34. Everly
Everly
Chapter thirty-four
I’m staring again.
But seriously, the man is a figment of my imagination; I’m sure of it. It honestly isn’t my fault that my gaze keeps drifting to him every few seconds. Maxon’s black breeches and tunic mold to his body perfectly. The air crackles with his energy, as if reaching for me. It’s like we are two magnets constantly being pulled closer. As if sensing my stare, Maxon’s piercing violet eyes lock onto mine, a mischievous smirk playing at the corners of his mouth, instantly transporting my mind back to our encounter beneath the weeping willow in the garden this morning. A surge of longing courses through me, causing my heart to somersault in my chest.
In that moment, Maxon’s gaze takes on a devilish glint, like he can sense exactly where my thoughts have gone.
Blinking, my focus shifts to the mesmerizing sight of the crackling fire in front of me. After spending an hour walking around the main areas and the men clearing the rooms, we are confident it’s a safe place to camp for the night.
However, I haven’t recognized anything, and despite my denial, it bothers me quite a bit. I was really hoping this place would spark a memory, something that would give me some answers. I don’t have a place where I truly belong. I was constantly being moved from one foster home to another until I reached the age of ten. After that, I endured seven years of pure hell with my permanent family. I sense Maxon’s gaze on me, and it makes my skin tingle with awareness. I have a feeling he can detect my thoughts taking a dark turn. So, I take a deep breath and force myself to bury it all deep inside, at least until I’m alone. Then I’ll unpack all these conflicting thoughts.
Once sure my emotions are locked down, I peer over at the men. My eyes immediately lock onto Maxon’s, and a torrent of feelings pass between us until Raiden’s throat-clearing breaks the spell. Embarrassment floods my cheeks, causing me to clench my thighs together and lower my gaze, hoping to conceal the intense flush of color I’m sure is covering my face right now.
“Hey, are you alright?” Zaria lays a hand on my arm.
I jump in surprise and glance at her. “I’m fine.”
Standing, I wipe my hands on my skirt. “I’m going to look around some more. We haven’t seen what’s upstairs yet.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Her cat ears twitch, and my attention is drawn to Asrai, blinking those round dual colored eyes up at me.
“I’ll be fine.”
Suddenly, butterflies swarm my stomach, and I know Maxon is striding my way.
“I’ll take you.”
My heart leaps in my chest, and I curse my reaction to him, especially with so many eyes watching. “Thank you.”
Giving Zaria a small wave, I consciously avoid looking at Kian, Tristan, or Raiden. I didn’t need to see Kian’s smirk, Tristan’s scowl, or Raiden’s all-knowing gaze. Silently, we move toward the stairs, with me taking the lead.
Even though I should be tired from the journey and the conflict, I can’t shake this feeling of restlessness. “I’m anxious. I need to explore more of the castle. It still amazes me that it’s the only building surrounded by the forest.”
“You don’t have to explain yourself to me. I completely understand, I’d be the same way. Does anything seem familiar to you?”
I pause briefly, attempting to decipher how I’m feeling. There’s a lingering sensation, but I can't determine if it’s recognition or just a figment of my imagination. Or hope.
Reaching the top of the stairs, I automatically turn left and let out a whistle. Startled, I pause trying to understand what just happened.
Why did I do that?
Nymeria and Anika bound up the stairs behind us, their paws completely silent. I lock eyes with Maxon and give a hesitant shrug, feeling a wave of nerves wash over me.
We continue down the hall, the sound of our footsteps echoing through the empty space, adding to the haunting aura. Walls once pristine are now adorned with intricate patterns of decay, with vines creeping up from the floor and intertwining with the cracks. The scent of dampness and age hangs in the air. And yet, despite the dilapidation, the beauty of the ceiling mural remains untouched. Delicate petals of vivid flowers bloom in a kaleidoscope of colors, their vibrant hues contrasting against the muted tones of the crumbling walls. The streams depicted flow gracefully, winding their way through the painted landscape and reflecting the ethereal moonlight that seeps in through the grand, arched windows. The combination of the subtle brushstrokes and the surreal illumination creates a mesmerizing scene, as if we have stepped into a dream world.
We walk for a few minutes, and I’m completely enthralled by the grandeur of the majestic halls. This castle is half the size of the one Maxon lives in, but it is no less spectacular. I take another left, and as a wave of familiarity washes over me, I pause, my gaze taking in the beautifully hand carved wooden doors in front of me. I rest my palm on the smooth surface and close my eyes.
Maxon’s chest touches my back, and I feel him take a deep breath, his hands landing on my hips. “Are you okay, Stóirín?”
I open my mouth to speak, but his lips brush the curve of my cheek, stealing my words. Instead, I nod and push the doors open, feeling brave with Maxon at my back.
“Oh, wow . . . ” I breathe.
Maxon’s hands fall away as we step into the large bedroom. The room is a kaleidoscope of purples, blues, and greens. The window on the opposite side has wisteria and roses growing through it, the flowers a soft pink. A gentle breeze moves through the room from the broken window, making leaves scatter across the floor. To the left is a huge bed, leaves and flowers covering the surface from the towers of wisteria that have wrapped around the frame. Above the bed is a domed glass ceiling that showcases the stars and moon above, the forest seeming to leave that spot free. The room comes alive as Nymeria and Anika bound in, their paws skidding on the wooden floor, and they head straight for a luxurious daybed, where they settle down in a tight, cozy ball. Unable to resist, I grin at the two wolves.
How is it that I remember them?
I know who they are and what they are to me. But I can only recall that one memory of our lives together. It feels as if there is a barrier preventing me from accessing those memories.
