Page 91 of The Hunter

Though his legs demanded he stride to her, he held them in place, even when they began to itch with prickling heat.

Lacey was enjoying herself here, amongst friends old and new. Telok would not cut that short at the whim of a desire he could not fulfill. Yet while she was here, he could not allow himself to leave. There would be no escaping this battle with himself.

Telok forced his gaze away from Lacey, shifting it to Cole, who sat with Sophia on hands and knees before him, their faces a breath apart.

Sophia lifted a hand and caressed Cole’s flushed cheek before easing back to retake her seat. Without breaking eye contact with him, she plucked up a slice of fruit and slowly slipped it into her mouth. Cole’s lips parted, his attention fixated on the female’s fingers and mouth.

Telok hadn’t heard anything they’d said, but Sophia’s interest in Cole was obvious without any words. It seemed so fast, so simple, so decisive. So easy.

Yet nothing between Telok and Lacey had been simple or easy.

Laughing, Lacey turned her face toward Telok, meeting his gaze like she had many times during the gathering. But this time, her smile softened, and the light in her eyes seemed warmer, fuller. Looking away, she gathered something on a leaf, which she folded before patting Cole’s shoulder and standing up. She walked straight for Telok.

His hearts thudded, spreading heat through his body, and his chest felt tight and fluttery.

She’d changed into a dress Sophia had given her. It was soft blue silk, with straps that tied around her neck and a hem that fell to just above her knees. Her long red hair hung loose around her bare shoulders and back in gentle waves, lifting in the breeze, and Telok wanted nothing more than to bury his fingers in it and drag her close until her mouth was pressed to his. He craved the feel of those yielding lips against his hide again. Craved to learn what she’d meant to do with her tongue…

“You don’t have to stand here alone,” she said as she came to stop in front of him.

“I am not alone.” Movements stiffer than he intended, Telok gestured to the crowd with his upper right hand.

She poked his chest with a smirk. “Don’t be a smartass. You know exactly what I mean.”

That simple, fleeting touch sent a pulse of desire straight to his slit. He cinched his claspers over it even more securely. “You needed time. Human time. I would not know many of your words, so I keep watch.”

“Liar. You know plenty of human words, and you’ve been learning more.” She arched a brow. “Are you back to trying to avoid me?”

That question coiled around his hearts and drew taut. “No. Never again.”

“Then why didn’t you sit next to me?” Lacey stepped closer and leaned toward him, narrowing her eyes in suspicion. “Do I smell?”

Without meaning to, he drew in a deep breath, nearly shuddering as her sweet fragrance filled his lungs. “Everything smells.”

She scrunched her nose and pressed her lips together before laughing. “Jerk.” Taking a step back, Lacey brought her hand up and held it out to him. The leaf resting on her palm unfurled to reveal several chunks of meat atop it. “Here. Eat.”

Telok stared at her offering. He’d often given her food and water during their journey, knowing she wasn’t always eating and drinking enough on her own…and now she was doing the same for him. Some of his tension eased as the scorching heat in his chest abated to a tender warmth.

He took the leaf from her, his hide tingling when it brushed the skin of her hand. “Thank you, vi’jatai.”

She smiled at him. They stood there, staring at each other, for several heartbeats before she touched the back of his hand and guided it up. “I’m not going to be satisfied until you actually eat it, Telok.”

Chittering, he raised the leaf, tipped his head back, and opened his mouth, dumping the meat inside. As he chewed, he held up the now empty leaf for her inspection.

Lacey laughed. “If you’re that hungry, I can grab some more.”

She turned to go, but Telok caught her wrist, halting her. When she looked at him, he shook his head.

“No, you don’t want more food?” she asked.

He tugged her closer, until her body pressed against his and her palms rested on his chest. Banding an arm around her waist, he lowered his head and hooked a finger under her chin, tipping her face toward his. “Stay.”

Eyes widening, she sucked in a soft breath through parted lips. His gaze dipped to that mouth. Gently, he stroked his thumb along her bottom lip, relishing its softness and give.

“Telok…” Lacey whispered. Her fingers curled, and her blunt nails scratched his hide, sending a thrill through him that made his cock pulse. Warmth radiated from her, weaving with his to become something larger and stronger, something consuming, something⁠—

A nearby fire flared with a whoosh. Telok turned his back toward it reflexively, shielding Lacey with his body and cradling the back of her head as he held her close. She gasped again, nails digging a little deeper.

Another fire flared, then another, and another, as winddancers poured what must’ve been spinewood sap into the fire bowls. The orange light that had bathed the gathering became a familiar blue-green, the same glow prevalent in Takarahl’s tunnels.