both of us answer at the same time. “I would sooner rip my fangs out than hurt a single hair on your head. It will be… intense.”

We rock into her gently.

“When I bite you, it will not be one-sided. My venya will flood through your veins. And after that moment, your blood will answer only to me.”

His focus fixates on her racing pulse.

“For others, my venom stills. But for you, my Saevúra, it ignites. The same way Sage’s pollen sends you spiraling into pleasure, my bite will make you crave the very poison that undoes you.”

She shivers against us.

“That—is how I claim my mate.”

“So I’ll…” she trails off breathlessly, as Ashán starts speeding up his strokes.

“You’ll come,” he confirms bluntly. “Hard. Repeatedly. While I drink from you and make sure every god, monster, and mortal knows you’re claimed by Death himself.”

CHAPTER 39

can shadows cry?

—EDEN

Idon’t know how long we’ve been locked together. Hours? Days? Time stopped meaning anything after the twentieth orgasm.

All I know is I can’t hold myself up anymore. My arms gave out some time ago; the only thing keeping me upright is Sage’s arm banded across my lower back.

“Sage, I can’t keep my eyes open.”

“Then don’t,” he murmurs. “Sleep, vela té. I’ve got you.” (Little bloom)

“But—”

“Your body knows what to do,” he soothes, his lips brushing over my temple. “Even if you fall asleep.”

I want to stay present, but minutes of gentle strokes and strong hands squeezing my shoulders, my eyes slip closed.

His mouth finds my breast again.

“That’s it,” he breathes. “Rest, luváel. I’ll take care of everything.” The last thing I feel is the gentle press of his hand against my belly.

“Hello, ash’kaela.”

I spin, or try to. I have no body wherever I am, just… awareness.

Ashán stands in the darkness, separate from Sage for the first time. Tall and shadowed with eyes that burn like blue embers.