Afterward they shared a bath. As they cleansed away the exertions of the night, new fires began. She was still too tender to fully appreciate his loving, but still she wanted him too badly to stop. She knew it would get better every time until nothing was left but pure, sweet pleasure. They ate breakfast and reclined on the bed afterward. Keilor held her against his chest while they talked. “We’ll need to choose a suite,” Keilor murmured, drawing her hair away to kiss her neck. “Our rooms aren’t suitable for a mated couple.&

“Congratulations on your new match,” Raziel said, and she realized he was the one who had spoken. “Keilor is a good friend of ours, and we wish his new wife every happiness,” “Happiness and a long life,” Isfael seconded. Jasmine frowned lightly. “Well, I don’t know about the long life, but I’m definitely going for happiness. Thank you.” 

Keilor took in her mulishness and knew it for what it was. He chose to attack her jealousy with direct action. Ignoring her mood, he stretched out on the couch and placed his head in her lap. “I don’t dwell on the men you knew before me, love,” he told her gravely. “I expect the same courtesy from you.” “None of them are likely to rake you over the coals in public.” Her eyes narrowed. “Or mention how I looked without my clothes.” Several heartbeats passed in silence. “I did not go to her willing

Even Yesande recoiled at her shriek. “Still think I won’t kill her?” he asked savagely, trying not retch at her gasping sobs. She deserved better than this. Yesande took a step back, pallor leaching her already pale skin. “Father’s madness,” she whispered with horror. “It did carry to you.” He allowed his eyes to gleam golden. This

No amount of grueling exercise could take her mind off of her husband for long, though. With every day that went by her longing grew, until she dared not think of him while riding lest her seat on the saddle—usually behind Mathin or Raziel—become an aching torture.Oddly enough, none of her companions seemed to be affected by the increased levels of pheromone she knew she emitted at those times. Wondering if her marriage had something to do with it, she finally asked Mathin about it.He snorted with ill humor. “Isfael merely remains in Haunt, where one never feels the desire to mate, and he can still scent danger. As for Raziel and I…” He scowled. “We’ve been taking a sinus block