Page 127 of The Wolf Queen’s Curse

I unfasten another button, and then another, working down as I lick and then suck. He took his time, and so I do the same, continuing my tutelage in this particular art, paying full attention to the cues he gives me, whether he realizes it or not, and being far too pleased with myself when his soft moans turn sharp and frustrated each time I slow.

A noise sounds outside, as if someone’s in the forest, and he tenses, but his breathing also quickens, making me smile again, and when his hands go to my head, I let him. He thrusts into my mouth, hands in my hair, “Delia” on his lips over and over until he must realize I’m not going to stop this time, and he pulls back.

Without a word, he scoops me up and strides to the door, which he firmly locks. Then he carries me to the throne and sets me down, and before I can inhale, he has my skirts up and he pauses only that split second to check before he’s inside me.

As always, those first thrusts are so glorious that it’s all I feel, swallowing every other sensation. Then I realize my knees are drawn up, and it’s not the easiest position for him, so I raise and shift my legs in front of his shoulders, resting my calves against them, and when he thrusts again, it goes so deep that I gasp.

“You like that?” he says.

“Very much.” I reach to clasp the back of his head. “I’m very greedy. I want all of you inside me. Every last fraction.”

He grins. I grab the sides of his shirt and pull him into me as hard as I can. He takes hold of my legs, bracing me, and gods, this is incredible, him so deep inside me, the friction new and exhilarating and perfect. When release comes, it seems to rock through me endlessly, so intense that I don’t notice he’s also finished until I realize he’s lowered my legs and he’s shifting to slide into the big throne with me, pulling me against him.

He kisses up my throat to my ear. I smile and reach to adjust his crown. “You promised me a Pack, and you gave me a kingdom.”

“Because you deserve it. I still have a great deal of work to do before it’s fit for my queen.”

“We have a great deal of work to do. Before it’s fit for us. And for them.”

He smiles then, and it’s the most beautiful thing, the glow in his eyes as he realizes that I truly do understand what he wants. A kingdom for us, but also for his Pack, for all werewolves who want and will accept what he’s offering.

“I love you so much,” he says. “I couldn’t do this without you.”

“And I couldn’t even dream it without you.”

His mouth opens just as someone tries the door. A soft growl as his gaze turns that way.

“Who is it?” he snaps.

“You’re needed,” Rufus calls. “We have a lone wolf at the gate. He heard what’s happening, and he wants to join one of the Packs. Edwin would like both him and you to meet with the fellow.”

Bishop groans, which Rufus must hear, though his apology is carried on a soft laugh.

“I shouldn’t have told my enforcer where I went,” Bishop mutters to me.

“You have to.” I pat his shoulder. “Go and settle this. I’ll head back to our room.”

“I’m here to escort you,” Julius calls, clearly hearing that. “Ann’s here as well. She’s in need of some fresh air after that whisky.”

“I am not,” Ann says sharply.

“We’re coming out,” Bishop says. “Give us a moment.”

FORTY-FIVE

Naturally, Rufus is suspicious of a lone wolf arriving at the gate. That’s his job—to see danger lurking in every corner. So he insists on escorting Bishop while Julius and Ann go with me. Edwin is keeping the wolf outside the wall, and Bishop and Rufus loop around that way, while we take a longer walk through the new forest.

The forest is a couple of acres, having grown since the old castle fell to ruin. Humans would have chopped those trees down, but werewolves obviously appreciate a small forest inside their walls.

We take our time strolling along the path, as we discuss what the next few days will bring. Endless negotiations, for one thing, between the brothers, and between the brothers and Bishop, and probably with Hamish, once the old wolf gets over his sulking. Negotiations, too, with the wolves themselves, to be clear that they won’t be divvied up without regard for friendships and family.

While that happens, Ann wants to consult with the wolves who act as cooks and to make sure there’s plenty of food. Food is one sure way to a werewolf’s heart, and an abundance of it may ease negotiations.

“Food and alcohol,” Ann says. “While I’m sure many of them would like to add women to that, I would prefer not to have them in the castle.”

“I agree,” Julius says. “Rufus already made that point. If women are brought in for sport, it makes it seem as if all women are for sport, and werewolves lean that way too heavily already.”

“Rufus said that?” Ann says.