Total pages in book: 126
Estimated words: 117167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 586(@200wpm)___ 469(@250wpm)___ 391(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 117167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 586(@200wpm)___ 469(@250wpm)___ 391(@300wpm)
Yichen remained still for a second, his lips close enough that Rei could feel his breath caressing his flesh, sending goose bumps down his arms. When he moved, it was to press another kiss to the perfect spot on Rei’s throat for a bite.
“As my prince wishes.”
Rei had heard that phrase from hundreds of subjects, sycophants, and liars over hundreds of years, but Yiyi was the first person to say it with warmth, kindness, and devotion. He was the first person to make him feel beloved. And from now on, Yichen was the only person permitted to utter those four words.
The crack of a branch snapping echoed through the nearly silent forest and Rei groaned loudly, letting out all of his frustration. It wasn’t fair. It was impossible to get enough Yiyi private time and he’d known the moment they’d left the car that they weren’t alone in the woods.
Stepping away from Yichen, he moved in front of the vampire as he turned to face the elf who’d stepped out of her hiding spot to confront them.
“Did you need to wait so long?” Rei grumbled.
“If I waited any longer, I’d start retching from your disgusting behavior,” she complained.
“Always a pleasure, Aire.” He chewed on the greeting, barely resisting the urge to shoot an arrow into the woman on principle alone. She’d knifed him a couple of times over the years in the name of supporting Trin. The only positive was that she was smart enough to avoid the critical areas. He tipped his head toward Yichen, who’d annoyingly stepped around him to stand on his left. “I don’t think you’ve been introduced. Prince Wu Yichen, this is Aire Bira, my half brother’s right hand. She’s also hopelessly in love with the idiot. Thankfully, Trin doesn’t possess enough brain cells to stand against the king and notice her lovesick looks. Otherwise, he would have already made a fearful mistake with her.”
A bright flush painted her pale cheeks, and her icy blue eyes widened for half a second before she unshouldered her bow and fired an arrow straight at his chest. He’d expected that. As she reached for her bow, he’d moved his right foot, preparing to pivot out of the way of the arrow’s flight.
But Yichen moved faster.
His blade flashed out as if by magic and deflected the arrow, stopping it from coming close to Rei. The vampire pointed the sword at Aire, eyes narrowed in deadly determination. “That was your one. You will not get another chance to harm him. You will be dead. I promise it.”
Swoon.
How could a person not swoon when a sexy, sword-wielding killer promised to protect them?
They were so fucking the moment they got home. He was willing to fuck Yichen right here in these woods, but yes, meeting. The end of the world. Killing his father. Blah. Blah. Blah. That had to come first.
Rei draped an arm across Yichen’s taut shoulders and rubbed his head on Yichen’s while the vampire stood almost statuelike, threatening the other elf. “Aire, dear, do you remember Yichen? This is my lover, my mate, my everything. You should keep that in mind when you threaten either of us.”
Harsh, high-pitched laughter broke from her as she placed her bow on her shoulder again. “You have tossed aside all your dignity. It was bad enough that you claimed him as a pet and then dared to protect him against your parents and the court. But now you’re saying he’s your mate? That’s too much.”
Rei’s smile didn’t waver under her mocking. What did he care of those who looked down on him? He’d found a happiness they would likely never know. He turned his head and brushed a kiss to the side of Yichen’s head. “It’s okay. She’s jealous. So jealous that if she doesn’t let it out as laughter, her self-loathing and rage will choke her.”
Aire’s laughter ended in a snarl, and she grabbed for her bow, but Yichen’s words halted her. “You’re wasting time. I believe Trin sent you to fetch us for our meeting. Complete your task,” he ordered.
It was a surprise that she didn’t spontaneously combust right there on the spot in her fury. But Yichen had a point. Trin had sent her to escort them to the meeting location.
“Fine,” she snarled and spun around.
Yichen didn’t lower his sword until she’d walked a short distance without glancing at them. Rei squeezed his shoulder and straightened to take the lead.
“I guess those old tales about elves being cold and emotionless were a bunch of bullshit,” Yichen muttered.
“Oh yeah, total bullshit. I’ve known plenty of elves who tried to pretend to be like that.” Rei snorted. “I just needed to find the right button to push. Turned them into frothing, incoherent goblins, hopping about in the biggest temper tantrum.”
“Had fun, didn’t you?”