23. Maxon
Maxon
Chapter twenty-three
Inotice the figure standing down the hall the moment Everly does and my body tenses, but it’s only Tristan. I’m not usually caught off guard like that, but this woman has a way of distracting me like no other. I nod in his direction and Nix spins to see who I’m looking at, going pale.
“It’s fine, Nix,” I assure her.
Her face is so priceless, I would laugh if I didn't feel bad for her. I know she cares and feels somewhat responsible for Everly since she was the one to find her, but she has nothing to worry about when it comes to me or my men.
“It is not fine, your majesty,” she snaps back, her tiny hands clenching into fists as she hovers in front of us. I watch from my periphery as Tristan makes his way over.
“Your Highness,” he says, dipping his head.
“To appease Nix here, would you tell her what you told me?”
Tristan looks over at Nix. “I serve only my king. Everly is safe with us, and I do not believe she is here as a spy.”
Nix flies closer to him, a vibrant trail of glitter following her, catching the sunlight. “Are you sure about that?”
Tristan’s eyes flicker toward Everly for a second before refocusing back on Nix. “No offense, but she is a weak human. What harm can she do, really?”
Everly gives Tristan a flat look and snatches up her boots from the floor. “You, sir, are the fae version of menstrual cramps.”
I can’t help but chuckle as Tristan’s face contorts in a comical manner. Everly tugs her boots back on and takes in our small group.
“Right, well, on that note, I’m taking Everly for a ride,” I announce, slapping Tristan on the shoulder.
Though it’s clear that Nix wants to argue, she crosses her arms tightly and remains silent.
Eager to have her to myself, I swiftly take hold of Everly’s hand and guide her outside.
“Wait.” She pulls against my hand.
Pausing in my tracks, I spin to meet her gaze. “What’s wrong?”
Everly’s cheeks turn a delicate shade of pink. It takes all my willpower not to reach for her face, to touch her cheeks and feel the warmth of her skin. The way her cheeks flush intrigues me, it draws me in like a moth to a flame.
“I need to change.” She gestures to her training clothes.
I draw my bottom lip between my teeth. Well, now all I can think about is tearing them off her. “You’ll be more comfortable riding in those.”
“But I’m all sweaty.”
Stepping closer, I place my hand on her waist. “I don’t mind.”
Everly raises an eyebrow at me, looking unconvinced.
I smirk down into her enchanting brown eyes, which seem to flicker with sparks of green, like emerald gems shimmering amidst a mesmerizing fusion of earthy tones. It’s as if a hidden universe lies within, where the warmth of brown intertwines with the vibrancy of green, creating a unique and alluring kaleidoscope of colors.
“Your eyes are truly stunning,” I murmur.
“They are boring compared to yours.”
I shake my head, my other hand naturally gravitating toward her waist, urging her to come closer until our chests meet ever so slightly.
“You are the most intriguing, beautiful creature I’ve ever had the pleasure of rescuing.”
A playful spark lights up her eyes as she bites down on her lower lip, struggling to suppress a smile. The apprehension visible in her eyes only moments ago has vanished.
“Rescue many damsels then?” she asks teasingly.
I enjoy seeing this side of her, the one filled with playfulness and a relaxed demeanor.
“A few.”
“Good to know.”
I step back and take her hand. “Let’s go.”
“Where are we going?” Everly asks as I guide her over to where Storm is waiting patiently in the garden.
“It’s a surprise.”
“Hmm, I don’t know if I like surprises anymore.” She snorts in amusement.
“You’ll like this one,” I assure her.
Storm snickers softly when we approach, nudging Everly gently, demanding a pat. He really has taken to her. Stepping up behind her, I grip her waist and smoothly lift her up, ensuring that she is stable and secure on Storm’s saddle. I make sure to adjust the stirrups to her desired length so that her feet are comfortably positioned. My hands graze her legs, tracing the smooth contours, and savoring every moment.
I swing on behind her, gripping the reins in both hands, my arms encircling her. Her sweet floral scent wraps around me, and I automatically lean forward to smell her golden hair.
“Really? I’m all sweaty.” Everly laughs, leaning away from me.
“You smell amazing to me.”
“Whatever.”
