I glance back to find a Baler-sized dent in the stone wall. Cracks and splinters radiating from the center. Ouch. “Right,” I agree and gently lift Grace into my arms. She whimpers a protest at the movement, though she is still out of it. I cradle her small frame against my larger one, needing to assure myself she is truly all right. A hum of the current still runs between us, and Grace relaxes into my hold, her cheek snuggling against my chest. I cannot stop the smile that spreads across my face at the adorableness that is my little valkyrie pup. She is still a valkyrie even though she is also a pup now, is she not? So many questions.
I glide into the bathing room and without worrying about undressing, I step into the bathing pool with Grace still cradled in my arms. Sinking down into the warmth of the water, Grace lets out a relaxing sigh and snuggles her nose closer to the juncture of my neck. Unsure of what she is doing, I feel her lungs expand wide and quickly realize she is inhaling my scent. With each inhalation, I feel her sink further into me. I got you, my love.
I take a seat on the bench inside the pool and lean against the wall. Placing Grace sideways across my lap, I carefully, with one hand, work my shirt up over my head, giving Grace more access to my skin and scent. She purrs into the contact of skin on skin.
“Baler?” a soft squeaky voice calls out.
“Yes, Little Valkyrie. I am here.”
Grace
Warmth. I need more warmth. The heat surrounding my body feels amazing but the sweet comfortable heat under my nose is what I really need. A solid band wraps tight around my torso, holding me in place as I try to crawl inside the warmth underneath me. I just can’t seem to get close enough. I scramble to get a better hold, pulling and tugging until suddenly, there it is. More warmth. That’s what I need. Nothing between me and my warm safe haven.
The sweet smell of masculinity floods me. I know that smell. “Baler?” I squeak in a voice all too small.
His hand resting on my abdomen flexes when I speak, and relaxing again before he coos, “Yes, Little Valkyrie. I am here.” His other hand slides up from my lower back to tangle his fingers in my hair at the nape of my neck.
His fingers caress my neck as I breathe him in, relaxing more with every lung full of his scent. “I have you, my love. Rest.”
My eyes feel heavier with every passing moment. My arms move to wrap tightly around him, clinging to him for dear life. The fingers of the hand resting on my abdomen caress back and forth along the edges of my hip bone; in what I assume is meant to be soothing. In fact, the movement is sending sparks racing through my system.
My hand, once gripping his shoulder, slides down to his chest and back up to his neck. My nose runs along his pulse point, up to his ear. My hips begin to shift slightly, hunting for more contact. Baler’s hand stills, spreads wide, pressing into my lower abdomen, pulling a whimper from me. “Baler. Please.” I don’t know what I’m begging for, all I know is I need something, and he can give it to me.
Baler’s hand in my hair shifts higher before tightening and pulling my head back slightly. The sting sends a new zing through my body, not at all unpleasant. In fact, a new burning and aching sensation takes hold, low in my core. “Look at me, Grace.” Baler’s low tone so close to my ear sends a shiver through my body. My eyes flutter open to find him only a hair's breadth from me. His lips hovering above mine. That’s not where I want them though. I want them on me, devouring me. “What do you want, Grace?”
“You,” I whimper as my eyes drift shut again. Exhaustion from the physical stress of the curse breaking, mixed with my wolf’s building needs for our mate, begins to muddle my mind.
“Grace, open your eyes.” Shifting me in his lap so that I am straddling him, my hips roll forward, grinding my pelvis against his, causing a moan to escape me. He cradles my face in his hands, my eyes opening to him. “I need you to tell me specifically what it is you want of me.”
I shake my head in an attempt to clear some of the fog, of course without success. “Baler. I…” I let out an exasperated breath, I can’t fucking think straight. “I don’t know. I’m just so fucking tired, but my body feels like it’s on fire.” My hips continue to rock on their own accord, and I gasp at the feel of a hard bulge pressing firmly against me.
