36. AWAY AND TOGETHER
Chapter thirty-six
AWAY AND TOGETHER
“No! Go through the back! Save yourself!” The sharp command echoed into the dim silence of the room, followed by sharp, labored pants. “Protect your mother!”
Emeriel’s eyes snapped open to the faint light of dawn filtering through the open curtains.
She turned, her heart clenching as she saw Daemonikai thrashing beside her, his chest heaving, his fists clenched white-knuckling the sheets.
“There are too many of them. I…” His voice broke, raw with helpless panic. “Too many of them.”
“Daemon…” Her hand hovered inches from his shoulder.
The memory of the last time he’d woken from a nightmare beside her flashed vividly in her mind. A moment that had nearly cost her her life.
“Myka, where is Alvin!?" his voice rose again, desperate. "Where is your brother!?”
Her throat clogged, tears prickling her eyes. He was trapped there again.
Reliving the terror of a father failing to save his children. It wasn’t real, but the horror in his voice was clear, cutting through her like a sword.
To hell with this.
“Wake up,” she whispered, then louder, “Daemon, wake up!”
Her hands closed around his broad shoulders, shaking him. “Don’t live through that again, I'm here.”
“How could you tell… the humans about us, Alvin? No matter how drunk you were, you shouldn’t have…” his panting grew louder, frantic.
Emeriel climbed halfway onto him, wrapping her arms around his shaking frame. “Come back to me, please.”
His eyes snapped open, his chest rising and falling fast against hers.
“You’re alright,” she soothed, willing him to believe it. “It’s just a nightmare. You are safe.”
“Emeriel?” His voice was disoriented, his eyes darting all over her face.
“Yes, it’s me.” She adjusted herself to better see his face, her hands brushing the damp hair away from his sweat-soaked brow.
He looked like a man who had clawed his way back from hell.
“Do you still have these dreams frequently? Or is it because of… what happened?” Losing our child.
“Occasionally,” he said hoarsely. “But… I can’t think of this now. I wish not to think about this.” There was a wild, desperate look on his face. “I need to forget. Help me forget.”
“What do you need?”
“I need you. Need to be inside you.” What he was asking for must have dawned on him because horror joined desperation. “Fuck, I apologize. I shouldn’t ask this of you. What am I doing? I—”
“Hey, it’s okay, dearest.” She pulled him closer, and rolled onto her back, parting her thighs. Lifting the hem of her nightgown, she bared herself for him. "Here…”
“No, I can’t use you like this. It’s not fair to you. I—” He swallowed hard, fighting himself.
“I want you to. I’m your woman, My Grand King. Let me take care of you,” she coaxed him, urging him forward. “Use me if it helps ease the pain.”
Conflict warred in his eyes. “I don’t want to hurt you…”
“I’m offering willingly because I want this. Please don’t make me beg. I want to feel you inside me again.”
“Emeriel…” Gratitude and relief softened his tormented gaze.
With a sharp exhale, he moved between her legs, his hands shaking as he hastily removed his pants.
His arousal pressed against her femininity, but he didn’t enter.
Grasping the neckline of her garment, ripping it with one tug, he exposed the soft curves of her breast. Dipping his head, his mouth closed over her nipple, sucking it hungrily.
Emeriel bit her lip, her breath catching. Her breasts still tender.
Yet, she cradled his head closer, holding him to her.
“Yes, I love you so much. My powerful, powerful man.” The murmurs poured naturally from her lips, warmth rising within her. “My Beloved.”
He growled low in his throat, his mouth tugging hard on her nipple while his hand kneaded and pressed the other breast.
He sucked with the enthusiasm of a starving man, making her feel every pull, every strong suction. Sending sharp pulses of pleasure straight to her core.
Emeriel's desire stirred, rising with every touch… every pull of his mouth.
She was beginning to suspect her dearest had a particular fondness for breasts.
There was something deeply erotic about the sight of him like this. Clinging to her, lost in his hunger, while Emeriel held him close.
Eyes closed, his cheeks hollowed with each suckle, and she couldn’t stop the soft moan slipping from her lips as she tried not to squirm.
