55. The End is Near
fifty-five
The End is Near
*AZADEH*
T hick snow petals fall down on us. It’s silent, almost like nothing ever happened. Like there wasn’t just a battle, like our whole existence wasn’t almost shook to the core.
It feels peaceful.
But it’s not.
Blood is covering the snow, and Artio has made sure to kill every single cult member. The werebears are decimated in numbers, almost as few of them remaining as the dragons. Two species almost eradicated.
There have been a few carriages prepared for the wounded soldiers and those who didn’t make it, and for Royan. Aylin has done as much as she could, but her face is graced with worry now.
“I will ride home with him,” she informs Endellion.
“Will he make it?” Flinn asks.
“I’m not sure,” Aylin admits. “There is so much wolfsbane in him he is barely alive. And General Shayan said she killed him once already. His heart stopped beating, and he was revived. His heart is weak, and his body is broken to an extent that I’m not sure I can undo the damage.”
Shayan passes us and climbs onto the carriage, hovering over Royan’s lifeless body. “Hang in there, boy,” he orders. “Just a little more.”
“Royan has family far in the east. His father is currently visiting them,” Caelan says quietly. “I will ride to him and bring him home. Even if we don’t know yet if he will…” He pauses. “Either way, his father will want to be home.”
“That’s a good idea,” Endellion agrees. “Be careful.”
“I will take two warriors with me,” Caelan says, and without further ado, sets off. I can sympathize with him. He is the type of person who always needs a practical task at hand and hates to wait. He is glad to have something to do.
The emptiness I feel after everything has ended makes me feel drained, tired and so sad.
Endellion approaches me and gently wraps a warm blanket around me before pulling me into his strong arms. “If we won,” I mutter. “Why do I feel so sad?”
“Because you feel for those whose lives are lost. And, you know how unnecessary the bloodshed was, and how, at the end, nobody gained anything from it.”
“Yes,” I say, leaning against his chest, and allowing his arms to hold and warm me.
Alana and two warriors carry the body of the girl that laid next to Royan outside. “Aza… she was in Royan’s cell. Do you know who she was?” Alana asks.
Shayan answers in my place. “She was Royan’s mate,” he says.
The voices around us all go silent as they stare at him. Losing your mate is a terrible fate, and no one knows what to say.
“She was also Penelope’s sister,” Shayan continues. “She betrayed Royan, but in the end she died to protect him.”
“So, she was the reason his cover blew up?” Endellion asks.
Shayan nods. “However, let’s send her off with respect. I might have conflicted feelings towards her, but Royan loved her.” He turns his gaze towards the carriage where Aylin is preparing Royan for transportation. “I wish I could have protected him more.”
A growl can be heard, and something shuffles through the snow. “What are you talking about, warrior?” Cù Sìth growls. “You saved his life. And you did so, from the first step you made into this building. Who knew a human could be so cunning and smart?”
“Well, Shayan was a master spy back in the days,” I say, smiling proudly at him.
Shayan doesn’t say much more; he looks exhausted, and I can’t imagine what he went through since he’s been here.
“General,” Endellion steps a bit forward. “I cannot thank you enough for what you did. Contessa Noemi told us some of what happened, and I’m sure the story you have to tell is even more mind-boggling. For now, please return with Royan. You have earned a rest, too.”
Shayan nods. “I will travel back with Royan,” he agrees. He tosses a short gaze to the side where Tynan is standing, shifting around awkwardly.
“Safe travels,” Tynan stutters.
“Well, thank you,” Shayan says, and there is a hint of iciness in his tone.
Flinn just rolls his eyes at Tynan, but doesn’t say anything.
“Alana, please accompany them back,” Endellion instructs. “And, take a few warriors with you.”
“I will come too, warrior,” Cù Sìth says. “I do belong to this realm; I just have remained hidden for very long.”
