Chapter 6 #3
“Ah, the truth surfaces—my partner's not a morning person with a hint of temper. Well, you're the one keen on the market, not I. I'm ready whenever you are. Coffee awaits to rouse my sleepyhead,” Krevan declared, his voice booming playfully. Ancelin sighed, sitting up reluctantly.
She shivered and pulled the blanket tighter around her shoulders. "It's freezing in here." Her eyes caught the lamp light as she looked up at him, the amber flecks in her green irises suddenly visible.
“Indeed. Winter is on its way; it’ll probably snow in four weeks. Verrian's weather is unpredictable, and it changes quickly. We have a busy day, so rise and shine. And remember, a visit to the clinic might be wise unless you're racing to parenthood,” Krevan reminded.
Ancelin groaned once more. “It's so early, Krevan. And we've been... carefree without birth control,” she pouted, her voice trailing off.
"That's true. We could have a little Vallex running around soon," Krevan said, his eyes crinkling as he pressed a lingering kiss to her pouting lips. "But first, Silos awaits. Remember that picnic spot you wanted to find?" He scooped her up with exaggerated effort, making her squeal.
"Put me down, you giant," Ancelin laughed, playfully batting at his shoulders. "I'll be ready in fifteen minutes, I promise."
"Ten," he countered, setting her down with a flourish.
"Fifteen," she insisted, tapping his chest with one finger. "Some of us need time to look presentable, Krevan Vallex."
"You're already perfect," he whispered against her hair.
Ancelin hummed under the hot spray of the shower, then twirled in front of the mirror as she pulled on her favorite sweater.
She tucked a pair of pants into her bag "just in case," though she secretly hoped Krevan might notice her bare legs beneath the swishing skirt.
Counting out Common currency for the market, she playfully flipped a coin and caught it mid-air, then blew it a kiss before dropping it into her purse alongside her identi-card.
She practically danced down the stairs, where Krevan waited with her coffee prepared exactly how she liked it—the cup warm against her fingers as his smile warmed her heart.
"Here you go, my dear. You can rest in the car while I drive. I've loaded the food you prepared into the vehicle and picked up the blankets you left on the table. Did I miss anything?"
“No, I think that's everything. Krevan, since this area is so unsafe, perhaps you should hold most of my Common currency. I'll keep just a small amount with me.”
She pressed a thick stack of Common bills into his palm. Krevan's eyes widened as he thumbed through the bundle.
"This is... substantial. More than a year's wages for most locals." His gaze sharpened. "You carried this to Verrian?”
Ancelin sipped her coffee, avoiding his eyes.
"Cash comes in handy. You never know." “Ancelin, I have enough money for our needs.
Go put your money back and don't carry this much with you anywhere.
I'll handle the purchases. Do you understand? You definitely need protection,” Krevan insisted firmly, leaving no room for disagreement.
He walked away, shaking his head as if amazed by her innocence.
Ancelin lifted her chin. "On Earth, that's not that much.”
"We're not on Earth," Krevan said, his voice tight. "And this isn't your family's affluent community."
"I need that money." Ancelin quickened her pace to keep up with his longer strides.
"There might be gemstones at the market for my jewelry designs.
And I want to get something special for Kellie's baby.
Plus, some special cooking provisions." Her fingers brushed his arm. "I can pay my own way, Krevan."
"Ancelin, hand me the money, I'll handle it. Get into the black vehicle; I've prepared that one for the trip. I'll be out shortly. I'm going to put the money away. I'll buy everything for you. I'm a wealthy man, and I'll take care of it. You're my wife and mate."
"We both know I'm not really your wife," Ancelin replied, hands on her hips, her voice rising.
"Oh yes, you are." Krevan stepped closer, his eyes flashed silver, catching the light.
"You announced it publicly, confirmed it with Derrick and Kellie.
I went along with it too. On Verrian, that's binding.
" His voice dropped lower. "And being my mate means far more than just being my wife.
Now please go to the vehicle." The command in his tone would have frightened her if she didn't know how he treasured her.
Instead, Ancelin spun around and marched to the garage, deciding to let him have this one.
