Bow Before the Elf Queen (The Elf Queen, #1)

by J.M. Kearl

“Tell Layala her father and I fought until the end for her. Tell her one day she will need to fight, too.”

“I don’t want to wait. One of you can ride with me.” Thane grew a smirk. “You two can fight over who gets the honor.” She glanced at Fennan, who said, “As much as I want to squeeze that hunky body, and feel all those muscles, sire, I’ll let the lady.” The horse keeper laughed, handing Fennan the reins to the other horse. Thane cracked a smile. “How kind of you to relent such an opportunity, Fen.”

“Claiming what is mine.”

“I thought it would be bigger.” Aldrich pushed his hand through his wavy hair. “Said every girl you’ve ever slept with,” Piper said. Layala’s hand flew to her mouth to stifle a laugh. Aldrich shot her a glare. “Piper, darling, you can just say you want to see it. No need for the rude lies.”

“But if you want to stay, I promise I’ll love you so fiercely that they will write sonnets about our love. I will tear this world apart for you, I will fight until I have nothing left to give and destroy anyone who hurts you, and I will guard your heart most of all. Just, please, wake up.”