Aylin looks at the creature with furrowed brows, but it’s not like she can oppose a powerful mythical creature, so she just grumbles something under her breath. The little group packs everything together fast, before they get going, accompanied by a few warriors and Cù Sìth.
Once they are gone, Flinn turns to us. “Isn’t Cù Sìth something like the Harbinger of Death?” he asks us.
“I think so,” Endellion says.
“Awesome,” Flinn says with fake enthusiasm.
“We should wrap everything up as well,” Endellion says. “Before she left, Cailleach had roamed the building for survivors, but we still have some more things we need to do. We need to burn the bodies of the fallen enemies, and make sure our allies can return safely as well.”
As if on cue, Favian appears next to us. He looks incredibly pale. “You should leave for your lands,” I say softly. “Elio and the other dragons are waiting for you. Thank you, for your help.”
“Thank you, Princess,” Favian says quietly.
“We will hold a banquet soon,” Endellion says. “And I hope you will visit us for it, King Favian. You didn’t have a chance yet to meet my family-” He turns his head to smile at Flinn. “Aside from my brother here, of course. But, we would like for them to meet the new dragon king.”
Favian smiles. “I would certainly love to.” He reaches out his hand, and Endellion shakes it firmly. “May this be a long friendship.”
Endellion nods. “To a long friendship.”
Once everyone goes back to work to gather everything to make sure we can return, Flinn turns towards Tynan. “Okay, Ty, what exactly was that before?”
Tynan’s face turns bright red. “I… I don’t know…”
“Just so we are clear, you spend days panicking, you risk your life, you fear you might not see him again, and then he is in front of you, and you just chicken out?” Flinn asks mercilessly.
“Flinn,” Endellion starts.
“No, he needs to hear it,” Flinn huffs. “Shayan did things that are beyond our imagination, and I would be surprised if this doesn’t earn him a high rank now. But, the truth is, it was incredibly close for him to lose his life, as well. He could have made a step in the wrong direction any time, and it would have meant his death. Fuck, Ty, he isn’t a wolf. Unlike Royan, he wouldn’t be able to heal. So, I’m asking once more: What’s your problem?”
Tynan looks pale, a hint of sadness in his eyes. “It’s because of all of that,” he confesses. “Because he is amazing, and so much smarter and stronger than I am. Doesn’t he deserve more?”
“No,” Endellion says. “Flinn is right. Get your head out of your ass. You have a mate. Can you truly look into the mirror again, if you let that chance pass? My mate is blessed by an actual goddess… by two, actually, and has powers far beyond my reach. She is more amazing than I can ever be.”
“What?” I ask. “But you are amazing, too! I don’t see it that way.”
“I know,” he says with a smile. “And, I know General Shayan won’t see it that way, either.”
“What do you truly want, Tynan?” Flinn asks. “If you could ask for anything now, what would it be?”
“Oh fuck,” Tynan blurts out. “I just want to be with him.”
“Then, what are you doing here?” Endellion asks sharply. “Grab your things and make sure you hurry after them.”
Tynan’s eyes light up a bit. “Thank you, my princes,” he blurts out.
Without further ado, he shuffles away. Flinn lets out a dramatic sigh. “Ah, they grow up so fast. I wasn’t too mean, was I?”
“No,” Endellion says. “It was what he needed to hear.”
Flinn shakes his head. “Poor Royan, though.”
“Yes,” Endellion says quietly. “To imagine his mate turned out to be a traitor… and then died for him.
Let alone his broken body, let’s hope he still has some will to live.”
“I think we should help the warriors,” I sigh slightly. “I want to make sure we don’t spend another day here.”
“You are right,” Endellion agrees. “Let’s hurry up.”
*TYNAN*
I catch up with the carriage pretty fast, but decide to stay behind a bit to make sure they won’t be attacked. It takes us hours, almost a whole day, to reach the main pack. But the moment we do, I feel a huge sense of relief. Finally! Royan can be attended to properly.
