ACOWAR (Rhysand's POV)

Chapter 9

(Rhysand's POV)

My arms wrapped around Feyre tightly, letting her warmth wash through me. I needed to be closer. I let my shields drop, allowing her in. Our minds curled around each other, desperate to merge and blend together. "I missed you every moment." I breathed, leaning down to place a kiss on the edge of her mouth. "Your smile." I dragged my lips slowly over the shell of her ear, savoring the softness of the skin. Feyre's back arched into the hand I held at the base of her spine. "Your laugh." My lips pressed against her throat, feeling the blood pulsing beneath. "Your scent."

Feyre's eyes fluttered closed as my mouth connected with the base of her neck, against the sensitive spot at her collarbone. My hands roved lower against her backside and I pulled her closer, gently squeezing the delicate flesh. "The sounds you make when I'm inside you."

My tongue flicked over that spot on her throat and a small, whimpering sound escaped her. It sent a jolt straight through me, right to my innate longing to claim her. I wasn't sure how much longer I could hold back. The feel of her rapid heartbeat, that telling scent - I knew Feyre was just as wanting. And knowing that nearly sent me into a frenzy. "My brave, bold, brilliant mate."

With our arms around each other, our minds entangled, I couldn't help but feel more than just lust for my mate. I loved her, more than I had ever loved anything. And it terrified me. Something so beautiful could be taken away in an instant, like so many things already had. I wanted to move past it. I wanted to allow myself to be fully happy with Feyre. But that fear always lingered in the corners of my mind, whispering in the shadows.

My heart thundered in my chest, so loud it drowned out everything else. I swallowed against the knot tightening in my throat as I gazed at my mate. How could I ever put into words what I felt for her? What it was like to hold the most precious thing in existence, knowing that others would try to take it. To destroy it. I wanted to shield her, to protect her from all of it. But something that brilliant, that breathtaking-it couldn't be locked away. She deserved to be cherished, to be loved freely. Yet, I would spend every moment of my life ensuring no one ever dared to take her from me.

When her eyes met mine again, I tried to let those emotions flow into my words. "I love you."

Tears slipped free down Feyre's cheeks and I rushed in to lick them away. Just like I had done Under the Mountain. Just like she had done in that cabin not so long ago. "You have a choice," I murmured against her cheek, tasting the salt and crusted dirt and blood there. "Either I lick every inch of you clean. . ."

There were so many places I wanted to lick. I grazed my hand over the tip of her breast, one of the first places I wanted to put my mouth on. "Or you can get into the bath that should be ready by now."

Feyre leaned back, brows knitted together. "Are you suggesting that I smell?"

"Never. But. . ." My eyes danced around her, eyeing the torn clothes and matted hair. "There is blood on you. Yours and others'. I thought I'd be a good mate and offer you a bath before I ravish you wholly."

Her answering laugh was like music. "So considerate." Feyre's fingers brushed back my hair and I almost groaned at the gentle touch. "Though I can't believe you kicked everyone out of the house so you could take me to bed."

"One of the many benefits of being High Lord."

Feyre's eyes sparkled with amusement. "What a terrible abuse of power."