Jack POV“I told you not to ask,” my beast hisses at me, worried about the fragile peace I already have between myself and this pack. He did tell me to drop it, but I had to get it out. I had to try one last time, or I would regret it.At least I thought I would. I feel a different kind of regret now, though I don't know how to interpret it. I don't think I'm ready to. What I'm ready for is a drink. I need to wet my lips desperately now.I reassured Ela that I was still more than willing to take on the task of going to defeat her uncle. I want him dead too much to let my wounded ego deter that. It’s personal for both Ela and myself, just like it is for most of my crew. All our lives would be different if not for that bastard Wayne. I would be every bit an alpha on land as I am at sea if it weren’t for him, with my mate by my side, not having to face the constant torture of guilt and shame, and the ache of loss. Wandering back towards the beach, alone, since Ela left me in that barra
Elelira POVMy heart froze for a moment, thinking that Lachlan may not be as ready for this as I was. The fear I had of him not being ready when I thought I was manifested fully, and I started to have doubts about myself again. His silent and stunned expression was hard to interpret, but then his animated excitement was all I needed to know I made the right choice in telling him. At least I hope I did. The fright I felt thinking he was about to reject my proposal triggered negative thoughts to start swirling in my head.“I love you, Lira. Goddess, I love you more than I could ever express to you. You just made me the happiest man there ever was.” Lachlan's face was evidence enough that his words were true. I know he loves me. I love him too.“GET A ROOM!” Nilo yells out jokingly, making me aware again that there were dozens of others watching our intimate exchange all around us. My face got so incredibly hot all of a sudden, and I wanted to bury it in his chest to hide my embarrassm
Beretta POVDamn pirate bastard. The fool didn’t even have the sense to follow after me.Pathetic. All around pathetic. I was going to return to the ship, but I'm not in the mood to see anyone familiar at the moment. I feel anger and shame and I know in my current state that I would snap little Joe in half if he started following me around asking where the captain ran off to. I'm not up for covering for Jack as he hides somewhere pickling his liver in his own bout of self-pity.The man picked himself up by his bootstraps and built the greatest pirate fleet the seas have ever seen while recovering from his own grief. Pity is something I can not feel for that man. Yes, what his pack and mate went through was tragic and unbelievably horrid, but we all have stories such as his. He wouldn't allow any of us to drown ourselves in pity. I don't see why I should allow him to do it. I'm not going to enable his behavior. Not at the moment.The bastard told me I was crossing the damned line. Scr
Elelira POV I rushed through the courtyard on my way to the dwelling of Yasmin and Percy. I just saw Percy in the dining hall, but he said he left Yasmin to sleep in this morning with a smug smirk on his face. A very proud, smug look. I even know what that means. That’s exactly why I need to speak with her now. Once Lachlan left to plan whatever it is he is arranging for tonight, my nerves got the better of me. I have no idea what I’m doing or what to truly expect from a consensual night with a man. My past life was nothing but traumatic experiences. I have nothing to reference. Lachlan and I almost crossed that line before I ran away in this life, but that was ruined by the arrival of the men who tortured me unto my death. I don’t want those memories or experiences to get the better of me tonight. Lachlan wants tonight to be perfect. I do too. I want this to completely override everything. I need Yasmin’s help or I will implode from anxiety. I wish Lachlan had just rushed me
“You look so alluring, Ela,” Yasmin gushes, making me spin around in a circle in front of her mirror for the hundredth time. “I knew it would look perfect on you. It never looked right on me.”“That’s because you have a fatter ass,” Cedric teased, lying across her bed with his head upside down. Yasmin smacks him with a pillow, making him grunt and laugh. I feel so uncomfortable. Yasmin forced me to bathe completely, even calling maids over to wash my hair and polish every inch of my body before lathering me in this sweet smelling body oil. My hair was dried to perfection, falling in soft waves down my back when they were through. My skin felt raw when they finished scrubbing me, but now it felt fresh and powdery soft since the oil had absorbed into my body. After that was complete, and she was completely satisfied with my appearance while I was still in the nude, she dug out a slinky outfit from her brothel days. It’s more modest than some of the others I have seen in her closet, bu
Lachlan POV “Bite it,” Killian growls. “Just a nibble.” The second Lira stepped out of her dress, he went wild, telling me to eat her in every way imaginable. I'm usually the one he tries to keep in check around her. Now the tables are turned. Right now, staring at her from behind, he’s mentioning every red-colored fruit there is, telling me to see if she tastes like any of them. The red lingerie is bringing out his wild side, making a hunger build inside of him. That hunger is in me as well. Cherries, strawberries, apples; I don't think any of those could come close to being as sweet as my Lira. I’m tempted to see for myself. I’ve never been more tempted in all my life, but I just got her comfortable with me. I’m not pushing her or acting like a wild fucking animal. Not yet, anyway. After leading her to the bed, I slowly and deliberately kiss her neck, making sure the bond she feels with me keeps her relaxed. Killian and I talked at length about this all day while we were m
“Lira. My Lira,” Lachlan’s rough voice kept whispering against my skin. There was no fear. No hesitation. Everything that once held me back from loving this man has been replaced with this unyielding, all-consuming devotion, like my world revolves around his very being. My mark is now on full display on his thick neck, the faint light reflecting off the now scarred tissue. Pride fills me. He's mine. Val is already engrossed entirely with her mate, the two of them mirroring the elation that I feel.Lachlan lays me on the bed, his eyes intensely staring at me while stripping off the last of his clothes. His body has always been impressive to me, but now, in this context, I'm appreciating him in new, exciting ways, knowing that every single inch of him belongs to me. I feel it. The bond demands it. This man belongs to me and no one else.His hands work the delicate fabric off my body, his mouth hanging open and soft gasps leaving him as the sparks rush over his body with each touch. He
Lachlan POV“Mine,” I whispered in her ear for the hundredth time tonight. “My Lira.”Lira looks absolutely lovely, her face glowing as she stares up at me with the most stunning smile on her delicate face. I trace her lips with my finger, my heart hammering against my chest from the thrill of the sparks I feel traveling up my hand. She’s mine, in every sense of the word. She is my wife, my mate, my entire world. Everything I am is hers, and she is mine. “Mine,” I repeated again, making her laugh in that amazing way she does, where her shoulders shake and her belly tightens, her legs folding up with the movement. She puts her entire body into that laugh, which fascinates me to no end. “Yes. Yes. I am yours,” Lira says in a voice that is hoarse from the passionate love making she had to endure all night after I couldn’t restrain myself any longer. She demanded nothing less of me, and soon my fear of hurting or scaring her left for good. I rest my head next to hers on the pillow,