ASH & HARPER HARPER’S BIRTHDAY #3
Ash’s tail thrashed and he thrust harder. His wings burst from his back, tearing the suit. Ash growled and came, pleasure so intense that it triggered Harper’s, his cock jerking as cum flooded his stomach, and the scent of bluebells filled the air.
Lowering Harper’s hips, Ash blanketed his mate with his body. He didn’t pull out, not ready to lose that extra closeness.
“Are you all right, sweet?”
“Yes.” Harper wrapped his arms around Ash’s neck. “Hold me and everything will be fine.”
Ash held him close for a long time before saying, “Are you worried about me leaving you?”
“No.” Harper made a sound that was half laugh, half exasperation. “I know we’ll be together forever. I don’t doubt how much you want me.”
Ash sensed there was more. “But?”
“But sometimes I get scared. You won’t leave. You’re committed to a life with me, and we’ll work out whatever comes our way. But I still feel like I’m destined to be alone. My brain—my body—isn’t used to having someone to count on yet.”
“I understand. It makes sense you’d feel that way after what you’ve been through.”
Harper snuggled closer, the shift in motion jostling Ash’s cock enough to slip free. “Thank you for reminding me you’re here, even when you’ve never gone anywhere. I don’t want you to think I have doubts about us.”
“Like you said, it’s fear, not doubt. You can be afraid. I’m not going to take it personally. Even if you had doubts about us, I wouldn’t. It’s only natural. I like reminding you you’ve been claimed. It feeds something deep in me, too.”
“I know.” Harper smiled against Ash’s neck. “I love feeling your possessive side, especially when you’re fucking me.”
Ash kissed him. “Is there anything else that brought this on? Is it because of your birthday?”
“Maybe. I always think about my mom on my birthday.”
Harper had never mentioned his mother before. “What are you thinking about?”
Harper traced the line of Ash’s jaw with a finger. “She died when I was born. I always wonder what it would have been like if she hadn’t. Would my life have been better or was she as horrible as my father?”
“Did he ever talk about her?”
“Not really.” Harper sighed. “I asked when I was young, but he never offered anything that felt real. He talked about her magic, her abilities, and how it was such a waste she died young. He blamed me for her death, but also didn’t seem to care deeply about it.
I used to wonder if that was why he hated me, though I don’t think so.
He never talked about my mother like he truly loved her. And somehow that was worse.”
“I’m sorry, sweet.”
“Me too.”
Ash shifted off Harper, retracting his wings so he could lie on his back and pull Harper against his side. “Would you rather not celebrate your birthday if it’s a hard time for you?”
“No. I’m excited for everything you planned tomorrow. I want to make new traditions and enjoy life. I just might be a little sensitive and need you to remind me you aren’t going anywhere.”
“You’ve got it.”
Harper beamed, his smile warming Ash’s insides.
“Any chance you feel like running me a bath?” Harper asked.
Ash’s grin matched his mate’s. “A very good chance.”
He did exactly that, filling the tub with oils and salts, and topping it off with rose petals rather than bubbles. While Harper soaked, Ash showered, then went to the kitchen. He plated meats, cheeses, and fruit, along with bread, dips, and pickled vegetables.
He brought the tray into the bedroom where he remade the bed, complete with fresh petals, and laid out the food. He was popping the Champagne when Harper exited the bathroom, wrapped in a towel.
Harper’s face lit up. “What’s all this?”
“Dinner.” Ash poured two glasses and handed Harper one. “Cheers, and happy birthday.”
“We still have a few hours until it’s my birthday.” Harper clinked his glass against Ash’s anyway.
“Mmm. I’ve got just the thing to mark the stroke of midnight.”
Harper settled on the bed and popped a piece of cheese in his mouth. “I’m almost afraid to ask. It’s too bad your outfit got ruined or I’d ask you to put it back on.”
“I’ll buy another one.”
Ash settled beside Harper and tugged his towel away, dropping it on the floor. “Being naked is just as good.” Ash hadn’t gotten dressed, his cock plumping at the sight of his exposed mate.
“I don’t think I’ve ever eaten dinner naked.” Harper held out a piece of cheese for Ash.
He ate it, licking Harper’s fingers along the way. “Then it’s a good thing we’re giving it a try.”
“Yeah, I’m liking it already.”
They ate and chatted, sipping wine and sharing kisses. When they’d had enough of the food, Ash turned Harper on his stomach and ate his wonderful ass until Harper was writhing, then swallowed Harper’s cock and sucked down his mate’s cum.
When the clock struck midnight, Ash brought Harper a piece of tiramisu with a candle in it. “Make a wish, sweet.”
Harper closed his eyes and blew out the candle.
Ash handed him the plate and a fork. “What did you wish for?”
“I can’t tell you.” Harper gave him a sly look before taking a bite. “But I’m sure you can guess.”
Ash grinned. “I might have an idea. Now enjoy your treat. I made it just for you.”