Chapter 25
Chapter
Twenty-Five
Coin: It’s almost time for me to go.
Griff: Go? What do you mean?
Coin: My job here’s nearly complete. There are others I need to check in on.
Griff: Are you sure you can’t stay? What am I gonna do without my Magic 8-Coin to guide me?
Coin : Sorry, kid. A magic coin’s work is never done. You’ll manage just fine without me.
Griff: Will I ever see you again?
Coin: Who knows? I may pop in on you from time to time.
Griff: I’m getting super sad now but I want you to know, I’ll always remember you and all you’ve done for me and Shae. Thank you.
Coin: You’re welcome, but I didn’t do anything but tell the truth like I see it. Such is the destiny of a magic coin. Best wishes to you and your mate for a bright future.
Griff : Do you really think we have one?
Coin: Without a doubt.
—Private conversation between Griffin and his coin
Shae
The next two weeks were a blur, but I can recall certain moments with shining clarity as my mother came back into my life and karma finally started catching up and kicking long overdue ass.
That first night, we all stayed at the hospital, taking turns between the waiting room and watching over my mother while she was getting the care she needed. My grandmother arrived in the wee hours of the morning and joined us, taking over the vigil with Anemone.
In the end, Griffin and I managed to catch a few hours of sleep on a cot generously provided by the nurses before we got up early in the morning and headed to the police station.
Once we arrived, a tired-looking Detective Monroe met us, still wearing her rumpled suit from the night before. The three of us headed into an interview room where I made my formal statement.
Between my statement and the detective’s supplemental questions, the interview lasted several hours. It was an exhausting and painful experience recounting my captivity, but I found it easier than in the past. Before, it was like my nerve endings were raw and perpetually bleeding, but the rituals I underwent with Pearl healed them to the point where they’re more like old scars now that give faint twinges every now and again.
Based on Detective Monroe’s line of questioning, it became clear to me that she was building a strong case against my dad and Margaret.
“I’ve already interviewed several of the individuals your team rescued that the doctors signed off on as well enough to talk to us,” she told me. “Their stories were… disturbing, to say the least. Most hadn’t been there long in comparison to your mother, Shae—six months at most.”
I quietly had to wonder how many had come before them and then disappeared without a trace. It was enough to give me nightmares.
Detective Monroe then told us that my parents immediately lawyered up when they were booked and refused to say anything more under advice of counsel, but the evidence against them was already staggering. For once, they won’t be able to buy their way out of a situation. With the number of victims who already agreed to testify, including myself, I was confident that even the human legal system will see justice served at long last.
While we were working with the human authorities to bring down Divine Beauty’s operation completely, my mother spent most of her time in the hospital sleeping. Thankfully, her vital signs remained stable throughout it all, and the doctors were confident in a full physical recovery down the line.
I remembered how it was for me after I escaped from my father’s house. It seemed like I was constantly napping and trying to overcome a deep-seated exhaustion. Fortunately, my mom was getting the care and support she needed.
Eventually, Mom was able to stay awake for several hours at a time and looked better. The gray cast to her skin disappeared and her eyes became brighter than they were. She was also meeting with a psychiatrist who was part of her medical team every day and they put her on some meds to manage her anxiety and panic.
She was not very communicative at first, preferring to just listen as Griffin, Coral, Anemone, and I talked with her and each other. Her eyes followed us everywhere, as if she was afraid we might disappear at any moment. We kept conversations light and easy, giving her the time and space she no doubt needed.
In the end, she spent ten days in the hospital before she was deemed well enough to leave.
After some discussion, everyone agreed she should stay at the compound until she was strong enough to travel to Silverstorm Island.
My aunt and grandmother remained constantly at her side, showering her with love and affection, and I took her swimming with me every day. Griffin joined us a few times but also gave us plenty of alone time to reconnect. In the water, we didn’t need to talk. We were able to communicate with our bodies as we swam and frolicked together, reveling in the freedom we experienced in our natural habitat.
Just as it helped me, the ocean started to heal my mother too. She was still far too thin and had little in the way of an appetite, but every day she got a little stronger.
