16. Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Sixteen
Ember
My alpha was irresistible. Never had I ever thought I could be this insatiable for anyone, but there I’d been, pushing him to the floor so I could ride his cock.
It was like my body had moved on its own, my instincts needing me to take and claim him as mine.
Shivers ran through me as I washed around my rim, the bathtub filled with the lovely scent of vanilla and cherry blossoms, something that worked beautifully together in my opinion.
River was eyeing me with hooded eyes, his smile a smirk as I washed myself thoroughly. We were headed into the nearest town to eat dinner, something I was very excited about. I just needed to wash beforehand. My alpha desperately needed to do as well, my cum all over his face from before.
“What should I wear?” I asked, focusing on wetting my hair next so my poor alpha could focus.
“My clothes,” he rumbled, still looking like I was doing something erotic, even though all I did was wash my hair.
I rolled my eyes at him. “I figured as much, but what sort of clothes? I have no idea how to dress now that I’m royalty.”
“Fair enough,” he said, sitting up straighter. He began washing himself, knowing time was running out before I would leave him alone in the tub. “I want you to feel comfortable, so I was thinking of one of my long shirts and chausses.”
“What the hell are chausses?” I asked, already fearing I would be wearing a corset or something. I could not eat in those.
“Like tight pants, comfortable and formfitting. They'll go nicely under the long shirt and I have many belts you can choose from.”
Sighing in relief, I rinsed my hair, then left the tub.
“As long as I’ll be comfortable, I don’t really mind what I wear.
” Fashion had never really been my thing.
It couldn’t be, not with how poor we’d been.
I doubted I would start gaining an interest in it now.
River had told me several times that I could do whatever I pleased with my time at the palace.
I planned on spending most of my free time with Teke, tending to her golden coat and mane. Riding her and going on adventures.
“And I’ll fly us there,” he announced, getting out of the tub as well.
I felt a little excited by that thought. “Really? You don’t want me flying there myself?”
He shook his head, grinning wickedly as he stepped closer to me, his skin glistening with droplets of water. “I want everyone to know who you belong to, my omega.”
His words were like a balm to my soul. “Then I’ll gladly ride you.”
So, flying on dragon back wasn’t a thing.
Which made me a little sad. At least I could still be held in his arms as he flew, something he declared was much safer.
I’d always imagined sitting on his back one day and flying with him, but their spines couldn’t handle the pressure.
They could risk getting nerves pinched, making their wings falter.
It was safer like this, in his arms where I was currently being held.
The town was absolutely lovely, as I’d known it would be.
Last time I hadn’t spent enough time admiring the small shops and the beautiful and vibrant flowers outside.
Nor did I realize how free the shifters here were with their forms. Many travelled in their forms, wolves walking around carrying stuff in their mouths, dragons flying around like it was no big deal.
Some cat shifters even walked side by side as they chatted about their dinner plans.
We landed in the middle square, which was obviously made primarily for flying shifters to land.
Then I watched the people around me change their expressions to ones of pure joy as River shifted back to his human form, many flocking to him to chat or simply get his attention.
I wasn’t used to crowds like this, so I automatically moved away from the gathering people and felt my body ache from how often I was bumped into.
My back landed against a stone house, and I felt myself breathe easier, knowing I was out of the entire hassle.
River tried to find me through the masses, but I couldn’t get my body to operate yet.
I needed calming breaths to work through it all.
This was normal for River, but for me, the one who grew up secluded from others and rarely was allowed to see anyone other than family, I wasn’t faring well.
Add on the situation with Vrenus and I was apparently doing worse than I thought.
River’s panic shot through our bond, forcing me to raise my hand and wave. He still couldn’t see me. More people had gathered, making me lose sight of him as well. I slid down the wall and sat, tucking my head into my arms to hide away.
I had no idea how long I sat for, wishing I was back in our room. Safe. But then the area around me quieted and the scent of my alpha was there, his arms grabbing me and holding me tight.
“I should’ve kept a better eye on you,” he whispered, clearly shaken. “I’m so sorry, Ember.”
I just nuzzled my head against his neck, inhaling his scent and pheromones, feeling safe and content now that I was back where I belonged.
“Do you want to go home and eat in bed?” he offered and I was certain he wouldn’t be disappointed if I’d said yes.
Instead, I shook my head. I’d looked forward to our first date.
My first date ever, and I wasn’t ready to go home just yet.
His presence beside me made me feel safe again, and that was all I needed.
“I still want to go out with you,” I whispered, kissing his neck. “I want to show them that you’re a taken alpha now.”
River chuckled at that, his happiness blooming through our bond. “Then let’s go and I can show them all that you’re mine as well.”
He released his hold on me, making me stand as he eyed me, likely searching for any doubts in my expression.
He wouldn’t find any. I was ready to claim him, ready for everyone to know they couldn’t have him.
I knew many of the people who’d gathered around him weren’t interested in him romantically, but many of them had been.
Their flirty hellos and smiles had been grating to see.
“Where did they all go?” I asked, finally noticing most had disappeared and those who remained acted like they weren’t watching us, but totally were.
“I sent them away,” he replied simply. “They have to respect my space, so when I couldn’t find you, I had to do something.”
“Thank you,” I mumbled, feeling a little silly from walking away.
“You come first, Ember, and I’m sorry for once again failing to keep you safe.” I felt his guilt through our bond, thick and strong. He was actively berating himself as we walked through the cobblestone streets.
“I guess I’ll just need to warm up to crowds.” I needed him to know this wasn’t all his fault. I’d been the one walking away from him, after all.
“Or,” he said, smiling at me. “We need to plan our outings so people know to keep their distance more. Now that I’m mated, I won’t be comfortable with any unmated alphas who get too close to you.”
“Does that mean that omegas won’t be close to you either?” I asked, already feeling calmer by the thought alone.
He laughed, tugging me into a side hug. “No one gets close to me except for you and my brothers.”
“Promise?” I grinned, returning his hug.
“Promise.”