"Mates, destined, everlasting," he replied, reaching up and brushing a thumb over my cheek, all the while meeting my movements with thrusts that were so strong I could barely stay seated.
We needed this moment. This claiming. I needed it like I needed my next breath, and considering Reece still held a room hostage in his sands, there was no time to waste.
Increasing my pace, I rolled my hips harder and faster, and as my clit brushed against his body, bursts of pleasure slammed into me over and over. Stars danced before my eyes, and I threw my head back, all but grinding against him. I cried out when the intensity sent me spiraling over the edge of reality, and this time, for once, Reece was close behind.
His hands tightened on my hips, holding me in place so his powerful body could drive into mine, faster than ever. His breathing was harsh as he rumbled my name, cock swelling within me as he came too, his movements slowing as we rode out the orgasm. Despite the energy from the elixir and fae seed, my system was so overwhelmed with not just the sex but also the cementing of a true bond that I found myself collapsing against his chest. Reece’s arms wrapped around me, holding me, and I felt a slight desperation in that grip. A desperation I understood because now that I had him in the way I’d always dreamed of, I was greedy for more.
The fact that we couldn’t stay like this forever was a real tragedy… The ones trapped in the sands would probably disagree.
"We need to move," I finally said. "They’re not going to take lightly to you holding them with your power."
The next sound from his mouth was a grumbling complaint, but he did get us to our feet after my body reluctantly released his hard length. I stared down at his big warrior’s body, crowned by an even bigger…
If there was ever an incentive to survive an upcoming battle—outside of saving the worlds, of course—it was the knowledge that pleasure beyond my wildest imagination was waiting for me.
With my… true mate. Fuck.
Before I could get lost in the overwhelming emotions attacking my system, Reece distracted me as his energy cleaned us and gathered our clothing. When we were both dressed again, I took a chance and stepped to his side, wrapping my arms around his neck so I could kiss him. I’d never had the confidence to initiate contact, because he’d always controlled our path. My screwup centuries ago had given him more power, and it hadn’t been balanced.
But now… now we felt balanced. We’d both suffered and we’d both proven ourselves.
Our future was finally bright.
Outside of those fuckers trying to raise the gods.
“You didn’t accept my claim when I first made it, did you?” Reece said, pulling away just far enough to see my face. “But you do now. What changed?”
Swallowing roughly, I slid a hand between us and pressed it to his chest. “I was so scared to lose you again,” I admitted, “that subconsciously, part of me rejected the bond before it could reject me. I was the one holding us back, even when I thought it was you. Blaming you for playing it hot and cold, believing you still judged me for past hurts. It’s clear to me now that all along, it was me.”
Heavy emotion burned deep in his eyes, and it killed me as I pressed higher for another kiss. “I’m sorry, Reece,” I whispered, “but just know… I’m all in now. Until the sands fade.”
Fire burned between us, but there was no time for more sealing of this bond. We had to release the room and get back to business. The red cloud that had given us privacy dropped, sand scattering, and with it, the others were freed from their cages. Part of me felt guilty that we’d stopped for some sex while they were trapped, but it was a fairly small part that I could easily ignore.
We’d needed that bonding moment, and unfortunately, everyone else had to deal.
Glancing down, I noted that Darin was still out cold, sprawled on the ground. But his chest was moving, and I could feel the steady thrum of his energy. He was fine. As was everyone else in the tented room, even if more than a few glares headed our way. Despite this, no one actually approached us except for Shadow, who prowled across the room. I backed up to stand at Reece's side, prepared to do battle if needed. Shadow had already been on edge, and he never took well to being trapped in another’s power.
I heard a chuckle from the desert god to my left, but I didn't look away as I lowered my arms so that my curved blades on my belt were in easy reach.
"Calm, my little warrior," Reece murmured, reaching out to take my hand.
Bond or not, I was going to punch him if he slowed me in this fight.
Reece, still holding me, faced his best friend. The pair were eye to eye, huge warriors filling the space with their energy and stupidly broad shoulders. Neither of them said a word, but if the stare-off was any indication, plenty was being said silently.
Finally, Shadow spoke out loud. "Are we okay now?" he asked.
I was surprised by that relatively unaggressive question before I remembered that Mera had softened this beast somewhat. If anyone understood the power of a true mate bond claiming, it was Shadow.
"We’re fine," Reece replied, sounding just as calm. "Darin here," he shot a dark look at the figure, who’d just started to twitch his fingers, "overstepped with Lale, and since I claimed her centuries ago, he can count himself lucky that he's still alive."
A few of the Guardians heard this statement, and the glares they’d been sending Reece’s way faded fast. Touching someone's claimed mate was forbidden, an act that generally resulted in death. No doubt everyone in this room was now counting themselves lucky they hadn’t defended their princeps and suffered the same fate as he had.
At this point, Darin was awake, shaking his head as he pushed up to stand. He ran a hand over his face before focusing on Reece. The red marks on his cheeks were already healing, but it spoke of how hard he’d been struck that it was taking this long.
As he took a step forward, I was surprised to see him look contrite. "I have shamed you and my family,” he said slowly. “Your friend told me Angel was claimed, but I thought it merely an attempt to get one over on me again. I soon figured out how wrong my intentions were when Angel sent me on my butt."
Reece barely glanced at the other male when he rumbled, “You’re lucky I didn’t tear you to pieces, but with the impending battle, you are needed. There’s a chance for you to prove yourself, but this is your last warning. I will tolerate no more.”
