"Let's head to the waterfalls."Krevan rose from his chair, planting a soft kiss on her forehead."We'll tackle party preparations when we return.The cakes won't bake themselves, and I imagine you've got a list of tasks with my name on it."His eyes crinkled at the corners."Those ribbon decorations still need assembling, don't they?"He took her hands in his, thumbs brushing over her knuckles."Ancelin, everything's falling into place.You're not facing this alone anymore.My family stands with us—they're eager to help you.Mother's already calling you her 'Angel' instead of Ancelin."His voice softened."My siblings are planning visits, either here or on Earth.And if this Judicial Review swings my way, perhaps we'll all reunite on Triaxe instead."
Ancelin wrapped her arms around him as they headed for the kitchen."Without you, I'd be lost, Krevan."
"I'll always protect you," he said, pressing his lips to hers."And you've saved me in ways you don't even realize."He gathered their picnic supplies and carried them to the vehicle.As he ushered her into the garage, he added, "You'll be incredible with our children someday.You already take such good care of me."
A flush of warmth spread through Ancelin's chest at his words."Everything feels so uncertain lately," she said, her voice softening."But finding you in all this chaos—it's like someone was watching over me after all."
Chapter 11
They had been on the road for more than an hour under a bright sun.The temperature was mild.Ancelin wore a light jacket against any breeze, and again she was struck by how much the Verrian countryside resembled parts of Earth—every tree, blade of grass, and leafy plant appeared in some shade of green.When sunlight hit the sky, a rich turquoise streaked with fluffy white clouds glowed.Everything felt fresh, untouched by human hands, like a perfect paradise.
There were no paved roads; Krevan guided their heavy vehicle across fields of tall grass and through dense woods until they reached a broad riverbank.They followed the water’s edge for another half hour, the terrain growing rockier and more undulating until the path climbed high above the river on a narrow ledge.Nervous to be so close to the drop-off, Ancelin warned, “Be careful, Krevan—that’s quite a long fall.”
He gave her a reassuring grin.“Don’t worry.I’m careful.We’ll be there soon.”
When they topped the ridge, the scene seemed plucked from an ancient fairy tale: evenly spaced, towering trees yielded to a clearing revealing three waterfalls.The center cascade roared in full force, flanked by two smaller, graceful streams.Beyond them, mountains rose abruptly as if conjured by magic—the whole panorama was divine.
“Wow,” Ancelin whispered.“This might be one of the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.I’d love to live here.”
Krevan shook his head.“It’s too remote.Bad weather could be dangerous—this planet spares no one.That’s why I bought land near Coti.But if you’d like, we could purchase a parcel here and build a small cabin for brief summer getaways.”He steered the vehicle toward a stand of tall trees and parked.“We’ll have to walk down the slope to reach the river.I’ll carry you so you don’t slip.”
Before she could protest, he scooped her into his arms, silencing her with a quick kiss.Then he set her gently on the hood.“Stay here.I’ll take our lunches and blankets down below.If anything spooks you, get back in the car.We’re alone, and animals tend to avoid me—they pick up my scent.”
“Why do they stay away from you?”she asked.
He shrugged, gathering their things.“I’m the most dangerous predator around.”
Moments later, he returned.He carried her to where he had laid out a blanket on a grassy patch near one of the smaller falls.“Here—listen to that water.It’s soothing.I could nap right now.”He helped her sit, draped the second blanket over her shoulders, and added, “It’s chillier by the water, and I sense the weather shifting.I don’t want you catching cold.”
"It's breathtaking," Ancelin whispered, her eyes wide as she took in the scene.Sunlight danced across the transparent water, illuminating the smooth stones beneath.Mist rose from the waterfall in delicate tendrils.
"Are you chilled?"Krevan asked, his brow furrowed with concern.
"I'm perfect."She sighed.
He settled beside her, his warmth a shield against the cool air.They remained still, letting the tranquility of the place wash over them.
After a while, Krevan's lips brushed her ear."I want you," he murmured, pressing a tender kiss to her temple."Imagine swimming here on a hot summer day, finding pretty stones together...making this our special place."
Their clothes fell away under gentle hands.When Krevan revealed himself, Ancelin explored him with curious fingers, tracing the unique ridges of his anatomy.His sharp intake of breath and the intensity in his eyes revealed his struggle for control.
With careful movements, he guided her back onto the blanket, positioning himself between her parted thighs.Her shirt lay open, her undergarments discarded.The wildness of their surroundings heightened her desire as his mouth found her breasts, drawing soft sounds from her throat.Her body responded instantly, welcoming him as he teased her entrance, advancing slightly before withdrawing.
She clutched at him, trying to draw him closer, wrapping herself around his form.When he finally allowed himself to enter her partially, then stopped, she whimpered as he kissed her neck and caught her earlobe between his teeth.
"Please," she whispered, her voice trembling.
"Tell me what you need," he coaxed.
"All of you," she breathed, her words urgent with longing."Now.Please."
"You want this?"He plunged into her, his eyes never leaving hers as she gasped.Her body arched against his, trembling as he filled her completely.He paused, hovering above her with his breath ragged against her neck."You feel like fire," he whispered, his voice breaking with need.His mouth found her skin, desperate and reverent all at once.When he began to move, she matched him like they'd danced this way forever.Without warning, his teeth sank into the soft curve of her breast.
"Krevan!"His name tore from her throat, half-plea, half-prayer.
"Yes," he breathed against her skin before claiming her again.Each bite sent lightning through her veins, his venom transforming pain into ecstasy that consumed her.She surrendered to the sensation, her fingers digging into his back as the pleasure built to impossible heights.Wave after wave crashed through her, each stronger than the last, until she shattered completely.As her third release ripped through her, he buried his teeth in her shoulder with primal possession.She felt him swell inside her, felt the moment he lost himself entirely.When he finally cried out her name, it echoed across the water like a vow.They clung to each other, slick with sweat and evidence of their passion, neither willing to let go.
Ancelin's eyes fluttered closed as liquid fire coursed from his bite through her veins, igniting every nerve ending.Her blood sang.She arched against him, desperate for more contact, more of him.When Krevan claimed her mouth, she met him with a hunger that matched his own, her fingers digging into his shoulders.His taste—wild, forbidden—made her dizzy.She traced his fangs with her tongue.When her tongue caught on the razor-sharp point, the venom's lightning strike shattered her completely.A cry tore from her throat as she writhed with pleasure beneath him, her body no longer her own.