Without breaking his focus or releasing her, Daemonikai shifted, raising her leg over his hip. Then, in one smooth move, he entered her.
Emeriel bit her lip hard, trying to stifle the sharp cry rushing to her throat at the discomfort.
“That’s it,” she encouraged. “That’s it, my dear king.”
His hips began to move, slow and deep, his thick length stretching her.
Long, low groans of pleasure rumbled from his throat as he angled himself at an uncomfortable-looking position, refusing to let her go or lose contact.
Emeriel cupped her breast, offering it to him as small cries tumbled from her.
His nonstop suction on her nipple, combined with the steady rhythm of his thrusts, created a sweet agony that left her breathless. The pleasure-pain sensation was almost too much.
She hadn’t expected to reach her peak, but the release came upon her suddenly, without warning or buildup. Rippling through her in soft waves.
Surrendering to it, she let out a long, drawn-out moan, small tremors raking her body.
As she rode it out, Daemonikai maintained the same strokes, the same pull on her hypersensitive breast. The aftershocks turned harsh, her body protesting the overstimulation.
Emeriel whimpered, her toes curling, unsure how much longer she could endure it.
Fortunately, his pace began to quicken, losing coordination in a telltale sign of his own impending release.
Low rumbles from his chest turned into guttural groans, and finally, his mouth released her abused nipple. His lips parted slightly in silent ecstasy as he climaxed.
Jerking inside her, he pushed harder, as if trying to burrow into the deepest parts of her.
His semen triggered feelings like mini-orgasms, and her cries filled the dark room as she clung to him.
Finally, his thrusts slowed, his hands roving over her body, cupping her butt, caressing her back—touching everywhere he could reach.
When the last waves ebbed away, Emeriel opened her eyes.
Daemonikai’s were still closed, his movements sluggish. He was drifting back to sleep.
“Are you alright?” she asked softly, brushing her fingers against his damp hair.
He mumbled something she couldn’t make out, before blindly finding her other nipple and fastening his eager mouth onto it.
His throat worked as he began to suck, even as sleep fully claimed him.
And he didn’t pull out, remaining buried deep inside her.
A tender smile graced Emeriel's lips. Sighing softly, she trailed her fingers through his hair as her own eyes closed too, a peaceful sleep taking her away.
***
Grand King Daemonikai woke feeling surprisingly well-rested.
His eyes adjusted to the brightness of the room, sunlight streaming through the open window. How long had they slept?
He stirred slightly, finding himself face-to-face with Emeriel’s soft, creamy breast.
Her dark and flushed enticing nipple pointed directly at him, and his mouth watered at the sight. His dick twisted inside her, drawing his attention to the fact their bodies were joined intimately.
The memories of his nightmares… and the fevered lovemaking that followed, flooded his mind.
Gritting his teeth, Daemonikai summoned every ounce of restraint he possessed to keep from taking her again.
He withdrew from her tight, warm heat, even as it clung to him, trying to pull him back in and the sensation nearly undid him. But he persisted, finally freeing himself.
He pulled her torn garment up, covering her succulent breast to shield them from his wandering eyes.
Then he simply watched her sleep.
For long, quiet minutes, Daemonikai drank in the gentle curve of her lips, the tiny freckle adorning her nose, the steady rise and fall of her chest.
“You know, I thought I’d always have to deal with everything on my own,” he murmured to the stillness of the room. “And for someone who hasn’t truly been alone in centuries, it was a terrifying concept. But then you came along. Maybe Ukrae doesn’t hate me as much as I sometimes think he does.”
He sighed, a sudden wish stirring in his heart. If only he had artistic skills… Daemonikai would draw her just like this.
Her serene expression. Her hair spread around her like a halo. Beauty like magic .
“Never in my life did I expect a surprise like you.” He leaned down, placing a tender kiss on her nose. “Thank you for last night… and this morning.”
Quietly, he rose and crossed the room to fill a basin with water, retrieving a washcloth.
Returning to the bed, he knelt beside her, and gently parted her thighs, exposing her pretty, sweet privates to his eyes once again.
Daemonikai began cleaning her, wiping his fluid from her inner thighs. When the cloth brushed directly over her tender core, she winced but didn’t wake.