I’m not sure what additional damage the loss of his mate did to him, but Shayan mentioned that Royan actually went into cardiac arrest. I hope that maybe their bond got severed before that- when he died and was revived.
A very worried King Gillean welcomes us. Aylin and a group of healers rush Royan to the infirmary directly, so Shayan and I take over the task of filling in King Gillean, Queen Sine and Beta Quinn on what happened.
In return, King Gillean tells Shayan everything that happened during his absence, starting with Azadeh’s near demise, her rising to her full potential, how we found Royan and him, and how Artio–under the spell of Penelope–killed Ita.
When King Gillean mentions Ita, Shayan looks at me shortly. A rare gentleness in his eyes that makes the butterflies in my stomach flutter.
“General Shayan,” the king says. “I need to apologize to you. I heavily underestimated you. I knew you were a capable man, but I admit I saw the human in you. But, what you did during the last few days is beyond anyone else’s gifts here. Until Azadeh told us, we weren’t aware of the career you had under King Naseem.”
“To be frank,” Shayan says. “I was content with taking a step back here at first while keeping a discreet eye on my princess.”
“Like any good spy or sentinel would do,” Queen Sine points out.
“We have been discussing this, and if you are up for the task, I’d like you to become an advisor. I’m not going to be king for much longer since one of my sons has managed to fulfill the task I gave them before Princess Azadeh joined us, and will therefore inherit the throne now. I know for certain he has his very own plans for you.”
My heart swells with pride. This means Shayan’s rank is going to be much higher soon. Anything is possible for him now, even the gamma or beta rank.
King Gillean sends Shayan to the infirmary to get a check-up, but thankfully, he is alright. He retreats to his chambers to clean up, and I have no idea what to do. I make sure to take a swift bath, too, so that I’m clean, before I head to Shayan’s chambers.
Why is this so difficult?
Flinn’s words come to my mind again, and before I can overthink anything, I knock on the door. Shocked at my own nerve, I hold my breath. What am I going to do if he doesn’t want me?
Shayan opens the door. He looks freshly groomed, and so handsome. He has shaved, but he still looks so manly. Everything about him oozes dominance and confidence, and it’s so hot. I always thought of myself as being the one to take the lead, but I’m willing to hand the reins completely to Shayan.
I have to avert my eyes, feeling how my cheeks heat up. “You are safe, and alive, and healthy,” I mumble, feeling relief and guilt overwhelm me. I’m happy that he is safe, but at the same time Ita’s death and Royan’s state of health make me feel like I’m suffocating.
“Come,” Shayan says, and before I can even grasp what’s happening, he has pulled me into a hug. I cling to him instantly; it feels so warm and comfortable to be in his arms.
“You know we are mates, am I right?” I murmur.
“Yes.”
“Since when did you know?” I ask him.
Shayan chuckles, his laugh sounding like a rumble in his chest. Fuck, he is so hot. “Probably, when you gave me beef jerky, for the second time.”
I feel my face heat up at his words. “I thought I was being subtle.”
Shayan presses his lips against the side of my head. “On the first day we met–when Azadeh, Simin and I came to your lands–you literally declared that’s how you would court your mate,” he explains.
“Why did you not say anything?”
“Maybe I like being courted?” Shayan asks dryly.
I draw back to look at him with a frown.
“Admittedly,” Shayan continues. “I didn’t know we would be separated for so long, and that our lives would be at risk.”
“Yours was,” I grumble. “I was fine.”
“Really? As far as I’m concerned, you fought against Artio once, and then later put your life at risk to reach out to me.” His voice sends chills down my spine and excites me at the same time. “That’s two strikes.”
“Wait a moment,” I huff. “Why are you counting? Also, I did it to save your life and-”
Shayan’s lips tug into a smirk. Before I can complain further, he grabs my face and pulls me into a kiss.
It comes so unexpectedly I don’t know how to react and just cling to him like I’m a helpless virgin. Well, technically, I am a virgin, but I’m not helpless. Not at all. I’m a strong, capable, warrior!
