“What type of accommodation is your preference?” my mother asked. “We have witches here skilled in constructing almost anything.”

“We like mountains,” Jeriad said instantly. “The chambers within this range could be made suitable for us with some guidance on our part to the witches.”

“We’ll arrange for a meeting then, with you and our witches, and you can detail your requirements and preferences,” my mother said.

“And, um, what do you do for food?” I asked nervously, recalling their appetite for ogre flesh.

Jeriad’s gaze once again fell upon my face. “We shall remain primarily in these forms while we remain on this island, and we will eat as the humans do.”

I let out a sigh of relief. Brett and Bella would still be terrified when they discovered that the dragons were to remain with us permanently, but at least they would be a little less menacing in their humanoid forms.

“When will you leave for your prince?” my father asked.

“As soon as this meeting is over.”

I took that as my cue to leave. I’d asked them everything I’d wanted to ask them for now—and, assuming they were telling the truth, I was satisfied that I’d done the right thing by letting them mingle with the island’s large population of human woman.

I reached out a hand to Jeriad. “I’ll see you again soon, no doubt.”

He gripped my hand, the warmth of his skin melding with my own. His touch was surprisingly gentle for a man of his prowess, though I supposed it had been quite deliberate, since he was touching a damsel.

Drawing away, Caleb and I headed out of the Black Heights while my parents stayed behind to talk with them further. As we entered into the clearing, I asked, “What should we do now…?”

As I gazed up at him, my voice trailed off. I was surprised by how intensely he was staring at me. Ignoring my question, he swept me off my feet and raced with me in his arms up the side of the mountain. As our cabin came into view—thankfully unscathed in the battle—I realized where he was headed.

He flew up the porch steps and barged through the door. Closing the door behind us with his heel, he carried me straight to our bedroom. Laying my head against the pillows, he climbed over me and straddled my hips. He placed his hands either side of my head and lowered his face until his lips were so close I could practically taste them.

Finally, he answered my question in a whisper. “It’s been a long night. I think we should sleep.”

“Sleep, huh? You don’t exactly strike me as tired.”

“I’m never tired when I’m with you.” Breathing heavily, he ran his mouth down my throat toward my chest, leaving a trail of kisses.

“Then you’re going to be one tired vampire in a hundred years’ time,” I managed to whisper back. His touch was lighting me on fire again. I hoped I wouldn’t become too hot or lose control and start spouting flames.

He paused, raising his head to look me in the eye. “Just a hundred?”

“Well, more. But we need to figure out how to turn me into a vampire without me going wild like my brother.”

He dipped his head again and continued caressing my body, but I could tell that something was bothering him. After he’d undressed me, I beckoned him toward me and pulled him into my arms. Twining my legs with his, I rested his head against my chest. “I meant what I said to those dragons, Caleb,” I said softly. “I’m yours… and if you hold onto me, I always will be.”

His hold around me tightened. Positioning himself so that he was level with me on the pillows, he gazed into my eyes. “Is it possible for ice to hold onto fire?”

I slipped my hand into his. “You’re holding onto me now,” I whispered, pressing my lips against his cheek. “Just don’t let go.”

Inhaling deeply, he reached for the back of my head and drew me closer before I could pull away again. He shut his eyes, and his lips closed around mine hungrily. I moaned, relishing the feel of his tongue exploring my mouth.

Finally, he lifted his head. My heart swelled as he smiled down at me, his chocolate-brown eyes lighting up.

“I still might not admit to belonging in your world, Rose,” he said. “But I can no longer deny that I belong with you.”

Chapter 41: Aiden

I’d already suggested that Kailyn move in with me once the new residences were built among the treetops, but for the time being, we retreated to an empty mountain cabin. I didn’t want to assume she’d be ready to share a bed with me so early in our relationship, so I’d made sure to choose one with two bedrooms.

Neither of us had any possessions to bring with us, since both of our homes had been destroyed in the blaze. Unlocking the front door, I pushed it open and we walked inside. I walked her along the hallway, pointing out the kitchen and bathroom before reaching the back of the building where the two bedrooms were situated. I opened each of their doors for her to look inside.

“Your choice,” I said, with a smile.

She twisted a lock of her curly blonde hair between her fingers, a mischievous glint in her eye. “I’ll take whatever’s your choice.”

Okay, then.

I knew Kailyn wasn’t exactly one to be shy, but I couldn’t deny that her answer surprised me. We’d only just shared our first kiss a short while ago. Sharing a bed so soon… I didn’t feel at ease with it. But perhaps this was just the way of werewolves. They moved fast.