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#21 Stoking the Embers
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
A Werewolf for the Witch #22 Mercurial Moods
AvaleaI'm digging my nails into my palms and biting my lips to stop myself from calling Aldrich's name.Don't go! I shout in my head as he steps outside.What sort of danger is out there? What if something happens to him?No!I won't let anything happen to him. I can't remain here like a helpless damsel when he's out there facing danger.I get to my feet and center my breath. It takes some doing as I was moments away from… something… when Aldrich's attention was focused on me in that intense, toe-curling way. His kisses, his words, his touch… it was driving me out of my mind. I was on the verge of giving in before we were interrupted.Despite the possibility of danger, a part of me is slightly disappointed that we were interrupted, and another part is hugely relieved.Shaking my head, I try to clear all wayward thoughts.Closing my eyes, I summon every defensive spell I know to the forefront. It isn't a whole lot, but I know I'll be able to aid Aldrich at least a little.At this mome
A Werewolf for the Witch #23 No Regrets
AldrichI look at Ava over my shoulder as I strip out of my clothes. She still has her back turned to me. I curse myself for pulling that trick on her, but if I had to do it again, I probably would.She needed to be raging mad to throw that kind of power at me. I knew without a shadow of doubt that she wouldn't harm me, no matter how mad she was, but if it was an enemy, she wouldn't have held back. I don’t know how I know it, I just do. Our mate can never harm us, my wolf says from inside me. He’s clearly losing his mind. I ignore him. The sooner he lets go of this notion that Ava is our fated mate, the better it is for both of us.I know she’s more powerful than she believes herself to be, because in my wolf form, I can sense the tremendously strong pulsations of power thrumming inside her. We might not have magic, but our senses are highly evolved.I won't be doing anything like this again, but this one time, I believe it was essential. I saw an opportunity, and took it. It was mor
A Werewolf for the Witch #24 Triumphs and Doubts
AvaleaWhen I wake up, bright daylight is flooding in through the wall I demolished yesterday. And Aldrich isn’t around. Disappointment stabs at me. I was angry with him yesterday, but I wish we’d had a chance to talk things over this morning. He probably had to leave early because of his work; probably left without waking me up so as to not disturb me. I’m touched by his thoughtfulness, but still disappointed nonetheless. I really wish I had been able to talk to him this morning.I tell myself he will come back in the evening, but the thought of spending the entire day without him, with only my thoughts to keep me company doesn't help my mood.Shaking the melancholy away, I sit up, pulling the rug close to me. There’s plenty of other things to think about. There’s plans to be made. I’m only temporarily seeking shelter with Aldrich. Temporarily. I have to remember that. My primary purpose right now isn’t to develop a friendship with him, but to heal, to get better, and go to Uncle Hor
A Werewolf for the Witch #25 New Dangers
AldrichI push open the door of my hovel slowly, not wanting to disturb Roark in case he is already back. It is unlikely, but I’m being cautious, just in case. I’m relieved to find the hovel empty. I quickly put the last of our bread and cheese in the wicker basket. Roark is bound to question me over it. I’ll have to come up with a convincing excuse. I hate lying to Roark. Hunger is gnawing at me. Shapeshifting requires a lot of energy, and since yesterday, I have shifted multiple times, but I have not replenished the fuel I used up. It’s still quite early, so the communal kitchen won’t be open yet.I look at the position of the sun in the sky, trying to determine if I will have enough time left for breakfast after I make my way back to the hut with food and water for Ava. Probably not.I rub my temples, knowing this constant back-and-forth will weaken me and make me lose my muscle bulk rapidly. If that happens, I might potentially have trouble shifting into my wolf form.But it is
A Werewolf for the Witch #26 Turmoil
AvaleaI’m unable to stop my emotions from spiraling as I head back to the hut. The more I think about it, the more convinced I become that I have caused something sacred to break by not upholding the law of the land. I have blatantly broken the rules.Both Ann and I questioned some of the laws when our tutor taught them to us, but not forcefully enough. The explanation for our questions was: that is the Altairain way, which wasn’t much of an explanation at all.The circumstances after Father’s assassination were such that disregarding the rules was essential for survival. But others I have willingly broken: not just conversing because it was necessary, but bantering with Aldrich, kissing him, lying on the same bed as him. Wanting him to kiss me, and do much more to me than just kissing. My breathing quickens as my thoughts invariably go to the sultry, seductive words he spoke when I tried to lay down some ground rules. The image that formed in my mind after hearing his words is deep
A Werewolf for the Witch #27 Old Friendships
