Between Dawn and Dusk Page 3

  And that was just her hand.

  I can only imagine how sweet she’d taste in other places.

  Lifting my eyes to hers, I find her staring at me with dark, oversized pupils. Parted lips. Flushed cheeks.

  The danger isn’t imminent anymore. I want to give her the kiss she deserves. Closing the distance, I brush my mouth against hers. Softly. Leisurely. As if we have all the time in the world.

  I explore her, learning the shape and feel of her flesh by sucking on her bottom lip. Then the top.

  Responding, she does the same to me before swiping her tongue from one corner of my mouth to the other. I open for her and we lick at each other in a stroking rhythm.

  Zella’s legs automatically fall open, spreading wider to accommodate my hips.

  I inch forward, wrapping an arm around her waist to draw her closer. When my erection makes contact with her center, we both gasp.

  My cock starts to throb, and my fingers are shaking as I dig into the curve of her hips.

  “Zella.” I run my lips over her jaw, down to the soft column of her neck.

  I tense with surprise when her teeth gently clamp down on my ear, and when she licks up to the sensitive point, I shudder.

  I feel an urgency, an uncontrollable drive, to take her.

  Here. Now.

  But it’s not right.

  Apparently, she doesn’t agree. Moving her hands to my back, she begins tugging at my shirt. She won’t be able to get it off me while my wings are out, and I wonder if she’ll rip the tank top down the middle. After a few seconds of struggle, she gives up and travels up to my shoulder blades. When her fingernails scrape against the base of my wings, I rasp out a groan.

  “Slow,” I say, kissing along her pulse point. “Go slow. I only have so much self-control.”

  “We’ve waited long enough. I want you, Keryth.” She pulls back, and her pout is seriously adorable.

  “Not here. It isn’t safe.”

  “Then where? When?”

  “Your impatience is endearing, my sweet.” I scoop her up as I stand. “Luckily, I know a place we can go, and it’s not too far from here.”

  Zella

  Not too far from here?

  We’ve been flying for an hour. My nerves are shot, and my sexual frustration is at an all-time high. There’s a heat pulsing between my thighs and my nipples are hard and tight beneath my dress.

  It’s almost painful.

  Keryth must feel it, too. His expression is serious, his eyebrows furrowed. His usually full lips are pressed into a thin line. He keeps clenching his jaw. I can see the muscles working under the dark scruff of his facial hair.

  He must be exhausted. Flying—especially while carrying someone else—is draining.

  I start to wonder if we’ll ever make it to our destination, but then I feel the moment we enter Dawn and Dusk. It’s familiar, the way the air changes, and my heart speeds up because I’m reminded of all the times I was so excited to see Keryth.

  This time, I’m with him.

  I hope we never have to be apart again.

  As I snuggle closer, the temperature drops and there’s a pleasant tangy-sweet scent in the breeze. I look down to see a gozzel grove. The citrusy fruit is my favorite.

  Keryth knows this, and I wonder if we’re going to stop for a snack. But he must be in a hurry to get me alone, because we speed up and turn south.

  The stinging in my wound has dissipated to a dull ache. I flex my wings, testing their ability to move. When I look over my shoulder, I note the way the skin has fused back together. It’s still pink and scabby, but I’m surprised by how quickly it’s healing.

  Since I don’t need them, I tuck them away, letting them fold in on themselves while they slide into the slits on my shoulder blades.

  As we get farther into the neutral territory, the sky changes.

  Back the way we came, it’s light from the glow of the Day Realm. Ahead, it’s dark where the Night Realm is located. But in the middle? There’s a strip filled with colorful rainbows where Night and Day clash. It’s like a constantly flowing river, the way the prisms sway back and forth.

  “We’re almost there,” Keryth tells me, his warm breath tickling the tip of my ear.

  We’re soaring over a thick forest. Most of the trees are green but some have white and pink flowers blooming on them.

  This is a section of Dawn and Dusk I’ve never seen before.

  I gawk at a tall waterfall. The mist at the bottom hovers above the pond below it, creating a heavy fog.