Giving Storm a gentle pat on the neck, I click my tongue to signal him to start moving. Storm’s ears perk up and he begins to move, his hooves hitting the ground with a rhythmic beat. I lightly pull on the reins, guiding us toward the forest and his soft trot causes us to sway gently together in the saddle.
My aunt may be insistent that Everly not leave the castle grounds, but she’s with me, and I know she isn't a threat to me or my people. You just have to look into those alluring eyes to know there isn’t a deceiving bone in her body.
We ride in silence, Everly’s eyes catching on the array of sprites moving about, their tiny wings fluttering rapidly as they dart from branch to branch. Her amazement, knowing that this encounter is a rare and magical moment for her, brings a smile to my face.
The sprites' curious eyes are focused solely on Everly. They seem both fascinated and cautious, their bodies shimmering with a soft glow as they keep out of reach. They’re whispering amongst themselves, their voices barely audible to us, almost like a whisper in the wind.
“It’s not much further,” I say.
Gently, I tug on Storm’s reins, and he obediently stops, his hooves dancing restlessly beneath him. With a swiftness that comes naturally from years of riding, I gracefully dismount and land, immediately extending a hand to assist Everly in her descent.
“We have to go the rest of the way on foot.”
Everly nods as she takes in her surroundings. I quickly unstrap my sword and tie it to Storm’s saddle.
“You won’t need that?”
“No, I have a weapon.”
“Where?” she asks, running her eyes over my body.
“Right here.” I gesture to myself.
Everly tips her head back, laughing. “Coming from any other man, that would seem absurd, but from you, I totally believe it.”
Grinning, I give her a wink. “Come on, we still have a way to go.”
As we make our way through the dense forest, Everly’s hands brush along the vibrant ferns that densely populate the surroundings.
“They have really grown wild here,” she breathes in wonder.
I tilt my head and study her, wondering what it is she finds so beautiful. The ferns especially have completely engulfed the area, rendering it nearly impossible to navigate without difficulty. I think they are more of a nuisance than anything else.
I can't stop my eyes from drifting back to Everly’s face as we maneuver through the lush foliage.
“The tree’s here are so different from the ones in the human realm.”
“How so?”
Everly pauses and tilts her head back, looking up at the majestic trees. When her gaze returns to mine, there is a spark in her eyes that has my chest tightening. “Here, they just seem magical. The way the branches twist around, reaching for the sky, as if seeking the heavens. Vines and flowers delicately coil and embellish the earthy tones with vibrant bursts of color, and beams of sunlight that filter through the dense canopy, creating a dappled tapestry of light and shadow. It’s just beautiful.”
I cast my eyes up, searching for the scenery for what she has described. I have seen this my whole life, and never appreciated the true beauty that surrounds me.
Everly begins walking, her fingers brushing the back of my hand as she passes. The touch, though fleeting, has my pulse thundering. How is it that she is able to provoke such extreme emotions from me?
As we walk, I try to see the things around me as Everly does. The soft symphony of rustling leaves and chirping birds that accompanies our every step. And how the air carries the distinct scent of earth, mingling with the refreshing fragrance of wildflowers.
“Tell me what you see and feel,” I ask, wanting to hear more of how she describes my world.
Everly smiles. “Well I see so many vibrant hues of green. I wasn't aware there could be so many shades. You’ve got the moss-covered rocks and fallen logs, the leaves from the different trees and ferns.” Everly’s eyes close, and she takes a deep breath before opening them again. “I feel the gentle breeze as it whispers through the trees, causing the leaves to dance and shimmer like emerald gems.”
“What else?”
“Birds of various species flittering from branch to branch, their melodic songs filling the air. The occasional scurrying of small woodland creatures add a touch of whimsy to the already enchanted atmosphere.”
“I love the way you see the world.”
Everly drops her face so her hair covers the blush I know is spreading across her cheeks.
Up ahead, there is a massive fallen tree that stretches across the path. With one effortless leap, I land on the soft, cushioned surface. The moss and rot contribute to the crumbling texture. I look down and see Everly’s gaze roam over the area, trying to find a way over. I squat down and hold my hand out to her.
Her bright eyes smile up at me. “Why thank you, good sir,” she teases, placing her soft palm in mine.
With a gentle tug, I pull her up, her feet landing on the log next to me. Everly moves to step away, but I tighten my grip on her hand, not ready to let go. As I do, her foot slips and she shrieks, her panic slamming into me as if it were my own. Swiftly my arm bands around her waist, hoisting her against me.