Baler’s hand slides along my body moving to my ass where he grips it, pulling me closer to his body. “I cannot be certain, I’m not a shifter, but this sounds as though your wolf wants to be closer to her mate. I can help her, but I will not mate you. Not like this. Our first time will be memorable, and you will be fully present for it.”
The flames lick through my body at his words, and I whimper as my hips press into him again, causing a new wetness to take hold between my thighs. My head falls back as his mouth presses hot searing kisses down the column of my throat. A hand comes back up to push aside the loose wrap of my bodice as he nips the sensitive skin of my breasts, never touching my nipples that are now tight and hard. “Baler, please. Stop teasing me.”
A deep rumble vibrates through Baler. One I feel where he presses into the apex of my thighs, and I shiver at the sensation it causes. Baler’s mouth locks around one nipple, drawing it deep into his mouth. His teeth bite down around the bud and tug as his tongue flicks over the sensitive tip.
“Oh, Gods. Baler.” My hips roll as I moan loudly. The fire building deep in my core feels like it’s going to explode, I just need a little more. As if sensing what I need, Baler's other hand begins to work the skirt of my dress up my legs, gathering it at my waist. His left arm bands around my waist to hold me in place as his right hand works its way high up on the inside of my thigh, where he finds a wicked surprise. I’m not wearing any panties, completely unintentional, but panties in tight leather breeches show lines. I hadn’t expected to have to strip down and adorn a sheer garment when I chose my wears after my bath, earlier.
He hums a sound of approval around my nipple as he finds my bare pussy waiting for him. I arch into him again. His thumb comes to rest just above my clit, applying a slight pressure as my hips roll against his bulge again.
That earlier exhaustion I felt is gone now, or at least it’s stuffed so far back in the recesses of my mind that it’s not even a blip on my radar, drowned out by the lust-filled adrenaline flooding my system. With the fog lifting, I am becoming acutely aware of everything around me. For example, the fact that we are in the bathing pool, or that Baler is currently shirtless, and the heat radiating from his body is the sweet comfort I was trying to crawl inside of only moments ago.
Raking one of my hands down his chest, I pinch his nipple, then run my nails over it before running them down his ribs, over each mountain and through each valley of his abs. Gliding the edge of my nail between his pecs over his collarbone and around his neck. Just as my hands lock around his shoulders, one of his fingers slips inside my soaked and tender entrance, and I gasp at the feeling of the intrusion. No one has ever touched me where Baler is touching me now.
“Gods, Grace. Your pussy is so tight around my finger,” he groans, ending on a growl. “Try to relax for me, Love, so I can move my hand.”
I release a needy sound as my forehead comes to rest on his chest and my hips try to press into his hand. “Baler,” I whisper.
His finger begins to slide in and out of me as his thumb continues to run circles around my clit, never touching that needy bundle of nerves. My eyes flutter shut as the burning in my core turns to molten lava, flooding my veins, causing a flush to work its way up my chest. Soon my eyes begin to burn as tears begin to leak from the corners.
Baler’s lips brush over my shoulder before meeting my ear where his deep lust-laced voice whispers, “That’s it, my love. Give in and just let go. I have you.” A second finger joins the first and they thrust in and out faster, curling the tip to hit that spot along my front wall. It isn’t long before my legs begin to shake as my impending orgasm builds. “You are safe, Love. Let go and come for me. I want to feel you shatter around my fingers.”
His wo
rds reverberate in my mind. Safe. Safe. I have you. Safe. I feel his teeth run along my shoulder to the juncture of my neck. When he bites down on the spot a wolf would mark their mate. Though it wasn’t hard enough to break the skin, the meaning was enough to push me over the edge. I shatter around his fingers, my body spasming, legs shaking, and my nails biting into his back, seeking purchase as my mind explodes. A cloud of euphoria washing through me as wave after wave of climatic pleasure travels through me.
Baler continues to move his fingers in and out, slow, and rhythmic as I ride out my climax. His thumb brushes over my clit, sensitive and swollen, causing another wave of an orgasm to crash through me, and I bite down on the juncture of his neck. Sharp fangs sinking into his flesh, blood rushes into my mouth, a mix of sweet and spicy, of Baler, causing him to still and let out a low groan of pleasure and pain.