  “Waterfall mist.” I glance at Keryth’s crystal eyes. “Have you ever had it?”

  A small smile plays on his lips. “Of course. It’s the most refreshing drink I’ve ever tasted.”

  I nod in agreement, although I wouldn’t know from personal experience. When the treaty was made, certain resources from Dawn and Dusk were claimed by Day and Night. We got the gozzels and a few medicinal plants, but Night got the waterfall mist.

  Sudden sadness pummels me, because the peace everyone worked so hard for is ruined.

  “Such turmoil in your mind,” Keryth comments.

  I quirk an eyebrow at him. “Since when can you read my thoughts?”

  “I can’t, but I feel your emotions as if they’re mine. It’ll all be okay.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Because we’ll be together.” He swoops down to a clearing where little blue flowers are scattered everywhere and cryptically adds, “Maybe this will make you feel better.”

  I give him a questioning look as he takes my hand. He says nothing as he leads me down a dirt path lined by trees.

  Something about this moment feels important. I can’t quite figure out what it is, but I bask in the quiet sounds of nature around us. Birds occasionally chirp, the breeze rustles the leaves and branches, and I can hear the far-off rush of the waterfall.

  When I see what we’re approaching, I almost trip over my own two feet.

  Pointing straight ahead, I stutter, “The-the staircase? Is that—?”

  My question gets cut short because Keryth is nodding, a huge grin on his handsome face. “This is the path all fated mates take together. These stairs are sacred. Can you feel it?”

  “Yes.” There’s a buzz in the air. The hairs on my arm stand up and my neck prickles. “But we’re not getting married right now.” I frown, halting in front of the first stone step.

  According to ancient tradition, we’re supposed to walk up these stairs together on our wedding day, right before we say our vows in front of our guests.

  “Yes, we are,” Keryth claims, his bossy tone leaving no room for argument.

  “We are?” I ask, confused.

  Stepping close, he cups my cheek. “Right now. You and me. Nothing can stop us.”

  “The ceremony—your people will be disappointed,” I argue. “They’ll want to see it.”

  “And they will. They’ll see the important part—that we’re happy and bonded. When we get back to the Night Realm, we’ll have a grand ball to announce our union. It’ll be the celebration of the millennium. Our people will have such a great time, they won’t feel like they missed out.”

  I chew my lip as I look toward the pinkish glow coming from the top of the stairs. Green moss covers part of the old stone, growing in the cracks between the blocks.

  And I want this.

  I don’t want to wait anymore.

  Smiling, I give Keryth’s hand a squeeze. “Let’s do it.”

  Keryth

  I’m trembling as my feet move, one in front of the other, climbing higher with my love by my side.

  There was a time when I thought this day would never come.

  Not every faerie is lucky enough to cross paths with their soul mate. It’s actually quite rare, which is why fated pairs are considered higher on the social ladder.

  I remember the first time I saw Zella as if it were yesterday. She stepped out of the golden carriage, looking pissed off and scared. I couldn’t
blame her. Being sent to carry out a trade deal at such a young age must have been daunting.

  And her age… yes, it was a problem. Just seventeen years old. Her face had still been somewhat rounded. Her long blonde hair had never been cut before, so the length fell past her rear and the ends still had her newborn curls. Her chest wasn’t fully developed, and her hips weren’t as shapely as they are now.

  But I knew she was mine. When our eyes met, I felt my soul align, snapping together with hers.

  I’ve worshiped her every day since.

  Knowing we had to wait until her body was mature enough for breeding, I kept my distance and built a friendship. Over the years she impressed me with her kindness and quick wit. Physically, she filled out and tried to drive me crazy with corseted dresses and flirtatious smiles.

  I lived for our visits. A month was too long to go without my mate. Without her sweet smell. Without her irises that reminded me of the purple clouds on the horizon at dusk.

  Every time I saw her, she changed a little. She grew up before my eyes.

