I’m about to ask her if she can sneak out when both girls are startled by a loud bang on the bedroom door. They look at each other, eyes wide with fear, before running over to her bed. They struggle to push the solid four-poster frame across the floor until it blocks the only way out or in.

Well, I guess we’re going to do this the hard way.

“Get back and take cover!” I shout, motioning Zella to the far end of the room.

The sisters scurry to the corner before crouching together.

The commotion on the other side of her door continues, and it sounds like they’re using a battering ram. I hear the distinct split of wood.

I’ll have to be fast.

Spinning my hand in a circle, I command the sky to swirl. A cyclone forms, and the roar is deafening. The skinny tail dips down, dancing back and forth as it snakes toward the castle.

My dark hair whips around my head as the wind increases, and I have to angle my wings a little differently so I don’t get blown away. I keep them horizontal, using the force of the cyclone to hover in one spot.

Clenching my jaw, my lips press into a thin line as I direct the force to the correct place.

I have to be precise. One slip, and I could end up hurting my mate.

Bracing myself for the damage, I flick a finger, pushing the tail to the far wall of Zella’s room.

It sounds like a wrecking ball against the crumbling stone. Glass shatters. Iron groans as it bends. But it only lasts long enough to make an opening for Zella to escape.

As the dust clears, I allow the storm to recede a little.

And then I see her, nothing separating us.

Zella’s eyes lock with mine as she embraces her sister one more time, then she doesn’t hesitate to leap toward me.

Her leathery, pearlescent wings unfurl as her feet leave the jagged floor, and I fly forward to catch her.

Our bodies collide, spinning us in the air.

A melodic laugh bubbles up from Zella and she’s smiling when her lips meet mine.

I’m shocked by the suddenness of the kiss, but I can’t blame her for being impatient. We should’ve done this a long time ago.

Relaxing, I sigh into her mouth, reveling in the softness of her lips. My heart spasms when her tongue slips out to caress mine.

Her warmth. Her taste. There’s nothing like it.

My cock responds, stiffening in my pants. I slant my mouth over hers, deepening the contact. She moans.

Growling, I dig my fingers into her waist, scrunching the silky fabric of her dress in my fists.

I don’t even realize we’re sinking to the ground until I hear the footsteps.

Lots of them.