My breathing just starts to even out when Baler slips his fingers free of my over-sensitive pussy, and I whimper around the bite in his neck at the movement. “Shh. Rest, Love,” he coos in my ear as he runs his fingers through my hair. Settling me back against his neck, I nuzzle my mark there.
Baler
She marked me. Grace, what have you done? My mind begins to battle with all the questions this produces. Pros and cons. Joy and concern.
Does she realize she marked me?
Will she regret it when she does?
What does this mean now for us?
Will I become a wolf?
Damn, I really need to talk to Odin.
Grace snuggles closer, a soft purr vibrating in her chest. Her teeth are no longer latched onto my neck but her nose still rests over the mark she imprinted in my flesh, inhaling my scent as though she cannot get enough of it. Strangely, I love the idea of that. The idea that she wants me as much as I want her. That she needs something of me inside her, and that I can bring her a sense of comfort with that.
Shifting my arms, I place one under her ass so she is sitting on it and the other across her back, holding her tight to me as I stand. Her arms instinctively wrap tight around my neck and she lets out a low groan of protest.
“I have you, Little Valkyrie.” I walk us out of the pool and set Grace gently on one of the benches, encouraging her to lie down under the rays of the warm sun. She needs all the warmth she can get. After ensuring she will not simply roll off the moment I step away, I rush to grab some towels and robes from the nearest storage wardrobe.
Quickly, I strip down and dry off, slip on the robe, and tie it tight. Now that I have her, I do not want to be away from Grace for even a moment. I have always felt an urge of protectiveness towards the woman, but I told myself I could not have her. I could not protect her, not in the ways I longed to, seeing as she is not long for this place. Now though. Well, that has all changed, has it not?
Picking up a couple of towels and a robe for Grace, I step back out into the main bathing room. Grace still lies curled on her side in the glow of the evening’s setting sun. Her bright blonde hair halos around her angelic face, highlighting each feature and hanging over the edge in a beautiful curtain of sun rays. A beautiful picture of innocence and grace. I could stand here staring at the image in front of me forever, if not for the shiver that runs through her body, indicating the deep chill in the air and just how much more healing she still needs.
Kneeling beside Grace, I brush a wild strand of hair from her face. Resting my palm on her cheek, my fingertips play over the outline of her ear. She releases a sigh as she presses into the contact.
“Grace, my love. We need to get you dried. Can you do it yourself or would like me to help?”
Slowly, Grace attempts to push herself up but her weakened state makes the task seem impossible. I grab her shoulders and help her sit up fully. My fingers hook under the straps of her gown, and I ask, “May I, Love?” Her eyes drift to mine and she nods.
Never taking my eyes from hers, I slowly slide the top of her gown down her arms and torso. As it piles around her hips, I reach for her hands, pulling her up to stand so the garment may drift freely to the floor. Sitting her back down, with my eyes still firmly set on hers. I reach for the towel and begin to dry her body, never lingering longer than necessary in one area.
Once I am sure she is sufficiently dry, I wrap the robe over her shoulders and pull it snug around her slender frame. I look around for Grace’s pile of belongings from earlier, only to find they are missing, presumably taken back to her room.
Leading Grace to her feet, I wrap one arm behind her knees and the other around her back, lifting her into my embrace. I carry her back to her room, which is thankfully unlocked since I did not have a key. I lay Grace in the middle of her bed, tuck her in and lean down to place a tender kiss on her forehead. As I begin to straighten up to leave, she grabs hold of my arm.
“Stay. Stay with me,” she whispers without opening her eyes. Her grip on my arm never loosens, as though she fears I will turn and leave her. Using my free hand, I gently remove her hold on my arm. She turns over, her back to me and curls in on herself, seeming to believe I have turned down her invitations. That could not be further from the truth.