One day, she asked me to tell her about my past, and we had a painful but necessary conversation about what we’d been through. We decided to do this in the place we’d both always felt safest—the ocean.
As we let the gentle waves carry us out to sea, I explained what I saw as a child, and how I thought she was dead until I reconnected with her family. My account of what happened to me after she disappeared made her silently weep.
When I reached the end, I took hold of her cold hand in the water. “I’m sorry. I know my father is your fated mate, but he’s beyond redemption, and I’ll never be able to forgive him for what he’s done to us.”
My mother shook her head and turned her face toward the sky where the sun cast its warm rays over us. “My love for him began to wither when he rejected our bond and began to change. The last flicker of sentiment I had for him died the moment he tried to kill me. I can never forgive him because worst of all, he kept me away from you, the one shining light in my life.”
“I wish he were a better man.”
“So do I.” She gave me a sad smile. “But he chose this path for himself and his sins have caught up to him.” She cupped my cheek tenderly. “I’m happy for you, you know. You are fated with a good man as your mate.”
I chuckled. “He can be a handful, and he’s so very different from me, but he’s the kindest and most caring man I’ve ever known. I’m truly fortunate to be his mate.”
“He’s lucky to have you as his mate too. And it’s clear that he loves you very much. Anyone can see it written all over his face every time he looks at you. It’s beautiful to witness, and it soothes my heart.”
“Griffin would probably cry if he heard you say that. He’s the kind of guy who wears his heart on his sleeve. I don’t know if he deserves a grumpy bastard with a lot of baggage, but I can’t imagine living without him anymore.”
I swallowed as I admitted to her, “You know, I fought the bond a lot at first. After everything you went through, I never wanted to have anything to do with fated mates.” I chuckled. “I was no match for Griffin’s superpowers of cuteness.”
Her eyes sparkled. “It’s those big fluffy ears and that precious tail!”
I grinned back at her. “And those damn puppy-dog eyes!”
We laughed together in complete understanding.
“I’m glad you found one another,” my mom said, getting choked up. “But I’m so sorry I couldn’t protect you as a child. I should have left your father before things got so bad, but I foolishly clung to the hope that he would change, that he would finally realize the promise of what we could have together.” Her eyes grew haunted. “His rejection of the bond warped him from the man he used to be. It happened gradually until one day I didn’t recognize him anymore, yet I still hadn’t wanted to believe it.”
I clasped her hand, squeezing it gently. “It wasn’t your fault.”
“It wasn’t yours either,” she said. “I hope you know that.”
I nodded and we laid on our backs, holding hands and taking comfort in our closeness after so many long years apart. We let the water carry us for a long time before we finally swam back to shore.
Although I valued every moment I could get with my mother, it wasn’t long before she announced that she was ready to return home to Silverstorm Island and get the deeper level of healing she needed to continue her recovery.
“I don’t want to leave you,” she told me as we stood on the ferry dock one early morning.
“It’s not forever,” I assured her. “The magic of the island is a big part of what saved my heart and my soul, and what allowed me to get past my worst fears and accept my bond with Griffin. The fact that they can do the same for you makes me want you to start your work with Pearl as soon as possible.”
She closed her eyes. “I know. It’s just that it’s been so long and I’ve missed so much of your life that I don’t want to lose another moment.”
I kissed her on the forehead. “Mom, right now you need to focus on yourself, and I still have some things to take care of here. Believe me, though, Griffin and I will come to the island for a visit as soon as we can.” I flashed her a big grin. “We have so much time to make up for.”
She gave me one last smile, then turned and walked onto the ferry to join Anemone and my grandmother. My eyes were only a little wet as I waved goodbye.
Standing silent and supportive at my side, Griffin took me in his arms and enveloped me in his magical and comforting scent as we watched the ferry disappear in the distance.
Later that night—after several hours decompressing with the rest of MEOW Squad over cups of hot cocoa with plenty of whipped cream, courtesy of our loving Papa Bear—Griffin and I go to bed early.
