Total pages in book: 120
Estimated words: 112089 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 560(@200wpm)___ 448(@250wpm)___ 374(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112089 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 560(@200wpm)___ 448(@250wpm)___ 374(@300wpm)
“Faster, Austin,” I said, pushing back against him.
As he complied, I directed one of his hands down my stomach and to the spot of extra sensation. He massaged expertly while leaning over me. His hips hit my butt with each thrust. I breathed hard, tilting as he rushed forward now. Sinking further into the moment. Into my feelings for him.
My cry of climax came right before he shuddered behind me, groaning. His other hand came up to grab my hair and give it a small yank. I turned my face to the side so that he could run his teeth along my neck. It felt like a physical claim, and my gargoyle sent a burst of magic with the pleasure.
“That never gets old,” he finally said as both of us breathed heavily.
“Hopefully, it never will.”
He turned me before pulling me into his arms. “It won’t.”
I fell into his kiss. When he pulled back, he gazed down into my eyes for several long moments, and somehow, that felt ten times more intimate than any physical touch.
“What do you say we get these fish to camp?” he murmured. “All of the teams should be back by now.”
“We definitely need to. The only thing is…I’m really not looking forward to carrying half a dozen slimy fish.”
His eyes narrowed a little in thought before he looked back at the pile. “Good point. Why don’t you run back and get some help? I’m sure Mr. Tom would fall all over himself to carry them for you.”
I tsked at him. “Be nice. That’s his job. You should be ecstatic that someone wants to do the menial stuff so you don’t have to,” I joked.
That deep look was back. It felt like his eyes were peering into my soul.
“Or maybe I’m jealous that he’s doing it and I am not.”
I ran my hand up his chest. “You need to think that through. Doing my menial work isn’t as glamorous as you’re making it out to be. Running back to the house constantly because I’ve left something behind isn’t on the ‘fun task’ list.”
He shook his head slowly. “I wouldn’t mind, Jess. I told you: ensuring your happiness is my duty as your mate, and I feel blessed to have been granted such a duty.” He paused for a moment, and a smile budded. “But no, that’s not why I pick on Mr. Tom.”
“Why, then?” I asked, angling my face up.
He brushed his lips across mine. “Truth?”
“Truth.”
“Because I can’t help myself.” He threw his head back and laughed. “Your crew is so…strange. Each member is more absurd than the last, including the weird mage and his gal pal. I can’t…” He shook with laughter. “I just can’t…” He gripped my shoulders. “If I don’t poke fun, it’ll start to seem normal, and then where will I be?”
“In my position, slowly slipping into insanity to eventually rival Edgar’s?”
He sobered. “I vow that I will not let you ever get as bad as that vampire.”
I belted out laughter. “All right, Casanova, let’s get these home.” I took a step back and closed my eyes.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m trying to connect with my gargoyle magic so I can more effectively call my team. You know, reel them in like I sometimes do?”
But I couldn’t seem to call up the ability at will. I hadn’t really merged my gargoyle’s magic with mine.
“You need to find your balance,” Austin said, watching me. “To do that, you have to test your limits. To do that, you need to fully let yourself go. To allow that darkness to pull you under.”
“I’ve done that, though.”
“No. You’ve never willingly rushed into that darkness. Your gargoyle has been pulled out by Niamh or the call of battle. Part of learning control is choosing when to use your darkness. Believe me, Jess, I understand your fear. You know how long I’ve lived with it. But I found you. I know you’ll pull me out if I ever go too far. Hopefully one day, you’ll put the same trust in me.”
“I do trust you. With everything I am.”
“Then run into that darkness without looking back,” he said, gently stroking his thumb along my jaw, “and know that I will never allow you to lose yourself to it. Your gargoyle will never keep you from me. Nothing on this earth could. Nothing but death.” I stilled for a moment. “But maybe don’t rush into it just yet. If you release a whole bunch of magic and my bear has to battle it, the basajaunak probably won’t be overly impressed.”
I grimaced. There was that.
“Why don’t you just call your crew the normal way?” he continued. “Freak out a little and wish for Mr. Tom, and he’ll fall all over himself to get to you.”
I laughed and swatted him. “You’re the worst.”
I bent to get dressed, not mentioning that I intended to do exactly that.