Chapter 46
They settled upon a week’s time for the ball. It would give Lady Celeste ample opportunity to send word of her husband’s passing and prepare a memorial in his honor—an evening that would serve as both a celebration of his life and a formal declaration of Cillian as the new Lord of House Duskwood.
Though her mother appeared more at ease once Kaldrek agreed to the arrangement, Evelyne could not ignore the toll it had taken. It showed in the faint shadows beneath Celeste’s eyes, in the careful way she carried herself, as though holding everything together required constant effort.
And Evelyne felt it.
Her mother was not only mourning her husband.
She was trying to secure the futures of all her children while bearing the truth of Aron’s death.
Evelyne had been mated to Kaldrek only a short time, yet the mere thought of losing him made her stomach turn.
To imagine living with such a loss felt unbearable.
And still, her mother did. Dressed in black. Unbroken only in appearance.
Evelyne understood her a little better now. Her reasoning. Her urgency. And for the first time, she did not feel the need to resist it. She would see the plan through.
After dinner, Celeste followed them from the dining room, something she rarely did, and to Evelyne’s surprise, drew her into a brief but firm embrace.
It revealed more than any words could have.
She then asked Evelyne and Kaldrek to remain for the night and extended the invitation to the others as well, offering tea and dessert in the adjoining room.
Holden and Heidara declined, choosing instead to return to the packs.
Evelyne quietly asked Heidara to check on Oathroot and make sure all was well, and her friend agreed without hesitation.
Alaric and his family lingered a while longer, accepting tea before eventually taking their leave. Cillian, however, showed no interest in leaving the table once he realized Alia meant to stay with the Stonebridges.
The small spark of excitement in his eyes did not escape Evelyne, and it warmed her to see him so steady, so safe, and perhaps even a little hopeful.
Now, at last, the evening had settled. Evelyne and Kaldrek sat in her chambers, the space both familiar and strangely new at the same time.
Seraphine moved quietly about the room, finishing preparations for a steaming bath Evelyne now wanted more than she would admit.
Kaldrek stood near the tall window, his broad frame outlined against the night, looking out over Caltheris as though trying to take it all in.
“Would you care for more tea this evening, my lady?” Seraphine asked.
“No, thank you, Seraphine.”
The handmaid smiled warmly. “Then I shall wish you a good evening. It is truly good to have you home.”
Seraphine slipped from the room, closing the door softly behind her.
Evelyne rose from the bed and crossed the room to join Kaldrek at the window, the quiet night stretching beyond the glass.
She slipped her arms around his waist, barely able to encircle him, and rested her cheek against his back as she drew in a slow breath.
The warm scent of cedar and musk settled around her, grounding her in a way nothing else could.
She exhaled softly, leaning into his heat and the steady strength of him.
For a moment, neither spoke. Kaldrek tilted his head back slightly, as though he, too, was savoring the stillness.
Then he turned, and the intensity in his eyes stole her breath.
It was as though he had been waiting for this moment all day, waiting to have her to himself.
The look alone sent her pulse racing, and the faint smirk that followed told her he knew it.
Heat spread through her in response. A low rumble rose from his chest as he stepped closer, lifting her with ease.
She gasped softly, gripping him as he drew her in.
His breath brushed along her neck before his lips followed, pressing just at the edge of her shoulder—near the place where their bond marked her.
When his tongue traced lightly over the scar, something low in her belly flipped, warmth unfurling through her in a slow, consuming wave. She leaned into him without thought.
Gods… she needed this. Needed him. His touch, his warmth, his scent—the way he both steadied her and unraveled her all at once. So when he finally set her back on her feet, the sudden absence of him felt almost unbearable.
“Get in the bath,” he said in a low, rough voice.
Evelyne turned slowly, glancing back once before stepping toward the bathing chamber.
Her fingers found the ties at the back of her dress, working them loose with careful intent, though not quickly enough.
Kaldrek moved in behind her, whatever patience he had clearly gone.
With one firm pull, the corset gave way, the fabric tearing as its tight hold around her chest loosened.
“I do not like those,” he murmured as he began to peel off the remainder of her gown. “I’d much rather you bare beneath.”
