Epilogue
Five years later
Lillian
I was exhausted, but my heart was full of joy—a frequent state of being these days—as I closed the door to the main room of the cottage, where our sons were settling into sleep, and backed into the little additional bedroom we’d built along the back wall.
“Did they obey your commands?” Kragon’s arms snaked around my middle and his lips brushed my temple. “I cannae imagine how they have any energy left.”
Chuckling, I tipped my head to one side so he could kiss the delightful spot beneath my ear.
“I wish I could command them to sleep. ‘Twould be far easier handling the twins, at least. Your sons are hellions.”
“My sons?” His indignant tone matched the way he turned me in his arms so he could glare down at me. “As if they didnae get any of that sass from their mother?”
I giggled at his incredulous expression and poked him in the side until he loosened his hold.
“Dagnor got into Nan’s sweetened elderberry syrup today—you know, the one she drizzled over the snowballs yesterday for the bairns?” I slipped out of his arms and reached up to untie my braids. “And he shared it with all the lads. We had to take them to the hot springs to clean up.”
“Sounds exhausting,” he rumbled, stepping up behind me to help, so I could focus on my bodice ties. “After yer family leaves tomorrow, I’ll take ye to the hot springs to relax a bit.”
Knowing well and good what kind of relaxing Kragorn had in mind, I sighed happily.
“Aye, I’d like that.”
This midwinter marked the fifth year since I’d crossed into the orcs’ world, and the fourth year of our new family tradition.
Each Hogmanay, we met with my sisters at either Bladesedge or Bloodfire, and the celebrations nearly rivaled the Midwinter’s Feast. My clan had come to enjoy the years Sorcha, Roxanna, and their Mates joined us here as a chance to host powerful allies.
This year, even the Stormseeker and his new Mate attended!
But mostly, ‘twas a chance for the bairns to play with cousins and friends. Our eldest, Dagnor, was likely conceived our first night together. The twins came a year and a half later, and the three of them were a force to be reckoned with. Kragorn still wanted a daughter, and I’ll admit that after cuddling with Effie’s youngest on this visit, I would like that too.
My friends and family here at Bloodfire Village always enjoyed the festivities as well. My sisters had become friends with Isadora, Verna, Maya and Avaleen, and we all cherished the time we got to spend together…even if ‘twas a little chaotic with all the kitlings.
Maya and Vartok had recently welcomed a strapping lad—their first—and Vartok was still proudly marching about, displaying his son as if wee Gartaak was the first baby to have ever been born.
Maya’s sister Avaleen had twin lads who were a little younger than ours, and of course Ella ruled over all the younger bairns.
Isadora and Verna each had two sons, and the lads were close enough to be considered cousins.
From the way Isadora was glowing lately, I wouldn’t be surprised if she was expecting again.
Aye, we always had a wonderful time together, and my heart was full of so much love.
Here in Bloodfire Village, I’d found a place to belong with close friends…and I’d been lucky enough to maintain a closeness with my sisters and cousin. Father had not returned to the orcs’ world, but Sorcha occasionally visited him, so we passed news back and forth through her.
And soon my clan would begin preparations for the planting season and the new year.
I sighed again and leaned into my Mate’s arms as he lifted my gown over my head. His lips dropped to my shoulder and I hummed happily.
Even five years—and three children—later, Kragorn’s touch fired my blood.
“The hot springs sound nice,” I murmured, turning in his hold to reach for his belt. “But surely there’s something I could do here and now to relax?”
His chest rumbled as his hands skimmed my skin, and I worked to release his kilt.
“Aye, my wee human? Ye want to put me to work pleasing ye already?”
I peeked up at him with a wicked grin as his kilt fell open.
“I thought mayhap I could please you.”
“Dinnae fash,” he scoffed, scooping me into his arms. “’Tis my responsibility to please ye, lass.”
His lips found my jaw, and as I wriggled against him, the rest of his kilt fell away and my skin pressed against his.
“And I think ye deserve all sorts of pleasure.”
“’Tis true,” I sighed. “I have been a verra good lass.”
His chuckle warmed me as much as his hands and lips did.
Kragorn’s hands caressed my body with a reverence that always made me feel cherished.
