Echo (Fated)

by Liza James

  “Yeah,” she replies, but it’s so muffled and strained while I feel her release working inside of her. It’s in her blood, in her moans, in the ways her body is moving so in sync with my own. We’re both edging closer, and while I want to prolong this a bit more, I know we have to get back to the party that’s about to take place in our home.

  “Come on, Luna. Let me feel your pussy while you take my fucking cock.” And she does, we’re so close to the edge that when I say the words, she milks my cock while I spill inside of her. She takes everything, and it’s the sight of my cum leaking out of her that really pleases me. Knowing I’m there, even after we leave this room. My blood is in hers, my cum in her pussy, my words in her head.

  All of it belongs to me and while I release my hold on her and the flames die out naturally, I pull her back up and against my chest while she catches her breath.

  Mo dheamon. My Fated. The girl I once stayed so far from, terrified of what our connection would lead to.

  This. This powerful, all-consuming, otherworldly tether. Fuck, I’m so glad I surrendered to our Fated bond when I did.

  Chapter Five

  Aura

  "I'm nervous for some reason," I mutter the words—mostly to myself—while my fingers play along the edge of the velvet strap on my shoulder. My skin feels hot and itchy, and all I want is Ruby's hands on my skin, anywhere. It's not necessarily that I feel safe with her, it's more so the fact I feel connected to her. And that connection keeps me grounded, rooted in confidence and the identity I'm still growing into.

  She's there, her fingers gently sliding up the sides of my arms as she steps close behind me. I lean back, against her chest, her warmth consuming me as her hands continue slow trails of anticipated pleasure up to my shoulders. Her fingers press into my flesh, kneading away the tension and practically erasing it completely while my eyes slip closed and my head tilts to the side.

  "Don't be nervous. You look amazing, Vibe Girl," she whispers in my ear, her lips softly reminding me of what she's already said tonight. But she knows I need the reassurances, in countless different ways. It’s her words, the simple things she says that truly connect me.

  I'm wearing a dark burgundy velvet body con tonight. One I surprised Ruby with when I stepped out of our room tonight after she had already finished getting ready. Her eyes dropped across my body when she saw me, her gaze narrowing just slightly before stalking towards me. I couldn't help it, the smile grew across my face the second I saw the way I affected her. Sometimes, I don't think this is real. How easily we speak each other’s language, how my stomach still twists and my skin still aches for her touch. My soul continues begging for her nearness.

  But it is. My Ruby, my Nova. Despite the indoctrination I fought through growing up, this relationship is mine.

  Ruby's as dressed up as she'll allow tonight, and I know it isn't what Stella wanted, but her fishnet tights are new, and she's layered them under her distressed black skinny jeans. Instead of a ripped up graphic tee, she's wearing a lace black crop top that she's layered underneath a burgundy, short sleeved button up tee in order to match my dress. Except it isn't buttoned up, and I have to intentionally force my eyes to stay locked on her face whenever she's close.

  Her usual black chucks are paired with her ensemble, and her once long black hair, now dusts the edges of her shoulders and fuck, it fits her so well. She's absolutely perfect, in anything she wears, in everything she says. In every mistake and flawed moment, she's exactly who she needs to be, and it’s who I've fallen in love with.

  The door suddenly swings open and instinctually, I flinch in order to move away from Ruby. She’s used to this by now, the immediate reaction I have in response to the ingrained fear I held onto growing up. But her hands grip tighter and she holds me in place, sliding one hand to my waist in that unsteady split second.

  But I resonate with her hands, the feeling of her body against my own and I melt against her. The familiar, warm smile spreads across my face as Stella’s bright frame comes into view. She’s radiating, her wild red hair dancing around her shoulders just as Nathanial steps up behind her. He’s a bit intimidating, if I’m being honest. Tall, incredibly broad shoulders and bigger than any man I’ve ever seen. He stands quietly, with a gentle smile on his lips while Stella rushes forward and pulls both Ruby and I into her arms.