  I look at her now, watching the reaction on her face when she sees the clearing for the bonding ceremony. Her eyes widen. Her lips part.

  When we get to the top step, Zella sucks in a breath. “It’s so beautiful.”

  The aisle is slightly patchy from being walked on. Vacant grass on either side of it is a vibrant green. If this were a traditional ceremony, the area would be filled with chairs for our guests. Petals from the pink blooms on the branches overhead occasionally drift through the air.

  A petal falls into Zella’s hair. I leave it, because she looks so beautiful.

  Ahead, a bare trellis stands where the vows are exchanged. I imagine it decorated with flowers representing the realm where the couple is from. For us, it would be a mashup of golden lilies or midnight roses.

  “I’ve only been here three times before,” I tell Zella, slipping her hand into the crook of my elbow as we walk forward. “The last was when my brother Silas married his fated mate three years ago. The other mating ceremonies were for two of my soldiers. Those were bittersweet days for me. While I was happy to see my men find their other half, I was sad to lose them from my military.”

  Zella tilts her head to the side. “Why would you let them leave your service?”

  “Once a man becomes tethered to his soul mate, it’s unfair to send him into war where he could be killed. Because his life isn’t his own anymore. If he dies, so does his wife. Maybe not right away, but eventually. And then what would happen to their children? I refuse to inflict that on anyone, so I always encourage fated pairs to settle down and raise a family.” I smile wryly. “Besides, mated men make terrible soldiers. They’re distracted and have much more to lose than someone who’s on his own.”

  Her eyes lower to the ground. “You’re a good ruler. You’re much kinder to your people than my parents ever were to theirs.”

  Lifting her chin, I force her to look over at me. “Stop referring to the Night Realm citizens as my people. They’re ours. Yours and mine. Together, we’ll always try to do the right thing for our kingdom, even if it means losing a warrior every now and then.”

  I want nothing more than to be one of those ex-warriors, but I’m the king. I have duties and obligations. The thought of ever leaving Zella makes me sick with worry, but right now, I’m the leader. I’ve always fought my own battles, and I don’t intend to stop now.

  Silas has been itching to get his hands on the crown for some time now. I’m pretty sure he thought he’d have it once he married Tehya. After all, a king is stronger with a queen at his side—and even more so when it’s his fated mate. Fae powers increase once the soul connection is complete.

  He thought me weak because I was alone.

  What he didn’t know was, I’d already met Zella by then and I knew we’d be together eventually.

  But I didn’t tell him that. In fact, he knows nothing about her. He’s in for quite a surprise when we get home.

  Stopping by the trellis, I turn to Zella and take her hands in mine.

  Sudden panic strikes me when I realize I don’t have anything to give her. I pat my pockets as though I can make necklaces or rings appear. A few gold coins jingle under my fingers. I can’t give her money. That would be lame.

  “I don’t have our objects of commitment,” I admit, ashamed.

  She smiles softly. “That doesn’t matter to me. The only thing I want is you.”

  I blow out a breath. How did I get so lucky?

  “Zella, Princess of the Day Realm, will you take me, Keryth, King of the Night Realm, as your husband?”

  Her heart skips a happy beat, and I can feel it echo in mine.

  “You’re absolutely positive you want to do this now?” she asks, glancing around at the empty space. “Without your family.”

  “That doesn’t matter.” With a smirk, I throw her words back at her. “The only thing I want is you.”

  She grins. “Then, yes. I will.”

  “And I take you as my wife.” I lean in to kiss her, sealing our promise with a kiss before uttering the vows I’ve ached to say for four long years. “From dawn ‘til dusk, from dusk ‘til dawn, I’ll never love another.”

  With our foreheads touching, she looks into my eyes as she repeats, “From dawn ‘til dusk, from dusk ‘til dawn, I’ll never love another.”

  I feel the familiar flutter of a solid oath in my chest.

  It’s done.

  Well, almost.

  We still have to consummate the bond.

  My cock twitches at the thought. From the way Zella’s breath hitches as her eyes roam my body, I’d say she’s thinking about the same thing.

