17
CHANGING HER
HENRY
I vy cups her mug and drinks her tea, slurping ever so slightly. It’s adorable and even Ryan’s melting. She’s irresistible and my second keeps staring at her as if she’s an unsolvable puzzle he can’t bring himself to abandon.
I smirk, because I know the feeling.
Ivy’s extraordinary, and not because she’s my mate. I’ve never met anyone as captivating or infuriating in all the centuries I’ve lived through—and she’s slurping her tea, completely oblivious to how fucking magnificent she is.
The afternoon passed easily after the tension died down. Ivy’s been clingy and I adore it. I’d happily let her follow me around like a lost puppy and I’m tempted to get her a collar and leash. One designed for her. That no one else has ever worn and is set with rubies. My cock loves the idea, and it’s all I’ve been thinking about for the last hour .
I am so indisputably fucked.
Matt rolls his eyes at Ryan, interrupting one of his stories. He’s modified the ones he’s told, leaving out the gore and setting them in today’s world. He’s also made me out to be a bumbling idiot, and Ivy’s laughing wildly at the grossly exaggerated tales of my misfortune.
“I think we should go.”
“I haven’t finished…” Ryan’s protest is cut short when Matt slides next to him and grabs his thigh.
Ryan laces his fingers through Matt's and their affection becomes obvious. I glance at Ivy, uncertain how she’ll react. She might not have noticed their warmth before and some humans still hold odd beliefs.
Ivy's eyes lock onto their interwoven hands and then dart up to their faces.
“Are you...”
Ryan turns and edges forward, putting his body between Ivy and his partner. It's subtle but clear as daylight if you know what to look for.
“Married?”
Matt throws his head back and laughs as the tension breaks. Ryan experiences Ivy's unrivaled capacity to surprise, as she asks a question that negates the need to ask more. The thought that their relationship could cause a problem hasn’t even crossed her mind and she's offering unconditional acceptance as if it's the most normal thing in the world.
“No,” Ryan says, too shocked to say more than one syllable.
“He needs to work harder if he wants that,” Matt teases. “And his brooding ass needs to lighten up.”
Ivy giggles and Ryan shakes his head, complaining Matt has a lot of work to do too .
“Come on,” Matt says, hauling Ryan to his feet. “They need time alone. So do we.”
My second stares at me and insists we need to talk. Alone. Ivy hitches a breath and she's nervous, suddenly fiddling with her hands.
“I'll be outside, lea. I won't lock the door.”
She exhales and nods, and I glare at Ryan, annoyed he's made her uncomfortable. The door shuts behind us and I listen for any indication she's panicking. Ivy hasn't tolerated being alone since her confinement, and I’m hoping it’s the lock that’s triggering her response.
“That was a clusterfuck,” Ryan hisses. “We all get possessive over our partners, but for fuck’s sake, Henry, control yourself.”
My jaw ticks and I take the reprimand on the chin.
“Did I hear what I think I heard?” Ryan asks.
I stare at him and make it clear that rather depends on what he thinks he heard. He glares back and closes the distance between us.
“Lea?”
I nod and they both raise their eyebrows.
“You’re calling her lea instead of pet?” Matt asks.
“Does she know what it means?” Ryan doesn’t miss a beat.
“Ivy reacts badly to pet. We found a mutually agreeable alternative,” I say, dismissively, as if it’s not the fucking massive deal it is. “I said I’d explain if she behaved. She hasn’t asked.”
They both run their hands through their hair and stare at me like I’m a complete and utter imbecile. Ryan shakes his head and Matt rubs his hand over his mouth and the three of us stand in silence until I head back to Ivy .
Matt grabs my shoulder. “Tell her, Henry. Keeping her in the dark isn’t protecting her. Not anymore.”