  “I’m so excited you both came.” Her eyes fall to Ruby and her smile slips in the slightest way. “Ruby, I can’t say I’m shocked you aren’t wearing a dress.” She pauses. “But I forgive you because you look hot as hell in that.”

  “Easy, easy…” Nathanial’s deep voice booms out ahead of us. I glance his way and notice the easy smile on his face, he’s joking. But I step forward and offer a fist bump in agreement with his interference between Stella and my girlfriend.

  “Come on, I’ll introduce you to everyone.” He steps aside and heads farther into the house while Ruby and Stella follow up behind me.

  The home they’ve settled in here is gorgeous. A large, grand staircase sits off to the immediate left, while their living space is on the right. It’s more modern in here than I originally thought, sharp angles and suede couches. Random bouquets of white and red decorate every corner—something I’m sure Stella did because of her love for florals. Long strands of greenery are wrapped around the bannisters, draping across the shelves and fireplace. The entire home is decorated completely, with small hints towards the holidays, but nothing overtly “Christmas”.

  I’m not entirely sure why they are so adamant on not celebrating the actual holiday, but I’m thankful for it as well. This is the kind of holiday I love being a part of. I still enjoy and want to participate in the traditions of this season. There’s something incredibly uplifting and inspiring I find in winter.

  The transition before spring, death before birth.

  Suddenly, hurried footsteps sound beside us and I whip my head to the left to find a petite dark haired girl running down the stairs. She's out of breath, and she's tying her long hair into a knot on top of her head. Her tank is slightly askew and as soon as her hair is secured, she's frantically adjusting her top.

  "Hi! I'm so sorry." Her eyes dart to Stella's, who's crossing her arms around her chest while a tiny smirk pulls at her lips. "Everything looks beautiful Stells."

  "Yes, thank you so much for the help" she responds, her tone dripping in sarcasm as the girl finally steps towards us. She puts her hand out to Ruby first, and I immediately step back and next to my girlfriend, slipping my hand through her the fingers of her free hand. "I'm Luna, Stella's sister."

  "Ruby. And this is my girlfriend, Aura." She nods her head to the side, motioning towards me as she tugs me closer to her side. I smile, politely shaking Luna's hand as well when it's my turn.

  She's stunning. Dark, wavy hair and even darker eyes. She's strong, absolutely. She clearly works out regularly and I absently wonder if she simply enjoys exercising or if she's been through something that would cause her to want to be strong, or perhaps powerful.

  I don't know why I automatically think that, but maybe it has something to do with my own past, with my own desire to have the strength to defend myself when I need to. It's like I feel connected to her in a different way, almost as if she's familiar to me, someone comfortable and safe. I resonate with that vibe, like an instant connection in other people and I don't notice it in everyone. It’s different than what I felt with Ruby, but significant and heavy all the same.

  More steps sound on the staircase and my eyes naturally drift up and lock completely onto the new man entering our space.

  Holy. Shit. He's gorgeous. Every inch of his skin is covered in tattoos. His dark hair is shaved close on the sides, slicked back on top. Scattered rings decorate a couple of his fingers, but his energy is something incredibly powerful.

  I glance towards Ruby briefly, and notice her eyes narrowed in the same direction, she's just as intrigued as I am. Looking back towards the stranger, I assume this must be Eli
jah, Luna's other half. It's in the way his eyes are glued to the girl in front of me. His entire atmosphere is centered around her, and as soon as he's close, his hands are already on her while he tucks her into his side.

  "This is Elijah," Luna announces and then introduces both Ruby and I to him as well.

  "I'd say thanks for coming, but I actually hate this shit." Damn, and his eyes. Bright, forest green against his tanned skin. I genuinely try not to stare, and Ruby's quick nudge into my ribs pulls me back to the present.

  "Not as much as I do." Another voice, another set of heavy feet casually walking down the stairs. I vaguely hear Stella groan out in frustration at my side, and when another man steps down the staircase, I immediately know who we're meeting.