She stilled beneath his gaze as it moved over her, as though he were taking in every detail. A moment later, Evelyne lifted her hands to her hair, pulling free the pins and letting soft waves fall around her shoulders, never once breaking eye contact as he shed the last of his leathers.
Kaldrek remained where he stood, still watching her as she stepped into the steaming water.
Are you going to stand there or join me?
He smiled wickedly. Oh, love. Not yet. I’m going to watch you first.
You’ve already been watching me—
That’s not what I mean, he interrupted.
She raised a brow in response, but he only blinked before moving closer to the bath.
I want you to take those pretty fingers of yours and show me how you touch yourself.
He—
What?
Kaldrek bit down on his bottom lip, waiting.
You heard me.
Her gaze drifted lower, tracing the sharp lines of muscle at his hips, and the sight of his arousal, paired with the heady richness of his scent, nearly stole her breath.
Yes. Without question, yes.
If it was a tease he wanted, she could give him that.
She craved any type of touch right now anyway.
So she pushed the thought of embarrassment away and relaxed her knees, letting them rest against the sides of the tub.
She slowly circled two fingers down her stomach and between her legs.
A soft breath slipped free as she found the sensitive place that begged for pressure.
Kaldrek stood there, eyes wide as he gripped himself, slowly squeezing and pumping until her fingers pushed inside herself. That was when he picked up speed.
Evelyne arched in pleasure as she pictured his hands roaming across her breasts. His tongue between her thighs. His—
Oh gods, she needed him. Right now.
Kaldrek, she moaned into his mind.
That’s it. His voice sounded strained. You’re doing so well.
His praise nearly sent her over the edge. Evelyne tilted her head back and closed her eyes as she moved her fingers in deeper.
Please touch me, she begged.
“Do I need to remind you how I’ll be in command tonight? Or have you forgotten our deal?” he said aloud, his voice husky and raw.
She opened her eyes and saw him closer now. Hand still pumping himself, still looking so perfect.
He moved to the opposite side of the bath and stepped in, dragging the bar of soap gently along her legs, beginning at her ankles and taking his time. His calloused palms worked their way up her calves and thighs, the faint abrasion of his touch drawing a breathless, growing need from her.
When his hands reached higher she pulled her fingers out carefully, desperate for his touch.
“Open more for me, sweetheart. I want to see you.”
She did as he commanded and he placed the soap aside. Her breathing intensified as he softly rubbed the inside of her thighs with his thumb.
“Stop teasing me,” she moaned, and heard him laugh in response.
“This is not a tease, Evelyne. This is preparation.”
She arched her hips toward his hands as he reached her. And he pressed his large thumb to that swollen bud of nerves and rubbed. Evelyne let out a breath in satisfaction.
I fucking love seeing you like this.
His fingers slipped into her and began moving so perfectly inside her while his thumb continued the circles.
She was going to burst. Or scream, she couldn’t tell. All she knew was that her legs were shaking and her mate was biting his lip in satisfaction.
“Get over here,” he said as he slowly removed his fingers.
She moved instantly, straddling his hips. Kaldrek gripped her breasts firmly before lifting his head back to kiss her. His fingers pinched the peaks of her breasts as he claimed her mouth with his tongue, over and over again.
He felt magnificent beneath her and she couldn’t wait any longer. She angled herself and let him sink deep into her until she was fully seated.
“Fuuuck,” he moaned, and just that sound, that first thrust, almost had her reaching her climax.
His hands held her hips firmly as she rode atop him. He thrust his hips harder with each bounce and her whole world seemed to narrow in on him. Just his face, his body, his mouth, his sounds, as he was wholly, completely inside her. Connected to her.
“You’re so beautiful,” he panted. “And all mine.” He thrust faster now, and Evelyne knew they were close.
Yes. This always felt so right with him.
Then she bit down on that mark on his neck, the one she had made. Once his blood hit her mouth he moaned so loudly, it sent her over the edge. She sucked and licked at the bite over and over again as he spilled into her and they rode out their climax together.
“I fucking love you,” he said against her ear as they both caught their breath. He kissed her cheek. “Now I’m going to wash your hair, then I want you to get into that bed.”
She smiled at his command, knowing full well he had no intention of sleeping.