She touches my face. “Together,” she whispers. “Together.”
CHAPTER 27
HELENA
As Theron holdsme close while flying us back to Braemar Castle, anticipation ripples through me, causing my breaths to quicken as heat builds in my core. I sense his desire to claim me, his fervent need to physically express the affection he feels for me. My heart flutters as I soak up the warmth of his emotions, as well as the utter relief he’s experiencing. He’s thankful that he found me unharmed. When he’d awoken to discover me missing from his bedchamber, he’d feared for my safety, and that fear had only grown when he tracked my scent beyond the stone walls of Braemar… and into the ussha-blessed forest.
I peek out from Theron’s arms and glance down at the treetops. There’s no mistaking the glow and glimmer of ussha covering the vegetation, though I’m glad I didn’t run into any deadly creatures native to the fae lands. I sigh with relief and snuggle deeper into Theron’s arms and close my eyes. Safe. I’m safe with him. My fated mate. The fae male I’m getting a second chance with. I can’t help but wonder if more memories of my first life, my life as Elssandra, will eventually resurface, whetherin flashes of memory or sudden visions. I suppose only time will tell.
I open my eyes just as we approach the castle. Theron lands on the balcony outside his bedchamber, the room that once felt like a prison, but no more. He lifts me higher in his arms so he can nuzzle his nose to mine. I breathe in his winter-cold scent, relishing the closeness, the intimacy of being held by the male I cannot fathom living without.
“My mate,” he murmurs. “How I love you.”
Tears burn in my eyes. “I love you, too.”
He grins, and his face lights up like the sun. I stare up at him as my heart races faster. He’s so handsome, but when he smiles, the glimmer of his eyes is a sight to behold. I pray that I’ll see him smile at least once a day for the rest of our lives.
The rest of our lives…
A gasp catches in my throat.
We’re going to spend the rest of our lives together.
As mates.
Though I understood what this meant as we had our reckoning in the forest, logically, it’s only finally starting to sink in, to really make sense. And the happiness that spreads through me seems bright and boundless.
“Make love to me,” I whisper. “Please, Theron.” All I can think about is getting closer to him, feeling his skin against mine, feeling his hugeness filling me up as he claims me fully, pounding into me until he spurts his seed in my depths.
His nostrils flare, and when he takes a quick, deep breath, I know he’s already detected the scent of my arousal. Given the immense warmth that keeps quaking between my thighs, it’s no surprise. I want him. I’m aching for him. I’m breathless with need.
A growl rumbles from his throat, and he turns toward the balcony doors. A moment later, the doors open under a gustof winter wind. He carries me inside, and the door slams shut behind us. Heated longing sweeps through me, and my pulse skitters as I glance at the bed. My face also heats as I recall all the intimacies we shared last night. My pussy is still a little sore from being claimed by him the first time… yet I yearn to feel him inside me again.
When I sense his pleasure through the bond, I know he’s heard my most recent thoughts. He sends me a wave of affection followed by several mental images showing what he saw as he feasted on my core, watched me suck his cock, then eventually, pounded into me from behind. I flush anew and wiggle in his arms as he carries me closer to bed.
He sets me down, and before I can make a move to undress myself or perhaps try to undress him, he snaps his fingers and there’s a flash of light… and suddenly we’re both naked. I gape down at myself before looking at him in shock.
“If you could do that,” I say with a chuckle, “why did you tear my clothes off last night?”
His eyes gleam as he steps closer. As he takes me in his arms, his fully erect cock presses against my stomach, causing a heated rush of tingles to sweep over me.
A smile touches his lips. “For two reasons. One—using magic depletes my energy somewhat, and at the time I wanted the stamina to erupt down your throat and then climax in your slick pussy in quick succession. Two—I like the act of ripping your clothes off, particularly your undergarments.”
You’re shameless, I send down the bond.
You truly have no idea, darling human, just how shameless I can be, he replies through the tether that links our minds.Perhaps going forward, I’ll force you to remain naked while you’re in my bedchamber, and if you dare to put clothing on, I’ll just use my winter magic to undress you.
His smile widens, then he cradles my face in his hands and leans down to press his lips to mine. I melt into the kiss, savoring his peppermint taste as his tongue delves into my mouth. A whimper escapes me, and I quiver at the feel of his cock pressing more firmly to my stomach. Not breaking the kiss, he guides me a few steps back until my ass hits the bed. Then, keeping me wedged between his body and bed, he gives several rapid thrusts, grinding himself against me.
When we finally pull apart, I stare up at him, panting breathlessly, as my entire body trembles with need. He steps back, then sweeps me into his arms and deposits me in the center of the bed. He crawls atop me, forces my legs wide open, and situates his cock at my aching core. I arch upward, hoping to encourage him to plunge deep, but he doesn’t drive inside me just yet.
Instead, he stares down at me with an affectionate look that brings tears to my eyes.
He leans down to place a gentle kiss on my forehead.
His eyes meet mine, and I gasp with pleasure when he finally starts pushing inside me.
As he makes love to me, his voice keeps resounding in my head, a comforting presence that only deepens the intimacy of our shared bond.