His touch was gentle yet possessive, tracing familiar paths over my skin as if it were a sacred ground.
I sighed into his embrace, allowing myself to melt against him, my fingers playing with the loose strands of his hair.
I no longer saw his scars or his dead eye, courtesy of my father. Those things weren’t Kragorn, any more than my twisted foot defined me. Kragorn was strong and noble and wise and—most importantly—mine.
His lips moved from my jaw to my neck, leaving a trail of soft kisses that sent shivers down my spine. I could feel the warmth of his breath, the slight scrape of his tusks against my sensitive skin, and it was a delicious contrast to the tenderness of his touch.
Suddenly, swiftly, he scooped me up into his arms and carried me to our bed.
Once such a motion would have surprised me, causing me to gasp.
Now I just chuckled low and pressed trustingly against him.
The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the candles casting dancing shadows on the walls.
I wrapped my arms around his neck, pressing my cheek against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart.
He lay me down gently on the bed, his gaze never leaving mine. The look in his eye was one of pure adoration and desire, and it sent a rush of heat through my veins. His hands began to explore my body once more, cupping my breasts, thumbing my nipples until they hardened beneath his touch.
“Ye are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen, my wee Mate,” he murmured, his voice a deep rumble that echoed through me. “Every inch of ye, every curve, is mine to cherish and worship.”
His lips followed the path of his hands, kissing every inch of skin as if it were precious. He trailed kisses down my body, whispering words of praise and love. Each touch, each word, sent waves of satisfaction through me, stoking the fire within.
When he reached the apex of my thighs, he paused, looking up at me with a wicked smile.
“Spread these legs for me, love,” he commanded softly, his hands gripping my thighs.
I allowed him to push my legs apart, feeling exposed just as I had been that first time, five years ago, the night Dragnor was conceived.
Just like that night, the sensation of vulnerability sent a spike of excitement through me and my breath quickened.
Kragorn’s grip on my thighs was firm, holding me open as if I were on display for him alone.
Then he lowered his mouth.
“Ye taste like the sweetest honey, love,” Kragorn growled, his tongue circling my sensitive bud with a skill honed over years of loving me.
I gasped, my hips bucking against his mouth as the pressure built.
His grip on my thighs tightened, holding me in place as he feasted on me, his tongue and lips working in tandem to drive me wild.
“Kragorn,” I moaned, my fingers tangling in his hair, pulling him closer as I ground my hips against his face.
His name on my lips was a plea, a prayer, a promise.
He knew my body better than I did, knew how to play it like a finely tuned instrument.
Each stroke of his tongue, each nip of his teeth, sent me spiraling closer to the edge.
“That’s it, my wee human,” he murmured against my flesh, his voice vibrating through me. “Ride my tongue, take yer pleasure from me.” His words were crude, filthy, and I loved them.
His tongue delved deeper, his ridges adding an extra layer of sensation that had me gasping.
I could feel my orgasm building, a storm on the horizon, ready to consume me.
And then, just as I was about to tumble over the edge, he slid two thick fingers inside me, curling them to hit that spot that made me whimper.
“Come for me, love,” he commanded, his voice rough with need. “Let me taste yer release.”
And I did. With a cry that echoed through the room, before I slapped my hand over my mouth, I came undone, my body convulsing as waves of pleasure crashed over me.
Kragorn never stopped, his tongue and fingers working me through my orgasm, drawing out every last drop of pleasure as I writhed and bucked and moaned against my palm, hoping not to wake our lads in the next room.
My Mate knew me well enough to know my fear. He was chuckling when he lifted himself—his jaw shining obscenely with my release—and wrapped his fingers around my wrist to pull my hand away from my mouth.
“Our sons are tired enough to sleep through any sound their mother might make,” he explained, pulling me toward the edge of the bed so he could settle between my quivering thighs. “Dinnae deprive me of the sound of my Mate’s pleasure.”
I couldn’t think coherently enough to answer him, truth be told. Instead, I wound my fingers through his as he braced himself on either side of my head, the tip of his ridged cock probing at my entrance. My breathing was already erratic in anticipation—
And then he slid into me, and I gasped and arched my back as my second orgasm rolled over me.