My head nods yes, but my instincts scream no. Ivy’s not ready and I can’t risk losing her, not now. Not when she’s only just accepted me. It’s too soon and she’ll be devastated. She’ll feel betrayed all over again and a little time to strengthen our connection won’t do any harm. We’ll both be better for it and I’ll understand her a little more, letting me break things to her in a way that won’t shock.
“I mean it,” Matt says.
I open the door and Ivy’s eyes meet mine. The last few minutes haven’t been easy for her. I’ve indulged Matt and Ryan for long enough, and now my mate needs my attention.
“So do I.” I close the door and end our conversation.
“What did you talk about?” she asks tentatively.
I reach for her and pull her against me. “They wanted to discuss my less-than-ideal behavior. When I nearly lost my shit because I thought you were in danger.”
Her eyes are a prism of hope and endurance, of truth and its consequence, and of the innocence I’m going to shatter. I can’t tell her. Not tonight. Not when she’s staring at me and she’s more than a little taken by my heroic but misplaced actions.
“Are you hurt?” she asks.
I blink, and she takes my hands, checking them for cuts and bruises. I’m too surprised to resist and her fingers brush my skin as she tries to ease pain she doesn’t know isn’t there.
“I’m fine.”
“You don’t look it.”
I smile and she steps back, pulling me with her as she leads me to the sofa. We sit and lean, facing each other like a pair of lovesick teenagers, and she blushes as my gaze wanders over her. She’s too thin and she hasn’t regained the weight she lost, but her curves are still there. I could happily spend an eternity counting her freckles and I intend to memorize them as I explore her body properly.
“Are you hungry?”
Ivy shakes her head.
“Thirsty? Tired?”
She shakes her head and she bites her lip.
“Bored?”
She nods, but then shakes her head.
This is taking a while, and I don’t have enough fucking patience. I know she’s nervous and she’s figuring this out. But she’s been on the verge of asking me for something for two days and it’s driving me insane. It’s a step she won’t take and I’ve held off pushing her because I thought she’d do this on her own.
I want her to do this on her own.
I will her to do this on her own.
“I want to talk.”
Fuck.
If ever there was a moment in my life when I regretted what I wished for, then this is it. Never mind whether she’s ready to talk about her situation, I’m not. I don’t know how to tell her about the way the world works and I don’t have it in me to shatter her again.
“Please.”
Damn.
There’s got to be panic in my eyes. There’s sure as fuck panic in every other part of me. I need a goddamn drink and right now I’d take anything on offer. Even yak’s blood and that’s vile .
“Master?”
I’ve never felt less in control, and Ivy thinks this is her fault.
“I wanted to talk,” she says, mumbling. “About things. I…”
I swallow and decide to face this like a man, instead of the goddamn coward I’ve become. “Tell me, lea.”
She sinks her shoulders. “I’m confused.”
Fucking hell.
“I want to hate the things you do. That I do. I want to find them disgusting,” she confesses. “But I don’t. I don’t like that I don’t hate them. I’m confused and I know we’re married, but I don’t know what I feel…” Ivy drops her head and starts looking in any direction other than at me. “I think I want more. But I don’t know. I’m not sure if I can trust you.”
I smile and she exhales.
“You’re not disappointed?”
“No.”
I’m fucking relieved, but she doesn’t need to know.
“I’m glad you’ve told me. It’s a good thing, lea. You’re beginning to trust me. I promise I won’t hurt you.”
Her little body relaxes and it reminds me she’s hiding something too. She’s anticipated my reaction because she’s been conditioned to expect an outburst. Ivy might not understand everything I’ve done, but in time she’ll grasp its logic and realize I will never, ever hurt her out of malice.
For pleasure, yes.
For spite, fuck no.
“How much more do you want, lea?” I ask before I stop myself.
Her lips press together and she bites them. Her pulse quickens and I smell the desire pulsing through her. This is her. All her. I’m not pushing or using the binding to guide her. Ivy’s thinking about the things she wants me to do to her, and she’s turned on.
I’m fucking hard already.