When Shayan pulls me into his chambers, I forget about being strong, and capable. My wolf, Orion, almost makes a backflip out of excitement, turning from a strong warrior to a tail-wagging pup.
Whatever he wants, say yes! Orion blurts out.
No way!
Yes way, Orion growls. I want the man now, and I want to mark him.
Mark him? Hearing Orion say these magical words makes me realize how far away from a successful relationship I am. Goddess! Shayan has no idea what it means to be with me. I want to mark him… but why would he even let me?
Shayan notices me freezing up and takes a step back. “Too fast?” he asks me worriedly.
“What, no!” I blurt out. “It’s not too fast at all. It’s just-” I groan.
“Do you want something to eat?” Shayan asks. “Food is your love language, after all.”
“No, no, I’m not hungry.”
“Maybe tea?”
“No.”
“Do you want to-”
“I want to mark you,” I blurt out. Wow, Subtlety, you have a new name: Tynan. “I mean,” I hurry to explain. “It doesn’t need to be now. I just… that’s what I want in the long run. With you. Forever.” I pause, feeling terrified all of a sudden that he won’t want me. “I want to be with you.”
“Of course,” Shayan says. When I stare at him, he pinches the bridge of his nose. “Do you think I don’t know what it means to be mates with a werewolf?”
My mouth drops open, while my wolf makes unintelligible sounds. “Of course you know,” I sigh. I’m so stupid. Why wouldn’t he know? Ita told me that Shayan visited plenty of times before Princess Azadeh arrived, to make sure the deal was sealed and everything prepared for her. And, he is an intelligent man. He used to be a freaking spy. Of course he came prepared. “I just didn’t know if you were… well… into it.”
“I am,” Shayan says, leaning against the dresser in his room. “Anything else you want to discuss?”
No, go and get him, Orion growls.
He doesn’t need to tell me twice. I stride towards him swiftly, trapping him in my arms. Shayan seems to be amused but doesn’t tease me. He reaches out his hands to touch my face. His bionic arm feels cold, but not uncomfortably so. My gaze wanders towards it, fascinated by the intricate design. It’s nothing like anything we have here in the kingdom. It’s a very delicate looking yet sturdy design, and is attached to Shayan’s nerves, giving him almost full mobility.
Shayan notices my interest and moves his arm a bit. “If it turns you off, I can take it off.”
“No,” I shake my head. “I like everything about you.” My words make Shayan smile, helping me get bolder. “Can I look at it? Can I touch it?”
“Of course.”
“How come it looks so beautiful? I don’t know much about this, but the materials feel…metallic.”
“King Naseem, Azadeh’s father, had it made for me,” Shayan explains. “We used to be very close… friends.”
Something about the way he said the last part makes my stomach clench. He was with a king before and now he is with me? Talk about downgrading.
“I said, I used to be,” Shayan guesses my thoughts correctly and pulls me out of them. “To an extent, your possessiveness is adorable, but I don’t think it really has a place here.”
He is even hot when he reprimands us, Orion claims.
“Sorry,” I say. “It’s just…”
“I know,” Shayan says. “It’s been a long time. As for the arm, the fae made it.”
“Wait, the kingdom of the Everlasting Desert has connections to the fairy kingdom?”
“King Naseem used to,” Shayan explains. “But, he burned a lot of his bridges.”
Now it makes sense why his arm looks so out of this word. I inspect it closer, stumbling over a well hidden little flap I can open, with a button beneath it.
“What if I press this button here?”
Shayan furrows his brows. “You do that, and I swear, I will put you over my knee and spank you.”
“Is that so?” I grin. “You are threatening the wrong guy. I grew up in one of the mountain villages. My dad’s been swinging the belt a lot.”
Shayan narrows his eyes. “Don’t challenge me.”
“Is that a promise or a threat?”
