Chapter Fourteen
Wraith
D onovan has been acting strangely the last few days. He’s hiding something from me, but I can’t figure out what or why. Which is why I find myself shadowing his movements in Darthamore, the closest village to the academy.
It’s not that going to the closest town is all that odd for Donovan. It’s the fact that he was cagey about where he was going and why. He’s been disappearing throughout the day, and I have no idea what he’s been doing. I even asked him about it, and he lied. He didn’t just lie—he lied badly. That’s why I’m following my lover around without his knowledge on this fine Saturday.
I’m not a jealous man—possessive, sure but never jealous. I’ve lived long enough that I know people have the capacity to love more than one person at a time. Donovan and I have had others in our relationship in the past, but we’ve always been upfront about it. What I don’t understand is the secrecy. If he’s met someone else, then why wouldn’t he tell me?
Is it insane that I’m following him around right now? Absolutely. I just don’t know what else to do.
My eyes flit to my love once more, watching as he hides in the shadows just like I am. He’s been trailing a group of reaper trainees, and I can’t for the life of me figure out why.
Focusing my attention on the group once more, I glance between them. With as many students we get in each day, I don’t spend time getting to know them. That doesn’t mean I don’t know who they are, though. I know every single face and name that comes through the school. It’s one benefit of being Death. The three girls came in a few days ago—Audrey, Celeste, and Diana—and the three of them share a suite. The rest of their suitemates have already been sent for judgment. I anticipate the three of them making it much further into the training now that they’ve made it through the first week.
The man that is with them is Brenden. He’s been here about two months, and he’s one of the students I’ve kept an eye on. He’s shown promise from almost day one. I’m not sure why he’s hanging out with these girls. Most of the students who hit the two month mark don’t hang out with the newer students as so many of them end up leaving. In fact, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen him hang out with anyone before.
Glancing at his arm wrapped around Audrey’s waist, I realize the reason for his interest in this group. Not that I can blame him.
I haven’t been able to get the vixen out of my head since the day she called me out during her welcoming. There’s just something about her that calls to me, even from this distance. I’ve thought about seeking her out over the last week, but I knew it would only cause trouble so I made a concerted effort to avoid her. It’s actually pretty easy to do since I don’t often have anything to do with the new students past the welcoming.
My eyes turn back to Donovan as a realization hits me.
She’s the reason he’s been so secretive, isn’t she?
“Hello, pet,” I purr as I slide through the shadows to stand at Donovan’s back. “What trouble are you getting into?”
He stiffens for a moment before melting back into me. “Wraith... I...”
“Please don’t lie to me again, pet. You won’t like the punishment that results in.”
Donovan sighs, his eyes flashing to Audrey for a moment before he turns to face me. “I shouldn’t have lied. I don’t know why I did. I just...”
“Couldn’t stay away from Audrey?” I ask quietly, lifting my eyes to the pretty redhead.
“How did you know?”
I chuckle. “It was either her or Brenden, the other two aren’t people who would draw your attention. Considering Brenden’s been here for months, Audrey is the only new factor. And if I’m honest, I feel a pull to her as well.”
“Really?” Donovan’s sigh sounds relieved. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Why didn’t you?” Shaking my head, I reach for his hand. “I think this is a conversation we need to have back home, don’t you? Why don’t we leave the girl to her day with her friends?”
Donovan glances over his shoulder and sneers. “Don’t think the two of them are just friends.”
“While I don’t mind the jealousy, something tells me that Miss Maddox would not approve. Not to mention, you’re already in a relationship—or have you forgotten that fact?”
“What? No! Of course, I haven’t.” He tears his eyes away from Audrey and focuses back on me. “You’re right. Let’s go home and talk.”
With a nod, I pull us through the shadows until we reach our home at Scythe Academy. The house is really too big for the two of us, but something told me we’d eventually need a bigger house with more space, so I built what I thought we’d one day need. Even though it’s only been the two of us for millenia, maybe that’s about to change.
It’s situated away from the rest of campus, most students not even knowing it exists. I don’t do a lot of hands-on-training at the school, but when Lucifer—as he prefers to be called now—agreed to build the school for me, his one condition was that I had to live on campus. It seemed like an easy accommodation to make, and really, it’s not a big deal.