AldrichI make it just in time for breakfast. On my way back, I simply could not shake off the feeling that something bad was about to happen. I felt like there were eyes on me all the time. That scent… The familiarity of it sends shivers down my spine.I succeeded in avoiding most of my pack until I was almost out of the forest, but towards the very end, I met Tabah, Kimur’s younger brother. Tabah is a spy employed by the Council. He spends much of his time on missions in other kingdoms. Tabah told me he got back to Vega only last night. The Council has apparently recalled all their best spies to the capital to track down the princesses. It is redoubling its efforts in trying to track down the princesses. My only thought was we’ll now be assaulted from both sides: my pack as well as the Council. Werewolves have a keen sense of smell and are excellent trackers; that coupled with Council’s resources means we have zero chances of remaining hidden for too long.As we headed toward th
A Werewolf for the Witch #28 Defenses and Forbidden Rituals
AvaleaI would have loved to spend the day practicing my magic, but those eyes… I shiver when I think of those eyes. There was only one thing to do after seeing those eyes keeping a watch on me. I had to place defensive spells around the hut, the path to the privy, and the actual privy itself. Since I have received at least some kind of defensive magical education, placing the protective spells around the area was relatively simple. The protection is still basic, and given that the assassins breached the much stronger defenses of the palace, the hut is still vulnerable, but it is better than nothing. Given time, I might be able to strengthen these defenses in the ‘right way’, the ‘legal way’. And time is not something we have.Besides, using strong protective magic presents another kind of danger. It invariably leaves a trail that other magical beings with certain skills can detect. The Werewolves, with their acute sense of smell, are already trying to track down Ann and I. I don’
A Werewolf for the Witch #29 Kisses
AldrichHow can I refuse? Besides, it feels fucking good to hold Ava in my arms, to feel her lips on mine after the day I’ve had. She wants me to kiss her like I’m her lover? I’m only too glad to oblige. “Is this really what you want?”“Yes.” Her reply is immediate, without hesitation.With one hand on her waist, I hold her tight and pull her flush to me so that every soft curve of her body is molded to mine. My other hand travels up her side, brushing her breast with my fingertips before moving up her collarbone, over to the base of her neck. My thumb draws circles at the hollow between her clavicles. The pale, almost translucent skin of her neck looks so inviting. I’m tempted to sink my teeth into her delicate skin. Spearing my fingers through her disheveled braid, I yank her head back, exposing more of her slender neck to my gaze. She gasps out loud, her pupils dilating. I can smell her arousal as well as her fear. The scent of her arousal is far more potent than that of her fear
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A Werewolf for the Witch #42 Pleasure Beyond Measure
AvaleaDid Aldrich actually bite me? It hurts, but the pain feels so good. Why does it feel so good? I want more of it, more of him, more of everything. Something tells me he hasn’t even begun to pleasure me yet. Even then, I’m nearly out of my mind. I’m writhing underneath him, craving for him to make me his.He scrapes his teeth over my collarbone again, moving down, down, down. His face is nestled between my breasts. From there, he looks up, his eyes boring into me. I see the wolf inside him so clearly. It sends a fresh thunderbolt of desire right down to my core.The tight nub hidden between the folds of my sex is throbbing in earnest, begging for his touch. But Aldrich is taking his time. I want to urge him to hurry up. Something tells me he will not heed my words.His tongue darts out, circling one pebbled peak. I arch my back, begging for more. When his lips close around my nipple, I cry out his name, my hands pulling his head closer to my breast greedily. With his other hand
A Werewolf for the Witch #41 Taste of Love
AldrichI cannot believe my ears. I cannot believe what I’m about to do next.Walking into the hut and seeing Ava naked–it blew my mind. She is exquisite. I knew she was beautiful, but she is beyond beautiful. She’s ethereal. Her skin is so soft, so delicate underneath my rough hands. I fear merely touching her will leave marks. But I want to mark her, want to make her mine. I want to bite the tender flesh at the junction of her neck and shoulder, right next to her collarbone where I can see her pulse racing. My wolf is dying to be unleashed. He wants to taste her too. He wants her to be ours.I tell him it cannot happen. She can never be truly ours. The huge chasm between us because of the circumstances of our birth can never be overcome.But at this moment, I have her. That has to be enough.I smoothen out the animal-skin rug on the pallet. It is dusty from our adventure last night, and I hesitate to lower Ava on it. She’s a princess, used to all sorts of riches. I wish I could
A Werewolf for the Witch #40 A New Kind of Magic
AvaleaSomething has changed between Aldrich and I. I felt it in that stunned look he gave me when I came out of the privy, and I can feel it now, the minute he walked into the hut.He’s avoiding my gaze and looking in my direction all too much.“Is everything alright?” “Yes. Sure. Why shouldn’t it be?”Why is his voice strangely high-pitched? He is behaving really oddly. “I’ll clean the hare outside. Wouldn’t want to get it all bloody and messy here.”“I can…”He steps out.“... clean it up.”Well, that was interesting. I’ll talk to him later, when he’s ready. Meanwhile, I have a ritual to prepare for. The Blood Ritual demands that one be pure, physically and mentally. I have to cleanse. I wish I could have a real soak in a steaming tub of hot water. Unfortunately, that’s not a luxury we have. But I have my magic. I hug my middle, a huge smile on my face. I have been feeling so invincible in my own power lately. To think I was only restricting myself to what the Council allowed.