“Don’t know if I should hit you for making me slip or thank you for stopping my fall,” she grumbles.
My grin grows wider as I tilt my face down to hers, unable to hide my amusement. “A thanks might be nice.”
Everly laughs and pushes away from me. “I’m sure it would.”
Stepping back, she glances down and readies herself to jump. Without hesitation, I jump down and spin around, prepared to catch her.
“Really?” She quirks her eyebrow at me in disbelief.
“You’re right. You got this.” I grin, turning and walking away.
Everly's clumsy movements create a cacophony of sounds as she jumps and stumbles before finally catching up to me. I can’t fight the chuckle every time I hear her trip and mutter a curse under her breath. She is different from any other woman I have encountered before, her presence refreshing like a breath of pure fresh air. Unlike others, Everly isn’t driven by a thirst for power or a desire to use me for personal gain. She also has a body that demands worship, with curves that drive me wild. Though it hasn’t escaped my notice, she appears to have lost some weight since her arrival. That thought causes me to frown.
The scent of damp earth fills the air as I navigate through the maze of ferns, bringing a sense of tranquility to my surroundings. I smell the mist a second before it cools the air.
“Is that a waterfall?” Everly asks, her hand landing on my back as she catches up.
“Yes.”
I clear a path through the large ferns, Everly steps into the small clearing where the sound of the waterfall fills the air. She draws in a sharp breath as she takes in the cascading waters, shimmering like liquid silver as they descend from great heights, forming a delicate veil of mist around the area.
A lush landscape, vibrant with hues of emerald and sapphire, surrounds the waterfall which spills into a serene, crystalline lake. The waters are a mirror to the sky above, reflecting the ever-changing dance of sunlight and the ethereal glow of the faerie moon.
“Look at this place . . . ” Everly gapes in awe as she slowly makes her way across moss-covered rocks, softened by time and draped in verdant velvet, to approach the water’s edge.
“You can wash off here. These waters are the purest in the land.”
Her gaze swings my way, and she laughs. “You brought me here to wash?”
With a shrug, I reach for the neck of my tunic and pull it over my head, tossing it aside.
The resulting spark in her eyes captivates me, her smile so warm and genuine it draws me in. She has this uncanny ability to put me at ease.
With a wink, I kick off my boots and unbutton my pants. Everly's eyes wander over my chest, desire flickering in her gaze. The sight of her biting her lip sends a jolt of lust through my body. Fuck, this woman completely owns me. I move toward her, letting my pants slip dangerously low on my hips.
“I love the way you look at me.” My voice is low and rough.
I push some of her sun-kissed hair behind her ear, letting my eyes take her in.
“Well, you are the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on,” she murmurs, her fingers dancing up my abs to rest on my chest.
I bend my head down, skimming my mouth over hers. “I don’t know what spell you’ve cast over me, but I never want to break it.”
My mouth covers hers, a rumble sounding in my chest, as need and passion engulf me. Everly’s hands grip my arms tightly as I devour her mouth. The blood rushing through my veins feels like it’s on fire. Her hands slide up my arms to wrap around my neck, her touch like a sweet elixir, leaving a lingering warmth on my skin.
Breaking the kiss, I grab her tunic and pull it over her head, her long golden hair falling around her shoulders.
“So sweet, so beautiful,” I whisper against the skin of her bare shoulder as I unclasp her bra, letting it fall to the ground. A grin spreads across my face as a tremor courses through her body, accompanied by goosebumps that follow my touch.
Stepping back, I swiftly remove my pants and take three large strides toward the water before diving in. The cool water wraps around me, invigorating every cell in my body. I can see clearly under the water and pull myself toward the middle of the lake.
Breaking the surface, I swipe my hair back and face the shore where Everly stands in only a pair of pink panties, her bare breasts on display. I let out a low groan, my dick growing hard at the sight of her. She is more alluring than any nymph or goddess I can recall. I just stare at her, taking in her beauty, the magic of this raw unfiltered moment. I want to remember everything I’m seeing and feeling, to be able to relive it whenever the dark tries to take over.
“It’s nice!” I call out, flashing her a smirk.