Pulling us from the shadows in our kitchen, I release Donovan’s hand. “Do you want anything to eat or drink?”
“A beer?”
Reaching into the fridge, I grab each of us a beer and nod toward the living room. “We’ll talk in there where we’re comfortable.”
Donovan takes the offered beer, twisting off the top and tossing it into the trash can before following me into the living room. I drop into my favorite recliner, clicking it up and relaxing while Donovan sits on the couch, looking sheepish.
“I never want you to think this relationship isn’t important to me, Wraith. I love you—always have and always will.”
I wave a hand at him, cutting him off. “I know that, pet. I’ve never doubted that for a moment. I’m just not sure why you didn’t tell me about stalking Audrey.”
“I wasn’t—“ he cuts off again when I lift an eyebrow. “Okay, I’ve been stalking her. You’re right. It’s just... I think she’s my mate.”
My eyebrows shoot up at his words. I wasn’t expecting that. “Yeah?”
He nods. “My hellhound has been riding me hard, calling her his. He wants to be around her all the time. I guess I was afraid of how you might react to that.”
“Hmmm,” I hum before taking a long drink of the beer in my hand. I can understand his hesitation in telling me. The two of us aren’t fated mates—we’re chosen mates. As a horseman, I’m not even sure I have a fated mate, but we always knew there was a chance that Donovan would. Hellhounds might wait hundreds or thousands of years to meet their fated mate, but they all have one.
All hellhounds are male, there’s never been a female of their species. I don’t know if it’s evolutionarily impossible, or if there just hasn’t been the right pairing as of yet, but hellhound’s mates are always another species. With as long as Donovan’s been alive—he was one of the very first hellhounds, almost as old as I am—I know he’s wondered if he would ever meet his mate.
When we first got together, we talked about what would happen when he met his mate, but that was so long ago. I’m not even sure if I remember the specifics of the conversation, and I’m not sure how I feel about it now that he’s found her.
“I can see now why you kept it from me. You didn’t want to hurt me,” I say steadily, not wanting to betray my uncertainty. “And if she is your mate? Obviously, you’ll want to date her, but will that be the end of our relationship?”
“I don’t want it to be,” he says, eyes on the floor. “If she’s my mate, then that means she’s perfect for me in every way. Doesn’t that mean she would accept a relationship between the two of us.”
I hum again, nodding. “One would hope so. It’s always possible that she has more than one mate as well.”
Donovan grunts, eyes staying locked on the floor, causing me to frown.
“Pet? Look at me.”
He doesn’t immediately lift his eyes, which is very unlike him. When he does meet my eyes, his are filled with tears. “Oh, pet. Come here.”
When he doesn’t move, tears slipping down his face, I close the recliner and stride across the room to him. Setting my beer on the table, I grab his untouched one and set it beside mine before pulling him into my arms. “Talk to me, Donovan. I can’t help if I don’t know what you’re thinking or feeling.”
He buries his face in my neck, his body going completely lax as he scents me. He doesn’t speak as his shoulders begin to shake, his arms wrapping around me until he’s clinging to me as he sobs. I just whisper reassuring words into his ear as I hold him. I can’t recall a time I’ve seen him this upset. Not even when his dad was killed in the last war with the angels, as they’re called now.
I don’t know how much time passes, but eventually, he quiets. I continue holding him even though his tears seem to have dried up, waiting until he’s ready to speak. There are no words for me to speak until I know what’s going on in that head of his.
He finally pulls away, wiping his cheeks. “I’m sorry.”
“Never be sorry for showing your emotions—especially not to me. We’re in a relationship. If there’s anyone you should feel comfortable enough with to cry on, it should be me.”
He chuckles, a small smile on his lips. “No one would believe me if I told them what a softie you are.”
“Of course they wouldn’t—I have a reputation to uphold, after all.” I shoot him a smile as I reach for his hands. “Tell me what’s going on, pet.”
“I love you, so fucking much, Wraith. I don’t want this to end, but what if my mate doesn’t approve? What if she expects me to leave you? I don’t know if I can do that. I don’t want to do that." There’s so much vehemence in his voice, his love for me shining through.
