Kingdom of Claw (The Ashen, #2)

by Demi Winters

She lowered her head to his chest in a move of such familiarity, Rey thought his heart might break free from his ribs. The sapling of trust was growing once more, and this time, he would

not trample it. He would nurture this precious thing until it grew strong. Arm sliding down her spine, he hauled her closer.

Rey tried to imagine all she must be going through now—alone, confused, and haunted. Lone wolf he might be, but now Silla needed a pack.

“I won’t tell a soul that the fearsome Axe Eyes has a soft side.” And as blackness had pulled her into sleep, she could have sworn she’d heard him say, “Only for you, Sunshine.”

Saga had somehow been reduced to a creature of need. Grabbing him by his jacket, she yanked him back to her, pushing onto the tips of her toes to slide her lips against his. Saga hadn’t a clue what she was doing. All she knew was that if this was to be her first kiss, she wanted it to be something worth remembering. “Your fire,” he breathed as their lips broke apart and came back together. “It drives me mad.” “No more talking,” Saga said, hands skimming along his jaw to hold him to her.

He drew back. Looked down at her. It was strange to see the concern in her eyes—to have someone worry after him. It felt like warmth. Like a reason to come home.

Limned by the rising sun, a goddess with iced hair and crystalline eyelashes stood over him, a sword of shimmering frostfire clutched in hand. Silla’s eyes widened, the sword dissolving into the air like shining stardust.

“I wanted you on Longest Day when you came out in that dress,” he said, voice ragged. “I wanted you when you pushed me across the field on the way to Kraki’s. I wanted you when you killed the vampire deer, when you blackmailed me, even when you tried to steal my gods damned horse. I’ve wanted you since the night you stormed up to me and told me I couldn’t frighten you away. That was it for me, Sunshine.”