7. Stella
7
STELLA
S tanding in front of my cottage, sadness ripples through me.
I’ll miss my quiet home. It was the first place I could truly call mine. I have loved my time in Moon’s Hallow. Working at the tavern with Old Bill and spending lazy afternoons curled up on my couch reading as the sun filtered through the windows brought me comfort. The memories I have here will be tucked away into my heart forever.
Now, as I feel Ciaryn’s soft fur brush against my bare arm, I’m ready to start a new adventure.
Everything I wanted to bring is tucked inside the small leather satchel draped across my body: a few thin dresses, a couple of books, and a smattering of herbs for treating wounds and illnesses.
With Timson dead, I feel free. The dress I’m wearing is a testament to that.
Additionally, I love the way Ciaryn stares at the bare skin of my arms and chest like he wants to devour me whole—he nearly did this morning. The heady memories come rushing back, bringing a fresh flush to my cheeks. Ciaryn has a wicked, wicked mouth. Part of the thrill had been his animalistic nature—something that delights me in ways I didn’t think possible.
Ciaryn expertly attended to my pleasure. His care for me, priority of my needs, and protection of me have made my newfound feelings grow for him quickly.
How is it that I’ve known him barely a day and feel like he has been a part of my life forever? Perhaps it has to do with what he called us—mates. He demanded my assurances that he was what I wanted, and I meant every word. I never want to be parted from him. It is a sudden realization, but I mean it all the same.
I’ve never felt the way I do about Ciaryn for anyone.
That’s why I have no regrets as I turn away from my cottage and climb atop his back. I know he will keep me safe. I thought I wanted freedom—to belong to no one but myself. Now I see how wrong I was. I’m ready to bind myself to him and enjoy our shared future.
The feel of his fur on my inner thighs brings back memories of our delicious morning. His lewd words had caused me to blush. More out of excitement than embarrassment. My pussy heats, wanting to feel his mouth and fingers on me again. Ciaryn scents the air, and I feel a low growl permeate his chest. Shifting back and forth, I wrap my arms around his neck and hold tight.
“Ready?” he asks.
I nod, tightening my hold.
Without another word, Ciaryn springs forward and into The Woods . I don’t look back—I don’t do anything but rest my cheek against Ciaryn’s strong back. I’m sure some would say I’m being foolish and acting rashly. However, I’ve trusted my heart before, and it guided me out from under my father’s thumb. Now it’s telling me to go with Ciaryn wherever that may take us.
The dark forest swallows us up. Towering green trees and unruly branches pass us in a blur. Ciaryn navigates the uneven terrain gracefully. The fresh scent of grass tickles my nose. I inhale the spicy pine scent of my wolfman and let it soothe me. I listen to the strong pounding of his heart—the rhythm matching my own—as we travel toward our future.
Together.
I have no idea how long we travel for.
Truth be told, I dozed off a few times on our journey, only to jolt awake when I felt my grip on Ciaryn slipping. I came fully awake as he slowed down near a roaring stream. We are still deep in The Woods . The stories of its danger and bloodthirsty inhabitants mean little to me with Ciaryn by my side.
The setting sun spills through the branches of the surrounding trees, casting the area around us in harsh shadows.
Ciaryn finally stops at the base of one of the trees. I slip from his back, my muscles sore from holding on tightly. Stretching my arms over my head, Ciaryn rises to his full height and does the same. The depth of his strength steals my breath. His golden eyes sparkle down at me.
“We’ll rest here for the night,” he declares. “I’ve put a good distance between us and the village.”
His finger curls around a strand of my hair that’s come loose from my braid.
“I’ll find something for us to eat. The stream should be warm enough if you want to wash up.”
I sigh.
“That sounds wonderful.”
Digging into my small bag, I fetch a bar of lavender soap. Unbraiding my hair, I take the leather tie and secure my tresses into a messy bun at the top of my head. Turning towards the roaring stream, I kick off my shoes and unlace the back of my gown. Letting it and my shift pool at my feet, I scoop them up and hang them from a low branch of a nearby tree.
A low howl cuts through the clearing and goosebumps break out along my flesh. Turning to look over my bare shoulder, my eyes connect with Ciaryn’s. The noticeable bulge in his pants makes my mouth water. I look at it pointedly and raise a brow.
