27. Epilogue
ZARA
One year later…
I stand at the summit, the crisp mountain air filling my lungs as I observe the breathtaking view. The snow-capped peaks stretch out before me, a testament to the raw beauty of the Norwegian wilderness. It's hard to believe that a year has passed since I decided to stay with Aksel and pursue my passion for climate research.
With each passing day, my blog has gained more followers, eager to learn about the impact of climate change on this stunning landscape. The data I collect has become invaluable, not only to my readers but also to the Norwegian government. The contract they offered me was a dream come true, validating my hard work and dedication to my research.
As I set up my equipment, my thoughts drift to Aksel. His unwavering support has been the cornerstone of my success. He's been by my side every step, encouraging me to pursue my dreams and providing security in this wild, untamed land.
The wind whips through my hair as I take the final readings, the numbers on my screen painting a picture of the changing climate. It's a sobering reminder of the importance of my work and the need to raise awareness and inspire action.
I glance up from my data readings, my heart beating harder when I see Aksel emerge from the tree line. He moves with the grace of a predator, his muscles rippling beneath his sweat-soaked shirt. He's wearing one of his camouflage masks, which always excites me. They only add to his dark and rugged appearance. But it's the sight of the dead animal slung over his shoulder that sends a shiver down my spine.
As he draws closer, I can see the blood smeared across his skin, a testament to his prowess as a hunter. The coppery scent fills my nostrils, and I find myself inexplicably drawn to him, like a moth to a flame.
"Successful hunt?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
Aksel grins, his eyes glinting with feral intensity, making my pulse race. "Always, little bird."
He sets the carcass down, and I can't help but stare at how his muscles flex beneath his inked skin. The sight of him, primal and feral, awakens a desire I can barely comprehend.
I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. What is wrong with me? How can I be so turned on by the sight of blood?
But as Aksel steps closer, his scent envelops me, and I lose the battle against my desires. His hand reaches out, brushing a strand of hair from my face, and I lean into his touch, craving more.
"You're thinking about it, aren't you?" Aksel's voice is a low purr.
I swallow, my throat suddenly dry. "Thinking about what?"
His lips curl into a wicked smile, and he steps toward me, closing the distance between us. "You know exactly what I mean, little bird."
I feel a tremor run through me as his scent washes over me, that unique blend of musk and something wilder, more primal. "I—I don't know what you mean."
"Don't you?" He reaches out, his fingers tracing the curve of my neck, sending shivers down my spine. "Your heart is racing. You can't hide how much you want it."
My breath catches in my throat as his hand moves lower, resting on the curve of my hip. "Want what?"
"You know." His lips are inches from my ear, and his breath is hot against my skin. "The edge of the blade. The thrill of it all."
I close my eyes, my body betraying me as a rush of arousal courses through my veins. How does he always know what I'm thinking?
"Say it," he whispers, his fingers tightening around my hip. "Tell me what you want, baby girl."
I open my mouth, but no words come out. I can't bring myself to voice the dark desires that consume me.
Aksel chuckles, his breath tickling my ear. "Don't worry, little bird. I know all your secrets."
Before I can respond, I feel the cold kiss of steel against my skin. I gasp as his knife presses lightly against my throat, a sensation that sends a jolt of excitement through me.
"Shall we play, baby girl?" His voice is a silky murmur, his eyes glittering with anticipation.
I swallow, my pulse thrumming in my veins. "Yes."
The word is barely a whisper, but it's enough. In one swift motion, he spins me around, pressing me against his chest. I feel the knife leave my throat, only to return a moment later, slicing lightly across my shoulder.
The pain is sharp but fleeting, quickly replaced by a surge of pleasure as Aksel leans down, his tongue tracing the path of the blade, tasting my blood.
I moan, my head falling back against his shoulder as he continues his devilish ministrations. His free hand roams my body, stoking the flames of my desire.
"That's it. Let me hear you."
I cry out, my body arching into his touch as he nips at my shoulder, marking me with his mouth. The knife, the blood, his intimate touches—they blur together, creating a symphony of sensations that push me closer and closer to the edge.
"Please..." I don't realize I've spoken the word until I hear it hanging in the air between us.
"Please, what?" He murmurs, his lips brushing my ear.
"Please, Aksel. I need you."
He smirks, and I feel a shiver run down my spine. With a swift movement, he withdraws the blade and steps back.
"Run, little bird. Make me work for it."
My heart pounds in my chest, and I turn and dash into the trees without another thought. The cool air whips against my skin, sending goosebumps along my arms. I can hear Aksel following behind me.
I dodge between the trees, their branches reaching out like gnarled fingers. The earth is soft and muddy beneath my feet, threatening to slow my progress, but I push on, driven by the thrill of the chase.
I leave my equipment behind in haste, but I know it'll be safe. No one dares to venture into Aksel's territory uninvited.
My breath comes in short gasps as I run, the familiar landscape guiding my path. I aim for the waterfall halfway back to the cabin, hoping to reach it before Aksel catches me. The thought of him taking me against the rocky cliff, the sound of the water echoing around us, sends a thrill through my body.
