A faint smile played on the corners of Levi’s lips. “I don’t really have anything to say to that, so I’m going to stick to the hard and fast rules. Gloria, do you admit your members were on pack land without permission?”

“Define permission.” She smiled.

“Answer the question.”

“Yes. But, I’m not aware of any coven members using magic there. They were only after a drink and a good time.”

“A drink?”

“Yes. Norman’s generation might run things traditionally, but their sons don’t. There have been some pretty wild parties lately.”

“Okay. I think I’ve heard enough. Gloria, keep your members off Were land, okay?”

“Not a problem. But while I’m addressing you, my coven has our own grievance.”

“Is it on the list?” Levi asked Ray.

“Yes, she’s on the list.”

“Norman, are you satisfied?”

“Yes, Sir.” He looked away, clearly embarrassed.

I was using all my strength to keep myself from laughing. I couldn’t imagine a Were and witch orgy. Who knew what was really happening in this world I had only recently been introduced to.

“Okay, Gloria, what’s your issue?”

“We seek a license for unrestricted spell commerce.”

A hush fell through the crowd watching the proceedings.

Levi shifted in his seat. “On what grounds do you make that request?”

“We need it. The current regulations are too stringent.”

“Is that all you have to say?”

“Face it, Levi. The economy has ruined all of us. If we don’t expand our markets, we’re going under.”

“I’d prefer if you didn’t address me so informally,” he said tersely.

“Fine, Sir.”

“I will take your request into consideration and send a response within fourteen days, as usual.”

“Thank you, Sir.” She bowed slightly and walked away.

At first I couldn’t take my eyes off the proceedings, but as the hours wore on, I had trouble keeping my eyes open. Hearing about land disputes between paranormal groups got tiring after a while. I must have dozed off.

“Ready, sleepyhead?”

“Hmm?” I blinked, trying to remember where I was. I looked around and realized we were still in the court room.

“Wow, that’s embarrassing.”

Levi laughed. “I would have done it myself if I could have. I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. How about we head home? I did promise to make you dinner, didn’t I?”

“Oh yeah.” I got up, stretched for a second, and followed Levi out of the now empty chamber.

Back in the car, he turned to me. “So what did you think?”

“I thought it was pretty cool at first. You were definitely very royal.” I laughed. “But, obviously, the novelty wore off.”

“Yeah, I bet. Thanks for sitting with me though.”

“It’s not like it helped.”

“Are you kidding?”

“No…”

“First, I never would have been allowed to preside if we weren’t mated. Second, the fact that you came gave me so much more authority.”

I turned in my seat. “Why?”

“A royal is only as strong as his bloodline. Having a beautiful, young mate reassures my subjects that the line is going to continue.”

“They better not expect an heir anytime soon.”

He laughed, but it sounded forced. “Some probably do. We have some traditionalists that would have a fit if they knew you were using birth control.”

I bristled. “Why would that be any of their business?”

“It isn’t, obviously, but that doesn’t stop them from thinking it is.”

I looked out the window.

“Let’s change the subject. It’s nothing worth worrying about now. We have years.”

“Good idea. So what are you making me for dinner?”

“Pizza.”

“Please tell me it’s not the frozen kind.”

We were just pulling into the gravel driveway. “Of course not. Give me some credit, babe.”

It definitely wasn’t a frozen pizza. With a glass of wine in hand, I watched as Levi tossed the dough and made a spinach and chicken pizza. I was impressed he remembered it was my favorite kind. We sat at the counter while we waited for it to cook, and it felt so nice to just do something laid back together.

While Levi pulled out the pizza, I finished off the salad. We had a quiet dinner and ended up sitting by the fire pit outside. Levi brought out some blankets and we curled up together on a deep couch with plush cushions looking up at the star-filled sky.

“Thanks for dinner.”

“I’m glad you liked it.” He played with a strand of my hair.

“I’m glad I came.”

“So am I.” He leaned over and kissed me gently on the lips. “So glad.”

His arms came around me as the light kiss became so much more. I moved onto his lap, straddling him. His hand slipped under my sweater and bra, cupping a breast. I sighed and leaned into him. I put a hand up the back of his t-shirt, running my fingers over the slightly raised bumps that lined the slits that were the only evidence of his wings.

I broke the kiss. “Do you remember what I asked you the last time I was in your lap like this?”

His lips turned into a smile. “Yes, I do.”

“Want to?”

He nodded, using his free hand to pull off his t-shirt.

“Wait, out here?”

“Why not? There’s no one around for miles.”

“It’s cold.”

“You’re not going to be cold for long.”

“I won’t?”

“I assure you, I’ll be keeping you warm.” He let the blanket fall off my shoulders, and moved his other hand to pull my sweater over my head. He unclasped my bra, and wasted no time before letting his hands and mouth cover the newly exposed skin. I was so distracted that I barely noticed him removing the rest of our clothes before laying me down. He hovered above me, just close enough that I could wrap my arms around his neck.

My hands were twisted in his hair when he took one and moved it onto his back. I felt the firm feathers, and looked in awe at the beautiful black wings. “Amazing.”

He smiled, and kissed me before positioning himself over me.

I knew instantly something was different. Sex was always incredible with him, but what I was experiencing put each of the other times to shame. I dug my hands into his back, needing him even closer.