“Do you want to join me?” I ask, skimming my hand down my naked sides.
Ciaryn growls again before shaking his head.
“Must feed you,” he rasps, his voice deeper than before.
A smile curls my lips. “Suit yourself.”
Walking into the stream, a soft moan slips from my lips. The water is a perfect temperature and laps against my bare skin. My nipples harden instantly. I walk deeper into the water until it reaches my shoulders—the soft bottom of the stream squishes between my toes. The rushing water soothes my muscles.
Ciaryn disappears briefly before reappearing with a few dead rabbits. My stomach rolls partly from hunger but mainly from the sight. I’ll tell him I prefer a more plant-based diet when we are more settled. He makes quick work of skinning them and setting up a fire near the edge of the stream. His eyes return to me once the meat rests over the flames to cook.
I smile, reaching for the soap to begin lathering my body. Ciaryn’s hungry gaze tracks every movement, and I shiver under the intensity.
“So,” I say. “How much longer until we make it to our destination?”
It takes a moment for him to register I’ve asked him a question. Shaking his head, he prowls closer to the edge of the stream.
“Not much longer. We could’ve made it there tonight, but I wanted you to rest.”
The soap foams in my hands. I use the suds to clean under my arms and along my neck. The lavender scent surrounds me as I scrub away the day's dirt.
“Do more of your people live there? Your pack?” I ask.
Ciaryn makes a low noise before nodding once. I float the bar of soap towards him as he washes the blood off his hands from the rabbits. His eyes devour me as I walk closer to the stream’s edge. The water is lower over here, barely covering my breasts.
“You don’t like talking about them,” I whisper. “Or where you’re from.”
Ciaryn’s eyes shudder as he lowers his head.
“It’s complicated. I left when they needed me most.”
My hand snakes out from the water to wrap around his. With a gentle squeeze, I guide his gaze back to mine.
“Tell me.”
Ciaryn stares at me for a moment. The silence stretches until I’m nearly certain he won’t continue. Then, I feel his hand tighten on mine before he moves quickly, pulling my soaking body from the water and rubbing me against him. I gasp at the sensation.
“What are you doing?” I giggle.
The evening air is cool against my damp skin, and Ciaryn is so warm I can’t help but wrap my arms around his neck and hold him closer.
“Getting you dry,” he replies, running his arms down my sides.
“Hmm,” I sigh. “How chivalrous. I’m sure this has nothing to do with the fact that I’m naked and dripping wet.”
Ciaryn chuckles, nuzzling into my neck. Despite how good he feels, I can’t get swept up in him just yet. I need some answers first.
“Tell me where we are going, Ciaryn.”
My wolfman sighs and then presses a kiss to my cheek. He tucks me into his arms and holds me so we are at eye level with each other. The Woods are quiet tonight. Whatever danger lurks here knows better than to venture too close to us.
After a moment of silence, Ciaryn nods.
“My pack’s den. It’s the safest place for you,” he says. “It’s a large cavern with plenty of tunnels and natural springs. Inside, dozens of dwellings are carved into the rock for each pack member to house themselves and their families.”
“Does your family live there?” I ask softly, wanting to know more about him.
Ciaryn’s golden eyes dim.
“For a time,” he says. “My mother was human—as all our mates are—and she lived happily with my father for many years. When I was still young, hunters found her with me. They didn’t take one of their own being claimed by a beast too well. By the time my father heard her screams and came for us, it was too late. He was never the same after that.”
All the air leaves my lungs as I picture the horrible scene. Ciaryn—young and afraid—as his mother is slain before his eyes. What an awful thing to behold.
His claws skim along my back as he clears the roughness from his voice.
“My father tried to be a good male—a good alpha to our pack—but he’s been slowly dying these last thirty years.” Ciaryn swallows. “And when he passed a week ago, I could tell he was finally happy—knowing he would soon be with my mother again.”
My heart aches as I cup his soft cheek. Pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead, I nestle deeper into his embrace.
“I’m so sorry, Ciaryn.”
He shakes his head.
“I’m a coward, Stella. When he died, I—I didn’t know what to do. I was supposed to be his successor and lead our pack after his passing, but I couldn’t. My grief made me flee, and now I don’t know how they’ll react to my return.”
“We’ll face it together,” I breathe. “Tell them all you’ve told me, and they’ll understand.”