She shifts her weight, noticing the blood flowing through her clit. It’ll make it swell and pulse, make her wet. Maybe she doesn’t understand what her body’s doing or she could be fighting it, but it’s getting harder to ignore.
As is the flush spreading up her neck and the flicker over her carotid.
“Can I find out?”
My cock twitches and she knows she’s got my attention. I nod and she smiles, turning ever so slightly redder as her pupils dilate a fraction. The color in her cheeks makes her eyes stand out and she’s going to look fucking stunning when she’s basking in the glow of the orgasms I’ll give her.
Her lips part and she sucks a stuttered breath in.
“Can I sit on Master’s lap?”
Gods, I’m done.
She’s inconsistent as hell, but she’s trying, and her pattern is the same. She gets stuck and then unexpectedly leaps forward, catching me by surprise. My cock strains against my jeans, desperate to grind against her, and it would be rude not to reward her for being a good little pet.
“Good girl,” I praise her unequivocally and she beams. “Sit on Master’s lap.”
She clambers over my thighs, all shaky and uncertain. It’s adorable watching her try to get comfortable, unaware that she won’t get relief until she gets more attention. She’s fidgeting and every few seconds she brushes my cock and the momentary release is a fucking godsend .
I lean forward and slide my hand up her neck, gripping her hair and taking control.
“Stay still, lea. You wanted to sit on Master’s lap. Fucking sit on Master’s lap.”
I pull her down onto my lap and she’s sitting right on my throbbing cock. I move and she moans, enjoying it as I rub against her. My mate is responsive and when I rock my hips, she gasps and then moves with me while pretending she isn’t.
She’s enjoying this, but she’s still afraid of something.
“Don’t overthink this.”
Ivy lifts her hands and places them on my shoulders, looking me straight in the eye. It’s hot. Fucking hot. She’s finding her confidence and all I need to do is encourage her.
I pull her closer until her lips almost meet mine and she’s straining to kiss me. Her breath floats over my skin and her scent breezes into my nose, and I’ll devour her in every way she’s ready for.
“Ask me.” I pause. “Nicely.”
“Please, Master.”
My lips crash onto hers and I’m not gentle. My tongue dives into her mouth and I consume every part of it, stealing her breath and refusing to let her go. Ivy moans and her tongue fights to keep up with me, trying to match my movements, eventually surrendering and letting me have my way without protest.
She arches her back and my hands slide up her sides, pulling her top up and stroking the soft skin on her stomach. I haul her sweat top over her head and expose her perfect tits. They’re round and full, and her nipples even press against the lace of her bra.
I suck one into my mouth and she squeals.
“Fuck,” she screams .
I tap her ass, and she jumps, pulling her nipple against my teeth and causing herself a little more pain.
“Language, lea.”
She groans and my hands yank her sweatpants off her and she’s wearing the tiniest lace underwear. She’s too thin and it’s my fault. Fuck, she’s beautiful. I’m losing control and my mouth starts exploring all the lines and curves of her body, licking and sucking her silky skin—and she’s loving every touch, every stroke.
Her body writhes for me and her head tips back as she surrenders to my touch and the pleasure it’s giving her. Ivy’s losing herself and it’s good. She’s relaxing, enjoying this, and experiencing the thrill of everything I can give her. Only I can give her. She’s not had this before and I helped her through it last time, reducing her inhibitions and pleasing her with my venom.
This time, I won’t resort to that.
This time, Ivy deserves better.
I tear her underwear off and she shrieks. She’s excited and my fingers slip through her. Fuck, she’s soaking and her clit is already swollen. I find it and she mutters a moan that drives me insane. My cock’s fucking weeping and the need to come with her, at least next to her, is too overwhelming to resist this time.
I lift her into the air as I stand and she squeals again. Every goddamn noise she makes drives my desire, and I ignore her feigned protests as I carry her to the bed. I lay her down slowly, gently, so she knows I have control, as she does if she wants this to end.