When he groans, I smirk, happy to have found my confidence again. I lean forward a bit. “Maybe another time.”
“Maybe,” Shayan says, grabbing the back of my head and pulling me into a kiss. He doesn’t seem to have any questions or doubts and goes into action immediately. Another thing that is incredibly hot about him. His calm and stoic confidence is contagious, and I completely forget to be nervous the moment I find myself naked in his bed.
I have never been so close to another person before, and the fact that it’s my mate makes it even better. My friends always make fun of my overconfidence and how I just go with the flow, but this time it’s really coming to my advantage.
Shayan’s bionic hand and his real hand trace my skin, a stark contrast to each other. One warm to the touch, one cool, and it’s driving me crazy. Shayan knows what he is doing, tracing my abs with his tongue.
Orion goes crazy in mind. It’s happening! We are not dying a virgin!
Shayan uses a rose-scented oil to slick up his fingers. For a second, I wonder what he is doing, when suddenly he wraps his hands around the shaft of my cock and starts pumping me.
“Fuck,” my head shoots up. “This feels amazing.”
“It will only get better,” Shayan promises.
He is not wrong because his hands work their magic on my cock, my erection growing to a point where I feel the pressure pooling at my lower abdomen. Before I can come, though, Shayan stops. His hands move over my legs, massaging the inner side of my upper thighs before his slick fingers make their way over my crack to my hole.
He takes his time with preparing me, adding one finger after another. When he is three fingers deep inside me, my body is brimming with want and my erection almost painfully hard. Shayan lifts me by my hips slightly and starts pushing into me. He goes almost excruciatingly slow, giving me time to adapt.
I reach out my hand, grabbing his arm and pulling him closer towards me, forcing him to move faster.
“I want this to be good for you, too.”
“What makes you think it isn’t good for me?” he asks breathlessly. “You are the best thing that happened to me in a long time, Tynan.”
“Say it again,” I beg, wrapping my arms around him.
“You are the best thing-”
“No, my name,” I say, feeling a bit flustered. “It sounds good to hear it from you.”
“Who knew you would be that sentimental?” Shayan says with amusement, kissing me softly. “And romantic. And adorable.” He moves his hand over my upper body. “Tynan,” he says, starting to rock his hips forward.
I gasp at the suddenness of his movements, feeling how his erection stretches me open with every snap of his hips. Soon the slight burn passes, and I’m engulfed by the intensity of what I feel. Shayan is all around me, his scent, his touch engulfs me completely while he fills me up from inside as well.
One of his hands moves to my cock, stroking it back to its full hardness. This is so intense that my head starts spinning. I cling onto my man just to feel myself more grounded.
Orion uses this moment of weakness to push forward. “My handsome mate,” he growls.
Shayan’s lips curl into a smirk while he uses his thumb to brush over the tip of my cock. “Oh, the wolf graces us with his presence,” he teases. “Orion was it?”
Orion is speechless. He probably thought he would march out there and take control, but Shayan is too good at keeping control, and we enjoy it way too much. Orion gets mushy under his skillful hands. “I want to mark you,” he says.
“I know, my wolf,” Shayan says, grabbing the back of Orion’s neck and pulling him up into a sitting position. The position makes Shayan bury his dick even deeper in us, making me moan in delight. “You may,” he says.
Orion doesn’t need any more invitation. His teeth elongate and he buries them into Shayan’s neck, marking him as ours. Shayan gasps, rolling his eyes at the intensity of being marked. I push Orion back again, wrapping my arms around Shayan to make sure we don’t drop off the bed.
I can feel him so much more intensely now. For a second, my breath gets caught in my throat. I thought because he couldn’t mark me in return, it wouldn’t be that intense. But fuck, was I wrong.
A shudder goes through Shayan’s body as he comes inside me. Still slightly delirious, he goes back to thrusting his hips upwards while I cling to him, basking in the feeling of being bound to my mate now. One more twist of his hand around my cock, and I come in shudders.