Chapter 5 #2
I spent the day eager to be alone again with Varro.
I wanted to continue our illicit activities, but I desperately needed time in the healing pools before making any advances.
The waters reinvigorated my energy levels on a day when even a good meal or two could not.
When I arrived, he was already there waiting for me.
I admired his body, slick and glistening, the white curls of his hair in tight, wet ringlets.
My mate always looked his best in the water, and I hoped to someday truly witness him in his element, aboard a ship or wading amongst the seafoam of the Endless Tides.
I wasn’t ready to seal the bond, no, but I was interested in continuing to explore this more intimate side of Varro.
I began disrobing down to my undergarments, and with each item of clothing I removed, Varro stared shamelessly, even biting at his knuckle while he appraised my body.
I wasn’t going to reprimand him, since I’d been doing the same.
I made my way towards him and took a seat, submerging my body up to my shoulders.
“I want to show you something, but first I need you to turn out the lights,” he said, nodding in the direction of the torches along the walls.
In the dark, alone with Varro; the possibilities were absolutely wicked, but I did not question his request. With a simple flick of my magic, all the torches went dark, except for one that I kept dimly lit.
My eyes struggled to adjust to the lack of light, and the only thing that kept me alert to his whereabouts was the sound of water moving.
All of a sudden, there was a bright green and blue luminescence fanning out above the water in the shape of…
the shape of wings! The glow of which was bright enough to illuminate the small area around Varro.
I was astounded and speechless upon seeing the absolutely magical display of his wings.
They were gorgeous in the sunlight, yet nothing compared to what I was witnessing here in the water and darkness.
“Wow, that’s amazing,” I whispered, still caught up in the shock, the awe of it all.
He made his way directly in front of me, the light of them now creating a glowing circle around us both. He lowered his body slowly into the water, and his wings continued to glow even after they were partially submerged.
“Everyone has seen our wings, Cress; I cannot change that. But…this, this is for your eyes only.”
My eyes scanned each serrated tip in amazement and, almost instinctively, I reached my hand out to touch the glowing wing like a moth drawn to a flame. The second my hand brushed its surface, a single teardrop blurred my vision as a ripple of luminous color flickered across the entire panel.
I heard Varro’s breath hitch at the same time I let my hand run gently across it again, and his wings continued to pulsate colors of light.
Surrounded by nothing but his illumination, I wrapped my legs around his frame and pulled him to me.
Our bodies were now skin to skin, with only thin pieces of clothing to separate us.
I could feel the outline of him becoming rigid against me.
I was overcome with gratitude for what he’d shown me, for what he had saved for just us, in a place where nothing was truly ours.
Varro lowered his splayed wings and curled them inward, wrapping them around my back to cocoon us within the green and blue hue.
I leaned in, initiating the kiss, and pressed my body tight against his so he could feel my hardened nipples and know the pleasure, the reaction he drew from me.
My hands roamed, trying to memorize every angle of his Gods-like body.
His tongue danced lightly in and out of my mouth, switching back and forth between sweet pecks and deeper kisses.
I pulled my mouth away and pressed it along his neck, lapping up droplets of water.
I didn’t know if it was inappropriate, but I gently flicked my tongue across the gills behind his ear, then released a cool breath over them.
I felt goosebumps blanket his skin, and a shiver went up his body, causing him to twitch between my thighs.
“Gods, Cress, what are you trying to do me?” he said with a restless groan.
“I don’t know,” I said breathless. “Everything feels so natural, so right when I’m with you. Sometimes I don’t even know if I’m in control.”
Varro pulled away at my words, resting his head against mine.
“I have to be careful with you. Our bond calls us to each other. It wants nothing more than to be consummated, to be made whole. I must ensure it does not influence your decision.”
There was so little that I understood about having a mate, but every word he said made sense. I trusted that he had my best interests at heart, even when my body had other ideas. I just wasn’t sure how much longer we could walk this fine line.
Looking up into his eyes I saw nothing but unwavering devotion, and I was frustrated with myself for how long I’d gone without noticing.
“Cress?”
“Yes…” I replied softly.
“I’ve had far too long to think about all the things I want to do to you. We could do everything but seal the bond, and I promise that will only ever occur when you are certain. No matter how much self-control I must exert, I swear to you, that final decision is yours.”
I gave him a gentle kiss on the lips to show my appreciation and acknowledgement of his vow.
“However, it wouldn’t hurt if you could demonstrate some self-control too,” he teased playfully, letting out a laugh that reverberated through our cavernous surroundings.
“But tempting fate is so much fun…” I replied wickedly while running the tips of my fingers along his glowing wing.