He held onto me for dear life, like a man stranded in the middle of the ocean with nothing more than a makeshift raft keeping him afloat.I was what he needed—what he’d been waiting so painfully long for, the thing that kept his head above the waves, and allowed him his first breath of fresh air.With his forehead pressed against my own, and our chests rising and falling in sync, he smiled. It was full of joy and anguish, dripping with awe so pure that I wanted to freeze this moment and cement it deep within my memory.Never would I forget the way he looked at me, like I were the Moon Goddess herself fallen from the sky, and never would I forget the sweet words he whispered before he claimed my lips with a hunger that would rival my own.“I have wanted many things in my long life, darling, but you are the only thing I would die without.”I understood now why Dain had regretted not marking me sooner, before the Bull managed to slip into my thoughts. Nothing bad or evil could exist with
So, this is what it felt like to be a Queen.The feeling that spread through my limbs, gifting me an addictive sense of power that went straight to my head, had nothing to do with ruling an entire land of people, or enacting laws that would spread change like the currents of a rippling tide.It came from the King whose legs I knelt in between, the one losing every ounce of his sanity from something as simple as my lips wrapped around his cock.Even as tears sprung to my eyes and dribbled down my cheeks from the ferocity of his thrusts, I knew I’d never have enough of this. The burn in my throat was a dull pain, nothing in comparison to the pleasure that tickled every nerve ending, both his and my own.His large hands were tangled in my hair, holding my face still as he used those powerful thighs of his to thrust himself into my mouth. There wasn’t a single complaint he made. Even when my teeth lightly grazed his silky skin, he gave no reaction. Well, not one that would indicate pain.
Even with his husky command, I couldn’t seem to move.“My fiery little mate feeling shy? Oh no, that can’t do.”Dain’s laughter was warm, but only lasted a few short seconds before he placed his hands beneath my thighs and lifted me off his chest. I had no choice but to hold onto the headboard as he put me in the position he wanted. Bent at the knee’s, my thighs rested on either side of his head, while the most private part of myself hovered inches above his mouth.Feeling his heavy breaths hit my panties, I began to tremble.He made a sound of pure satisfaction deep in his throat, and much to my absolute horror, I swore I heard him inhale deeply. There was nothing rushed about the way he touched and teased me, dragging his fingers along the curve of my ass and down my thighs.“I can’t tell you how much I’ve thought about this moment, how much I’ve anticipated it.” He purred, his eyes twinkling as they peered up at me from between my legs. “I knew the moment you gave me that first tas
Seconds was all it took for him to undo my bra and toss it across the room.The crisp air that rustled the gossamer curtains, floating inside from the balcony, stiffened my nipples into rigid peaks. Its chill was chased away by the heat of Dain’s mouth as he took one in between his lips and licked hungrily.With glazed eyes shimmering with need and adoration, his hands roamed every inch of my bare skin, leaving no part untouched. They glided up the curve of my ass and over the flare of my hips, caressing my stomach and venturing higher to cradle my heavy breasts.He buried his face in them and continued his exploration, right down to the freckles sprayed along my shoulders and the faint stretch marks along my hips.“You’re so fucking soft.” He groaned, the weight of his voice muffled by my breasts, his tone low and worshipping. “It’s cruel we only have tonight. I could spend lifetimes learning your body and never once become bored.”I swallowed the emotion building in my chest and ran
Without elaborating, he guided me into a sitting position and said softly, “Turn around, beautiful.”I was clueless about how this would give me a better view until I turned and faced the headboard. Dain waved his hand and dark magic rippled in the air, shimmering like heatwaves under the baking sun.The headboard vanished, and so did the marble wall behind it. In its place was a mirror, one that climbed the walls and stopped a few inches short of the arched ceiling.I watched the blush creep across my face, staring tongue tied at my own reflection. Dain hovered over my shoulder, his eyes glittering with a wicked light. In between my legs was his cock, swollen and angry.He nudged my legs further apart, staring hungrily at my pussy through the mirror. There was no pain as he slid it through my folds and buried it to the base.With Dain’s hand on my breast, both toying with my nipples and keeping me upright, I arched my back to meet his gentle thrusts.He’d been right. Not only could I
I was down for the count, my entire body still humming from what we had done, but I couldn’t resist Dain, not when he asked so sweetly.“One more?” He purred, showing me with his tongue exactly what he meant.I didn’t stop him, not when he coaxed a third earth-shattering orgasm from me, or when he pulled my limp body into his arms and tucked us both under the blankets.Even as he stroked my shoulders and back with his feather light touch, whispering wishes and promises he had never allowed himself to speak out loud, I couldn’t bring myself to chase sleep. I was hardwired to the sound of his voice, to the healthy thud of his heart, and to the pattern of his breathing. I’d never been held like this before, so wrapped in another person that I felt invincible, completely above the world around us and its happenings.I didn’t want to sleep because I didn’t want this to end.“Is this what falling in love feels like?” I asked out loud, smiling against his chest as his heart skipped a beat. “
