Chapter 7
CHAPTER 7
After Charms and Potions class that afternoon, I found Aiden and practically dragged him to Professor Akhtar’s class.
“He needs to know what’s going on with you,” I insisted.
“And what, exactly, is going on with me?” Aiden asked with a drawl.
“You know what I mean,” I said, brushing his words away with a hand like they were physical. “Maybe one of the students has had some luck discovering why the ley lines are missing, and the professor can help you.”
“The only thing he’ll do is look at me disappointed because I failed the swim test,” Aiden grumbled.
I stopped abruptly. “Are you... Are you afraid?”
Aiden flushed and avoided looking me in the eyes.
“My big strong beast shifter is afraid of a disappointed look?” I asked, shaking my head. “Seriously, Akhtar isn’t going to be disappointed. He’s probably concerned, but we’ll figure this out.”
“How are you, after that complicated bit of magic?” Aiden asked, changing the subject. He put his hands on my head, practically swamping me with their size. “Do you have a headache?”
“A little one,” I admitted. “Doing more magic hurts. I was grateful that we focused on potions this afternoon, rather than charms.”
Aiden nodded sympathetically. “Even though you had to stir your cauldron by hand?”
I rolled my eyes. “Even then. My arms are so tired.” I pouted. “After we see the professor, can you make me forget my pains?”
Heat flared in Aiden’s eyes. “We have to wait for after?”
“Yes.” I pulled away, afraid that he’d talk me into joining him in a dark corner. “I know he’s in his office right now. Later, who knows where he’ll be. Come on.”
Aiden groaned like a kid who’d had his candy taken away from him, but followed me down the hall, his long legs keeping pace with me easily.
Professor Akhtar’s office door was open, so I knocked on the frame. The man was standing in the middle of the room, staring at the holographic globe in the center. He gestured for us to enter without looking away from the crisscrossing lines. “How are you feeling, Aiden?” he asked.
“Same as ever,” Aiden replied with a sigh. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault. You’ll have another chance in a couple of days. Hopefully, we’ll figure out what’s wrong with your magic before then. Are you tired? Getting enough sleep? Using too much magic?”
“I’m wondering if his spontaneous shifts are draining his reserves,” I said.
Professor Akhtar tilted his head, considering that suggestion. “Possibly. Everyone is feeling strained right now.” He sighed and nodded at the projection of ley lines. “What do you see?”
I knew he was asking for more than the obvious, so I took my time examining the globe of wavy lines. “They’re balanced. One line isn’t stronger than the others.”
“Suppose you have a river.” He snapped his fingers for a name.
“The Nile,” I supplied.
“Good enough. Suppose you have the Nile. It flows into the Mediterranean Sea, and yet it never runs dry. Why is that?”
“Water can’t overfill a container unless there’s a force pushing it to do so, like a faucet,” Aiden said.
“Right. So the Nile always has water.” The professor grimaced. “Other than in drought. Would that be an applicable metaphor here? Are we in a drought of magic?”
My eyebrows rose in surprise. “Drought isn’t instantaneous, though.”
“No, that’s true. But are we certain that this was instantaneous? Not many people were here over the holidays. Perhaps it was gradual.” He shook his head and gestured at the globe again. “The ley lines are interconnected like a series of rivers. There is no basin of power like oceans or seas. They flow into each other equally, in balance. It makes no sense that we would lose them like this.”
“I take it nobody’s had any new theories,” I said sympathetically. “We’ll keep looking.”
“I know you will. We can’t go on like this forever. The academy’s reserves will dry up eventually and will need to be replenished. Another Dark Ages would not be a good thing, and the non-magical beings will be affected as well. The blanket over the forest is working for now, but for how long?” The professor snapped his fingers and the globe collapsed into itself. He turned to Aiden. “I suggest a simpler breathing system than the bottle. Something that won’t explode and won’t take continuous concentration. When we do go to Atlantis, I will support your spell with one of my own, for safety’s sake.”
Aiden flushed. “Thank you. I will try for something simpler.”
When we left the room, Aiden’s hands clenched into fists. “I feel like a child,” he spat. “Like I need to be led, instead of taking charge of myself.”
I took one hand and unfolded it. “Would you be as offended if I was the one helping you?”
“You shouldn’t be using up your magic helping me,” Aiden snapped. “You barely have enough for yourself.”
I drew back, hurt. “I would work around the limitations, maybe take magic from an amulet or something. There are ways, you know.”
“Sorry,” he replied, sheepishly running a hand through his dark hair. “I’m a little on edge.”
“And feeling inadequate,” I added. “You’re not, you know. You’re allowed to ask for help when you need it. You’re also allowed to hate that you need it,” I continued, cutting off his retort. “But maybe don’t make everyone around you feel like shit for trying to help.”
“You’re right.” He sucked in a deep breath. “I should try to control my shift. Can you help me?”