“Properly, lea. We’re doing this properly.”
She blinks and her eyes fill with wonder. I kneel between her legs and pull her knees apart. Ivy’s nervous and her nails dig into her stomach as she clutches herself .
“This stops if you say. One word and it stops, lea.”
I’ve never let my pets have a brake. Never let them have that safety. I’ve taken and known they would enjoy it, using blood or venom to ensure they comply. But not with her, not like that.
My head dips and she hitches a breath. I kiss her clit and she tastes better than I remember. I moan and she sighs little sounds of pleasure, relaxing. My tongue works hard and I’m determined to make this good. For her. Her hips move and she pulls away, and my mouth chases her, refusing to let her give in so easily.
She whimpers a plea for more and I hold her still as my tongue presses harder and I suck her clit into my mouth. She fucking screams and her back arches as I drive her closer to orgasm. I won’t make her wait, not this time. I want her to have this. I want her to learn what I can give her, want her to want more.
My finger slides inside her and her pussy clenches around it. She’s perfect and my dick throbs. It’s in agony and desperate to know how good she feels. But it’s going to wait until she’s ready and that’s another new thing I’ve never offered a pet before.
I curl my finger forward and she trembles, and I slide a second finger in. She’s breathing hard and fast, and her heart’s racing fast enough to make her delirious. She’s about to come and when I suck her clit into my mouth again, she explodes. For me.
It’s perfect. She’s perfect.
Her flush makes her eyes stand out, even though they’re dazed and drunk with lust. I crawl up her body, placing featherlight kisses that tickle her and make her run her hands through my hair.
“You’re perfect, lea. So damn beautiful. ”
She laughs and I love it.
I roll off her and undo my shirt, slipping it off before I pull the rest of my clothes off. Her eyes widen and her mouth falls as she stares at my hard cock again.
She’s still intimidated.
It’s still exhilarating.
My hand wraps around my dick and it’s a relief. I’ve needed this and she’s watching every fucking movement of my fingers as I stroke myself. Damn, she’s noting what I do so she can do it herself and I pump harder, enjoying the pleasure coursing through me.
“Please can I…”
Fucking hell.
I almost come and I stare down at her in wonder, nodding frantically, not giving a shit if I make an idiot out of myself. Ivy nudges closer and her fingers wrap around mine. She’s unsure and she’s never touched cock before, and fuck, I’m on the verge of losing my goddamn mind knowing mine’s the only dick she’ll ever fucking feel.
I groan and hold back, trying to give her time as she settles and gains confidence. Her hand tightens and mine loosens as she takes over and I close my eyes, sinking my head back in pleasure.
Her tongue licks my tip and I groan, as excitement washes over me and I’m caught off-guard. Pleasantly so. I don’t know why I’m surprised. Ivy hesitates before leaping, and now she’s exploring my cock with her mouth.
“I’m going to come soon.”
She hums around me and my dick jerks. I tighten my grip around myself and her fingers, and move faster, chasing the high I’ve been fucking dying for. I don’t want to thrust too deep. I don’t want her to gag. Not this time. Not her first time. My cock jerks erratically and I come hard, letting relief and pleasure sweep over me as my stomach tightens and my balls empty.
I thrust lazily into her mouth and Ivy splutters, trying to figure out what the hell she’s meant to do with my come. It’s everywhere, dripping from her mouth with her saliva and coating her fingers and face.
“Swallow, lea.”
She obeys and groans, enjoying the taste and feel of my come sliding down her throat.
“Good. Fucking. Girl.”
I pull her against me and lavish her with praise and attention, even though the warmth spreading over me wants me to succumb. I don’t need sleep but I’ll give in after climax, but not now. Not when Ivy needs me. I’m careful, generous, and I make damn sure she gets all the aftercare she needs and more. As she curls up against me and sleeps, I realize it’s another thing that’s new—and she’s changing me as much as I’m changing her.