A Werewolf for the Witch #39 Stunning Realization
AldrichLast night after our little chat, we slept in each others’ arms, just holding each other.I woke up earlier than Ava, before sunrise. It feels wonderful to wake up next to her, without having to worry about rushing back to the pack. I could get used to this. With a silent sigh, I force myself to move past this feeling. Ava and I are worlds apart. It’s never going to work between us. I need to keep reminding myself that.I have been given the privilege of keeping her safe—for a short duration of time. A very short duration. No long-term plans. We just need to focus on getting through the day unharmed.For now, I need to get us food and water. There are some essentials that I brought with me yesterday: dried meat and hard flour biscuits. Both of those things taste only a little better than dirt, but they’ll help us survive if going out becomes impossible. With so many enemies after us, that time might come sooner than I expected. We are under threat from three different fronts
A Werewolf for the Witch #38 Who is a Friend and Who is a Foe?
AvaleaMy hands fly to my mouth and my eyes widen. He saw me in the trees? “How is that even possible?”Aldrich leans against the pallet, weariness etched over his face.“I thought you’d be able to tell me.”I shake my head, too shocked to speak. “Is it possible though?” He’s thinking out loud, and since my brain is still processing the shock, I do not immediately understand what he’s asking.“Is what possible?”“To have somebody impersonate you? Magically?”My brows knit as I rub a finger to my temple. “Not by using the ‘permitted’ forms of magic.”“But it is possible?”If somebody is impersonating me magically, it cannot be good. Only by using the most taboo, most forbidden forms of magic can somebody impersonate another person. And only the most powerful of witches or wizards can even generate the required magical energy. Also, there’s another important prerequisite.“It’s taboo to impersonate another person, though it is possible. But to impersonate me, this person would need m
A Werewolf for the Witch #37 Making Sense of the Impossible
AvaleaWhat did I just experience? The dry, factual description of an orgasm I’d read in the Council-approved scientific books can’t even be compared to what I just felt at Aldrich’s hands.I was born with magical blood, I practice magic every day, but this… this goes beyond magic. He incinerated me, annihilated me, destroyed me in the best possible way. I don’t have the energy to even lift a finger, but at the same time, I’m feeling so alive.Underneath all that, there’s also a tiny tinge of embarrassment. Aldrich’s hands were on my… I close my eyes and hide my face in the crook of his neck. I can’t help the smile from blossoming on my lips, however. His finger is still buried inside me.By the Goddess, this is what heaven must feel like. He pulls out his finger slowly, then pulls up my breeches and fastens them in place. Holding me close, he drops a kiss on my forehead.I peek at him through my lashes. His eyes are blazing with naked, unbridled lust. How can something that feels
A Werewolf for the Witch #36 Sex Creates Magic
Aldrich "An orgasm?" I ask, almost too shocked to even string these two words together. Ava is avoiding my eyes, staring resolutely at her toes. If it wasn't for her acute embarrassment, I would have thought she was joking. She looks adorable when her cheeks are flaming red. Placing two fingers underneath her chin, I lift it up, a tender smile curving my lips. "Hey. It's okay. We’re friends, aren’t we? You can tell me anything." As our eyes lock, her embarrassment dissipates. I press a kiss to her forehead and help her down to the ground so we are hidden by a large boulder, at least from one side. For a few seconds, I force my senses to attune to everything around me. I can't hear anything in the immediate vicinity, and I can sense no danger. Somebody led Sarah away from Ava and I. I thought I caught a glimpse of who it was, but what I saw makes absolutely no sense. Unless there was very powerful magic involved. Was Ava creating illusions unknowingly with her magic? I know
A Werewolf for the Witch #35 Darkness and Dark Energy
AvaleaI’m lost in my own head plotting the Skycharts when Aldrich shifts back into his human form. I’m about to yelp when his hand covers my mouth. He puts his finger to his lips, telling me to remain quiet. My eyes are wide and my breathing ragged. He doesn’t have to tell me he has sensed danger. I can see it in every taut line on his face, every hard angle of his body.He leans down until his lips are touching my ear.“We need that Cloak. Now.”I begin to object. Not enough time has elapsed before I can even attempt to tap into the Darkness inside me.“Now,” he says in a tone that doesn’t leave any scope for argument.I nod, conveying I understand.It’s difficult to focus with my heart hammering. I look into his eyes and force myself to be calm as I shift my focus from one form of magic to another that’s drastically different. My power gathers around my heart. I send tendrils of it down the blood in my veins, seeking the Darkness within. It’s there, but it’s depleted.I send a pray
A Werewolf for the Witch #34 Skycharts and Stargazing
AldrichIn my wolf form, all my senses are hyper acute. Needless to say, Princess Avalea's caress was pure torture. I must tell her, or better still, show her just how her little touches make me feel. I feel her hand on my neck as we step out of the hut cautiously. We come to a standstill right outside the door, listening. From the rustling of leaves, the snapping of twigs, the growls and the howls in the distance, I'm able to discern with a reasonable certainty that there are at least ten Werewolves within a five-mile radius, but they're all quite far from the hut. However, to get to the hillock, we will be passing pretty close to at least two of them. I wait while Ava closes her eyes and mutters a strange-sounding incantation under her breath. I feel something incredibly soft and light wrap around us. It feels as if I'm looking at the world through a thin veil. It doesn't hamper my vision in any manner. It just feels… different. "We'll walk to the very edge of the perimeter of