  "You couldn't have changed, Leon?" Stella's voice hits a higher note as she begins brushing her hands down the front of her flowy, cherry red dress.

  His eyes fall to hers and the darkness that flashes through them sets me immediately on edge. He doesn't even bother responding, but as he gets closer, I realize what she's referring to.

  His clothes are drenched, as if he jumped into a pool wearing them and immediately climbed out. What the hell?

  I don't know what it is about this guy, but there's something surrounding his presence which makes me uneasy. It's uncomfortable and dark, and shivers break out over my shoulders while my hand clings to Ruby's even tighter. I glance towards her, trying to gauge her reaction to him.

  But she's ice, a complete wall of power and indifference as he makes his way towards us. His eyes fall to me, but quickly drop lower as he slowly rakes his gaze over my body. I step back, only an inch and align myself closely with Ruby as Leon casually slides his hands into the wet pockets of his dark jeans.

  He meets my eyes again, and the side of his lips tilt up in an eerily haunted smirk. As if he's hunting something, like a predator he scopes out Ruby next, but keeps lingering his eyes on mine.

  "I'm Leon," he offers, his voice taking on a confident tone. But something else is there as well, it's almost as if he's overcompensating for something painful. I can hear it, because it sat in my throat for so long as well. The ache of needing something more. "You, pretty girl, must be Aura."

  Chapter Six

  Ruby

  Fuck, is that a snarl? It’s growing in the pit of my stomach and building its way through my chest and up my throat. I already don't like this guy, not one fucking bit. Something is off about him, he’s dark and dangerous.

  He's volatile.

  His eyes shoot to mine, and it's like he's getting off on the idea of pissing me off. He takes one, small step towards Aura and that's all it takes for me to jump in front of her.

  "Fuck no," I bite out, stepping up and against his chest while my eyes meet his.

  He tilts his chin down, crowding me with his huge frame while Aura steps up behind me. Her hands gently squeeze my waist and tug, trying to force distance between myself and Leon. But he doesn't scare me, no fucking way.

  Suddenly, he laughs, and his head falls back while he steps away from me. He lifts a tattooed and ringed hand up to brush his messy, wet hair out of his face before glancing towards the rest of the group and then back to Aura and me.

  "These two, really? You're risking everything for these two?" He scoffs and steps back again, his shoulders clearly tense and while his hands shake just slightly. My eyes narrow in on the odd action, wondering what exactly this guy’s problem is.

  "Leon, come on," Luna urges gently, but Elijah steps toward him at the exact same time.

  "Don't even fucking think about it," Leon grinds through clenched teeth at the small aggressive act towards Elijah. He looks back at us one last time and then walks away, farther into the house where he can put space between all of us.

  "Well, that's a great start to this evening," Stella mutters under her breath before stepping in front of Aura and me. "I'm sorry. I wish I could explain what he's going through, but… it's difficult to understand."

  "It's totally okay. We all have our demons." Aura's understanding voice speaks behind me, and while I immediately think it's a kind statement for her to make, I don't miss the way several eyes around us glance quickly to each other’s as if her comment was uncomfortable instead of appropriate.

  "That's for fucking sure," Nathanial responds, his voice quiet but firm as he suddenly stands straighter and moves towards us. "Elijah and Leon built a fire outside, and Stella's set everything up out there to keep us warm."

  “Good idea, I need a shot—or twelve—for all this.” Stella jumps forward and grabs both mine and Aura’s hands as she attempts to pull us through the house, but I halt and pull Aura against me. Aura turns her head in confusion, but just before she can ask what’s wrong, I look towards Stella.

  “Give me a minute with Aura.” My strong voice leaves absolutely no room for argument, and Stella nods her head easily just as Nathanial pulls her ponytail and she turns around to face him with a smile spread wide across her face. Luna passes us, gently squeezing my shoulder and offers a kind smile as well.

