17. Chapter SeventeenMelina
Chapter Seventeen
Melina
I had never teleported before. And I never wanted to again. A wave of nausea swept over me, and I leaned to the side. Aaron tightened his grip on me, and I quickly gathered myself, looking around. We were standing in what appeared to be a meadow full of soft grass and tall flowers almost as high as stalks of wheat. Although we were partially exposed, standing under the bright sun between the flowers, no one else was around.
“Why did you bring me here?” I asked.
He snatched my potion from me, tossing it farther than I could see. “Because I can only teleport so far, and this was across the street from the restaurant. We’re further behind this plant life so that no one will see or hear us.”
I wiggled away from him. “Was it necessary for you to throw my medicine? I could have used that for another time, at the very least.” It was clear it wouldn’t be used this time.
He cocked his head, looking me over, a confidence etched across his face. “Do you think as long as I am alive, there will ever be a time you’ll need it?”
His voice was deep, and that arrogant bass vibrated all the way to my clit, making me pulsate and further wet with slick. He seemed better now; no longer clammy or ashen. Maybe it would be okay to give in. However, a nagging worry wouldn’t let go of me. I was overheated with a desperate need for relief, prickly sweat dripping down my back. I was no longer in my most thoughtful mind, and Aaron was too arrogant to give in, even if he was still feeling sick.
I walked in the direction of where he had thrown the potion. One of us had to be smart, and I had just a shred, a minuscule one, left of my right mind. If something happened and he wasn’t able to help me, perhaps by whatever had overtaken him earlier, we’d both be in a bad spot. I needed the potion as a backup. Plus, it wasn’t cheap.
Aaron materialized in front of me, arms crossed as he looked upward. “You are, by far, the most stubborn Faerie I have ever met.”
I moved around him but paused, hunching forward and clutching my stomach, and a painful burning heat ripped through my stomach. I would pass out before I even made it to wherever I was going. I straightened up, fighting against the pain. “Thank you.”
He stood in my way again. “Not a compliment. You are fighting against your nature, and it’s only making it worse for you. And me.”
At his last words, I looked down at his trousers as the very obvious hard-on looked like it would cause a tear in the fabric. It also made me drip even more slick down my thighs. My body held no confusion. I wanted him. Now. Perhaps the potion finding could wait.
He dropped to his knees, face tilted up to me. “I’m fine, Rabbit. You don’t need to worry about whether I can handle your heat.” He opened his arms with a slight smile. “Come to me.”
Ugh, he knew how to be an alpha, but he also knew how to be gentle. It was a beautiful blend that made me love him more. His voice was softer than before. At this point, I was surprised he hadn’t used his alpha voice. He was always so careful of me, even when he gave orders. Something about that thought squeezed my heart and tightened my core.
I bent my knees and met him on the ground, the grass feeling like a padded blanket beneath my skin. He wrapped his hand around the back of my neck before pulling me to him. “Good girl,” he whispered, his breath brushing over my lips before pressing a hard kiss to my mouth.
My stomach fluttered as if it were our first time kissing. Maybe I would always have that reaction for him, and I didn’t mind it. I craved it. The high I got from connecting to him. I slipped my tongue into his mouth, tangling with his own as my arms wrapped around his neck. Aaron growled and sat on the ground. He then lifted me up in his lap so that I was straddling him. I ground onto his hardness, the urgency of my heat finally overtaking me.
He stilled my hips, and I whined in protest. He tapped my ass and nipped at my bottom lip. “Rabbit, do you want to fuck me or just grind on me?”
I glared at him; he knew exactly what I wanted. Before I could respond, he ripped my panties off me. It wasn’t forceful, and I knew he used magic to help remove them, but the aggressiveness of it made me ache with want. Once the panties were gone, I wasted no time and opened his trousers, releasing him. I grabbed his cock and positioned him at my simmering entrance. I then pushed down onto him, taking him almost all the way in.