Lifting the corner of the blankets, I slide in behind Grace. I slip one arm under her pillow and the other over her waist and pull her into me, wrapping my body around hers protectively. Resting my head against hers, I whisper, “There is nowhere I would rather be than here, in this bed, with you. Now, sleep my little valkyrie warrior pup. You need to heal and everything else can wait until morning.” Grace’s hand locks around my arm over her waist, pinning me in place as she snuggles closer to my body. Within moments, the tension in her body lessens and her breathing evens, signaling her descent into sleep.
I close my eyes and try to quiet my racing thoughts. Everything else can wait until morning. With Grace here in my arms, nothing else matters.
8
Grace
I wake to the feel of a roaring vibration under my head.
A deep baritone voice rumbles through the cave. “Easy there, Girl. I mean the young one no harm. My name is Jimmy, and you’re on Stormwater Pack land.” The feeling of Alpha power washes over me, pulling another low rumbling growl from the soft form below my ear. With a slightly amused chuckle, Jimmy responds to her aggression, “You are a strong Alpha, aren’t you?”
I can hear him sniff the air around him, my narrowed eyes find him standing near the cave’s entrance. I can see the moment the puzzle piece of who we are slots into place and he connects our bloodlines. “You are descendants of the Shadowcrest Alpha. A wise Alpha and loyal ally. What are you doing all the way out here? Where is your Alpha?”
Riley released a small, pained whine at the last question. I slowly rise from my position against Riley’s side and look the older gentleman in the eyes. “He’s dead.”
Jimmy’s eyes grow bright with a light reflection of unshed tears before he clears his throat and responds, “I’m sorry to hear that. He was a good man, your father. We hadn’t spoken much over the years. We were both newly appointed Alpha’s when we first met, each tracking a rogue pack that had split up at the border. When we met up there, it was a pretty gruesome fight. He saved my life. Over the years, when I needed assistance near the border, he’d send his Beta and a small group. I never saw him. However, I did receive a letter from time to time. Just updates on how things were going within the packs, setting up new patrols around the borders, and about you two. I believe the last one came about a year ago. I am due an update any day now, but I guess I won’t be getting that.” His face turns unemotional as he considers that, not giving anything away. Though my mind is still stuck on the fact that he said he got a letter a year ago when father has been dead for three.
Clearing his throat again he continues, “As I said, a wise Alpha and loyal ally. I guess this explains your Alpha power, Riley.” His eyes fall to Riley with a sad smile on his face. “You’d be the new Shadowcrest Alpha, I take it. What are you doing here, why aren’t you with your pack?”
I sit up to my full height and meet his eyes. “She is and if you don’t mind, I know you are going to have a lot of questions after hearing this; can I just give you the cliff notes version, tonight? We can get into the long story tomorrow.”
“Of course,” he replies, stepping into the cave and taking a seat across the fire from Riley and me.
Shifting to the side slightly, I dig my fingers into the fur between Riley’s shoulders. It’s as much comfort for her as it is for me. “Our parents were killed by a rival pack three years ago. Our Beta, Alastair, was appointed the new Alpha until Riley came of age at sixteen, which was yesterday. The ceremony for Riley to take her place as Shadowcrest Alpha is supposed to happen on the next full moon. However, Alastair does not plan to give up his seat of power. Instead, he tried to force a mating with Riley last night.”
A low menacing growl leaves Riley as an equally angry growl echoes from Jimmy. “Ignoring for the moment that you stated your father died three years ago, tell me what happened to Alastair,” Jimmy gathers his composure long enough to bark out.
“She stabbed him in the eye with a pencil and we ran.”
“Well, damn. Your father always wrote about how strong you were. Way to go.” Shaking his head in disbelief, he takes a deep inhale before continuing, “I can’t let you go back there, not yet anyway. Not to toot my own horn, but I also don’t know how this will work with having two strong Alphas under the same roof. But, as long as you promise to never challenge me in front of the pack, you can stay with us for however long you want. I don’t have a family of my own, other than the pack that is, and my house is big enough to house four. So, you’re welcome to stay with me.”
Death's Gift: Norse Blessed Book One Page 6
