The Mating Intent-mobi Read Free

and break your vow, the royal Enforcer will order you to be publicly flogged and then exiled from our colony for weeks. You will be shunned and disgraced.”
    Doubt filled her. Kendall had helped guide her ever since her mother left her to be fostered by Cael’s inner circle and raised to serve the Fae King of the Northern Light. He taught her a sacred chant to balance the two warring sides of her magick, the dark and the light. He cared.
    But it was her life, not his. Kendall could have sex all he pleased and as a light Elf, he was a privileged member of the king’s high court. Not an outsider like her. 
    “I’ll never be fully accepted,” she mused aloud. “Not with my tainted blood.”
    Sympathy filled his gaze. “You are dark and light. One of the rarest of our kind. It is because of your abilities that King Cael granted you the honor of being his Shadow Guard.”
    But what was the honor if she must live with restrictions that hobbled her while other Elves were free to experience pleasure? “Worry not about me, Lykor. My life and my decisions are my own.”
    His expression shuttered, but not before she caught a flash of severe disapproval.  “I will inform the King you are remaining in Florida for a week to refresh your spirit.”
    “Yes. Thank you.”
    Refresh her spirit. Oh yes, she would…
    Kendall shook his head. “Do not stray, Ninianne. You will pay a very dear price for violating your vow.”
    Lifting his arms, he chanted and dissolved into thousands of droplets of mist.
    A sudden chill raced down her spine at the ominous warning in his words. She shivered, then glanced at the kitchen. Gabriel stood at the window, watching her.
    She went into the house. He leaned against the counter.
    “Tall, dark and gloomy left the building yet?”
    “Kendall returned to Oregon. I’m staying.”
    “I knew you would.”
    And in that instant, she knew something as well. They would become lovers. It was inevitable, evident in the lust she felt spiraling through her body, in his knowing gaze. She wanted someone to love her if only for a few short hours.
    Sienna sucked in a breath. “Can I help with dinner? How many are eating?”
    “Just two.” He crossed the distance between them. “My men went out to the swamp to hunt for the evening.”
    “They don’t like your cooking?”
    “They adore my cooking. I asked them to leave.” He took a strand of her blond hair and twirled it around his finger, then tugged her toward him. “I do have a special dish in mind for you.”
    “I’ll bet you do,” she whispered.
    “Why did you choose to remain, Sienna, Elven of the Northern Light?” A muscle twitched in his strong jaw, as if he were uncertain. “Are you aware of the consequences?”
    She startled. “You overheard.”
    “Every word. I have excellent hearing. I am a lowly beast shifter.” The tight smile on his face hid secrets she sensed he would not discuss.  He released her hair and stepped back.
    “I know what will happen. But it’s my life and my choice,” she told him.
    “Then I will do my utmost to make the pleasure worth paying the price.” He crooked a finger at her. “Will you accompany me? I have a special treat for you, in case you did decide to stay.” He smiled. “A special meal.”
    In his bedroom, the king-sized bed was covered with clean white sheets. Several bottles of virgin coconut oil lined his dresser. Sienna gave him an inquiring look.
    “The meal?”
    He came closer, his muscled body moving smoothly, as if his panther claimed every step. “The appetizer. You, naked and covered with oil, and me, working it into every inch of your skin. Across your breasts, between your legs. Like this.”
    He uncapped a jar and dipped his finger into the oil. Then he slid his finger down her neck and licked it off.
    Slowly.
    Sienna threw back her head and moaned. His tongue was wicked and stroked fire on her skin. What would it feel like, having him lick her all over?
    Gabriel leaned closer,