Aaron’s eyes widened as he sucked in a breath. I was so wet that the stretch felt fantastic, brushing against all my inner nerves. He thrust upward until just before his already swelling knot. I cried out as he angled against my clit, tossing my head back at the delicious friction. My impending climax was not too far away, and this would just be the start.
He wrapped his hands around my back, his fingers pressing into my skin so hard it bordered on painful. But I wanted it. Enjoyed it. “You feel so good, Rabbit. I don’t think I can let you go,” he said in a low breath that tickled my neck.
I tightened my legs around his waist as if that would bring us even closer. “Please don’t.” I could hear his heartbeat as if it were my own. It felt like we were in sync. I trusted him at that moment. I wanted all of him. I savored the smell of him, the taste of his full lips. He was settling into my soul, and I hadn’t even seen it happening. It was what I wanted now. He was who I wanted.
I tapped my forehead against him. “Claim me.”
He growled, still rocking in tempo with me. “Melina, it is taking everything in my power not to bite you right now. You don’t know what you’re saying. You’re in your heat.”
I ground harder on him, a groan of passion escaping his lips. I was so close now to my release. My body felt almost feverish with desire. He wasn’t going to deny me this. I knew exactly what I wanted—him. “I’m in my heat, yes. But I’m in my right mind.”
Aaron ignored me, pumping harder and faster until I came, my body feeling electrified but weightless. I wasn’t done, and Aaron was still moving, chasing his own climax. Moments later, he came, releasing his heat within me.
Before we could catch our breaths, I pushed against him. “Claim me,” I said again.
He kissed my collarbone. “You are killing me. I can’t claim you in your heat.”
I moved off him and lay on the ground, balancing on my elbows. Aaron looked at me with glazed, lust-filled eyes, still hard. I smiled and spread my legs, exposing my dripping center to him. I was still fully in heat, the slight cramping and dizziness around the edges of my body threatening to come back if I didn’t orgasm again.
I lifted my dress higher and slid a finger over my clit, bringing my orgasm back with each silken rub. My body spasmed as I kept my eyes on him, coming; his own hand slowly stroking his cock. He swore and crawled over to me, but I snapped my legs closed. “I won’t beg you for it.”
He placed his hands on my knees, attempting to part them, but I tightened my muscles against his pull. “We’re done here if you don’t.”
He reared back in shock. “Are you serious? Melina, you’re still in your heat.”
“I can make it back.” Where I would buy more suppressants. Not that I would tell him that part.
He narrowed his eyes in suspicion as if he could read my mind. “Are you keeping me from your heat to punish me? You would suffer.” He sighed, looking around the meadow.
The sun was inching lower, but it was far from dusk. Still, I didn’t want to be out here at night. “My alpha, my husband, at this moment, I am very clearheaded. I want you. You have become my friend and my lover. And, hopefully, my mate.”
He looked back down at me, and something on his face made my heart still. Those gray eyes softened with a look of pure adoration. Love. It felt like it. He leaned forward and kissed my right knee. “My omega, my wife, I will give you the world. Including my heart…and my bite. Thank you.”
He opened my legs with ease this time. Positioning himself in between my thighs, he pushed down to kiss me before thrusting into me again. It felt different this time. Slow and tender as our mouths melted into one another. I pressed into him, his knot entering me as his body trembled. The locking sensation felt like too much at first, as it had before. However, soon, a comforting warmth loosened my muscles, allowing me to ride into the intoxicating feel.
He pulled his lips away from mine and stared down at me as we continued to rock together to a rhythm only we could hear. We locked eyes, and he slid his right hand up to lace his fingers between mine. There was something so intense in his eyes that instinct made me want to look away. It felt as if he were opening up his soul to me, and I wanted to give him the same vulnerability, so I continued to keep his gaze.
“Beautiful,” he whispered. He looked at me as if he could not get enough. As if I were a painting that had enthralled him .
I felt almost high, basking in his adoration. “Yes, you are,” I replied.
