As the pressure builds, there’s a sizzle and a pop somewhere above us. Sparks burst, causing flashes of bright light over Quinn’s surprised face.
Right there is proof that we’re meant for each other—it’s the bond detonating.
I’d love to watch, but there isn’t time to look around to see what’s happening.
Because I’m about to come.
Roaring, I bury my face by Quinn’s neck.
My cock swells even more, and I come hard, my muscles tensing as my seed shoots into her tight channel. The powerful jets fill her to the brim, and my thrusts make wet sounds as blinding pleasure races through every cell of my body.
Rutting as far into her pussy as I can go, the last of my orgasm tapers off. I’m breathing hard as my hips buck one more time.
Spent, I collapse, bracing myself on my elbows so I don’t crush Quinn. I run my nose along her temple, breathing in her sweetness and the scent of our mating.
I wonder if she’ll get pregnant.
I wonder when she’ll be ready to do it again.
Giddy anticipation overwhelms me at the thought of both.
I imagine Quinn’s belly round with my baby, and I want it so badly I physically ache. I wasn’t sure I’d ever get to have a child, but the picture of a chubby-cheeked baby with lavender eyes fills my mind. However, I don’t mind if it takes us several tries. Or hundreds. We’ll keep at it until we’ve succeeded.
A strange sensation takes up residence inside my chest. The bond, I realize. My heart is so full.
“You missed the fireworks.” There’s a teasing lilt to Quinn’s voice, and I lift my head to see her smile.
Her lips are puffy and red from my kisses, and I love the way the corners of her mouth curl up with a hint of mischief. The way her skin creases with the laugh lines framing that grin. The way her right incisor is slightly crooked compared to the rest of the straight teeth.
I’ll never get tired of looking at her.
“I was a little too busy to pay attention to the show.” Keeping my eyes open, I kiss her. It’s closed-mouthed and gentle, which is a sharp contrast to how rough I’d just been with her.
I’m about to apologize for my lack of self-control when she asks, “Is it always like that? With fated mates and the fireworks, I mean.”
The tip of my nose brushes against hers when I nod. “I’ve heard sparks literally fly when mates make love for the first time.”
Something catches her attention to the left, and she gasps. “Kirian, look.”
I follow her gaze to the open window. Outside, hundreds of fireflies have gathered around the treehouse. They’re swirling in the air, surrounding us. I hear the humming of the cicadas and crickets. They’re playing our song—the one I made up for her so long ago.
“Are you doing that on purpose?” Quinn asks, full of awe.
“I hadn’t meant to, no.” I glance back at her. “Fae abilities tend to increase when mates bond. Now that our souls are fully connected, I’m more powerful. It’s about proximity—the closer I am to you, the better.” Looking down at our joined bodies, I grin. “And we’re about as close as we can get.”
“So, you really do need me.”
From her light tone, I can tell she means it as a joke, but it’s no laughing matter. “More than you know. That’s one reason mates can’t be separated for long. I’m a more complete person with you than without you.”
“That’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard. I hope—” Her eyes get misty. “—I hope you always feel that way.”
Blinking, Quinn reaches up to wipe a tear away.
I catch her hand midair. “Allow me.”
Dragging my fingertip over her dampened skin, I gather the wet drop. I angle my hand toward the flickering candle, watching the way the light dances in the moisture.
Fascinating.
My intrigue quickly turns to concern as I look down at Quinn’s leaking eyes. “Are you sad?”
She shakes her head. “No.”
Slowly, I pull my cock out of her, noticing the way she winces. “Did I hurt you?”
“No.”
“Are you… happy?”
“No. I mean, yes.” She sniffles. “But that’s not why I’m crying.”
Impatient, I frown. “Well, out with it, woman.”
She half laughs, half sobs. “You can see me now. I’m afraid you’ll change your mind or feel differently.”
“Why would I do that?” I’m baffled. How could she think such a thing?
“This doesn’t bother you?” She spins a finger around her face. “Not even a little? You got stuck with me.”
“Stuck with you?” I ask incredulously. Her freckles are the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen. “Quinn, you’re a gift. A gift from the stars. The Night Realm used to be my favorite sight in the whole kingdom. Now, anytime I want to see it, I can just look at you. I could stare at you for days. In fact, when we get back home, I intend to do just that.”
Satisfied with my answer, she grins. “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go home.”
Quinn
“Astrid!” Before I can think better of it, I run over and hug the witch. “I’m so happy to see you.”
Chuckling, she awkwardly pats my back before pointing a skinny finger at Kirian. “Your portal’s stinking up my house. But it’s good to see your sight restored.”
Relieving Astrid of the uninvited embrace, I glance behind me to see Kirian shrugging, his eyes firmly glued to my ass. It doesn’t seem to matter that I’m wearing the baggy pants, oversized shirt, and the fur coat. He’s still attempting x-ray vision. Men.
“And you.” Putting her hands on her hips, Astrid raises her eyebrows at me. “You left before I was finished.”
I lean into Kirian when he puts an arm around my waist and pulls my back to his front. “Sorry. I was just so excited.”
“No matter.” Astrid waves a hand. “I knew you would. This is exactly how it’s supposed to happen.”
“What’s happening, exactly?” I ask, sharing a questioning glance with Kirian as I look up at
