I managed to update today's chapter much earlier than I did yesterday. Yay! Our protagonists are having their first fight, and it seems Emmeline is not putting up with Zavian this time.
Emmeline hated the disappointed, almost wistful tone her voice had taken right at the end - like she'd somehow built up all these unrealistic expectations around Zavian.What had she been thinking? This was just a messy situation she'd allowed herself to get tangled up in, nothing more.Flopping facedown on the bed, she grabbed her phone off the nightstand and was surprised to see three missed calls from Richard.She must have left it on silent earlier, because it hadn't made a sound. Figures that controlling prick would already be blowing up her phone, trying to reassert his dominance.Emmeline swallowed hard, steeling herself when his name flashed across the screen again before answering in a cold tone. "What do you want?""What nonsense is Mr. Blackthorn spouting? What's this about you not leaving his house until I apologize in front of everyone? Has that guy lost his damn mind or what?" Richard's shouts exploded so loudly from the speaker that she instinctively pulled the phone awa
Emmeline crumpled to the grass, hugging her knees to her chest as she stared unseeingly into the distance.She didn't even register the presence beside her until a warm cardigan was draped over her shoulders.She looked up to find none other than Zavian towering before her. "Are you alright?" The worry swimming in his deep eyes made her heart pound erratically all over again."I saw you arguing heatedly with someone on the phone. Who was the caller?"Emmeline recalled the harsh words they'd exchanged earlier that afternoon. Thus, she shrugged off the jacket, letting it pool in his lap. "I don't think it's any of your business, Mr. Blackthorn. Who am I to you that you'd come down here specifically to check on me?"She made to stand up but Zavian wrapped the soft cardigan snugly around her shoulders again, the weight of his hands pinning her in place. "I told you I care about you. And what happened between us this afternoon doesn't change that - you'll just have to live with my concern
Emmeline kept her chin up as Richard finally stormed into view, her lips twitching despite herself at the sight of his black eye peeking out from under the bandage."Good evening, everyone," he greeted tightly.The others merely inclined their heads in curt acknowledgment, refusing to be swayed by his feigned niceties as his glare zeroed in on Emmeline."Did you really have to go so far as to punish me like this, Emmeline?" he asked in a deliberately defeated tone, clearly hoping to garner their pity. "I called you so many times after our...disagreement this afternoon. I was hoping to find you home when I returned. But despite my begging, you showed me no mercy."His pathetic attempt to turn them against Emmeline failed miserably.Zavian stared him down with undisguised disdain. "You think a simple phone call apology is enough to make up for what you did yesterday? That is, if you even truly apologized at all like you claim!"Richard tugged at his slacks nervously. "I'm sorry for the..
~Back at the Blackthorn Villa~Yuna exhaled a soft sigh of relief once the front door closed behind Emmeline and Richard, leaving her alone with Zavian.She turned to face her husband, her lips curving into a bright, innocent beam. Her arms stretched out invitingly as she closed the distance between them, fully intending to envelope him in a warm, wifely embrace as was expected of her. However, a deep, guttural snarl suddenly rumbled up from Zavian's chest, causing Yuna to freeze in her steps.Her eyes widened in shock as she took in the full force of his expression - his ruggedly handsome features were twisted into a look of such intense hatred and disgust that she felt her heart stutter in her chest.Zavian's usually deep blue eyes were literally engulfed in flickering flames right now as they bore into hers with an intensity she had never witnessed before, not even in their most heated arguments.The usual calm control and casual arrogance he exuded was utterly shattered, replaced b
Aetherion launched himself high into the air, rapidly becoming a dark speck against the ominous gray clouds that mirrored his foul, thunderous mood.Not far away, Grandma Eva’s spies and Zavian's most elite, hand-picked guards had watched in awe and reverence as their King transformed into his majestic beast. He was beyond… magnificent.They instantly dropped to one knee and bowed their heads low in respect to the second Aetherion's true draconic form emerged.Luca felt a shiver of unease trickle down his spine as the dragon King took to the skies. He knew all too well that this level of towering fury could only herald imminent disaster and chaos.He had recently uncovered disturbing leads about the treacherous activities Yuna had been carrying out behind everyone's backs, and it was nothing short of a miracle that Zavian hadn't simply snapped her slender neck on the spot in his blinding rage once he inevitably discovered the truth.Luca immediately opened his mind, establishing a secu
Luca quickly snatched up another robe to wrap around himself before hurrying after Zavian, who had already turned and started striding with grim purpose toward the immense central building where the high council's meeting was taking place.A hush fell over the courtyard as Zavian passed, every person dropping to one knee and bowing their heads in utter respect and deference for their king whose eyes blazed with an intensity that seemed to scorch the very air around him.Zavian did not so much as spare a glance at his subjects as he stalked by, Luca scurrying to keep up with his master's long strides.When they reached the council hall's towering double doors, two hulking warriors pushed them open, and Zavian swept inside with all the elegance and majesty befitting his noble bloodline.The cavernous chamber fell utterly silent as his eyes turned toward the dais where the high council was seated."Your Majesty!" The gathered lords and ladies rose as one in a reverent chorus of respect fo
