How embarrassing.
“Do something!” Malum roared. “What are you staring at?”
“You really think stabbing you with these will help?” I waved the serrated edges around doubtfully.
A streak of scarlet arched toward me. The heat almost touched my cheek. I smiled because it felt nice.
I took a step toward the inferno.
Malum stumbled back. “Wait. Don’t come near me. My flames might hurt you—I don’t have control right now!”
I gaped at him as I waved my ice claws. “You just realized this?”
He took another step back. “Don’t come closer. Put your claws away. The idea was shit—just try to use your powers from a distance.”
For a second, I debated listening to him, then I remembered I didn’t listen to men.
I smirked and took a big step toward him.
Seven feet of flaming male trembled at my proximity, and walked backward like I was poisonous.
I did what any woman would do if they were trapped on the side of a mountain with the man who’d used to bully them—I ran forward, cackling.
A noise that suspiciously sounded like a squeal escaped from Malum as he ran away. “Don’t come close, I don’t want to hurt you!”
Of course, I ran faster.
Snow and flames whipped around us.
I hadn’t had this much fun in years. Horse flew beside me like he was also giving chase.
“Stop it, Arabella!” Malum bellowed as he stumbled across the mountain.
“Corvus,” I cooed. “Don’t run from me, baby girl.”
He tripped over a boulder and fell onto his butt. “You said my name?”
I used the advantage to jump on him. Claws extended like a cat, I aimed for his middle.
We slammed together; ice crashed into fire.
He rolled to take the brunt of the impact and I closed my eyes. It was toasty in his embrace. Amazingly warm.
It was even better than a hot shower after lying in a snowbank for hours.
For a long moment, we lay on the rocks, embracing, neither of us moving or speaking.
My short fingernails were curled into the material of his jacket. His fire had put out my ice.
Darn.
I sighed and snuggled closer. His arms and legs were still very much on fire, and they felt nice.
I was fireproof. Slay （in a hot way）。
“We need to keep practicing,” Malum muttered halfheartedly, and I looked up at him with exasperation. His bronze cheeks turned pink, flames flickering on the top of his head like a crown.
“No. You need to keep practicing. I’m perfect.”
I snuggled against him and waited for his outburst.
He cleared his throat awkwardly. “You should put your mittens back on.”
Before I could process what was happening, he pulled them out of my pockets and tucked them onto my hands.
“Good practice. Team.” I yawned.
Eyelids heavy.
Soul warm.
I shook my head to wake myself up.
Malum’s arms tightened around me so I couldn’t move.
“It’s fine, Arabella.” I shivered at how he said my name. His voice was like smooth whiskey and high-end tobacco. “Go to sleep. I’ll carry you back down the mountain.”
Nodding, I closed my eyes.
“I’ll take care of you, my love,” he whispered. “But please stay awake so I know you’re okay.”
I forced my eyes open.
Handsome bronze features hovered close to mine. His eyes were full of concern.
I leaned forward and kissed the tip of his nose.
He looked thunderstruck. “Why did you do that?”
“Because I wanted to,” I said honestly.
Warm lips suddenly slammed against mine as Malum kissed me passionately. He claimed me with his tongue, and I melted. I kissed him back with equal fervor.
When he pulled away, we were both panting heavily.
I fingered my tingling lip and looked at him questioningly.
“Because I wanted to,” he said as he started walking back down the mountain. It would be a long trek with me in his arms, but he didn’t seem to mind. If anything, he looked pleased to be carrying me.
It made sense.
Men had evolved into stronger bodies so they could carry their superiors （women） around all day.
“Tell me about your childhood,” he said out of the blue.
I played with my mittens. “It’s not a pleasant story.”
“I’m sorry for not asking before. It’s your story, and I want to know more about you—please, Aran.”
It was the first time he’d apologized without sounding arrogant. He looked down at me with such a hopeful expression that my heart twisted.