I wander through the room, my fingers dancing over the furniture. Something tugs at my thoughts, and I desperately try to grasp at it.
Before I know it, my back is pressed against the dresser, Maxon’s hands caging me in. His breathing is heavy as he looms over me. “Don’t force it, Stóirín.”
How could he possibly know I am hopelessly trying to grasp onto the fleeting feelings flashing through me? The memories that dance at the edge of my consciousness.
“Your desperation is filling the air.” He leans closer, so close his nose is brushing against mine, those violet eyes holding me hostage.
“It will come to you. You just need to relax.” His lips brush over mine, softly at first. “I know just how to make that happen.”
I can’t help but giggle, my hands sliding up his chest and looping around his neck. “I’m sure you do, a chroí.”
I freeze when the words leave my lips. Did I just speak–
My thoughts are cut short when Maxon’s lips crash down on mine, devouring my mouth and clearing my head of all thoughts. Our clothes are discarded in seconds, abandoned in a messy heap on the floor.
Maxon’s hands are everywhere, brushing against my skin. Each touch sends waves of pleasure rippling through me. Dropping to his knees, I feel the warmth of his breath as his mouth traces a path down my stomach, biting and nipping at my hip bone, then inner thighs, causing me to let out a surprised yelp. Peering up at me, his eyes glowing with lust, he smirks before covering my clit with his mouth.
A gasp escapes my mouth, and I can't help but bite down on my lower lip as my fingers find their way into his silky hair.
“Maxon,” I breathe, tipping my head back. His hands spread my thighs more as he drives his tongue inside of me.
“Oh, my God.” Fire whips through me, turning my blood to lava. How does he effortlessly stir such a whirlwind of emotions within me? I can't help but think of us being akin to the sun and the moon. The sun, with its radiant glow, caresses the earth, enveloping it in a comforting warmth. Meanwhile, the moon, in its gentle splendor, whispers tranquility to the world around.
Maxon slides his hand down my leg and hooks it over his shoulder and then does the same to the other leg. I let out a shriek mixed with a moan as he suddenly stands, effortlessly lifting me, with both hands gripping my ass and my legs over his shoulders. I grip his hair tighter in my fists as he turns, a growl rumbling from his chest as he continues to lick and suck as he walks toward the giant bed. Using his hands, he massages my ass cheek, rocking my hips against his mouth.
“Oh . . . ” I moan, trembling.
I am so close, I’m delirious.
My hips are moving against his mouth, desperately seeking more.
I let out a scream as I find myself suddenly falling backward. The rush of air whips past me, making my heart race and my breath catch in my throat. With a resounding bounce, my body collides with the softness of the mattress beneath me. Leaves and flowers covering the bed sending an earthy aroma floating around us. In an instant, Maxon is upon me, his presence overwhelming, his tongue forcefully explores the depths of my mouth as he thrusts inside of me at the same moment. The intensity of his movements sends a jolt of both pleasure and pain coursing through my veins, like an explosive burst of sensations. I can’t help but cry out, my voice muffled by his demanding kiss. My legs tighten around his hips as I eagerly match his thrusts, reaching a climax that consumes me entirely. Maxon breaks the kiss, his forehead dropping to mine as he lets out a savage growl, one that vibrates through both of us.
“Maxon!” I cry out, arching my chest against his, needing to be even closer.
“Fuck!” he groans, slamming into me. The force of his movements leaves me breathless as he relentlessly pounds into me, his groans echoing in my ears. I want to take control, to ride him, tease him. My eyes flash open, and I push against him. Understanding what I want, he rolls us so I’m on top.
The new angle causes him to sink even deeper into me, heightening the sensations coursing through my body.
“Oh my god!” I moan, tipping my head back as I rock my hips.
My nails dig into his chest, and his firm grip intensifies on my hips as he helps guide my movements. An overwhelmingly powerful mix of devotion and protectiveness leaves me breathless. It feels as if my heart is expanding in my chest, reaching for him. My skin tingles as warmth fills every part of me. I drop over his chest, my hair falling around us. Our eyes lock and a rush of butterflies flood my stomach.
“It was magic the way you came into my life. Each moment spent with you has a way of making the world seem a little more beautiful.” Maxon holds either side of my neck as he lifts his hips to meet me.
My heart expands at his words, and I reach up, gripping his wrists. “From this moment until our last, I am yours, always,” I vow.
As the words leave my lips, a radiant light explodes from within me, filling the air with a warm glow. Intense pleasure whips out so suddenly I have no time to prepare. With a growl that vibrates through the air, Maxon rolls us again, driving in harder, merging our bodies as one, as the glow wraps around us.
I experience every sensation that floods my body, reaching a point where it overflows like a brimming bucket of water, unable to contain it all. A cry escapes from my lips as Maxon’s teeth sink into my neck, creating an intense connection between us, fueled by the pull of my blood. It’s overwhelming, and yet somehow insufficient at the same time.
My vision turns white, and Maxon releases my neck, his mouth moving to mine, his hands sink into my hair, and he doesn’t just kiss me, he devours me. The taste of my own blood lingers on his lips, sending a surge of wild exhilaration through me. I can feel the soft strands of his hair slipping between my fingers as I hold on. The push and pull of our bodies is completely harmonized. Maxon lifts from me, his forearms on the bed on either side of my head, those eyes more silver than violet.
"Everly, I am completely and unequivocally yours," he declares, his words carrying a sense of unwavering commitment.
“A chroí,” I breathe.
Magic swirls around us like a tornado, whipping and lashing throughout the room. I faintly hear glass breaking, my nail digging into Maxon’s back, arching my neck. Sharp teeth glide over my throat, sending a scattering of goosebumps across my skin.
Then everything goes black.