She frowned as his words came to an abrupt halt.
“What?”
“I’m not entirely certain,” he admitted. “I met him several centuries ago and his power was considerable, but nothing compared to what it is today.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
“It’s an unheard of thing.”
She regarded his confusion. “Why?”
“A vampire’s personal skills and strengths are established during their foundling years. Once they have matured, they no longer grow in power.”
“Except for Uriel?”
“Exactly.”
Ah. No wonder he was baffled. “A mystery,” she murmured.
He settled more firmly between her legs, his erection pressing in the perfect spot.
“That isn’t going to be solved tonight.”
“True.” She wrapped her legs around his hips, scraping her nails down his back. “But we have to have something to pass the time.”
He shuddered, allowing a trickle of his power to race through her.
“I have every confidence in my ability to keep you entertained.”
Oh … gods. She arched at the tiny jolts of bliss, nearly climaxing before they ever began. “Arrogant,” she breathed.
He chuckled, a smug smile curving his lips as he returned his attention to her beaded nipple.
“On the contrary, I’m your most devoted slave.”
“Mmmm.” She nipped the lobe of his ear, rubbing in blatant need against the hard thrust of his arousal. Then, she caught her breath in regret. “Oh. Wait.”
He groaned, leaning his forehead against her collarbone as he struggled to leash his hunger.
“Are you deliberately attempting to torture me?”
“You haven’t told me what happened to Levet.”
He lifted his head, his expression stern. “Laylah, I love and adore you with every fiber of my being, but I will not discuss that annoying lump of stone while we’re in bed together.”
“But …”
He pressed a finger to her lips, his eyes narrowed. “Do you remember when we first met?”
She struggled to hide her smile. It was a day that would be forever engraved in her mind. “I have a vague recollection. Why?” “I made a bet that I could make you beg for my touch.”
“Did you?” “I did.”
Love flooded through her as she met the fierce honey gaze, all her lingering concerns melting away as she became lost in Tane’s sensual spell.
There was time to worry later.
For now she intended to appreciate the sheer joy of being with her mate.
With a faux innocence, she stroked her hands up the curve of his back, deliberately licking her lips.
“You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?” she challenged.
Turned out he could.