The rush of the waterfall grows louder as I draw closer, the mist cooling my heated skin. I spot the shimmering curtain of water through the trees and know I'm almost there.
I scramble over the rocky terrain, my heart pounding in my chest. With one final surge of speed, I burst into the clearing behind the water, the powerful spray soaking my skin.
I spin around, my chest heaving as I search for Aksel. The sound of his approaching footsteps comes to a halt, and I know he has spotted me behind the curtain of water.
Slowly, he steps into the clearing, his eyes dark and hungry. Water droplets catch in his eyelashes.
Without a word, he begins to stalk toward me, moving with the deliberate grace of a predator. My heart is pounding in my chest, a mixture of excitement and anticipation coursing through my veins as I back up against the rocky wall behind me.
He reaches out, his fingers grazing my cheek, and pulls me roughly against his chest. I can feel his heart thundering against mine, the rhythm of our desire syncopating in the air between us.
His mouth crushes mine in a feverish kiss, his tongue demanding entrance. I moan, opening to him, our passion igniting like a flame in the crisp mountain air.
The force of his kiss pushes me back against the rock face, the cold stone a stark contrast to the heat of his body. Aksel's hands move urgently over me, sliding under my shirt to grasp my breasts, his thumbs circling my nipples with just the right amount of pressure.
I moan into his mouth, my hands tangling in his hair as I pull him closer, desperate for more. He tears his mouth from mine, his lips trailing down my neck, leaving a trail of hot, open-mouthed kisses that make my head spin.
"You like that, baby girl?" he growls, his breath hot against my skin.
"God, yes," I gasp, my body aching for him.
With a rough tug, he rips open the buttons of my flannel shirt, the cool air hitting my skin and causing my nipples to tighten. He takes one peak into his mouth, sucking and nibbling until I'm squirming against him, my hands gripping his biceps.
"What do you want, little bird?" He pulls back to look at me, his eyes dark with desire. "Tell me what you need."
I bite my lip, not wanting to voice my deepest desires but unable to deny my need for him. "I need you," I whisper, my voice hoarse with want. "Give me your cock, Aksel. Please."
A primal growl rumbles in his chest as he scoops me up, pressing me back against the rock with my legs wrapped around his waist. The hard length of him presses against me through the fabric of his jeans, and I whimper, needing to feel him inside me.
He unzips his pants and pulls his dick out, making me moan when I feel it slap against my clit. "Do you want me to claim this sweet pussy, baby girl?" He teases my entrance with the tip of his cock, making me cry out with need.
"Yes! Oh God! Yes!"
With one swift thrust, he buries himself inside me, filling me. My head falls back as pleasure rocks through me. His hands grasp my hips, holding me in place as he moves with deep and powerful thrusts.
"That's it, little bird. Take it all." He pulls out until just the tip is inside, then slams back into me, again and again, each thrust hitting my sweet spot.
I can feel the rough rock grazing my back. The waterfall echoes around us, blending with my moans as Aksel drives me higher.
"You like getting fucked out here in the wild, don't you, baby girl?" He leans down, his mouth at my ear as he continues to thrust into me. "You like the idea of someone stumbling upon us, seeing me claim you like the animal you are?"
His words spark a fire in my belly, something wild and untamed. "Yes! fuck, yes!"
He chuckles, his breath hot against my skin. "That's it, let it out. Scream for me."
I cry out, my nails digging into his back as he pounds into me, his hips slapping against my ass. The pleasure builds, a coiling tension deep in my core that threatens to consume me.
"Come for me, littlefugl. Let me feel you tighten around my cock." His voice is a guttural demand, his thrusts becoming more urgent.
His words send me over the edge, and I cry out as my orgasm rips through me. My body shakes uncontrollably as waves of pleasure wash over me, my inner walls clenching tightly around him.
Aksel groans, his grip on my hips tightening as he finds his release. "Fuck, baby, you feel so good. I'm not going to last much longer."
I tighten my legs around him, wanting to feel him spill his cum deep inside me. "Come for me, Aksel. Breed me."
With a few more powerful thrusts, he roars, his body shuddering as he spills himself into me. He buries his face in my neck, his breath coming in sharp gasps as he rides out his release.
Slowly, he slides out of me, and I whimper at the loss, my body still humming with pleasure. He yanks me against his chest, holding me close.
I feel his heart slowing, his breath evening out against my skin. "That was?—"
"Incredible," we finish together, laughing softly.
He nuzzles my neck, his lips pressing soft kisses along my skin. "I love you, little bird."
"I love you too, Aksel." I tilt my head back, offering my mouth to his.
As his lips capture mine, I know that no matter what the future holds, I would never trade this—the wildness of the Norwegian wilderness, the thrill of discovery in my research, and the unfathomable depths of my love for this man.
Thank you for reading Hunted! Did you enjoy it? If so check out my other books, including Carnival Nightmare which is the first in an interconnected world of books set around a traveling carnival.
Carnival Nightmare is a dark & spicy 48k word dark romance featuring a hot, tattooed psychopath who becomes instantly obsessed with the FMC the moment he sees her.