Moon Mark (21 page)

My shoulders relaxed. “What do you want with the Humans on Joyal then?”

He snorted as he chewed. “I want to know what their end game is.”

“That should be obvious.” I yawned and turned my frozen container in circles on the table. “They want a stronger species.”

“That might not be the only reason. I think they want to integrate their people with ours.”

I kept spinning my treat on the table. The man was always so blunt. “To further the Human race?”

“Precisely.” He shrugged his left shoulder. “Either way, I need to know what’s headed in our direction. I have to keep my people safe.” His dark eyes captured mine, his conviction strong. “I must keep you safe.”

My lips twitched. “You like me that much?”

“I like more than that, Madeline. You are my moon.”

I sucked in harshly. “There are times you take my breath away.”

His resulting smile was gradual, all male satisfaction. “I knew the moment I met you that you’d complicate my life.” A tiny shake of his head. “I just never thought it would be this delightful.”

I slid my treat in his direction absently, done with it. “When was the point that you decided not to hate me?”

He peered straight at me, his eyes solely on mine in the darkness. “When we were captured, and you pressed the red button. You weren’t trying to save yourself. You were saving me.”

My brows rose. “You knew that?”

His eyes flicked between mine, and then he looked down at my gifted treat. He lifted it and took a bite of it before responding, his attention settling on me. “I did. I thought it was brave.”

I chuckled softly. “That’s very sweet of you.” My purple eyes settled on his mouth as he slid the spoon from between his lips. “I have to know. Who was the traitor?”

His soft eyes turned hard in an instant, cold and ruthless. “My brother-in-law. Xri.”

I yanked my attention away from his mouth, up to his cool gaze. I blinked repeatedly.

A white brow arched. “Now you understand how I didn’t see it for so long.”

“Is he dead?”

“No. He’s in a cell. I’m allowing Corza to decide his fate.”

“That is remarkably valiant of you.” I licked my lower lip and stood from my chair. I took the treat from his hand and sat it on the table.

He didn’t protest when I lifted one leg and slid it over his body, mine settling down onto his lap. The sensation of straddling him was divine, my gut clenching in warmth. I placed my arms over his shoulders and brought my face close to his. “I’m sorry you were deceived by someone so close.”

His nostrils were flared, and his jaw set hard. The heat from his palms that landed on my hips sent shivers up my spine. The king shook his head slowly. “I’d rather not talk about him right now.”

“I understand,” I whispered. He held perfectly still as I licked across his bottom lip, my groan gentle at the warmth I tasted there. And my lips curved into a smile against his mouth when his palms ran up the back of my top, his fingers gripping into my skin. I nipped his bottom lip.

“Do I have to call you king now?”

His lips suddenly curved into a wicked grin. The heated air from his words warmed my cheeks. “Are you seducing me?”

“I’m trying,” I grumbled. “How am I doing?”

“You should really divest yourself of these clothes. Then try again.”

My entire frame shook, I laughed so hard. “You told a joke!”

“I did just win a war.” His eyes crinkled at the edges, a small smile lifting his lips while he watched me snicker further. “I know. It’s hard to believe. I’m…happy.”

Still grinning, I sat back, placing room between our faces. “You didn’t answer my question.”

He tipped his head forward and kissed my lips softly, his voice a quiet whisper. “You may call me whatever you wish, Madeline. Just as long as you always come home to me.”

I leaned in and pressed my lips to his. He was my home. He had nothing to fear from me. “For my mate? Always.”

We continued to sit in the moonlit kitchen.

Just enjoying each other.
Loving
each other.

An odd woman on Joyal had been right.

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A
BOUT THE
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UTHOR

New York Times bestselling author and award-winner, Scarlett Dawn is the author of the Forever Evermore new adult fantasy series, the Mark new adult science fiction saga, and the Lion Security contemporary series.
She lives in the Midwest, adores her music loud, and demands her fries covered in melted cheese.

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Woodland Creek Series.
30 Authors. 30 Shifter Stories.
WoodlandCreekSeries.com

A shifter made of stone. And wings.
A human bent on free love. And drunk.
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But the town of Woodland Creek, it's no laughing matter. Hostile and magical residents guard their secrets. It's too easy to be found out.
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King Hall — where the Mysticals go to learn their craft, get their degrees, and transition into adulthood. And where four new Rulers will rise and meet their destinies.

Lily Ruckler is adept at one thing: survival. Born a Mystical hybrid, her mere existence is forbidden, but her nightmare is only about to start. Fluke, happenstance, and a deep personal loss finds Lily deeply entrenched with those who would destroy her simply for existing — The Mystical Kings. Being named future Queen of the Shifters shoves Lily into the spotlight, making her one of the most visible Mysticals in the world. But with risk comes a certain solace — her burgeoning friendships with the other three Prodigies: a wicked Vampire, a wild-child Mage, and a playboy Elemental. Backed by their faith and trust, Lily begins to relax into her new life.

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*Originally published in The Obsidian Collection*
*This work contains sexual material intended for readers 18+*