Just like when we were on the island, I want to be alone with him.
Even Haku intuitively understands and makes himself scarce. Admittedly, it probably helps a little that he’s pining a bit since Lucy left with Anemone. It’s clear those two have started a romance, which gives Griffin and me all the more reason to visit soon.
With my dad and stepmonster in custody and their attempts at bail denied, I’m focused on getting even with my stepsister too.
Margaret was very skillful at covering her tracks, especially when it came to anything connected with her daughter. I suppose I’ll give Margaret that—she shielded her own child from any potential fallout for her actions.
The police haven’t found any evidence that Bella had any idea what was going on with Margaret’s black-market cosmetics, and perhaps she didn’t know—or didn’t want to. But her cruelty toward me and her exploitation of my voice? I’m not willing to just let that slide.
With the help of the rest of MEOW Squad, we’ve formulated a plan of action to take her down. Now it’s just a waiting game to see if Bitchface Bella takes the bait.
But tonight I have something else that I’m bound and determined to make happen. I want to consummate my and Griffin’s mate bond and make our relationship permanent.
In other words, it’s time for my entrance into the exciting world of anal sex.
I tell Griffin my plan right after we get in our room and I lock the door behind us.
He stares at me wide-eyed, but his tail starts wagging hopefully.
Fucking hell, this man slays me with his cuteness.
“Are you sure?” he squeaks out, looking uncharacteristically nervous.
I saunter toward him confidently, licking my lips. “I think I’ve waited long enough, Wolf Boy. Tonight, I want to fuck you, bite you, and make you mine.” I grin. “And then you can do the same to me.”
My words produce a full-body shiver response as Griffin makes a needy whining noise in the back of his throat that just turns me on even more.
“Do you like that idea?” My voice goes deep and sensual.
Fuck, but Griffin has the uncanny ability to make me want to take charge with him in the bedroom.
“Anything you want,” he says breathlessly. “I’m all yours.”
I like the sound of that.
I lead him over to the bed and give him a gentle shove, sending him sprawling, then position myself over him and take ownership of his delectable mouth. He moans and whimpers softly as I tease and torment him with my tongue and teeth.
When he starts trying to buck his hips against mine, I pull back.
“You’re such a good Wolf Boy. So gentle, loyal, and loving,” I croon while caressing his hard cock trapped by his pants.
He positively melts under my touch.
I grin. I’ve really come to enjoy Griffin’s praise kink. Fulfilling that need for him is a rush that I relish.
After I quickly strip him naked, I take a moment to admire him.
“So beautiful,” I murmur, trailing my fingers down his chest and abdomen.
His eyes glitter. “You’re the beautiful one, my mate.”
That makes me smile. “Sweet talker.”
I stand up and arrange some of the supplies we prepared weeks ago on the top of the bedside table before I yank my own clothes off and toss them who knows where.
The way that Griffin watches me, genuine awe and adoration shining in his amber eyes, makes me think I can conquer anything.
“Get on your hands and knees,” I command in a way that gets him all riled up.
He hurriedly obeys, his fluffy tail wagging eagerly.
I stroke his flank in appreciation. “Very good. Now, spread your legs.”
He does so eagerly and I grab the bottle of lube I have ready and waiting.
With all kinds of adorable awkwardness, Griffin had explained that consummating the mating bond would mean going bare. Acting as smart, responsible young men, we made sure there were no health risks for either of us. So, even though I’ve never had sex before, Griffin and I decided to both get tested while we were staying with my mom at the hospital, and our results came back negative on all fronts. In general, most Otherkind species are not susceptible to human STIs and other illnesses, but given my half-human status, we wanted to make sure everything was good before we moved on to penetrative sex.
Getting back on the bed, I move behind Griffin and use my hands to massage his back for a moment and then shift down to his gloriously taut and wonderfully tan ass cheeks.
“Love the no tan line by the way. Is that from all the naked surfing and swimming?”
“You know it.”
I grin. “Tempting little old ladies and looky-loos, I see.”