He chuckled, not looking away. “Where?”
I didn’t have to ask him what he meant. I already knew. He was going to claim me, but he was giving me the decision on where the bite would be. “You seem to like nibbling on my shoulder.”
He smiled before leaning forward and pressing his lips to my bare shoulder.
I tensed, anticipating the painful pressure of his bite, but instead, he shifted slightly, jogging his hips forward so that he bumped against my sensitive clit. I bit my lip, eyes fluttering at the smooth friction on my center. My body was winding up again for another orgasm, toes curling in my shoes in preparation.
And then I felt it. A dull pain on my shoulder paused me, but only for a moment before a glorious heat sent waves of pleasure throughout my body. My mind flooded with sights, sounds, and thoughts that were not my own but now felt so familiar. Our souls were entwining, becoming something new—something powerful.
Aaron shook above me, his body tightening and then snapping, releasing in his own orgasm. “Mine,” he whispered in a shaky voice.
“Mine,” I repeated.
We lay together, under the fading daylight until we were able to move again. Fully connected and forever changed.
* ~ * ~ *
When we finally made it back to Aaron’s town, I was still firmly in my heat. In fact, on the way back, I made him pull over on the side of the road for another much-needed round. We spent the rest of the night and the next day in the hotel room in a cycle of lovemaking, sleeping, eating, and talking. When my heat finally broke, we had one day left until we were to head home. We spent most of it with his family and Ivan. His mother, who seemed to have the realm’s most sensitive nose, squealed with delight when she discovered we had mated. It was both embarrassing and delightful to have so much attention and be accepted so easily by his family.
The following morning, as we placed our things in our transporter to head back to Prinath, Lucian unexpectedly appeared.
“Good, I’m glad I didn’t miss you. Although, I could have called,” he stated, standing beside our vehicle.
He suddenly looked awkward standing there, which piqued my curiosity—had something excited him enough that he had to see us in person?
Aaron rumbled a growl beside me. Although we left things on a positive note after our breakfast the prior day with Lucian, Aaron still wasn’t going to be friends with him. Now that we were claimed, he’d become even more possessive. Even around his family, he kept in near-constant physical contact with me. Not that I minded. I relished his touch, scent, and purr, which he had lulled me to sleep with the past two nights like a lullaby. I’d never felt more treasured.
Aaron stepped in front of me, blocking me from Lucian. He tilted his head from side to side, flexing his fingers as if he were ready to pounce. I think I underestimated just how much he disliked Lucian. “Is there something you wanted? Besides my mate?”
Ivan chuckled as he finished packing the transporter. I cut my eyes at him, and he shrugged. Glad he was finding this situation humorous. I pressed my lips together. I had real hope we could leave things on a positive note for good. I touched Aaron’s back, hoping the connection would calm him.
Lucian scratched the back of his neck, giving a sheepish look. “I deserved that. I was out of line and allowed rumors to form my judgement. And jealousy. I apologize.”
Ivan pointed at him. “Mighty mature of you, mate.” He moved closer to us. “You going to say anything to his apology?” he whispered behind Aaron’s back.
Aaron crossed his arms, still facing Lucian. “No.”
I was not surprised. Aaron didn’t change course easily. I peeked from behind him. “Thanks for saying that, Lucian. So, what brings you here?”
Lucian passed me a piece of paper. “It’s the name and contact information of a conjurer in Prinath. The authorities there have already cleared her of being behind the attacks and kidnappings. I had a conversation with her and told her about you two. She already knew, of course. In any event, she might be able to provide you with some added protection. She’ll be expecting your visit. I don’t know how much good it would do, but it can’t hurt.”
Aaron grumbled, looking at the paper. “Assuming we can trust this person. I’m barely sure I can trust you.”
“I understand why you feel that way, but I would never do anything to hurt Melina or those she cares about. Always proceed with caution, but never think I would send you into any trap.”