Guilt surged in him. She was likely aching all over, because he was being insatiable and selfish.
He continued cleaning her, even gentler now, taking far longer than necessary to ensure she was cared for without disturbing her rest.
When he finished, he pulled the blanket over her, tucking her in with care, and left her to sleep undisturbed.
After his own bath, Daemonikai went hunting. Time to treat her like the true princess she is.
The familiar paths welcomed him with crisp air and rustling leaves as he sprinted through the trees. He stayed focused, needing to return to the cottage before she woke.
It didn’t take long for him to spot his prey. The creature sensed his presence and bolted.
Daemonikai gave chase with a burst of speed, closing the distance effortlessly. In one fluid motion, he caught the animal and twisted its neck, ending its life instantly.
Hefting the lifeless prey onto his shoulders, satisfied with the clean kill, he made his way back to the cottage.
***
Emeriel woke with a start, her heart sinking when her hand found the empty space beside her The sheets were cold.
Glancing toward the grand clock mounted on the wall, she grimaced. She had slept the day away—it was already early evening.
Her stomach growled loudly in the quiet room. Heavens, I’m starving.
After a quick bath, she dressed in fresh clothes and made her way to the living room.
There, sprawled casually across the cushions, was King Daemonikai.
He held up a folded news sheet, his eyes scanning the print.
The moment she stepped in, he lowered it, locking his sharp gaze onto her with ease.
“The sleeping goddess awakes,” he drawled.
The low timbre in his voice sent heat rushing to her cheeks, steps faltering.
She tried—and failed—not to stare at the defined muscles of his arms. The thin undertunic he wore did little to conceal his powerful biceps.
“Your Grace.” Emeriel dropped into a curtsy, unable to meet his eyes.
Now that they had finally reconciled, Emeriel felt strangely uncertain. What was expected of me now?
She had never let any man court her properly before, let alone one who stirred strong emotions in her like he did.
“Come here, young princess.”
She stepped closer, stopping a pace away, her hands clasped nervously in front of her.
“That’s not how you greet your male.” His lips curved into a smirk. “Greet me properly.”
Her heart stuttered. He wants… what? A hug?
She glanced at his seated posture. That may be awkward.
Clearing her throat, she spread her arms timidly, leaning forward for what she hoped would pass as an acceptable embrace.
Before she could go further, his strong arm grabbed her waist, tugging her forward.
She gasped as she lost her balance, tumbling into him. His arms encircled her possessively, and he tilted her head to the side, claiming her lips with his.
The kiss was light, soft, and impossibly warm.
Her initial surprise melted into a sigh as she relaxed against him, her hands finding their place on his chest. His heartbeat steady and strong beneath her fingertips.
Emeriel kissed him back, her uncertainty fading in the heat of his touch.
So this is what I would have given up? The thought drifted through her mind. I wouldn’t mind waking up like this every day.
When he finally pulled back, her head swam, her breath coming in shallow gasps. She blinked a few times, trying to clear the lightheadedness clouding her senses.
“That.” He smirked. “My fair Riel, is how you greet your Soulbond. ”
Heavens, I wish it would always be like this. Emeriel prayed. Please, fill our days with more bliss like this.
***
Returning to his chambers in the early hours of the morning, Grand Lord Zaiper reeked of sex, whistling cheerfully. His steps carried an unmistakable swagger.
His head soldier observed him curiously but respectfully kept his mouth shut.
Zaiper noticed and grinned as he entered his chamber. "Go on, you may ask."
Razarr inclined his head slightly. "You seem unusually cheerful this morning, Your Highness. Is there an occasion?"
"Oh, indeed there is." Zaiper threw a glance over his shoulder and winked. "I’m preparing something truly special for two very important people in this kingdom. Just wait and see."
Razarr’s curiosity deepened, though his tone remained measured. "Does this mean your special plan is foolproof?"
"Absolutely." Zaiper’s eyes gleamed with pure excitement. "Just thinking about it makes my blood race. After so many failures, you are about to witness a victory unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Wait for it, Razarr." He began undressing, whistling a jaunty tune. "It's going to be massive."