He wriggles his ass for me. “The only one I want to tempt is you.”
“Mission accomplished, Wolf Boy.” I spread his cheeks wide, making him gasp as I admire his puckered entrance.
“I want to taste you,” I tell him, and his whole body goes rigid.
“You want to rim me?” His voice goes up several octaves and the incredulity in his tone makes me laugh.
“I want to try everything with you, Griffin McIntyre. Don’t forget, I’m twenty-five years old and basically had abstinence forced on me the whole time I was imprisoned by my family. I’m making up for lost time.”
Then I hesitate. “Do you not want me to rim you? Is that something you don’t enjoy?”
He cranes his neck awkwardly over his shoulder. “Are you kidding? I’d freaking love you to eat my ass. But I know a lot of guys aren’t into that.” He flushes. “I’m a bit hairier than some guys. No waxed porn-star ass here.”
I leer at him. “I don’t mind. Now, don’t move until I say so.”
Holding his hips steady, I dive face-first into his crack and nudge his hole with my nose, which makes him yelp a little.
“Stay still,” I remind him and he complies. “Good Wolf Boy,” I say as I pet his hip. “I love it when you behave for me.”
I return to my exploration, allowing my eyes to close and my tongue to take over as I lick and press against the edges of his opening. I test the tension there and taste a hint of his musky flavor.
The golden hairs are soft and silky and don’t bother me at all. This is Griffin, my mate. Everything about him is precious and perfect.
When I push the tip of my tongue into his opening, he nearly levitates off the bed.
“Ahhhh!”
I can’t help but grin around a mouthful of his ass when he cries out.
My mate definitely likes what I’m doing.
My tongue explores every inch of his ass as I thoroughly lick and taste him to my heart’s content. Before long, he can’t hold back. His hips start involuntarily thrusting and he pushes back on my tongue as if begging for more.
I give his right ass cheek a light slap. “No moving,” I remind him and he stills. “Good Wolf Boy,” I rumble with pleasure.
Deciding it’s time to take this to the next level, I grab the bottle of lube and coat my index finger, then circle the tip around his entrance.
“Do you want my finger inside you?” I ask.
“ Yes ,” he breathes out hard. “A thousand times, yes.”
Carefully, I push my digit inside him. At first he tightens up, but I stroke his side until he relaxes and I’m able to press in up to my knuckle. I curve my finger, searching and stroking until I finally find the magical spot I’ve been researching in my spare time.
Griffin cries out again and I know I’ve hit the prostate jackpot.
My finger continues to brush against the sensitive spot and he moans, rocking back on my hand.
Before long, I repeat my actions with a second finger and then scissor them to stretch and open his channel for me.
“Do you like having me get you ready for my cock?” I ask.
“Ah! S-so much,” he stutters out.
It may be my first time doing this, but I wanted to come to Griffin prepared. After much mental deliberation, I’d gone to Harper for advice. He was happy to share tips and tricks he’s learned over the centuries as a sexually experienced vampire.
When I finally have three fingers inside him and he can’t stop from writhing with wanton need, I remove my fingers and coat my all-too-eager dick with lube.
“Are you ready for me, my Wolf Boy?”
“More than,” he pants.
I spread his ass cheeks again and bare his glistening pucker to me.
Good gods, he’s gorgeous—and all mine.
I have to bite my lip so I don’t lose control.
Carefully, I press forward and enter him slowly, trying not to blow my load in the process. I’m not even halfway inside him and I already know I haven’t ever felt anything as glorious as this. He’s hot and tight, his channel spasming around me as it gets used to my invasion.
I’m sweating from the amount of effort I have to exert to hold back. By the time I bottom out, I’m forced to remain still for fear I’ll come right away.
My nostrils flare and I scrunch my eyes closed as I concentrate on breathing so this doesn’t end far too quickly.
Gradually, Griffin’s channel relaxes its grip and I manage to pull back from the edge of orgasm.
“You feel amazing,” I tell him when I can actually verbalize something coherent again. “You take me so deep and so well. I’m so proud of you, my Wolf Boy.”