Five years of making love to Kragorn, and I didn’t think I’d ever get used to this sensation of the instant climax. I loved it—sometimes I thought ‘twas my favorite part of the entire affair.
But then he began to move, sliding those ridges gently in and out of me, and I changed my mind about the favorite part.
Kragorn moved slowly, deliberately, each thrust a testament to his love and reverence. I could feel every ridge of his cock as he slid in and out of me, my folds still trembling from my most recent release.
This was more than just passion; it was a connection that ran soul-deep, a dance that only we knew the steps to.
His gaze held mine, his one good eye filled with so much emotion it made my heart ache. I reached up with my free hand, cupping his scarred cheek, my thumb brushing gently over the rough skin. He turned his face into my touch, his lips pressing a soft kiss to my palm.
The pace was languid, each roll of his hips a wave of pleasure that built upon the last. I wrapped my legs around him, pulling him closer, wanting to feel every inch of him against me. His skin was hot, his muscles taut under my fingers as I explored the broad expanse of his back.
"My dkaar," he murmured, his breath warm on my face. "My heart, my soul. Ye have given me everything I never knew I wanted."
His words sent a surge of emotion through me, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes.
"And you have given me a home, a place, a love I never dared to dream of," I whispered back, my voice choked with unshed tears.
He smiled, a soft, sweet smile that was at odds with the fierce warrior I knew him to be. But this was who he was with me, who we were together. This was our sanctuary, our haven.
But the gentleness couldn't last forever. Not with the heat building between us, not with the primitive, primal need that clawed at our bodies. I could see the strain in his eye, the tension in his jaw. He was holding back, waiting for me.
"Kragorn," I whispered, my voice a plea. "Let go. Lose control."
A growl rumbled in his chest, a sound that sent shivers down my spine.
"Ye sure, love?" he grated, his voice raw with need.
I tightened my legs around him, my heels digging into his back.
"I want all of you, Kragorn. Always."
With a groan, he surrendered, his control snapping like a too-taut rope.
His hips moved faster, his thrusts harder, more urgent.
Each movement drove me higher, the sensation of his ridges rubbing against my inner walls sending jolts of pleasure through my already pleasure-dazed limbs.
I clung to him, my nails digging into his back, my legs wrapped tight around his waist.
"That's it, love," he growled, his voice rough with desire. "Take all of me. Feel me, Lillian."
I could feel him, every inch of him, every ridge, every vein. His cock filled me completely, stretching me, claiming me. I gasped, my breath coming in short, sharp pants as the intensity of our lovemaking consumed me.
"Kragorn," I moaned, my voice a desperate cry. "Please…"
"What do ye want, love?" he rasped, his gaze fierce. "Tell me, and ‘tis yers."
"I want... I want to scream," I admitted, my voice barely a whisper.
A wicked grin spread across his face, his tusks gleaming in the soft light.
"Then scream for me, Lillian. Let me hear ye."
He leaned down, his teeth sinking into the tender flesh of my shoulder, the way he had all those years ago in the hot springs. And just as then, tonight the sharp pain mixed with the overwhelming pleasure, pushing me over the edge.
“Kragorn!” I screamed, his name a cry of ecstasy on my lips as my orgasm ripped through me.
My Mate groaned, his body tensing as he found his own release. His cock pulsed within me, his seed spilling deep as he rode out the waves of pleasure with me. We clung to each other, our bodies slick with sweat, our hearts pounding in unison.
As the last of our orgasms faded, Kragorn released my shoulder, his tongue lapping gently at the mark he'd left. He rolled us over, pulling me onto his chest, his arms wrapping tightly around me. I could feel his heartbeat, the steady rhythm a soothing lullaby.
"I love ye, Mate," he murmured, his voice soft with emotion. "More than aught in this world."
I smiled, pressing a soft kiss to his chest.
"And I love you, Kragorn. Always."
“Forever,” he whispered in the darkness.
“Forever,” I agreed, and I knew ‘twas truer than aught else in my life. I’d been brave enough to fight for this new life, and now I had everything I never dared to dream for: children, a cozy home, a place to belong…and my Mate.