  Without hesitation, I pick her up and take to the sky, heading toward a hidden cave.

  Zella

  The waterfall I saw earlier comes into view as Keryth circles down. At first, I think he’s going to put us under the cascade, but he makes a sharp left and lands on a rock ledge behind it.

  “Thirsty?” he asks. I nod, and he cups a large leaf that’s growing out of the wall of dirt and rocks. “Tilt your head back and open your mouth.”

  Keeping my eyes connected with his, I do as he says. He tips the leaf forward and a trickle of water flows from it. I catch the liquid on my tongue and make a content sound as I swallow. It’s cold and refreshing.

  “Waterfall mist?” I gulp some more.

  “Yes.” Keryth smiles, moving from leaf to leaf until I’ve had my fill.

  The water settles in my stomach with a deep sense of satisfaction. Well, I can see why the Night Realm wanted this resource. I feel energized and hydrated.

  After drinking for himself, Keryth leads me to an opening behind the waterfall. A dark tunnel, hidden by some hanging vines. The entry is barely tall enough for us to walk through, and we both duck as we shuffle inside.

  “This cave is a secret among the royals,” Keryth tells me. “It’s a private getaway where newlyweds complete the bond.”

  “I’ve heard about it, but I wasn’t sure if it was a myth.”

  “Your parents didn’t tell you about it?”

  I let out a forlorn sigh. “I’m sure Mother planned to, once I was old enough.”

  Keryth draws me closer to his side in a show of support and solidarity. “I’m sorry, my sweet. I understand your pain.”

  I nod. Losing your parents is never easy. He got to have both of his for many years, and I’m glad for him. He wouldn’t be the man he is today without their wisdom and guidance.

  Placing my hand on the hard ridges of his abs, I soak up the comfort his proximity gives me.

  “No more sad talk,” he says, tickling my side. “Today is a happy day.”

  “It is,” I agree.

  The daylight behind us is fading in the shadows, and I’m starting to wonder if we’ll have to navigate our way through here in complete darkness. But then there’s a blue glow up ahead, and it illuminates the various plants growing from the rocks.

 
As we get farther into the cave, the light gets brighter. The air smells damp and earthy. Fresh and natural.

  When we finally make it to the end, there’s a round-shaped room with a hot bubbling spring on one side. It’s where the glow is coming from, almost as if the ground is lit from within. On the other side, there’s a place with a small table and two chairs. Shelves are chiseled into the rock, and when I look closer, I see a book sitting there.

  After dumping my satchel on the floor, I go over to it, pick it up, and turn to the first page.

  Surprised, I glance at Keryth. “A record of all the couples who’ve been here?”

  He looks over my shoulder. “Must be a guest book. Wow, this goes all the way back to King Jarmon and Queen Taiyana. Your ancestors.”

  Meaning, this thing is old. The rule of my great-great-great grandparents was over two hundred thousand years ago. They’ve long since passed away, but I was told they lived a full life of almost thirty thousand years.

  “The paper must be enchanted.” I run a finger along the white undamaged pages.

  Wrapping his arms around my middle, Keryth rests his chin on my shoulder when he sees his parents’ entry, and I feel a stab of melancholy when I turn to the middle and see my own mother and father listed.

  “I bet they were so happy,” I say, trying to keep my voice light. Keryth doesn’t want our day to be tainted by sadness, but it’s hard not to feel grief. “I can’t help having pity for my father. He only had his mate for twenty-seven years. In the expanse of our long lives, that’s barely anything at all.”

  Nodding, Keryth clears his throat. “Yes, in the grand scheme of things, mine didn’t have much longer—a hundred and seventy-eight years together. But at least they were with each other when they perished. I like to think they’re still embracing somewhere beyond the sky.”

  Snagging a pen off the shelf, I hand it to Keryth and turn to a blank page.

  I smile. “It’s time to start our story.”

  He scrawls his name in big letters, and then I do the same underneath his, making sure some places overlap. I like the way our names look when they’re intertwined.