At my words, he falls forward on his elbows, changing the angle of my penetration. “Please, Shae. I need you,” he whimpers.
I grit my teeth. “I don’t know that I can last very long.”
“That’s okay. Just make sure you bite me when you come like we talked about.”
Yeah, so that’s the part I’m still a little weirded out by, but I trust Griffin so I push aside my worry and rock my hips forward.
I start out slowly at first, then gradually pick up the pace, indulging in the exquisite sensation of his passage squeezing around my cock as I move in and out of him. We’re connected in a way I’ve never been before and never will be with anyone but him. Griffin and I are committing to a lifetime together, just the two of us.
A few months ago, that idea would’ve sent me running for the hills, screaming the entire way. But now it’s everything I want and need.
We’re making love and it’s a beautiful—and for us, mildly kinky—thing.
Also, anal sex is awesome. I’m already envisioning all the different ways I want to fuck Griffin in the future, and my cock is fully on board for that adventure.
There’s just one small thing that keeps getting in the way—quite literally–of my full-blown pleasure.
Namely, Griffin’s overly enthusiastic tail.
When I thrust into him, the fluffy appendage keeps thumping happily and whacking my chest.
I try to brush it out of the way, but it just smacks me again.
“Can you control your tail?” I ask him, straining to keep my focus.
He makes one of his whining noises in the back of his throat. “Sorry. It kinda does its own thing.”
I stop thrusting.
“You should be totally honored. It’s giving you its ‘tails up’ vote of approval,” he adds cheerfully.
At the end of my rope, I growl and grab hold of the mischievous tail, gently wrapping it around my wrist and holding it firmly in place.
Griffin arches his back and howls.
I freeze. “Shit, are you okay?”
“So good,” he moans. “More.”
Fuck, that’s hot.
I give his tail a little yank and he does his seriously adorable “Awoo” noise again.
“Like that, do you?”
“So damn much.”
That just spurs me on and I start fucking into him hard and fast. The slapping sound our skin makes echoes in the room. I continue to hold his tail firmly in place and he tightens around me even more.
It isn’t long before we’re both reaching our limits.
“Gonna come,” I warn him.
Balancing on one forearm, he reaches his free hand between his thighs and grabs ahold of his cock to jack himself rapidly as I continue to buck my hips into him.
“Me too. So good. Don’t stop,” he begs.
Moments later, he gives a half-howl, half-scream and comes. I lose my grip on my very limited control when his channel clamps down on me and I explode in a blinding hot rush of heat and pleasure.
Somehow, I manage to remember to pull Griffin closer and bite down on the back of his neck as hard as I can until I taste his hot, coppery blood in my mouth.
We both cry out again at the sudden and intense current of magical energy that flows from me to him and back again in a loop. When the sensation passes, and my balls are wrung dry, I collapse against his back until I can regain my faculties and then carefully pull out of him.
He hisses slightly at the sensation but once we’re separated, we curl up, our limbs tangled together, and I pant with exhaustion.
“Holy fuck. That’s a serious workout,” I bitch.
Note to self—start going to the gym to build stamina for fucking.
He laughs. “I’ll take you surfing. It really works on strengthening your thigh and ab muscles.” He waggles his eyebrows at me meaningfully and it’s my turn to laugh.
“How’s your neck?” I ask.
“Feels hot and tingly, but not in a bad way. More importantly, the magic current means we did the first part right.”
I wince. “Sorry I don’t have fangs like you. I’m sure it hurt a lot.”
“Nah. I was feeling too much incredible pleasure to notice.” His tail thumps against the bed and his fluffy ears twitch.
I reach up and stroke them, and he nuzzles into me, making little contented noises.
“Hope you enjoyed that as much as I did. It was my first time so I know I’ve still got a lot to learn, but I promise I’ll get better.”
He opens one eye and gives me an incredulous look. “If you get much better, you might kill me.”
I let out a relieved laugh. “Good to know.”
He studies me. “Are you ready for me to return the favor?”
My cock twitches with interest.
“You’re on.”