Page 56 of Guardian of the Cursed Egg
My fingers clutch his shoulders, my nails pressing into his skin, but I force my talons to stay retracted. The effort takes everything I have as waves of molten need crash through me, each of his movements fanning the inferno. I think of moving, of meeting his rhythm, but he bites down harder, holding me still as he takes control.
My legs tighten around his waist, anchoring him to me as he drives me closer to the edge. The pressure builds, my body trembling as I teeter on the brink, and then—he stops. My frustrated whimper barely escapes before he pulls back, his lips quirking into a teasing smile as he releases me and lowers my feet to the floor.
Leander winks at me over his shoulder, and my heart stutters. There’s something wild in his expression, something primal and dangerous that sends a thrill racing down my spine. He points to the bed, and I obey, sinking into the soft sheets, my body still trembling.
I lie on my back at the top of the bed, my breath shallow as I watch him prowl toward me. His movements are predatory, deliberate, each step sending ripples of anticipation through me. His shaft, flushed and pulsing in time with his heartbeat, is a tantalizing promise of what’s to come.
When he reaches me, his weight presses me into the mattress as he slides between my legs. The moment he thrusts forward, sinking deeply into me, I scream—a raw, unfiltered sound as my orgasm crashes over me like a violent storm.
His thrusts are slow and deliberate now, each one coaxing every last ounce of pleasure from my trembling body. My mind spins as the sensation seems to stretch on forever, his movements adjusting to keep the intensity razor-sharp.
As the waves of pleasure ebb, his pace quickens, his focus shifting to his own release. His hand grabs my wrists, pinning them above my head. The sudden restraint sends a fresh jolt of arousal through me. I arch beneath him as his fingers snake between us, finding my clit. The pressure is firm, almost punishing, sending electric jolts to my core.
“One more, Mina,” he pants near my ear, his breath hot and uneven. He bites my earlobe, the crunch of breaking skin making me gasp. Warmth trickles down my neck, and the metallic tang of blood fills the air, primal and intoxicating.
Panting, I try to match his rhythm, my body trembling as his nightmare vocalizes. The strange, high-pitched whine it makes—a sound I recognize as excitement—sends me spiraling. The sound aloneundoes me, and when my climax finally hits, it crashes over me with unrelenting force, stealing my breath.
He thrusts once more, his release colliding with mine. His growl vibrates through me as we pulse together, his arms wrapping tightly around me, cocooning me in his warmth.
As my breathing slows, I cling to the moment, thankful for this raw, unfiltered connection. Having Callan in the room last time was exhilarating, but this—just the two of us—is exactly what we needed. Our bond, reforged in sweat and ecstasy, feels stronger than ever.
CHAPTER 34
Leander
Abraxis and Callanwere back exactly three days before being called to the front again. Balor, Ziggy, and I have been picking up the slack, covering their courses, which has left Mina alone more often than we’d wanted her to be.
The gentle rustle of cherry blossom petals stirs in the breeze as I make my way toward the outdoor art class. The garden is alive with soft colors and fragrances—the pale pink blossoms fluttering against the backdrop of a clear blue sky. I linger in the shadows of an overhanging branch, the rough bark cool against my fingertips, and watch her. Mina’s brush dances over the canvas, her delicate fingers precise as she paints. My chest tightens when I see what she’s creating—the processional, with me in my shift and her riding atop.
The scent of blooming flowers mingles with the faint tang of oil paints. Mina pauses, picking up her phone to glance at a photo before resuming her work. It’s not a vision, thankfully, but my stomach churns with curiosity.
“Leander.” Nigel’s voice startles me, and I quickly turn to him. The light dapples his face as he steps closer, his handshake firm. “Great to see you.” He nods toward Mina and Vaughn. “It’s wonderful to see them so happy together.”
I follow his gaze. Mina’s golden eyes gleam in the sunlight filtering through the canopy of blossoms. The faintest hint of a smile plays on her lips as she chats with Vaughn.
“She’s incredible,” I say, my voice low, watching her every move. “She balances the nest and us with such ease. It’s … humbling.”
Nigel’s smile is warm, but the faint tightness around his eyes betrays a hint of concern. “I was surprised when she chose to paint your shift,” he remarks, tilting his head. “It’s rare to see a nightmare portrayed with such reverence.”
My brows knit together. “What was the subject of today’s painting?”
“The bravest person they know,” Nigel replies simply, his tone almost reverent.
I blink, stunned. “I don’t see how I fit that. I would’ve thought it’d be Abraxis.”
“Why don’t you go ask her?” Nigel pats my shoulder before walking off to check on the other students.
I linger for a moment, my heart pounding, before stepping closer. The breeze carries the sweet scent of cherry blossoms as I approach her. “Hello, my love,” I say softly, my voice meant only for her ears.
“Leander!” Mina exclaims, her chair scraping against the stone garden path as she leaps to hug me. The warmth of her body against mine chases away my doubts. “Come see what I painted!” Her excitementis infectious as she grabs my hand, pulling me toward her canvas.
“Hey, man.” Vaughn’s deep voice breaks through as he extends a hand.
I shake it firmly, glancing his way. “How’s it going?”
“Pretty good. Since you’re here, I need to go grab my book for Art of War class.” Vaughn leans down, kissing Mina’s temple. “I’ll see you in class.”
Once he’s gone, I turn back to Mina. “What was the subject of today’s painting?” I ask, treading carefully.
