Page 18 of Hidden Fate

I groaned. “When did you set that?”

He grumbled. “I didn’t. It’s coming from down the hall.”

Footsteps approached from down the hallway.

Where we were and why flooded back into me. “What time is it?”

“Time for you assholes to get up,” Saphira said from the other side of the door. “Edna will be here within the hour, and we need to be ready.”

I exhaled and snuggled deeper into Thorn’s chest. I called out, “Just a little more sleep.” Though I had no intention of sleeping. My body was ready for round two.

“Uh, no. Get out here.” Saphira gagged. “I can smell your intent, and hearing the two of you last night was more than enough. You kept my ass up for an hour while youviolatedeach other.”

Thorn chuckled and propped himself up on his elbow. He nuzzled my neck, a hand brushing down my body. “We did not violate each other. However, if that’s what you want to hear, we can do that—” His hand slipped between my legs, and I gasped as that familiar clench of desire slammed into me.

“Ew. No.” Saphira banged on the door. “If you start, I’ll make sure to get Cassidy and Vlad down here immediately. I know Everly wouldreallyappreciate that.”

That was the equivalent of a cold shower, and I scooted away from Thorn, already missing the touch of his hands.

“That was low,” Thorn hissed, but he smirked. “But don’t worry. I can make her forget that she cares.”

“Oh, really?” Saphira bit out. “We’ll see about that. Thebrothelsmell is already cut in half. I’m assuming what’s left is from Thorn.”

I snarled. The idea of her purposely smelling him almost made my dragon come unglued.

“Girl, I was teasing,” Saphira said warily. “For all I know, it’s you. Believe me, I don’t want to sniff your man. I have someone else I’d much rather be sniffing.”

Wyvern.

Something had jolted between them when they’d seen each other while confronting the warriors. I hadn’t had the opportunity to ask her about it. Some of my anger ebbed, allowing me to think rationally again.

“Don’t listen to her.” A wicked glint sparkled in Thorn’s eye. “You should ravish me to make sure Saphira knows I’m yours. Maybe even stake your claim against my neck again.”

My dragon roared, urging me to do just that. Damn the consequences.

“That’s it. I’m going. Just remember, someone’s coming who could rat us out or kick us out on our asses.” Saphira stomped away, and as promised, she clomped up the stairs.

Inching closer to him again, I kissed him, lingering on his lips. I connected,Though I love seeing you smile, we do have to get ready. We need to grab something to eat so you can focus on healing Mindy.

His smile fell, and I hated that I was the reason for it. He nodded.You’re right in every way. If we want to be able to be like this always—he gestured to the room and how we were lying naked together—we have to eliminate the threat. I’m just not sure how we do that.

My body sagged against his. I’d been pushing him to do the right thing. I knew his reluctance wasn’t because he didn’t want to but because he’d been through so much trauma. Though I wished the king hadn’t died, maybe his death wouldn’t be in vain if Thorn finally saw the light. I just wished it hadn’t taken losing his biological father to accept himself. But I couldn’t deny that being on the same page as my mate was nice.We start out by helping whoever we can, finding allies, and training them. With everyone’s help, we’ll figure out the rest from there.

He pecked my lips and climbed out of bed.

I scanned his naked body. Every inch of him was hard and solid…every single one. My body flared back to life.

Grinning, he grabbed his jeans.Too bad you turned me down.

Damn shame.I licked my lips and forced myself to get up. My dragon spurred me on, knowing he’d let me devour him if I insisted, but my logical side screamed at me to stay the course. If we wanted a life where we didn’t have to worry and could just be together, we had to stay focused…at least during the day, when we had things to accomplish.

With every ounce of willpower I had, I strutted past him, copping a feel along the way. His sensual groan turned into one of frustration when I moved my hand away. I scooped up my clothes and dressed quickly while he watched.

He shook his head and laughed. “That was just dirty. You’ll pay for that tonight.”

Just like that, he had a knot forming in my stomach all over again.

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