The air was thickening between the two of us, ripening with all of the things we couldn’t or wouldn’t say. With today’s events plaguing my mind, I wasn’t sure I wanted those sacred thoughts out in the open. Instead, I chose to lighten the tension.“I’m going to take that as a compliment. Be careful though, insulting your bride on your wedding day could spell disaster.”His lips twitched, perking up into a taunting smile. “Would you run in the middle of the ceremony, darling? I can hear the gasps now. The people of this kingdom would have a field day. The newspapers will read, ‘Cursed King left at the altar, abandoned by the flame-kissed goddess.’ I’m not sure I’ll ever live the scandal down.”I felt my cheeks heat at his description and swatted his hand away as he grazed his knuckles over the curve of my cheek. “Oh, you won’t. It will be cemented in history forever, along with the picture of your face, which will be on the front cover.”“I’ll be the epitome of regret, I’m sure. Starin
I wanted nothing more than to stay up here, hiding from all of my fears and worries with Dain at my side, but there was no escape. The weight of the future was spreading across the horizon, bringing to light all of the things that would change after today.This slice of paradise, towering so high above the earth that I felt untouchable, it couldn’t last forever. Either this would be the last sunrise I ever saw, or I’d be ruling alongside Dain, watching over an entire Kingdom of werewolves from a castle in the clouds.Just as I was about to beg Dain for another moment up here, his eyes glazed over, a tell-tale sign he was being mind linked. The sight lasted but a few seconds when he blinked and cleared his throat. He settled his unnervingly strong stare on my face and sighed softly, seeming just as reluctant to leave as I was.“It appears we have a wedding to get ready for. Apollo’s already found the food, which means we must hurry before he devours everything. He’s an anxious eater, u
I stumbled over my words, forcing them into the space between us where they hovered like a noxious gas. “What—what do you mean? I killed Nadia…I don’t—” The Moon Goddess cut my rambling short by placing the palm of her hand against my cheek. It was something my mom had done whenever I was upset as a child, and somehow the Moon Goddess’s touch held that same level of comfort. She smiled sadly, but it was an expression of pure love and understanding. “Do not punish yourself, daughter. What was left of Nadia’s essence has returned home and rejoined that of her wolf, but her death does not mean Evil is gone from the world. Us celestial beings aren’t allowed to meet our creations, but this situation…it is unique. I’m afraid I cannot tell you much, but there is one who can.” Jumping at the chance to get some answers, to preserve the peace Dain and the warriors fought so hard for, I asked, “Who? Who can?” “It is time to awaken, daughter. It’s in the world of the living where you’ll find
All I could do was stand there and gape at him. Honesty shone in his eyes like newborn stars, but all it did was leave me confused. I replayed the last twenty-four hours in my head, searching for the moment where I’d won the game between us.When I came up empty handed, I stammered, “I did?”Dain nodded, staring down at me with hooded eyes. “You did.”“How? When?”“As for how, that’s the part where I cheated, I’m afraid. I didn’t admit out loud what I felt for you, but I felt it nonetheless.” He admitted, a sheepish tilt to his lips. “I realized I loved you the moment those doors opened, and you appeared at the top of the steps. I’m not sure I’ll ever forget the way you looked in that gown, which I’ll have to thank Adley for when she returns. You could’ve been an assassin here to put a dagger in my heart and I would’ve gladly let you.”There was an explosion of butterflies in my chest, their wings beating so frantically that the sound of my heartbeat was drowned out.Leaning into Dain
Epilogue – Part OneIn every book, in every movie where a great battle is fought and won, they never show what happens after.I’m not talking about the following weeks or months, but hours and days. I’m talking about when the dust has yet to settle and the ghosts of the dead still linger in the walls, when every gust of wind or insignificant sound sends you freefalling through time. When every shadow bares the face of someone you know—or worse, someone you killed. When all that’s left is this numbing sense of disbelief that tries to trick you into thinking this new reality isn’t real—that it’s all some pitiful hope conjured up by a dying, fear-riddled mind.According to Dain, it’s a time to mourn what was lost while holding those we love near, a chance to silence the ghosts that haunt us by thinking of the future we’d create. When I asked this question, my mate wasn’t the only one with an opinion. In Apollo’s not so humble words, it’s a time to get absolutely plastered and to celebrat