I drag his eyes back up to mine when he still looks uncertain.
“A good leader is not cruel and unfeeling. Believe me, I would know.”
Dark memories flood me. Long-buried fragments of my previous life threaten to shred the beautiful future I’ve found for myself. My father was evil—as was my brother—and had I not fled when I did, I would’ve become their prisoner one way or another. I never would’ve met Ciaryn. The thought makes me hold on to him tighter.
His golden eyes search mine, and his ears flatten. I know he has questions for me about my past. I’ll give him answers soon enough. Right now, all I want is to feel his arms around me. That is why I merely smile and rub my nose along his.
“My tale is also a sad one. The family I was born into was not a kind one.”
Ciaryn’s eyes flash.
“Whatever secrets lurk in your past, Stella, I’ll protect you from them. You’ll always be safe with me.”
My lips pull into a grin.
“I believe you,” I say before giggling softly. “I’ve only known you a short time, and yet, this feels so permanent—as if we were always meant to be together.”
“We are,” Ciaryn growls.
I nod my head, heat flaring within my body. With him so close, I feel safe and whole. The demons of my past are far away from here. I believe Ciaryn when he says he’ll protect me. I feel secure enough to do things I never have before.
“It should be ridiculous—desiring you like I do.” My teeth sink into my lower lip as I look up at him. “Well, I suppose it's no more ridiculous than wanting to put a wolfman’s cock in my mouth.”
Ciaryn’s sharp inhale is music to my ears. His claws dig into the skin of my back, making me sigh. Fire burns in his golden gaze.
“Stella.” His snarl of my name breaks off on a groan as my hand drifts down his body. He shudders as I palm his aching length through his trousers. “Are you sure? You do not have?—”
“I want to,” I say. “More than anything.”
I rub my hand along his hardness. The length of him causes me to turn slippery between my thighs. With my other hand, I push on his shoulder and urge him onto his back. Ciaryn’s hands fall to my waist, and I know he’ll want to place me atop his face, but I won’t allow that yet. Wiggling away from his hands, I shuffle down his legs and fall between his spread thighs.
“This is all for you, Ciaryn,” I sigh. “I want to please you.”
Together, we work in tandem to shed his pants. What greets my eyes steals my breath. His impressive length rises proudly between his legs. The dark flesh of his cock gives way to a round head already leaking a milky bead of seed. Dark veins decorate the side. There is a circular ridge around the base of his cock, growing in size by the second.
I have no idea how he’ll fit inside of me, but my body is more than willing to try.
Taking him into my hand, my fingers barely fit around him. I give his length a soft pump, and he snarls. The velvety heat of cock sears my palm. Bracing my free hand on his thighs, I look up at him. With our gazes locked, I slowly open my mouth and lick up his salty sweetness.
“Perfect,” Ciaryn groans. “My perfect girl.”
His praise washes over me. Liquid arousal pools between my legs and slides down my thighs. I give his head a soft kiss before tracing up the length of his shaft—Ciaryn’s impressive muscles flex.
“I want you so bad,” I moan. “For so long, I was afraid—of Timson, of my past—I didn’t feel safe to be my true self. But you’ve freed me, and now I want to explore how deep this desire goes. This desire for you.”
I trace my tongue along a pronounced vein. The taste of him makes my head spin.
“Whatever you want from me, you shall have, Stella.” His eyes bore into mine. “You are a gift—my gift. And I’ll never stop being grateful for you.”
Warmth spreads throughout my body, and that’s the last bit of encouragement I need. Opening wide, I take him fully into my mouth. Ciaryn’s growl echoes through the forest around us. His claws spear through the grass and dirt at his sides.
My jaw stretches to accommodate his large size. Saliva pools in my mouth and dribbles down my chin as I suck him hard. Bracing my hands on his thighs, I bob my head along his hard cock. Taking him deeper each time, it’s not long before I feel his length tickling the back of my throat. My eyes water, but I keep going, determined to watch Ciaryn fall apart in the same way he makes me.
“Good girl,” Ciaryn growls. “Look at how well you take my cock into your little mouth. Even when it’s too much, you keep going, don’t you?”
“Yes.” The word is garbled around his cock.