She smiles, and I swear my heart stalls in my chest. I watch as she carefully navigates the rocks and slowly sinks into the water, her gorgeous body disappearing under the surface bit by bit. Swimming toward me, her golden hair floats around her in the water as she takes in the view. Those spellbinding eyes light up when she looks up at the waterfall behind me.
“It’s so beautiful.”
I grin, and when she is close enough, I seize her wrist, dragging her into my chest. Her arms loop around my shoulders as I keep us afloat. Her fingers glide through my hair, my eyes falling shut, and all the tension draining away at her gentle touch.
I run my hands over her arms, feeling the softness of her skin, and then down her back, tracing the curve of her spine. Gradually, I guide us closer to the cascading waterfall. Everly’s head tilts backward as we draw closer, and she closes her eyes as the mist from the waterfall rains softly over us. I find myself reaching up and gently running my fingers along her cheek.
“I’m taking us through,” I murmur in her ear.
Everly’s head jerks back and her eyes widen in surprise, but before she can argue, I give a powerful kick, gliding us through the water. Her arms tighten around me, and she buries her face into my neck. The heavy stream barely lasts a couple of seconds, and once we are concealed behind the sheet of water, my mouth is on hers. My blood surges with desire and need as her soft, full lips move over mine, matching the need coursing through me. My hands encircle her waist, drawing her against me, moving her body over mine, creating delicious friction. The heat from her body compared to the cool water is a dynamic combination.
Everly moans into my mouth, her fingers sinking into my hair as she crushes her chest against mine, craving to get closer. Her hard nipples against my chest cause a growl to work its way up my throat. I bite down on her bottom lip, drawing it into my mouth, and wrap her legs around my waist. In one swift motion, I have her back pinned to the smooth rocky wall of the small cave. My cock slides over her pussy. The warmth coming from her is driving me fucking insane.
“I need you now,” I growl, pulling back just enough to kiss down the column of her neck, sucking on the soft, subtle skin.
I love the way her head tips back and she moans “yes” in a breathy whisper.
My hands slide up her sides to cup each of her fucking gorgeous breasts, my mouth watering, and I bend, sucking one nipple into my mouth before moving to the next. Everly's legs constrict around my hips, desperately seeking that closeness.
“I need you, too.” She reaches between us and wraps her hand around my cock, running her thumb over the tip, making my hips jerk.
“Fuck . . . ” Gripping her jaw, I tip her head back and slam my mouth over hers as she lines me up and I drive in. Everly cries out, the sound echoing around us, and she tilts her hips to meet my thrusts. I take my time, gradually working my way deeper inside her. My entire body burns like it’s on fire.
I let go of her jaw, drawing back so I can look into those gorgeous eyes of hers. The moment our eyes connect, my body jolts with recognition. My heart thumps hard in my chest as I move inside her, my mind trying to work through what I am feeling. Everly grabs my face in her hands, her lips eagerly pressing against mine. I increase the power of my thrusts, the water around us splashing against the rocks. A tingle starts in my gums, and I know my canines are lengthening, begging me to own her, bite her, make her mine. Could it be possible? My body and soul seem to think so.
Breaking the kiss, I drop my forehead to her shoulder, her nails digging into my back as she tries to match my tempo.
“Fuck . . . ” I growl, my jaw tense and teeth gritted. “You feel so fucking good wrapped around my cock.”
My teeth drag along her neck and I bite down, careful not to break the skin. Everly trembles in my arms, her pussy gripping my cock like a vice as she comes.
“Maxon!” she cries out, the sound going straight to my cock and ricocheting through my body lighting every nerve.
My body tenses and I explode, my pace slowing as I try to draw it out for as long as possible. This woman, with her captivating curves and fierce attitude, is becoming an obsession.
“Stóirín,” I breathe, my hand stroking over her hair.
Everly’s body relaxes as she leans into my touch, her eyes closing and a gentle sigh escaping her lips. I draw her into my chest, and we float together, wrapped around each other for a few long moments.
“Maxon?”
I hum in response, not wanting this moment to end, but judging by her tone, I don’t have a choice.
“What are we doing?”
“Hugging. It’s quite nice, don’t you think?”
“You know what I mean.”
I sigh and pull back enough to cup her face. “Honestly, Stóirín, I haven’t the slightest clue. I can’t explain it, but all I know is that I need you by my side.”