The elongated claws tipped with old blood were hers. I couldn’t forget the sight of her gnarled fingers, which had once been slender and elegant, even if I tried.With a loud smack, she flattened her palm against the stone floor. A second arm shot out of the water, followed by another wet smack.‘That puddle’s not nearly big enough for what she’s trying to do…’ Rayna pointed out, her voice just as sickly as I knew my own would be.Both of Nadia’s arms were bent at odd angles as they rose from the water, but that was the least disturbing thing I witnessed as this day began to quickly unfold. Next to appear were her eyes, the whites much too large to be considered normal, followed by the jagged slash that was her smile. In the memories I’d seen, her smile had been coy and playful, with the same softness as a flower’s petals. This one was of malice and envy, both deeply disturbing and in dire need of some chapstick.Her shoulders rose from the water at the same time but were bent awkward
It took everything within me not to flinch at the sound of her voice and how close it truly was to my ear. Only when I felt her icy talons meet my skin did I act.‘It’s showtime.’ Rayna murmured, lending me all of her strength as I willed the floor to crumble beneath my feet.Together, my wolf and I fell.Since I was prepared for the impact, it was easy to call on my magic to lessen the blow. Warm air rushed beneath my gown and outstretched arms, acting as a safety net that slowed my fall and kept me from toppling over. It wasn’t the graceful landing I’d been trying for since Nadia was doing something to block our magic, but it kept me from breaking both my ankles on the way down.I didn’t wait for the dust to settle. The moment I felt solid stone beneath my feet, I took off running.Nadia’s snarl was one of surprise and outrage, strong enough that it made the castle tremble. I didn’t repress my grin or the laughter I spewed into the air, knowing both would entice her to follow—to con
Nadia launched herself at me, and as she did so, her hair and dress billowed out at her sides. The movement was slow and lazy, almost like she was submerged in water and not hovering a solid three feet in the air. Even though her form was translucent, and she seemed to be neither here nor there, I had a sickening feeling she could still do significant damage if I let her reach me.Instinct took over, and for once in my life, it wasn’t telling me to run.I launched the orb in my hand like it were a baseball, and watched as it spiraled through the air, a small halo of light surrounding it. When it hit its mark, square in the center of Nadia’s face, I silently thanked Aidan for teaching me all those years ago. I had hated every second of his baseball phase, but he’d been so passionate about becoming a professional athlete and whisking us away that I couldn’t resist helping him practice. After a dozen scraped knees, a handful of bruises, and one broken arm, we both called it quits.The in
For the longest time all I could hear was the sound of stone grinding against stone.There was a painful burn in my lungs, but I didn’t dare exhale. Instead, I held my breath and watched as the corridors around me shifted. Walls slid left and right, forming new pathways that hadn’t existed before. Many changed angles, creating sharp turns that you couldn’t see coming until it was too late.Some of the windows began to close, melting away as though they’d never been there, while others grew larger. The ones that grew in size turned into arched doorways narrow enough for but one person to slip through.While the castle itself wasn’t a sentient being, every brick and inch of tiled floor was alive with Dain’s magic. I could feel it’s alluring touch within everything I altered and couldn’t help but smile at how eager it was to please me. Even the paintings responded to my call, changing forms until each one was exactly the same.The brash strokes of oil paint shimmered as they changed colo
“My sisters, are they safe?” Aidan asked, his voice low.Even with a side view of his face, I could see the way it twisted into a concerned grimace. With eyebrows knitted tightly together and jaw clenched, he pivoted his head from left to right, peering down each corridor as we crept through another intersection. The sword he clutched in his hand, it’s metal an impenetrable black that shimmered with blood, was raised and ready for use.“Is anyone truly safe?” I asked, eyeing one of the windows warily. It would be all too easy for Nadia or one of her monsters to slip through now that the hallways were conjoined. “They’re hidden away. The fight won’t reach them.”His shoulders slumped as much as they could with the defensive stance he held, and a sigh of relief escaped his lips.“Thank the Goddess. Even though I’d see them when I got back, I’m not sure I’d be able to handle it if they were dead.”He didn’t have to explain why, not when the answer hovered in the space between us.There w
Selfishly, I tried to call on Helios, to summon him to my side like I’d been told I could. It was what he would’ve wanted, it was why we completed the bond in the first place. The issue was that no one told me how to do it.There was a sense of awareness that settled over me, followed by a wave of understanding that told me Helios was very much alive. He was feeling it too, a subtle tug that let him know I was still here. I concentrated on my golden-haired warrior harder, imagining him as a sword sheathed at my side, ready to be used at moment’s notice.I felt that tug turn into a harsh pull, but there was no smile of victory on my face, because the milky-eyed creature at the end of the hall let out a blood-curdling wail and charged.I’d never been afraid of horror movies, not with their make-shift gore and fake blood. The knowledge that the creepy monster on the television screen wasn’t actually real was enough to smother any fear I might’ve felt. As I scrambled to get away from the