Page 11 of To Dwell in Shadows
As she moved her mouth up and down, she grasped his bollocks and tugged them gently, stretching them the way she knew he liked. When her tongue teased the underside of his crown, his hands shook as they pulled at her hair.
“Selene… I’m about to… can’t hold out—” He moaned. Her mouth was so hot and wet. She began pumping the base of his cock faster, urging him on. Within seconds, all the tension coiled up in him erupted, lashing him with wave after wave of pleasure. Selene didn’t pull away as he came against her tongue, his hips mindlessly thrusting. His roar of bliss filled the chambers.
When it was over, they both collapsed on the bed. They stared up at the ceiling for a moment, until Selene pulled the covers over them.She curled against him and whispered, “Was that as good as you imagined?”
Sam’s breathing was still erratic, but he managed to gasp out, “So much better.”
Chapter 6
Although Sam would have happily stayed in bed the next day, he knew it would be rude to stay secluded. Plus, Queen Thema had a lot of questions about interdimensional travel.
“What will become of my clothes?” she asked Selene over breakfast in the solarium the next morning.
“What do you mean?”
“As we travel through dimensions, will they disappear? Am I to arrive in the Underworld nude as I do in Gaia? What of my breastplate?” Queen Thema tapped on the metal surrounding her chest.
“You take on your cat form on Gaia,” Sam said while buttering a piece of toast. “This is different.”
“I don’t see any reason why your clothes would disappear,” Selene said, suppressing a smile. “I’ve never appeared anywhere without clothes when I use it.”
Queen Thema nodded decisively. “Then I shall wear my cerulean gown with the beaded cuffs. Arkaya! Will you make sure it’s steamed and ready?”
Arkaya nodded after setting down a second pitcher of cream at the table.
“Queen Thema, would you like to practice a few times?” Selene asked. “I can transport us someplace within the castle just so you have an idea of how it feels. Sam and I did that a few times in Snowmelt.”
Queen Thema looked thoughtful for a moment, then shook her head. “Actually, I would like the entire affair to be a surprise. As old as I am, I rarely have new experiences. I want to arrive in the Underworld full of excitement, warmed by the thrill of adventure!”
“It’s not a very pleasant sensation,” Sam warned.
“Perhaps to those who are not used to walking between worlds,” the queen quipped.
“Sam’s right, but if that’s what you wish, it’s fine.”
“Good. I have much to do today in preparation for the ball and also for Queen Delphine’s temporary reign. How do you two plan to spend your day?”
Sam replied, “I plan to show Selene around more of the castle and grounds. Unless there’s something you need from us.”
“I need nothing but for you both to relax and enjoy yourselves in true Malkina fashion.”
“Very well,” Sam said.
While Sam had been indifferent—or even scornful—toward the famous Malkina opulence during his tenure at the castle, seeing it through Selene’s eyes was fascinating. She had only glimpsed a small portion of the castle during her visits, whereas Sam knew every nook and cranny. She marveled at the grand corridors of each wing, gasped when they entered the workshops of the artisans in residence, and even clapped when they ventured into the subterranean crystal gardens. Her perspective made Sam consider that his time at Queen Thema’s castle hadn’t been as torturous as he had made himself believe. Perhaps it was his loneliness and grief that had colored the experience.
The next day, Queen Thema’s farewell ball unfolded just as Samhad expected—with grandiose splendor and far too much drinking and debauchery. He kept his word to attend for dinner but left after Selene whispered that she wanted to be with him. Alone. His pulse had quickened at her words, and a glance at Queen Thema leading a group dance in the middle of the ballroom confirmed that their presence would not be missed.
Wordlessly, they slipped away from the festivities. They made it as far as a nearby broom closet before Sam couldn’t wait any longer. He pulled Selene inside, lifted her skirts, and took her against the wall. How Selene’s former human lover, Kevin P. Norton, could have spurned her advances, Sam would never understand. There was nothing more rousing to him than being asked by his mate to gratify her desire.
The next morning, Sam woke before sunrise, his body thrumming with anticipation. It was hard to believe that the day he had dreamed of for so long was finally here. He dressed quickly, his movements steady despite the energy coursing through him. Soon, Selene stirred in their bed as well.
By the time they descended from his chambers, the halls were hushed in the early morning stillness. Golden sunlight filtered through the windows, casting warm slants across the stone floor. Waiting outside the doors into her private wing, Queen Thema stood with her hands clasped before her, Arkaya at her side.
“Well, good morning,” Selene said. “I didn’t expect you to be ready so soon.”
“I couldn’t sleep all night from excitement,” Queen Thema said.
“You only spent a few moments in bed,” Arkaya said wryly. “A restful night would have been better advised.”