I gently skim my teeth along him, and he snarls. His hands fall to my head and tighten into my scalp. Gently he encourages me to suck him faster. Ciaryn’s hips rise from the ground to meet my waiting mouth. I feel his claws pricking my scalp as he plunges further into me. I hold him in my mouth until I gag. Pulling back, I watch a pool of saliva spill from my mouth and coat his hard cock.
Licking down his shaft, my tongue stops just before the large ridge at the base of his cock. It is more engorged than before.
“Stella,” he snarls. “I’m close. Are you going to let me come in your mouth, mate?”
Mate . The word causes me to shiver.
I nod eagerly. I lick his slit before nipping and sucking back down his cock. When I reach the ridge again, taste it with a firm tongue. Ciaryn growls, his whole body going taut.
His reaction is all the encouragement I need to lick him there again. This part of him seems primal. An addition that is as foreign as it is arousing. Ciaryn snarls each time I do, his stomach muscles flexing under his dark fur.
“Naughty little thing you are,” Ciaryn growls. “Tempting me to knot you when I haven’t even told you what it means.”
“Knot?” I ask as my lips skim along his ridge. “What’s that?”
“It’s something only alpha males get. That thing at the base of my cock is called a knot. Its purpose is to keep you locked to me when I fill you with my seed, heightening the chances of you becoming pregnant.”
The image in my mind blazes brightly: my stomach round, Ciaryn by my side, holding me close, ready to protect me and our unborn child. Any apprehension I may have about the idea melts as the warmth of the image washes through me.
Without a moment of hesitation, I take him fully into my mouth again as my hand falls to his knot. I gently massage the hard mass while my mouth sucks him. Ciaryn snarls, his hands cupping my head as I work him deeper.
“Stella, fuck—I’m close.”
“Come in my mouth,” I say around his cock. “I want to taste you.”
Ciaryn’s eyes go wholly black, and every muscle in his body tightens. I suck him once, twice, and on the third time, I take him deep as his hips lift to meet my mouth. Ciaryn roars as his seed floods my mouth. I swallow it down as quickly as I can. There is so much that it seeps between my lips and dribbles down my chin.
The salty taste of his come turns me obscenely slippery between my legs.
His cock jerks but spills nothing more, and that’s when I gently release him from between my lips. A mixture of saliva and his spend spills from my mouth and slides down to my chest. Ciaryn raises into a sitting position. His massive chest moves rapidly up and down as he stares at me. One of his fingers curls into a lock of my hair.
“Stella, that was—I don’t have the words. You’re perfect,” he says. “I made a mess of you. Let me bathe you.”
His hands reach for me, but I shake my head. My hand is still around his cock, and I gently trace his knot. It hasn’t gone down at all. Even his cock is hardening once more in my grip.
“I don’t want a bath.” My grip on him tightens. “I want you inside of me.”
“Stella,” he groans. “If I knot you—there is no undoing it. You’re my mate forever. If the day came that you wanted to leave me, I couldn’t let you go. We would be bonded forever. I refuse to keep you by force.”
His eyes soften as he strokes my cheek.
“Are you sure you want my knot, knowing what it entails?”
Dropping his cock, I lean up and wrap my arms around his neck. With all the strength that I have, I roll us until I am flat on my back beneath him. The cool grass tickles my heated skin. The night sky looms above us, and the moon is impossibly full. Ciaryn’s pine scent invades my lungs. Spreading my legs wider to accommodate him, I watch as his nostrils flare as he scents my arousal.
“I know what I want. I told you as much in the cottage.” My chest rises and falls with anticipation. “You are my heart—I cannot imagine my life without you. Bind me to you, mate.”
With a growl, Ciaryn’s mouth descends on mine. His lips are firm as they press against mine. His tongue licks against me, and I open my lips eagerly. In a moment, our tongues are tangling, fighting each other until I surrender to his dominance. I moan into his mouth, and my hands fall to his back.
The longer we kiss, the more incessant my need becomes. One of his hands falls to my chest, palming my breast gently. He worries the nipple until it’s a stiff peak. His mouth leaves mine to taste my other breast. Ciaryn alternates his attention on each. My hips lift in invitation—seeking any friction I can find.
My wolfman releases my breast with a pop. He stares into my eyes as his hand trails lower. Parting me, he snarls at the wetness he finds there. His claw gently nudges my entrance, and I suck in a breath.
“Are you sure?” he asks again.
