And we spent countless hours in front of the fire, me just listening to him talk about all the experiences he’d had in his long years, amazed at the life he led, even before we met.
I could hear voices in the distance and perked up, glancing over at the large window, the stained glass detailing around the edge catching the light from the setting sun, passing shards of oranges and reds, blues and greens across the far wall.
“What is that?” The fact Odhran didn’t seem alarmed or overly protective had any kind of fear I might’ve felt being buried deep down. Clearly whoever was out there, he knew about them.
Feeling curious, I untangled myself from his warm hold and padded over to the window. I could see several large Lycans coming out from the woods, heavy-looking duffel bags in their hands, tool belts around their waists.
I felt my brows lower as I watched them head around the side of the house toward the front of the property, where they had no doubt left their vehicles.
A moment later Odhran was standing behind me, his arms wrapped around my waist as he pulled me back against his chest and rested his chin on my head. He didn’t answer me right away, and both of us just watched several more Lycans come out of the forest.
When they were out of sight, I tipped my head back so I could look at his face, cocking an eyebrow because I knew he was fully aware of what was going on. And that was evident by the smirk on his face.
“How would you feel about traveling to visit King Banner and his queen?”
It wasn’t lost on me that he’d changed the subject, and I braced myself for panic to well in me over leaving the little bubble of sanctity that I found here.
But it never came. I felt… curious.
“Banner wants tae discuss the Assembly, and then if we are going tae take Sebastian’s disappearance seriously or listen tae Adryan that his cousin is fine.” He smoothed his hand along the back of my head. “I told Banner my attendance is determined on yer comfort.”
My heart did that funny thing where it hiccupped in my chest at his sweet words. “I don’t want you to go against orders or priorities from your king.”
He was silent for a few seconds, and his gaze roamed over my face as if he wanted to memorize it. He did that a lot. Just stared at me, this almost secret smile on his face as if he couldn’t believe I was actually standing right in front of him.
I leaned forward and rested my forehead on his chest and closed my eyes, just inhaling. He smelled so good.
I felt him kiss the top of my head before he said, “My loyalty and priorities lie with ye. Always. No matter what.”
I was silent for long moments, just mulling over the idea of traveling to meet the king and queen of the Scottish Lycans.
“They want tae have a big feast with all the mated couples. They want tae meet ye, lass, the female who has held my heart in her tiny hands since the moment I saw ye.” He kissed the top of my head again. “They want tae meet the strongest female I know.”
I laughed softly because I didn’t feel strong, least of all like the strongest female. But I understood his sentiment. And I loved him more for it.
“It’s true, darlin’. You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met, and I’ve met some very powerful Lycans and Otherworlders, males and females who fight to the death.”
He leaned in, and the kiss started off slow, sweet. But when I dug my nails into his biceps, this low growl left him and he deepened the kiss. He stroked his tongue inside my mouth, making these rough, animalistic sounds of pleasure.
By the time he broke away, we were both panting, my lips feeling swollen, my need at the surface.
“My beautiful girl,” he groaned and closed his eyes, staying that way for just a second as if he needed to gather his control.
It was still so surreal that I held this kind of power over the strong Lycan.
“Let’s go. Take me to meet them. We’ve spent weeks here, and although I love having the solitude to gather my thoughts and to be alone with you, time to get to know me better, I also want to know the people you care about, the ones who helped you through your darkness, who gave you support when I couldn’t.”
He opened his eyes and rested his forehead against mine, and for just a moment we shared the same air. “My girl. I love ye.”
Odhran wrapped his big, strong arms around me and just held me for a long second, and when he pulled away, he wore a big grin, one that spoke of excitement.
“I want tae show ye something, sweetheart.”
Before I could say anything, he curled his big hand around mine and led me out of the library, through the foyer, and out the front door. Then we were making our way across the yard and into the woods, where I’d seen the other Lycans emerging from.
I looked up at Odhran and could see he still wore that secret grin, and I felt my belly tighten with anticipation.
Before long we were stopped in front of a newly excavated clearing. My breath caught. I covered my mouth with my hand, and I felt my eyes grow wide.