“Always. What do you need?”
“We should probably go to my special room, just in case things get out of hand.”
“Ohhhh,” I drew out the sound. “ That kind of help.” I couldn’t help the teasing smile that curled my lips.
Aiden chuckled. “That wasn’t what I meant.”
I was more than a little disappointed, but rallied myself. “Whatever you need,” I reaffirmed, taking his hand. “Did you want to go over simple underwater breathing spells while you work on your shifting?”
“Maybe once I can shift without exploding.”
I bit back a quip about the double-entendre in his words. “Great.”
We made our way to his secret room near the gym in the basement. I liked coming here; it made me think of our first time when he was shifted and how intensely he had pleasured me.
I took a seat on the workout bench, while Aiden sat cross-legged on the mat in the middle of the room.
He rested his wrists loosely on his knees and took a series of even breaths, centering himself.
I wasn’t sure how I could help him at this point. I didn’t want to interrupt his meditation, but he hadn’t told me how I could be useful to him. It seemed like such a personal journey.
His horns materialized, growing slowly from his forehead, but his fire remained hidden within. I wondered if it was more difficult for him to shift at different times, or if this was another problem that we’d have to address.
“I can hear you thinking,” Aiden said, his eyes still closed. “What’s your question?”
“Is your fire okay?” I blurted out. “Or did you shift only your horns on purpose?”
“This is on purpose. I’m controlling my shift, only letting part of my aspect through at one time,” Aiden said. His tongue flicked out, human shifting into the forked, lengthy demonic tongue that brought me pleasure. “The fire is the hardest part to contain.”
“You’re doing very well so far,” I said. “What’s next?”
“A distraction. See if I can keep just these two parts shifted.”
“Is now the time for us to discuss simple breathing spells?”
Aiden chuckled. “Sure. A light distraction at first would be a good idea.”
“You don’t want me to give you the answer. Let’s get your mind working on the problem.” I thought for a moment on how to phrase my question. “What is a simple spell?”
“One with only one component,” he answered promptly. “A repetitive spell that I’m familiar with, that requires no concentration to upkeep.”
“Can you think of a spell that involves breathing?”
Aiden thought for a moment. “Perhaps a potion? I could make it in advance and get it checked before using it?”
“Sure, but that isn’t a spell, which is the requirement,” I reminded him.
“Right.” Aiden’s tongue flicked the air for a moment. “All right, what about a transfiguration spell? Once one of those is cast, concentration isn’t required to keep it going.”
“That has potential,” I said. “What transfiguration spell are you familiar with that would help you breathe underwater?”
“Nothing big, like gills,” Aiden said thoughtfully. “What about frog skin? It’s permeable. That’s how frogs breathe underwater, isn’t it?”
“Would your fire shifting cause problems with frog skin?” I asked hesitantly. “Fire eats oxygen, and your fire is all over your body.”
“Good question.”
“And is permeable skin going to get enough oxygen to your entire body?” I added.
“That sounds like a math problem,” Aiden said with a grin. “I can do that.”
“Well, you have something to test out.” I shrugged. “Not what I was thinking, but it could be a solution that works for you.”
“If it fails, I’ll try something else.” Aiden got to his feet smoothly and crossed his arms. “Bigger distraction now. I’m feeling confident in my shift.”
“What do you have in mind?” I asked.
“Strip for me,” Aiden ordered. “The time I lose control the most often is when I’m buried inside your tight pussy, so let’s test my control shall we?”
I had started flushing with arousal at the first words out of his mouth, and by the end, I was already wet. “You know how to turn a girl on,” I said somewhat breathlessly.
“Not a girl. You.” Aiden pulled me to my feet and had my shirt unbuttoned before I could blink. “Get a move on, or are you looking for punishments?”
I slipped out of my shirt and skirt willingly, but hesitated playfully. “What kind of punishment are we talking about here? Are you going to spank me?”
A snakelet of fire rippled over Aiden’s chest, but vanished quickly. “You want me to put you over my knee and spank you like the naughty girl you are? Does it make you wet to be punished?”
“Do you think you can hang onto your control long enough?” I sassed.
“That’s it.” Aiden slowly rolled up his shirtsleeves. “You’ve asked for it.”
I shivered in anticipation, goosebumps rising on my bare skin.
“Bend over the bench. Ass in the air,” Aiden ordered. Once I had obeyed, he added, “And I hope you don’t mind, but you’re not going to have underwear for the rest of the day.”
“Wha—” My question ended on a squeak as Aiden ripped the offending garment from my body.
“So wet already,” Aiden said admiringly, stroking his fingers through my lower lips.
He pinched my clit sharply, and I gasped at the pain-pleasure that sang through my body.
“Keep that ass up, so every strike will hit across your pussy as well,” Aiden purred. “I want my paddle to be dripping onto the floor after every hit.”
My thighs trembled at the promise in his voice.
