Bracing one hand by her head, I rub her with the other while pounding into her wet heat. My balls slap against her ass, and the sounds we’re making echo all around us.

She brings her knees up, spreading herself wider for me. Allowing me to go even deeper.

A new sound joins in, and I realize it’s the wind howling outside.

“I’m not trying to make that happen,” I say through ragged breaths.

Wide-eyed, Zella raises her flaming hands. “I’m not either.”

She crosses her wrists above her head, trying to keep the fire away from me.

I’m not afraid of her. Moving my hand, I pin her arms to the floor. I can feel the heat from her hands, but it’s not unpleasant. If anything, the way it makes me sweat is even sexier.

Zella glances up at the way I’m holding her down, and her eyes flare with lust. She likes being dominated by me, and that turns me on.

My sac tightens, and a heavy sensation forms in my chest.

The bond is almost complete.

“Gonna come,” I grunt, wishing I could’ve lasted longer.

“Me, too.” Hooking a knee over my shoulder, Zella cries out at the new angle.

A few seconds later, I feel her clamp down on me. Her inner muscles spasm, clenching around my cock, and her orgasm triggers mine.

As my seed shoots out in hot spurts, I let out a long growl.

Sparks pop and crackle above us, lighting the space. But it’s not Zella’s doing—that’s the bond detonating before snapping into place. I feel it settle in my chest, warm like sunshine.

Like stars and laughter and my favorite ale. Like the adrenaline rush after a victory.

Like everything good I’ve ever experienced all rolled into one.

I finally slow before coming to a stop. Keeping myself rutted deep inside Zella, I lower my mouth to hers, kissing her slowly. Her core flutters with aftershocks, milking my already drained cock.

Her hands are still smoldering with embers. My accidental storm still rages outside.

But nothing matters right now. Except us.

Except the new tether from my soul to hers.

CHAPTER 9

Zella

The wind outside has finally died down and the tingling in my fingertips has eased.

Keryth kisses me lazily, our naked bodies still tangled together and slick with sweat. I’m about to suggest a dip in the hot spring when a sound gets my attention.

Footsteps. Snapping twigs. Hushed whispers.

Alarmed, Keryth and I both sit up. We make eye contact for a brief second before yanking our clothes back on.

Company isn’t good. People don’t just wander onto sacred ground. We’ve been followed.

“My father has a seeker,” I hiss quietly, placing my crown firmly back on my head before slinging my satchel over my shoulder. “I should’ve thought of that.”