“Oh, pet.” I lean forward, kissing him softly. “Why are you inviting trouble? You have no idea what your mate will or won’t want, and you won’t until you ask her. Have you even spoken to the girl yet?”
He nods. “On her first day. I found her before her orientation and talked to her for a bit. I even gave her a banana.”
I give him a look. “And that’s the only time you’ve talked to her? What made you decide to stalk her instead of talking to her?”
He looks sheepish again as he chews on his bottom lip. “I’m scared.”
“Scared of what exactly?”
“I’m afraid she’ll make me choose, and I don’t know if I can.”
“Oh, pet.” Sighing, I shake my head as I pull him to me. “You have to get to know the girl. She’s a witch. They’re not like shifters. They don’t know their mates at first scent like shifters or some of the other species. They require a ritual to know if a non-witch is their mate. With other witches, it’s easier because their magic will intertwine if they use it around one another. She has no idea you’re her mate.”
He sighs as he buries his face in my neck once more. I know it brings him comfort, which is why I’ve pulled him into my arms again. “I hadn’t even thought about that. The damn vampire keeps hanging around her, too. I don’t like it.”
“Well, maybe he’s her mate as well. They know their mate by scent too—well, the scent of their blood anyway. You need to talk to her again.” I hesitate. “But maybe don’t tell her you’re her mate right away. It might freak her out.”
“And what if she gets sent for judgment? What then, Wraith? I can’t lose her now that I know she exists.”
I run my hand through his blond hair. “Oh, Donovan, do you really think I’d let them send your mate to be judged?”
He pulls back, eyes wide as he looks up at me. “You’d keep her here for me?”
“Of course I would, pet. I love you. I’d do anything for you, as long as it’s within my power to grant it.” I shrug. “Not that I think it’ll be a problem. She’s been doing very well in her classes—though she’s still struggling to access her magic. I’ll speak with Nex about getting her some tutoring, but you have to promise to approach her and actually talk to her.”
“I can do that.” He grins at me, and he’s so damn gorgeous. I can’t help leaning in to kiss him.
While the kiss starts out sweet, it doesn’t stay that way for long. Even after thousands of years together, we’re still desperate for one another. It’s something I hope never changes.
“Need you, Wraith. Please,” he begs as he breaks the kiss, hands already undoing the buttons on my shirt.
A smirk creeps across my lips. I do love when he begs. I allow him to finish unbuttoning my shirt, but when he reaches for my pants, I knock his hands away. “Uh uh uh, pet. On your feet.”
Donovan doesn’t hesitate to jump to his feet, face eager as he awaits my next command.
“Such a good little pet,” I purr. “Undress. Slowly.”
He’d been about to rip his shirt off, but he hesitates at my last word. With a nod, he slowly lifts his shirt and reveals his ripped torso to me. I lick my lips as he reveals more skin, pushing my shirt off. Leaning back on the couch, I watch as he tosses the shirt to the side before his hands move to his pants, slowly undoing them and sliding them down his legs. He’s left in his boxer briefs that do nothing to hide his fat cock. His hands hesitate at the waistband, and I nod.
“Those too. Good, pet.” I smile as his cock kicks at the praise. He slides the underwear down his legs and kicks them free, standing there in all his naked glory. He really is one of the most gorgeous creatures I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing—both with and without his clothes.
Dipping forward, I run my tongue along the dripping head of his cock, the taste of his pre-cum exploding on my tongue. Moaning, I close my lips around him and slide down his length. He’s girth, pushing my mouth to my limits and making my mind wander to Audrey and if she would be able to take his cock in her mouth.
Donovan’s hips punch forward, forcing his dick further into my mouth. “Shit. Sorry.”
Not bothering to respond, I keep bobbing my head until I’m able to take all of him in my mouth, his cock sliding down my throat as I swallow. He groans, legs shaking as I do it again before easing off of him.
“So good, pet. You kept your hands to yourself like a good boy. I think you deserve a reward, hmmm?”
“Yes, please.”
I push to my feet, hand moving to my pants. “Go around the back of the couch. Put your arms on the back and rest your head on them with your legs spread and ass out.”
