Page 22 of King

“No!” I growl, turning to see his face. “That isnothappening.”

“No, it’s not,” he agrees, threading his fingers through my hair and pulling me back to his chest. “As long as you stay here where it’s safe.”

“Why does she want our son?” I ask, trying to push back the terror rising in my chest.

“She admitted she’s been trying for an heir for ages now,” he says, shaking his head. “But I think it’s more than that.”

“Like what?” I ask, taking Vaegon from Durin’s arm and holding him close.

“She probably suspects he’ll have the same magic as I do.”He bends down and kisses my cheek, which calms me a bit. “She wants it for herself. She can’t use Vaegon’s magic until it awakens. But he’s also vulnerable until then. She could mold him over the years to be like her, convincing him that offering up his power to her is his idea.”

“Or, she could simply imprison him until he’s old enough for her to exploit his abilities,” I say, my voice trembling as I fight back tears. The thought of him chained up in a filthy dungeon is unbearable. I sway gently as if Vaegon is the one in distress, finding comfort for myself in the motion.

“Exactly,” he says, moving his hand to cradle Vaegon’s small head.

“What are you doing?” I whisper, feeling a strong energy fill the room.

“He needs protection,” Durin says firmly. “I’m sharing some of my magic with him. You’re both safe here with the elves, but I’m sure you’ll have to leave eventually.”

The idea of stepping outside of this sanctuary makes me shudder.

“He has only one fae parent, so he’ll inherit my magic,” Durin says. “But I can’t be sure he’ll receive both forms. This way, there’s no question. And, he’ll have the queen’s magic along with them.”

A faint glow from his fingertips tints Vaegon’s cheeks blue. “I’m just giving him what he can hold. It will grow as he matures. By the time he comes into his magic, he’ll be incredibly powerful. No one will be able to make him do anything against his will.”

We know too well what it’s like to have your will ripped away. I’m thankful that Durin can help protect Vaegon against it.

When Durin finishes, Vaegon lets out a wide yawn. His tiny eyes flutter shut, and he quickly falls back asleep. Taking on some of Durin’s powerful magic would surely be tiring for a pup. He’ll probably need to eat again soon, but I’ll let him rest. He’lltell me when he’s ready. I carry him over to the bassinet and tuck him in, kissing his soft forehead before quietly leaving the room and returning to my bed.

Durin follows me out and closes Vaegon’s door. Once he’s in the bedroom, I lie back, hoping he’ll join me. My heart soars when he climbs on the bed and wraps a long arm around my body, pulling me close.

“How long can you stay?” I ask, glancing nervously at him.

Fate hasn’t been kind to me. I’m worried it will rip this moment away before I can even enjoy any of it.

“As long as it takes to make you feel special,” Durin whispers against my mouth.

I melt in his arms. The tension fades away completely. He brushes each lip against my top one, then my bottom one. I wait for the kiss, but his tongue slips in, teasing the inside of my mouth before our lips finally meet.

My stomach and core flutter uncontrollably. I can’t help but grip his hair and tangle my fingers in it. I feel the need to weave myself into him until I get the connection I’m really looking for.

His hand glides over my hip and waist but hesitates before reaching my breast. He moves the hand to the bed beside me and looks down at me with concern.

He’s doing it again.

My heart begins to crumble. I choke back a sob because if I let one out, they’ll never stop.

“I’m sorry I made you feel rejected,” he murmurs, running his nose along my cheek. “And I know you must have felt used after your heat. I want to be with you now, Rue, but only if you desire it.”

He’s asking for my permission, not pushing me away.

I doubt he’ll ever understand just how much that means to an Omega. He just secured my heart forever. I don’t even care that I can’t remember my heat. This is the perfect way to begin a newfirst time.

“Take me,” I say, guiding his hand where he wants it.

“Are you sure?” he asks, giving my breast a gentle squeeze.

I nod, and he slips his hand into the top of my dress, capturing my lips again. His fingers graze my nipple, sending jolts of pleasure through me as he squeezes and rubs.

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