“Do you hear me?” His voice darkened.
“Yes,” I said, proud that I managed to get that out without wavering. “Where are you going to get a paddle?”
“Oh ye of little faith,” Aiden teased. He leaned over my back, his clothing tickling my bare skin and whispered in my ear, “I’ve been preparing to punish you since before the holidays.”
I swallowed back a whimper.
“I made this paddle special, just for you,” he continued, as if he hadn’t made me a mess with just his words. “Nice and wide, with a long, thick handle perfect for gripping. Are you ready to feel it?”
“Yes,” I squeaked.
“Very good.” He placed one hand low on my back, grounding me. “One.” He brought the paddle down, slapping it across my exposed backside. The sound was louder than the bloom of pain, echoing through the room. “Two.” Aiden rested the paddle over my cheeks for a moment, rubbing it over them gently. “No splinters for my girl. It’s as smooth as satin. Spread your legs further.”
I obeyed instantly.
“You open beautifully for me,” Aiden purred, rubbing the edge of the paddle over my slit. “Press back now.” His hand splayed over my skin, pushing me into an arch. “Don’t move. Three.” The paddle struck over my lips, the smack echoed by my squeal. “You’re doing so well,” he said. “Four.”
The wet squelch accompanying the strike had me blushing. I was so turned on, I was leaning into the hits, rather than pulling away from them.
Am I normal?
“Five. You took your punishment so well,” Aiden complimented me. “You deserve a reward.”
I felt something at my entrance, hard and unyielding. But Aiden was still beside me, still wearing his clothing. The pressure continued, slipping easily through my folds thanks to my arousal. It stretched me wide, filling me unendingly.
It took me longer than I’d like to admit to realize that he was fucking me with the handle of the paddle.
“You didn’t seem eager to take me just yet, so this is the next best thing, isn’t it?” Aiden murmured. “Take your pleasure from an inanimate object. Fuck yourself on it, yes, rock your hips, you greedy little slut. It can give you more. Shall I take it out of your cunt and stick it up your ass? Or would you rather have a plug in your ass, stretching you until you’re ready to beg me to take it out and fill you with my hot cum?”
My mind was fuzzy with pleasure. I knew he’d offered me two options, but I couldn’t think beyond reaching the peak of my orgasm. “Aiden,” I groaned. “Take me!”
“I take it that you want the second option.” He chuckled. “That was my preference as well. Relax.”
I felt something else prod at my ass, rocking in circles to ease my tight muscles. The paddle had let up on its never-ending thrusts, but was still inside me, giving me something to clench down on. I took a deep breath and relaxed, and the thing at my ass pushed inside me in a slow stretch before I closed over the end of it.
“Keep that nice and warm for me,” Aiden said, tapping the end with a finger and making it jolt within me. “I’ll take it out after dinner. Now, let’s get you that orgasm.” The paddle picked up speed again, and with the extra weight from the plug in my ass, it took me no time until I came, shaking and crying from the pleasure.
“My good girl,” Aiden crooned, pulling me into his lap before I’d even come down from the high. He pressed kisses to my sweaty forehead and brushed my hair off my face with gentle hands. “You took that so well.”
I cuddled into him, the material from his shirt scratchy against my face. “Are you going to fuck me now? I need you, Aiden.”
“No. We need to get back to my room. Or at least, I do. Moonbeam will be wanting her dinner. You can go get your own dinner in the mess, and I’ll meet you there.”
I pulled back, shocked. “But, what about you?” I pressed my hand against his hard cock, tracing its outline through his pants.
Aiden hissed and closed his eyes, pulling my hand away with one of his. “Later. I promise. Come on, let’s get you dressed.” He lightly slapped my ass, and I jumped.
The plug shifted within me and my eyes widened in understanding and shock. “You’re going to leave this in me?”
Aiden grinned mischievously. “You bet I am.”
“I don’t even have underwear!” I exclaimed, suddenly remembering.
“No, you don’t.” His grin grew. “Put on your short little skirt, babe. I hope it’s long enough that nobody will be able to see you in all your glory.”
I crossed my arms under my breasts huffily. “I might as well wear nothing.”
“Be my guest.” Aiden helped me stand up. “But be warned, if I see your pussy when I come down from feeding my kitten, I will claim it in front of everyone.”
I flushed at the thought. It shouldn’t turn me on that much. “I’ll wear clothes,” I muttered, pulling my shirt on.
“Good girl.” Aiden waited until I was fully dressed, minus one notable exception, before he opened the door to the hidden passage.
“Did you shift at all?” I asked, suddenly remembering the reason we had been in that room in the first place.
“Nope.” Smugness came off Aiden in waves.
“Good.”
I decided to join him in feeding dinner to Moonbeam, not wanting to be alone in the mess in my heightened state of arousal. I considered seducing him once we reached his room.
However, when we got there, the door was open, and Moonbeam was missing!