Instead of going around the couch, my eager hellhound launches over it in his hurry to follow my command. I shake my head, biting back my laughter as I undo my pants and push them down my legs. I didn’t bother with underwear today so after kicking my shoes, socks, and pants off, I’m just as naked as my pet. Turning around, I find him positioned just as I asked, his eyes taking me in.
Moving to the side table, I take out the lube we keep there for just these occasions and circle the couch until I stop behind my lover. He has such a biteable ass. Unable to help myself, I bring my hand down on said ass, grinning when he jumps. I rub out the sting of the spanking, loving how red his ass turns. It’s such a nice color on him.
“Please, Wraith,” he begs once more, and I take pity on him. He’s just not in the mood to be teased.
Pouring lube onto his ass, I squeeze some on my fingers as it drips down his crack. I rub the lube into his puckered hole before pushing a finger inside. He groans, pushing back to meet my finger.
“Such a greedy pet, aren’t you?” I move my finger in and out before adding a second, knowing he won’t need much prep—he never does.
He whines when I pull my fingers out, but I ignore his noises as I pour the lube onto my cock. I close my hand around it, working the lube over my length before lining myself up with his ass. “Are you ready, pet?”
“So ready,” he whimpers as I slowly push into him.
My eyes fall shut as the two of us groan together. I’ll never grow tired of the feeling of sinking myself inside of him. It feels like coming home each and every time.
Once I’m fully seated, my hands tighten on his hips. “Hold on, pet. This is going to be hard and fast. Let’s see if I can make you come just from this.”
“Yes. Please. Wraith. Yes.” He’s panting, his words more of a plea than anything else.
With a chuckle, I pull back and rock into him once more with enough force that the couch moves. Oops.
I have no plans to temper my thrusts as I pound into his ass, angling both of our hips so I’ll brush his prostate with each pass. That’s one of the best things about having a lover for so long—you know just what they like and how to give it to them.
It’s not long before sweat covers both of our bodies. “Such a good fucking boy, pet. You take my cock so well. Gonna make you paint the couch with your cum without either of us touching your dick.”
“I’m so close, Wraith. So close.”
With those words, I pick up my pace somehow. I know the moment his orgasm rushes through him, his body freezing a moment before he explodes. His ass clamps down on me, and I’m a goner. I follow him over the edge, groaning as I lean forward to bite his shoulder. I punch into him a few more times, drawing out my orgasm before slowing and then stopping.
We rest there for a moment, both of us breathing hard. Donovan reaches back, hand pulling mine off of his hip before he intertwines our fingers. “I love you, Wraith. Forever.”
“I love you, too, Donovan. Forever and always, I promise.”
It’s a promise I intend to keep even if he’s found his mate. Even if she does force him to choose between the two of us. I’d let him go because I love him, but I know I’d never stop loving him. He owns my heart, and all I can do is hope that him having a mate doesn’t change anything.
I pull away, helping him to stand before turning him around to face me. Brushing my lips against his, I sigh. “No matter what happens, I’ll always love you.”
“I think you should talk to her too, Wraith. I think you’ll like her.” He leans his forehead against mine.
“How would you know that? You’ve only spoken to her once?” I chuckle. “I spoke to her once, too.”
He laughs. “I remember. I was there. She sassed you. No one sasses you except me. I bet she intrigues you.”
“Maybe.” I hesitate. “You really want me to get to know your mate?”
“Of course, I do. She might be my mate, but you’re my chosen mate. I know I said I was scared she would make me choose, but I’d fight to keep you, Wraith. Don’t doubt that.” He grins.”But if she’s going to be in my life, then she’s going to be in yours. It would probably be better if the two of you got along.”
Thinking about it, I know he’s right—and not just about me getting to know her. I was intrigued by the way she spoke to me.
“Fine. You talk to her, and then you can reintroduce us. Does that sound good?”
He nods. “It sounds perfect—just like you.”
I’m far from perfect, but I don’t bother arguing with him. He won’t hear of it. It’s an argument we’ve had more than once.
Instead, I kiss him as I wonder what our life is going to look like with Audrey in it.