But. A smart girl also put her money on a Thoroughbred rather than a common stallion. What if she was supposed to take a risk, sacrificing her fear on the altar of love, rather than her life?
And if she was wrong?
Her wings fluttered. How could she not want forever with him? This Astra had fought for her. He’d fought hard. Deliciously so. She mattered to him. He desired her like air. Relaxed with her. Laughed with her. He needed her in ways he’d never needed another. Because she was his and he was hers.
Because she loved the douchebag with all her heart. The nymph in her could not get enough of him—and never would.
He is my entwine and consort. She could deny it no longer.
Ophelia’s gaze flipped up to his, everything inside her soft and vulnerable. “Halo,” she whispered.
A trumpet blasted through the night, and he stepped toward her.
Aggression thrummed from him, but he kept his arms at his sides, his hands fisted. “I won you?”
She chewed on her bottom lip and nodded.
“Say the words,” he croaked.
Ophelia licked her lips and did it. She risked it all, putting everything on the line. “You win, Halo. I want forever with you. I...surrender.”
28
A roar of triumph left Halo. He swooped down, claiming Ophelia’s lips with his own. Claiming her. She had needed her male to prove himself worthy of her affections. Someone willing to fight for her, whatever the cost, the same way she fought for him. Halo had done it. He’d demonstrated patience, and he’d won his prize. The most sensual, playful female he’d never known to dream about. A stunning beauty beyond his wildest imaginations. A champion unwilling to stay down, no matter how often she fell. A conduit of emotion who added vibrant colors to his black-and-white world.
He flashed her to his—their—bedroom. High on victory, he walked her backward, heading for the bathroom. Along the way, he stopped to press her against a wall. The kiss never paused. They were both grimy from practice, smears of blood wetting his skin, but he didn’t care. He couldn’t not taste her.
He ripped off the harpy’s armor and undergarments, removing each piece with the utmost haste. His heart stormed in his chest. Internal growls mimicked blasts of thunder as he gained a deep awareness of every pulse point in his body. Heat flooded his veins. No, not just heat. An inferno, his cells set ablaze. Smoke wafted, clouding his head. Desire obscured all other thoughts. Take everything. Give more.
Ophelia sank her claws in his shoulders and devoured his mouth. Moans flowed between them in a continuous stream as he ripped at his zipper, his throbbing length springing free.
“Give me your pheromone. When I said I wanted everything, I meant it.” He ground his shaft against her core, spreading her wetness between them, and hissed. “I’ve been without you too long.”
The incredible scent filled his nose. He inhaled deep and lifted his head. Their gazes locked. Mere inches separated their bodies. The knowledge stripped him of control yet somehow also strengthened him.
“Mmm. Never happened so easily before,” she said between panting breaths. Pale green irises resembled polished glass as she swayed. “I think I’m pheromoneing myself.”
“Or you are drunk with desire for your male.” He flashed a possessive grin. “I like that you recognize me as yours, nymph. Love that you surrender to me.” That surrender made this an act of promise for them both. Together forever. He would treat it as the honor it was.
“I do. I did.” She nipped at his lower lip. “So don’t make me wait a moment longer for you.”
“Oh, sweetheart. You will wait. That, I promise you. You will do whatever I tell you. Isn’t that right?” He ground into her with increasing pressure.
Gasping, she arched her back. “It’s right, it’s right.”
“Do not forget.” He transported her to the shower stall, where he hurriedly stripped, and they cleaned up.
She stroked his shaft whenever she got the chance. Every second he failed to bend her over and thrust into her torched another layer of his sanity. When he could take it no more, he fisted her hair, angling her head, and pressed her against the tiles. Hot water rained, every sluicing droplet a tiny caress.
He cupped between her legs and rubbed her clit. Her lips parted on a gasp-moan before she poured herself over him the way he adored. Rolling her hips and undulating as he stroked her.
Steam thickened the air. A soft pitter-patter provided the perfect background chorus for each rasp, groan, and plea.
He nipped her bottom lip and unveiled what was surely a ferocious grin. “You please me, Elia.”
“I’m truly yours forever?” She bared her throat to him. “You’ll always desire me?”
“Mmm-hmm.” He licked her carotid. “I need more fun in my life, and you will provide it. Every inch of you is now considered my personal playground. I think my first claim will go here.” He stirred his finger inside her, wrenching another groan from them both.