I shook my head, moving around Aaron. “Thank you, Lucian. You’ve been a real friend, as always.”
Lucian gave a curt nod. “Of course. I’ll keep you aware of anything we learn. I’d give you a hug goodbye, but I think your mate might try to rip my arms off.”
“And head,” Aaron mumbled, looking down the street.
I elbowed him in the side, although I didn’t make a move to hug Lucian. Our mate bond was still fresh, and we were both more on edge than usual. Doing something that could shake that connection was very unwise. Technically, we should have spent more time alone cultivating our bond to ensure Aaron didn’t go on a rampage around any other alpha that came near me and that I didn’t melt in a puddle of slick just from being near him. However, we’d been stable so far, so I was hopeful.
I waved goodbye to Lucian, and we went our separate ways. Heading home was peaceful. I felt a certain giddiness in my stomach as I replayed all the events of the trip: being with Aaron’s family, formal closure with Lucian, bonding with Aaron in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, allowing him to claim me. The last part brought a smile to my lips.
I glanced over to Aaron, who was focused on the road ahead. We didn’t have to steer, but we had to pay attention just in case the road got blocked, or any vehicles in front of us slowed or stopped. Now, the roads between cities weren’t busy. This wasn’t unusual as most worked and lived within their towns.
He wrapped his hand around mine and lifted it to kiss, his lips warm, and sending a heated flush through me. My heat was over, but his effect on me would never end.
“Don’t judge me,” he began. “But I kind of wanted to stay in that hotel room with you. I could have used another day of your heat.”
I squeezed his hand, resting it on my lap with mine. “Me too. If this is what honeymoons are like, then we should have more. At least once a year.”
He glanced over at me, a mixture of want and love in his eyes. “You let me claim you.”
I laid my head on his shoulder. “I did.”
“No regrets?”
I poked him in the ribs. “You keep asking me that. The answer is no. It will always be no. It was never about me not wanting to be claimed or not wanting an alpha. I just wanted love. A true partnership. I’m happy now.”
“Good. Me too. You have awakened me, Rabbit. I’m not sure if you know how much. I’m not sure I deserve you, but I’m thankful for you.”
I lifted my head and kissed him on the cheek. “Of course, you deserve me. You?”
“Can we not?” Ivan sighed from the back seat. “I’m no hater of love, but must I witness your happiness when I have none of my own?”
I snorted and turned to look at Ivan. “Sorry. Maybe I could help find someone for you. You’re funny, capable, and attractive.”
Aaron growled. “Is he attractive, wife?”
I yelped and turned back to the front of the car with a playful smile. “No, I was confused. He’s not attractive at all. He’s gross even.”
Ivan humphed. “You guys are so cruel to me.”
Aaron chuckled. “We’re just joking, my frie-” He suddenly sucked in a breath through his teeth, his face scrunched in pain. He then lifted his hands to his head.
“What’s wrong? Is this what happened before?”
“Yeah,” he said in a strained voice.
“What’s going on?” Ivan asked from the back.
I grabbed the steering wheel and veered us to the side of the road. I looked back at Aaron, whose head was tossed back, his eyes closed tightly as he groaned in pain. “I think I’m going to be sick.” He quickly opened the door and leaned over, vomiting.
“You said last time,” Ivan began. “He was sick before?”
I rubbed Aaron’s back, nodding. “Yeah, a few days ago. I can take us to the nearest infirmary.”
Aaron didn’t respond. Instead, he exited the transporter and lifted his head to the sky. He looked clammy and slightly ashen like last time. “No. I just need a moment.”
Ivan got out and walked to his friend. “Listen to your wife, mate. I’ve never seen you look so bad outside of when we got injured in battle.”
I moved back to my side and stepped out. “ Stop being stubborn. I let it go the first time, but a second time is a no. I can’t have my husband dying on me.”
“I’m not-”
He didn’t finish his sentence as he suddenly collapsed to the ground, unconscious.