East

The next two weeks - or maybe three? - passed in a blissful haze. I was rarely away from Batu. During the days, we sneaked in make out sessions between helping the arriving clans settle in for the winter. The nights were filled with passion and lust that lasted for hours, leaving us deliriously happy on most mornings, not at all concerned about the changing weather, the increase of people, lack of sleep or anything else that didn't involve us naked in each other's arms as soon as dark fell.

Batu was different than any other man I'd been with. Taylor had been a gentleman in bed and out, while the college guys I slept with before my time traveling adventures were well, typical college guys. More interested in getting off, in quick conquests or dating the girl who made them look good in the eyes of the other guys. I was the pretty, cheerleader type; I didn't usually run in circles where the guys were looking for depth, and I was okay with that.

But Batu … he was every bit the fire Suvdin claimed he would be. Dominant, giving, determined to learn every curve of my body and then brand it with his mouth and hands. He was in control- and I liked it. He was as assertive and possessive in bed as he was dedicated to his duty outside. I had never considered a man like him to be the type I wanted to be with.

He was. I loved our give and take in bed, melting into his arms and knowing I was safe and protected, closing my eyes and letting him surprise me with what he did next. I loved feeling the difference between his warrior's frame and my smaller, feminine one. I loved how he made me feel special and delicate while also pushing me to new highs every time we made love. And I loved that when we were spent from sex, we talked and cuddled until one of us fell asleep.

My stomach fluttered as I thought of him, and I paused in my work crushing herbs beside the fire, lost in the memories of his skin and scent.

"My uncle is here," he said as he entered. He was accompanied by a cold wind that made me think winter was going to be unbearable.

"Your uncle?" I echoed, blinking out of my trance.

Batu's eyes went to my lips. He shifted his route from the weapons in one corner to me at the fire and dropped beside me. His lips found mine for a deep kiss, one that sent desire and fire streaking through my body.