Page 41 of Sworn to the Shadow Throne

Chapter 13

Lunette

The feeling of something brushing against my ear roused me into a drowsy half-sleep before the first rays of light did. My head was already pounding from spending so much magic again, but the cocoon I found myself within was comfortable enough that I could ignore it.

Then it happened again—this time with the unmistakable featherlight puffs of breathing brushing the top of my hair. My attention snapped to the sensation of something heavy across my waist. A large, warm arm wrapped around me, the hand resting possessively on my hip as if it had never belonged anywhere else.

My eyes flew open.

I was snuggled up to Rowan like a veska seeking heat, and he’d wrapped around me like I was worth shielding from the world. A whole flutter of butterflies took wing in my belly. Sure, he hadn’t meant to do it. He was asleep. But I’d never been held by a lover before.

The top of my head rested against his soft beard, which had grown out even more overnight. I thought for certain the brushing feeling on my ear was from it until I saw a tendril of shadow dissipate from the air above my face—almost like it was embarrassed to have been caught.

I knew I should be afraid of something I’d seen him easily transform into a knife, but I couldn’t quite dredge up the terror when it approached me like a curious, timid kitten.

A murderous, shape-shifting kitten—gods help me—but still.

Magic didn’t behave like that—at least, it wasn’t supposed to. My entire life I’d thought I was the one in control. And yet, the way my magic now insistently pulled me toward him felt like a betrayal of everything my parents had taught me.

I should’ve moved out of the circle of his arms. I absolutely should’ve. But gods, it felt so nice. He smelled good too. How had I never noticed before? Like oakmoss and cedar and something darker beneath the surface. Slightly bitter, like dark tea served with just a bit of sugar.

I inhaled again before I could stop myself. The shadow reappeared at my shoulder like a silent sentinel. And I realized it hadn’t just been his arms that had closed around me.

Just one more moment, I promised myself, sinking back down the slightest inch, letting myself breathe him in and feel the slow exhalation of his chest on my back. That small shift revealed that a very important part of his anatomy was working perfectly.

It was natural for men to be this way while they slept, right? It had nothing to do with me, so even thinking about his manhood was incredibly inappropriate.

Still… It felt large.

Muffin made a sound in his sleep that sounded suspiciously like judgment.

A heartbeat later, I heard a rough inhalation. Then his entire body grew as rigid as a board.

Oh no. So much for subtle, Luna.

I was still pressed against his very hard, very erect cock. Mortification made my skin flare with heat.

I squeezed my eyes shut, suddenly unsure whether pretending to sleep was more or less humiliating than acknowledging the fact that he was holding me. I shifted carefully, trying to slip away. Maybe make this look like an accident.

Yes, I’m definitely just waking up, sorry to disturb you. I absolutely did not accidentally rub your parts with my parts.

I made it exactly two inches before I tangled in the blanket and lurched straight back into his ribs.

A muffled groan. Voice still drowsy and rough from sleep, he said, “Lunette?”

My soul exited my body. It left everything behind and found the nearest horse.

The sound of my name caused Muffin to rouse where he was drowsing in the rafters above.

I pushed myself upright so fast I nearly elbowed him in the jaw. “Sorry! I—I rolled. Or maybe you rolled. I don’t know.”

Hair mussed, Rowan looked up at me in the dim light. His small, surprised smile caused an unbearable tightening in my chest.

“Well, someone rolled,” I added weakly.

Gods save me. Why had I tried to explain?

“Good morning,” he murmured. “I slept better than I have in years. I feel amazing.”