The sprawling structure rises five stories high, crafted from dark wood and blue stone, but winter magic has transformed it into something extraordinary. Intricate frost patterns cover the exterior walls, winding across the wood in breathtaking designs, similar to the frost designs I glimpsed on the other buildings but much grander. The frost catches the blue lantern light and sparkles across every surface.
“Frost House,” I say with a laugh. “More like Ice Palace. It’s so grand. It looks like a castle fit for a king.”
“Or a queen.” He meets my eyes and brings my hand up to quickly press his lips to my knuckles. “Tonight you will be my queen. I will get down on my knees and worship you.”
Heat pulses through my body, a wave so intense that I’m surprised the nearby frost doesn’t melt. The things he says sometimes… gods. I recall some of the more scandalous comments he made on the morning we kissed and he carried me to the bedroom, and the heated pulses coursing through me deepen. We didn’t mate that morning, but we came very close. I flush at the memory of the intimacies we shared that day, the way he vigorously lapped my clit, bringing me to a climax again and again. An ache settles between my thighs when I think about how I pleased him, how I took his thick length into my mouth, and I struggled to swallow his seed as he erupted down my throat.
He pauses in front of Frost House and turns to face me, a glint of wickedness in his dark eyes. A thrill rushes through me as he draws me closer. He knows what I was just thinking. He probably saw the memory clearly in his mind, but through my eyes.
“Patience, my dearest. We will be alone together soon.” He grins, revealing his sharp white teeth.
I flush anew, and my mouth goes dry.
He tightens his hold on my hand and leads me up the steps of the inn. I’m so eager to get settled in a room, any room, that I scarcely look around the inn as Merak speaks with the proprietor. I’m too focused on my mate and imagining the evening to come. The growing ache between my thighs won’t abate, and I can’t seem to catch my breath.
Merak, however, appears calm and collected as he requests the nicest room available and passes several silver coins to the proprietor. But I can sense his thoughts well enough. While he might appear calm and unbothered, I can easily detect the desire coursing through the bond. And a quick glance down shows his precious tailor-made pants are getting tighter.
The proprietor hands over a glowing blue key covered in frost, murmuring directions to the suite, since Merak declined his offer to show us the way. My heart races faster when my mate sweeps me into his arms and starts carrying me upstairs.
Under normal circumstances, I might admire the artwork lining the walls or the ornate light fixtures. I might even peek out the windows for another look at the fae settlement. But I can’t seem to focus on anything but my mate.
My mate…
My pulse quickens, and the heat throbbing in my core intensifies.
I’m about to mate with Merak.
My savage lord. My heart.
Warmth flows between us as he reaches a landing and continues climbing the stairs. I suppose we’re on the top floor again, but I find I don’t really care what the room looks like or how large it is. Gods, I don’t even care if it has a bed. Just four walls and some privacy will do.
It has a bed, my dearest, Merak says down the bond.However, if you wish to roll around on the floor with me, I suppose that can be arranged. Who is the savage now?
I scoff and lightly smack his chest.
He growls and climbs the stairs faster, taking the steps three at a time.
By the time we burst into the suite on the highest floor, I am so eager to be alone with Merak that I scarcely register our surroundings at first.
Then I blink and finally take it all in.
Gods. The suite is enormous.
Blue lanterns cast a soft glow over the polished wooden floors and elegant furnishings. Frost covers the walls in intricate patterns that shimmer faintly with magic. A large stone hearth crackles nearby, and plush chairs are arranged before the fire. Somehow the fire doesn’t cause the frost to melt, and the suite is actually quite warm. Tall windows overlook the settlement below, revealing streets lined with blue lanterns.
Though the entire place feels lavish, it also feels cozy.
And intimate. Very intimate.
Another flush rises to my cheeks.
Merak shuts the door behind us with his foot and carries me further inside. Without pausing, he walks straight for the bedroom. He sets me down near the bed before placing his rucksack on a wooden chair. He turns to me, and for a moment, neither of us moves.
We simply stare at one another, and the bond between us thrums.
“We’ve had a long day of travel, my dearest,” he says in a hoarse voice as he nods at the open doorway behind me, one I suspect leads to a bathing room. “Go freshen up, and I will do the same in the hallway bathing room. When you are finished, a hot meal will be waiting for you.”
“Thank you, Merak.”