“Will it hurt?”
His nod is sharp.
“A bit at first—but not for long. Part of my knot’s purpose is to provide you pleasure.”
His claw tickles my clit, and I suck in a breath. Reaching between us, I wrap my hand around his cock and guide it towards my entrance. Lifting my hips, I capture his lips with mine.
“Then claim me, Ciaryn. Make it so we are never apart again.”
With our lips still connected, Ciaryn knocks my hand away, and his head pushes into my entrance. The burn is already intense, and he’s barely inside. I’m so wet I can tell he’s fighting not to slide fully into me in one go. He continues his entrance on a slow thrust. Once he is fully inside me, I moan into his mouth. There is a pinch of pain, and I cry against him. His lips leave mine to whisper encouragement and praise into my ears.
It feels like an eternity later when I feel his knot pressing into me. Taking a deep breath, I tighten my hold on his back as I feel the knot breach my entrance—stretching me wider than I thought possible. It steals my breath. Ciaryn’s muscles are taut as he remains still inside me, allowing me to accommodate his size.
“Stella,” he whispers. “Are you well?”
I nod, my eyes still closed tightly. Ciaryn begins to press soft kisses to my cheeks and forehead. His claw gently rubs my clit. After a few moments, the pain dissipates. Blinking my eyes open, I find Ciaryn’s burning gaze staring down at me. Gently, he circles his hips. With his knot inside of me, he can’t thrust fully but rather allow the fullness of his cock to heighten my pleasure.
“In time, I’ll give you the fucking you deserve,” he says as if reading my mind. “For your first time, I wanted to tie you to me.”
“Ciaryn,” I sigh. “This is—I?—”
Words become lost as any lingering discomfort flees and pleasure consumes me. Despite the lack of movement, he still manages to fill me expertly. It’s as if the size of him is enough to bring me to incomparable heights of pleasure. His hips flex, and it feels as if he is expanding inside of me. His claw continues to work my clit as my eyes threaten to roll back in my head.
“Your pussy is perfect, Stella. Just as you are. Look at how well you’ve taken all of me.” His eyes begin to glow anew. “No one will ever have you like this. You are mine. Forever .”
“Yes,” I moan. “Forever.”
Another tug on my clit causes my climax to barrel towards me. I clamp around his cock, straining with the onslaught of pleasure. Ciaryn grits his teeth as he absorbs my pleasure. Instead of it beginning to subside, it feels like my body is racing towards another peak.
Wave after wave of pleasure crashes over me. Ciaryn licks down my neck and tastes each of my nipples. My fingernails shred his back as another climax bursts out of me. My wetness seeps from our joined bodies and soaks the grass below me. My mouth is open in a silent scream. Words are nothing more than a flurry of incoherent sounds.
Ciaryn rolls his hips one final time, and a torrent of his hot seed floods me. My body clamps around his jerking cock. This climax is more prolonged than the others. I feel him fill me to bursting with his come. His cock gives one final jerk, but he stays sealed to me. His knot hardens, keeping all of his spend locked within me.
Gently, my wolfman nuzzles my neck. My muscles feel weak. I never would have imagined this feeling. Total satisfied, my arms lazily wrap around his neck, bringing his body flush with mine. His fur tickles my hard nipples as we kiss gently.
My body trembles as he locks his arms around me.
“Stella, are you alright?”
Even with my blurry vision, I see the concern in his golden eyes.
“That was—I don’t have the words for it.”
Ciaryn trails kisses down my cheek and jaw.
“We’ll be sealed like this for some time. Let me make you more comfortable.”
My stomach growls, reminding me how little I’ve had to eat today. I’m hungrier now than I can ever remember being. Ciaryn locks his arms around me and drags me closer to the fire without separating us.
“I need to take better care of you. Let me feed you, mate. Then I’ll give you another bath in the river.”
“That sounds lovely.”
Ciaryn removes the rabbits from the open flames. They’re a little burnt, but I can hardly blame him. I was a bit of a distraction. I take the cooked meat and eagerly devour it despite my usual aversion.
My wolfman watches me closely. With him still buried inside of me as I eat the food he’s prepared, he doesn’t have to tell me what he’s thinking. I already know—I feel it, too. I’ll tell him soon enough. For now, I tuck into Ciaryn’s side and let him hold me, feeling happier than ever.