A momentary, deafening silence blanketed the grand hall as all eyes turned to Grandma Eva in shock and disbelief. Never in their wildest dreams could they have imagined the revered queen mother to be...an abomination."By the gods, what trickery is this?" an elder exclaimed, breaking the stunned hush."She has betrayed us all by practicing foul sorcery!" another council member cried out accusingly.Murmurs quickly escalated into a rumbling cacophony of outrage and disbelief."How could the queen mother practice the forbidden dark arts?""She has consorted with demons! She has defiled our sacred bloodlines!"Luca swiftly used the brief moment of distraction to whisk away the insolent Thomas Bardot before the irate Zavian lost control and killed him. He grabbed the man in a blur of supernatural speed and vanished from the hall.Eva gritted her teeth in annoyance at Zavian for forcing her to expose this long-guarded part of her true nature. Her icy glare could have frozen even the most ha
It's been four days since Emmeline went back to Richard.Today was Saturday.Emmeline donned her new white top and black shorts athletic set that had arrived the previous day. She'd ordered the workout gear online since she rarely had time to go shopping.Pulling on an autumn jacket, she headed for the gym.She was mid-stride on the treadmill when a familiar figure got on the one beside her with his expression unreadable."I thought you'd given up working out," Zavian remarked coolly. "I don't see you at the club much these days."Emmeline glanced around before pointing at herself. "Are you talking to me? You actually know who I am?"Zavian’s upper lip raised in clear exasperation. "Don't be childish now, Emmeline."He tapped the controls, gradually increasing his speed until settling into a brisk pace. The effort of running lent a breathless quality to his deep voice. "We're neighbors across the street, we go to the same gym and pub. We're bound to keep running into each other whethe
"Who was that guy who snuck out the back door of your house two days ago?" Minnie suddenly asked pointedly.Emmeline's eyes widened in shock. She forgot how to breathe for a moment, feeling trapped by Minnie's question.She knew Minnie must be referring to Zavian - who else would have been leaving through her back door like that?Emmeline hadn't prepared herself to face a confrontation like this, so she was unable to find a convincing excuse right away.After a charged pause, she smiled nervously. "And who else could it have been other than Richard, my husband?"She refrained from looking directly at Minnie, afraid of what she might see in her friend's eyes."I can give you more than one reason why that guy couldn't have been Richard," Minnie replied in a confident, assured tone.Emmeline's arms were resting on top of her stomach, and she couldn't control the trembling in them as Minnie started ticking off her reasons on her fingers."Firstly, your husband arrived home just a short ti
A few days passed in a blink.Minnie texted Emmeline asking for accompany to the facial care center the following day.Emmeline didn't hesitate to accept the invitation because her skin was in a terrible state, giving her an irreplaceable opportunity for some pampering.The doorbell rang after lunch the next day. Emmeline swiftly opened it, knowing who her guest was.Minnie was wearing a short gray knit dress under her brown wool coat, while Emmeline had on fitted jeans and an olive green peacoat."Right on schedule, Minnie," she said cheerfully.Minnie always hugged her whenever they met. But this time, she just stared at Emmeline's face intently as though the latter suddenly grew two horns.Emmeline wiped her cheeks self-consciously. "Why are you staring at me? Is there something on my face?"Minnie snapped out of her daze and shook her head quickly. "Oh no, I was just thinking about the kitchen faucet and whether I turned it off."Emmeline didn’t think much of her friend’s behavi
Emmeline felt her blood turn to ice, the pulsating waves of the washing machine beneath her suddenly lost their allure as the reality of Richard's return hit her.Her eyes darted to Zavian, who maintained an unnerving calm."Shit, Richard's home. What should we do?" she whispered with panic.Zavian's expression shifted. His usual devilish charm was now laced with a dark intent that Emmeline had come to recognize as his plotting look."Fasten your seatbelts, we'll complete the euphoria trip spoiled by his return!" he declared with a mischievous grin.Emmeline's chest swelled with air. "Have you lost your mind, sir? My husband has come home! What if he comes looking for me?" she muttered in disbelief. However, Zavian ignored her protest.He resumed expertly teasing her breasts.Emmeline fined his touch both soothing and infuriating under the circumstances."I doubt he will come to the laundry room. Until then, I’ll drown you in ecstasy. The excitement is beyond thrilling. The feeling of