“It’s not possible, though. I’m human. I can’t stay here.”
“You can if that’s what you want.” I can sense her heart rate increasing with my words, the indecision weighing heavily in her eyes. I place a gentle kiss on her forehead, welcoming the warmth of her skin against my lips. “We don’t have to decide anything yet. But I don’t want to deny what I’m feeling either.”
“You’re going to be king in two days,” she whispers.
A surge of protectiveness washes over me at her vulnerability.
“It won’t change how I feel.” I brush a kiss across her temple.
“The longer I’m here, the stranger I feel.”
I frown looking down at her. “What do you mean?”
Everly’s eyes dart off to the side, avoiding me. “It will sound stupid.”
I curl my finger under her chin, drawing her attention back to me. “Tell me.”
“I’m finding my energy is different.” She sighs heavily, biting her bottom lip. “It’s hard to explain.”
“Try,” I urge.
“I can sense the energy around me, especially when I’m outside. It’s as if nature itself is reaching for me, brushing along my body, welcoming me. I feel alive, like . . . ” She blinks and her cheeks turn rosy. “See? Stupid.”
“No, it’s not. Maybe you have some magic after all.”
She blinks, then blinks again, shaking her head. I notice a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes, the color morphing from brown to a striking green for a split second before returning to normal. But I know what I just saw. Everly is more than she seems.
“Come on.” I gesture for us to swim back through the waterfall.
Everly nods, and we glide through the water, feeling the weightlessness and the gentle resistance of the currents. Emerging on the other side, Everly’s smile spreads across her face, exuding pure happiness.
“I love it here.”
“I will bring you as often as I can,” I promise.
Everly pauses suddenly, and I notice a shift in the air around her, making my body tense. My eyes scan the shore, searching for any sign of movement, but it remains empty.
“What is it?”
“That’s the fox I saw that day by the stream.”
I turn to where she is pointing, and sure enough, there is a frostflare.
“You see it, right?” she asks.
“Yes, it’s a frostflare. They are extremely rare and never seen around here. They prefer the solitude of the deeper forest, where their blue and white coat allows them to disappear into the scenery. Rumor has it that the mythical creatures are guarding the ancient secrets hidden in the forest.”
According to legends, the frostflares are said to possess otherworldly intelligence. Eyes, radiant like pools of sapphire, contain the knowledge of centuries past. They move with a grace that mirrors the dance of snowflakes on a winter breeze, leaving no trace of their movement. It’s been a long time since one has been seen.
“To have one show you favor is a great honor and privilege. If this one is following you, then it must trust you. And gaining the trust of one is no easy feat.”
Slowly, I swim toward the rocky shore. The air is thick with a sense of mystery, as if the very fabric of reality has been altered by the fleeting presence of the frostflare. I turn my gaze back to Everly, studying her intently. There is an undeniable connection between her and the creature, an invisible thread that binds them together. I know now for certain that she possesses a dormant magic, waiting to be awakened. But for now, she remains oblivious to her true potential. I won’t rush her, though. She must unravel her memories and unleash her magic in her own time.
“It’s gone,” Everly pouts as she attempts to navigate the slippery rocks.
I reach out my hand and help her step out of the water. The sight of the water cascading down her body like shimmering stars has me hard again. I watch as it caresses every curve before pooling at her feet.
“We lost my underwear,” she admits shyly.
“You don’t need them.” I pull her into me.
Immediately, she pushes up on her toes, her lips on mine. A groan sounds from my chest as my arms wrap around her waist, anchoring her to me. We stand there completely naked, and I want nothing more than to lay her down and take her again. But it’s getting late, and I don’t want her to get sick.
Drawing back, I look down at her. “You drive me fucking wild, Stóirín.”
Everly bites her lip, trying to suppress her grin. A subtle pulling sensation courses through my chest, and I sense my magic intertwining with an unknown force, both reaching out to her. I close my eyes and concentrate on the feeling, and in my mind’s eye, I watch as Everly’s magic, her spirit reaches for mine, and the two energies entwine. My body jolts, and I feel her tense, a small gasp falling from her lips. My eyes flash open, and I stare down at her, a sense of wonder filling my chest, and it takes me a moment to realize it’s her. I’m feeling her wonder.
There is no doubt in my mind she is my soulmate.