Page 55 of The Fallen Fae King

Then I see the Eternal Royal Nest, and I stumble.

The nest rests on the stone plateau directly between the three pyramids. Although it is dwarfed by them, it is still the largest and grandest nest that I have ever seen.

Gold glimmers amongst the folds of linen. Lapis lazuli flashes between cushions. Moonlight pools upon alabaster and polished stone.

I slow, walking closer step by step as if it is a mirage and will disappear if I blink, especially the smug vampire who is already sprawled in the center of it.

No wonder Lanlin suggested that bet. I should have remembered how fast he can move.

My core throbs, and I can’t hold back the whine.

My mind is becoming hazy with the draw of my heat. My skin sparks.

I want his knot and I want it first too.

Lanlin has been touched to cause him pain too many times in his life. I want to touch him to bring him pleasure. I need to see him undone, as he experiences knotting for the first time.

Lanlin’s bats and moths circle the nest.

Daire stumbles into my back, resting his hand on my shoulder. “Did you win, love?”

“Were you trying to let me win? Bad Alpha, you should have been faster than me.”

“Hey, you know how much I love fucking you at the same time as another Alpha. Your pussy feels incredible stretched around two cocks.”

I blush. “I must do for you not to try and win something. But unfortunately, Lanlin is already in the nest. Come on, your dirty talk is making slick drip down my legs.”

Daire pushes a strand of hair behind my ear, before he leans closer. “And you say I’m the one with the filthy mouth.”

I try to push him away with a laugh, but he grabs my hand.

Together, we walk toward the nest.

Daire waves at his ravens, and they settle close on the path behind us like the red carpet has transformed to black.

Golden incense lanterns line the winding path to the bed, their lotus-patterned sides casting pools of honeyed light across the ground. Fragrant tendrils of blue lotus and myrrh smoke curl from their crowns, perfuming the air.

“Did you build this yourself?” Daire’s expression has become flat in a way that I don’t like. He glances at me. “How can I compete with a nest that is fit for a queen? But I always tried my best for you, aye?”

My heart aches.

When Daire built me his first nest, he only had a simple blanket. He tried to make me more comfortable with his wings. He’s done everything that he can to provide for me, especially when we were in the Shadow Military Academy.

I don’t care about the wealth or power of my Alpha.

The actions that Daire has taken to protect me mean as much to me as any grand gesture like this one.

I stroke the pinion feather that Daire plucked from his own wing, which is in my hair. “You gave me part of yourself. I don’t need more than that.”

Daire’s expression softens. “Thanks, love.”

Lanlin sits up straighter, suddenly becoming shy. “I have been working on this nest since you returned to this kingdom with me. I made it out of your favorite colors, textures, and scents. I hope that it is an acceptable gift…?”

I smile, my chest warming. “It’s perfect. I love it.”

I love you.

I hold back the words.