  Just as Aura turns towards me and the others leave the room, I let the full strength of frustration and irritation roll through me. I don’t have to hide myself around this girl, how I’m really feeling. She accepts every facet, every flaw, every nick and pain I have of my past. Instead, our cracks and fissures fill each other’s. Her acceptance and passion fills the pieces of me that have fallen short, and where she seeks strength and power, I tend to lean further into those areas for her. Until we can fill them ourselves, with our own independence, we pull what we need from each other.

  I grip Aura’s hands tightly and quickly drag her behind me as I stalk towards the first door I notice on the left. I twist the knob, hoping it’s a fucking bathroom or any place that I can find some privacy for us. I need to touch her, feel her against my skin, after Leon tainted our fucking presence with his darkness. Whatever fucking shadow hangs around his shoulders is so tangible, so intense, it leaks his pain and toxicity into the rest of us.

  I need Aura to infect me with her light, her power, her intoxicating wash of pleasure and passion.

  “Ruby—” she starts, just as I pull the door open and thank fuck that this is indeed, the bathroom. I yank her inside the small room and immediately turn on my heels so that she’s pressed against the door when I slam it shut.

  Click. Locked. Trapped beneath my body. That’s exactly where I want her to be. Her chest begins rising rapidly with each breath, her exhales falling against my lips in a way that fucking fulfills me. I love when she’s like this—afraid. Her nipples are already hard, brushing against mine while she’s struggles to steady her breaths. I can bet that if I pressed my hand against her chest, her heart would be racing. If I slipped my fingers into her panties, she’d be fucking soaked.

  My hand lifts and wraps around her throat. She moves to push me away, but at the same time, her head falls back against the door while her body surrenders to my hold.

  “What are you doing? We have to go out there, everyone’s going to wonder where we are—” Her voice is hushed. Her tone innocent and frightened, because she’s so good at knowing what’s logically right and wrong.

  That’s never been my forte.

  “Shhh, Vibe Girl. Let me make you come before we go.” I whisper the words against her ear and roll my hips against her thigh. She moans, and I’m hardly even touching her yet, but god, the sound is addictive. It sparks the familiar aching need inside of my chest, infecting my blood and cells and organs in everything that is associated with Aura.

  “We can’t,” she mutters, pushing back against me again as if she’ll be able to stop this. So, I release my hold on her throat and slide my hand up a bit higher, until my fingers are pressed tightly against her mouth so that I can’t hear her protests any longer.

  Her eyes widen as she watches me and I step back just a bit in order to drop my free hand to her thigh. I trail my fingers upwards, slowly, meticulously. Feeling the warmth of
her skin against my fingertips. Her breaths pick up speed again, and her hips instinctually move towards my hand as I touch her. Fuck, she wants this. Even when she’s trying to be polite and kind and good.

  She’s bad.

  “I brought something for you,” I say quietly, as my teeth graze against her jaw and I force her head to the side. “Stay quiet and I’ll give it to you.” I release my grip over her mouth and slip my hand into my back pocket, feeling for the little gift I’ve brought my girl.

  “What?” she whispers, but as her eyes drop to watch my hand, I reach over and flick the lights off so that we’re thrown into darkness. My hand falls between us, on her stomach, over the thin fabric of her sexy, velvet dress. My thumb presses against the small button on the side and the little toy comes to life against her body. She gasps, a small whimper leaving her lips as the vibrations work through her flesh.

  So, I move my hand lower, dragging the bullet down her body until it’s hovering over her lower stomach.

  “Ruby,” she speaks my name like she’s begging for it. Or maybe she’s asking me to stop, I’m not sure. But if she thinks she’s getting away from me now, she’s so incredibly incorrect. “Oh, fuck.”

  I drag it lower, keeping it pressed against her body through her dress. Teasing her, tempting her, reminding her who truly owns her in this. I’m the only one who lights her on fire like this.

  “I hate him for even speaking to you…” I grind out through my teeth while my free hand slides to the back of her thigh. I pull her legs apart just a bit and brush my lips against hers briefly while I speak. “For looking at you like he was.”