Let him spend his money. The wife-subject could wait.
The garage door slid upward, unveiling a wall of darkness. A gust of frigid air carried the scent of evergreens and a chilly edge into the vehicle. As they eased onto the non-existent road, the door descended behind them, sealing off the light.
"The headlights?" Ancelin asked, peering into the impenetrable black.
"Not necessary," Krevan murmured, yet flicked them on anyway.
"Sleep now. The sunrise will be our alarm for breakfast." His palm settled on her leg, warm through the fabric.
Ancelin retrieved the blanket from behind them and nestled against the passenger door.
Sleep claimed her almost instantly—that strange, complete surrender she only experienced in Krevan's presence, a bottomless rest without dreams or fears that continued to baffle her.
Krevan drove until the sun was high in the sky.
The temperature outside had become more pleasant.
He parked near a cluster of trees, where the warm season still lingered, making the landscape lush and green.
Ancelin remained asleep, showing no signs of waking.
Krevan laid out the other blanket on the ground beside the vehicle and gathered the box of food Ancelin had prepared.
After setting everything up, he returned to the vehicle to wake Ancelin.
"Ancelin, wake up. I've got our picnic ready.
I'm starving," he said, gently running his hand over her head and through her long, silky auburn hair.
He admired how her hair framed her face, enjoying the silky strands especially when they were intimate.
Watching her sleep, he noticed her delicate and perfect features.
Her lips were full and inviting, and he longed to kiss them.
The morning sunlight highlighted her flawless, light golden complexion.
Ancelin slowly awoke, looking at him with wide, sleepy eyes.
"Did you get everything?" she asked.
"Yes, my sweet girl. I believe so," he replied. “It’s all ready for us to enjoy.”
Ancelin pushed her door open, and Krevan was suddenly there, offering his hand.
She noticed her pulse quickened only slightly this time—she was getting used to how he moved so silently.
Stepping into the sunshine, she felt warmth spread across her face and arms. "The temperature's perfect," she said, surveying the lush green meadow surrounding them.
"It's as if someone designed this clearing especially for our picnic. "
Krevan studied her face, his gaze intent.
"Enjoy this while it lasts," he murmured.
"Winter arrives suddenly here—nights that freeze your breath, mornings that bite through layers.
" His fingertips grazed against hers. "Our weather doesn't transition gently.
It shifts with the temperament of a wild thing—fierce one moment, destructive the next. That's what breeds the tornadoes."
They ate in companionable silence, savoring the meal Ancelin had prepared.
When the last bite was gone, she found herself inching toward him across the blanket.
Krevan noticed and reached for her, drawing her into his lap with one fluid motion.
Ancelin nestled against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her cheek.
"Krevan," she whispered, her voice catching slightly, "I'm not sure I could have survived here without you. "
Wrapping his arms around her, he held her close and kissed the side of her neck where it met her shoulder.
Ancelin melted against him with a soft sigh, her body responding to his touch as naturally as flowers turn toward sunlight.
The warmth of his body enveloped her, his unique scent—like cedar and starlight—filling her senses.
"Ancelin," Krevan whispered against her skin, his voice thick with longing, "I need you.
Here, now, under this open sky." His hands trembled slightly as he guided her beside him on the blanket, his eyes never leaving hers.
As clothing gave way to heated skin, Ancelin's heart raced with anticipation.
The distinctive ridges along his arousal fascinated her as she explored him with reverent touches and tender kisses.
"You're everything," he breathed as she took him into her mouth, her auburn hair cascading around them like a silken curtain.
His pleasure became hers, each gasp and shudder between them a shared secret language.
When his release came, it was with her name on his lips like a prayer.
Afterward, he cradled her face between his hands, pressing his forehead to hers before laying her gently back onto their blanket.
In his haste to continue their passionate union, her delicate undergarments tore beneath his fingers.
"Oh," Ancelin laughed softly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I didn’t bring extra underwear."
"Then I'll keep you here forever," Krevan murmured against her lips.
"The taste of you,” she whispered, her voice catching, "it's everywhere in me now."