Chapter 411-420

Chapter 411
Lhars had spent two hours making his quarters at the City ready. Luckily the primary Clan’s Second’s chamber was only across the courtyard from the female hall. He’d struggled even turning his back on it, knowing Kyelle was in there and there were so many males around. But if he couldn’t take her away for the Solitude, he could at least give her something to remember.

He’d spread fresh furs on his sleeping platform, lit candles on the bedside tables, made a platter of snacks, and filled a wineskin and a waterskin. He’d realized that the best time to be alone with her would be while everyone had gone for the evening meal and was distracted. While he didn’t think any of the males would fight him for her, it was instinct to get her as far from other males as he could.

But when he turned to look at the room, it still looked bare. Females did things, things he didn’t understand, that softened a room and made it feel welcoming. For a moment he considered asking Zev to ask Sasha what he might do, but before he could find the courage to ask his brother for such a humbling thing, the door opened behind him and he whirled.

Kyelle stood in the doorway, eyes wide and blinking, watching him, her face uncertain.

Lhars had a moment of quiet panic at the fear on her face until she breathed his name and smiled.

Rocked with relief, he rushed to her, pulling her into his chest and taking her lips in kisses that were quick and insistent. He’d told himself he needed to take care, to slow down, not to press her too quickly. But as soon as his arms circled her, she molded herself to him and lifted her chin without any hesitation.

Cupping her head, he pressed her back into the door, and without breaking the kiss, he shoved the bolt lock home with a small thunk.