Zavian had already slipped away when Emmeline woke up a while later.A tray of food sat on the table, covered with foil to keep it warm.She approached cautiously, lifted the foil and inhaled deeply. The rich aroma of tomato sauce and garlic filled her senses."The smell alone is enough to make my mouth water," she murmured appreciatively.Her gaze landed on a folded note propped against the plate.Emmeline snatched it up with a fluttering heart."I didn't want to wake you while you slept so peacefully. There’s some pasta for you - just heat it up if it's gone cold. -Z"A girlish giggle escaped Emmeline at the thoughtful gesture.She pressed the note to her nose, trying to catch his lingering scent on the paper as warmth blossomed in her chest. That this powerful, imposing man would take such simple care of her needs..."That man captivates me more each day," she sighed, tracing the note with a fingertip.Despite her lack of appetite lately, Emmeline found herself devouring every bite
Zavian winked at her before he dipped his head to capture her lips in a scorching kiss that robbed the breath from her lungs.She melted into the passionate embrace, her body tingling with desire as his tongue teased against her lips, demanding entry.Emmeline parted her lips with a soft moan, allowing his skilled tongue to delve inside and engage hers in a sensual dance.His large hands slid down her back to pull her flush against his hard body as the kiss deepened, growing more heated and intense.Emmeline gazed up at him with half-lidded eyes and was breathless when they finally broke apart.“Delicious as always,” Zavian commented wickedly, placing two bags in her palm. "I heard women crave snacks during their period, so I brought you bags of chips, feminine stuff and chocolate," he responded.Emmeline looked at the first bag in astonishment, seeing numerous brightly colored bags of potato chips inside in a wide array of flavors. Then she blushed furiously at the numerous branded pa
~The next morning~Emmeline woke up feeling a bit under the weather, with some uncomfortable cramps signaling her monthly visitor was on its way. Ah, the joys of womanhood!As if that wasn't enough, her entire body ached as though a truck had plowed into her - no doubt the result of all the passionate smooching Zavian had lavished on her the previous night aboard his yacht.A ghost of a satisfied smile curved her lips at the delicious memories. Their heated embraces, his skilled mouth blazing a path of sin across her bare skin, the way he'd worshipped every inch of her body with fervent devotion...Emmeline shivered, warmth pooling low in her belly despite the cramps. Last night had been nothing short of heavenly debauchery.She'd barely slept a wink, too consumed by visions of her devilishly handsome lover and the sinful acts they'd indulged in together.Richard, the oblivious fool, hadn't even batted an eye when she arrived home well past midnight yet again. He simply grunted his usu
Zavian wasted no time driving straight to his private estate located on the outskirts of the sleepy town of Riverwalk after making sure Emmeline arrived home safely."Double the security detail," he instructed one of his trusted men through the mind link tersely. "Keep a low profile for now. "You got it, boss. The lady's security is locked down tight," came the quick mental reply.Zavian had handpicked five of his most elite and loyal shadow guards to keep a watchful eye on Emmeline while Luca was busy with other important matters. No way was he taking any chances with her safety.As Zavian's sleek ride pulled up to the circular driveway, he spotted the men in crisp black suits and earpieces standing at stiff attention like statues lining the whole thing.They all snapped to attention the second Zavian climbed out of the driver's seat, giving a respectful deep bow of their heads."Welcome back, sir!" They chorused like one voice, showing their utmost respect for the man whose power an
Zavian’s eyebrows shot up in surprise as if she'd asked something completely unexpected from a married woman like herself. "You really don't know?" He questioned incredulously."I..." She began but faltered under his intense gaze, lowering her eyes bashfully."It's because men and women are built differently. Women can orgasm multiple times during one round due to quicker recovery time." He explained, gently stroking her cheek and studying Emmeline intently as she absorbed the information. "Therefore, it's crucial for a man to maintain an erection for a long time. Premature ejaculation can be quite frustrating for women because it denies them satisfaction."Emmeline listened with rapt attention, her eyes wide with newfound knowledge. "I didn't know our bodies were so complex," she confessed.Zavian chuckled softly, his hand absentmindedly stroking her hair. "You're hard to please even in bed," he teased.She playfully punched him in the chest, giggling lightly. "If you want good servic
Emmeline was on the precipice of a delicious surrender, her fingers dancing across her femininity with a feverish tempo.Her middle digit fluttered left and right, creating an intoxicating rhythm that echoed through her body. As she pleasured herself, her other hand was busy exploring Zavian's turgid manhood, sliding up and down his length in a frenzy of desire."I'm...I'm so close," she breathed out. The sensation was so intense that it cut off her voice mid-sentence and sent ripples of pleasure coursing through her body."I want to watch you climax, but I can't keep my eyes open. It feels like I'm soaring to cloud nine."Zavian groaned at the effort of holding back his own pleasure, his breath hitched and ragged."Seeing you like this," he continued after a beat, "Touching yourself for me for the first time...it's like observing an exquisite piece of art that demands admiration." His voice was thick with arousal as he watched Emmeline writhe on the bed before him.Her soft whimpers e