Drop of Hope

by Jamie A. Waters

  “I don't want you to back away, Alec. I want to be yours.”

  He pulled her closer, burying his face against her neck and surrounding her with his power. “Gods, you completely undo me, Ari.”

  Ariana cuddled against him, enjoying the security he offered. She couldn't remember ever feeling so adored and protected. Tracing her fingertips over his chest, she asked, “Did you come here to feed me?”

  “Hmm?” He rubbed a tendril of her hair between his fingers. “Yes, I did. I hope you don't mind, but I used my override to leave the food supplies in your quarters. The automated system told me you were here.”

  She laughed. “The High Council leader broke into my quarters?”

  “I suppose I did.” He pressed a kiss against her lips. “Just remember I wield great power. I have the ability to open all sorts of doors. You'll never be able to hide from me.”

  She smiled up at him, unable to imagine a time she'd want to hide from him. “Well, let's see your powers at work, great leader. I'm hungry.”

  He chuckled and stood, extending his hand to help her up. “By all means, let me feed you.”

  Ariana took a sip of her wine and leaned over to peek around Alec. He'd been chopping and mixing things together in a bowl but had set it aside in the cooling bin to let it marinade for a few minutes. Now he was stirring some other concoction together. It didn't look particularly appetizing, but she'd withhold final judgment until the taste test.

  He chuckled. “I can hear what you're thinking, beautiful. It's much better than it looks.”

  “If you say so,” she replied and wrinkled her nose.

  Alec grinned and took her wine out of her hand. He put it on the counter and pulled the spoon from the bowl. Holding his hand underneath, he offered it to her. “Try it.”

  Ariana eyed the dark substance with skepticism, but she supposed it all came down to trust. Leaning forward, she opened her mouth to allow him to place it on her tongue. Her eyes widened at the complexity of flavors. It was rich and sweet, with an earthy undertone that complimented the bite of alcohol hidden within it.

  “It's incredible,” she said. “That can't be for dinner.”

  He chuckled and returned the spoon to the bowl. “It's actually for dessert. I have some fresh fruit and thought this would be a nice dipping sauce. It's a mixture of chocolate, brandy, and a few other things. Seara gave me the recipe when she found out I was coming here tonight.”

  “I think we should skip dinner.” She reached over to dip her finger in the bowl.

  Catching her wrist, he tsked at her. “Stealing from the chef?”

  She laughed. “When it's that good, all bets are off.”

  Alec's eyes danced with mischief as he lifted her hand and put her finger in his mouth. Her lips parted on a gasp as he swirled his tongue around her finger, licking and sucking the chocolate sauce from the tip. The erotic images that formed in her mind at the thought of him doing the same to other parts of her body made her shiver in anticipation.

  As though sensing her thoughts, he took his time licking the last of the chocolate from her finger before releasing her hand. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her against him. “I'm thinking you might be better for dessert.”

  He reached over, dipping his fingers into the sauce, and brushed them across her lips. Her eyes widened, and Alec's gaze dropped to her mouth before he lowered his head, nipping lightly at her lips. He flicked his tongue against them, and she could taste the chocolate on both their lips. His touch was light and teasing, and his energy caressed hers, encouraging her to respond.

  Ariana reached up, wrapping her arms around his neck, and opened herself to his kiss. Energy flared between them as he possessed her mouth, consuming both of them with an internal heat. He moved his hands upward, lifting her shirt to reveal her stomach, and she gasped as his cool air energy brushed across her bare skin. He traced its path with his fingertips, heating her with his possessive touch and sending small shivers across her skin.

  She arched her back, wanting to feel him even closer against her. With a wicked grin, he took more of the sauce and smeared it across her midsection.

  She gasped at the chill and laughed. “Alec, what are you—” Her voice broke off as he dropped to his knees, sweeping his tongue in and circling her belly button.

  “Oh,” Ariana murmured and threw her head back, fisting her hands in his hair as he nuzzled against her stomach. His mouth was impossibly warm as he licked and nibbled her overly sensitized skin.

  “I was right.” He pressed another kiss against her stomach. “You are better than any dessert.”

  She looked down and met his passion-filled gaze. He slowly moved upward, caressing her skin and brushing against the side of her breasts. She swallowed, desire for this man consuming her beyond all reason. He cupped her face and lowered his mouth to kiss her again.

  As his energy filled her, something within her broke free. Ariana amplified his power, returning it threefold. At the sudden explosion of energy connecting them, his control suddenly snapped. He lifted her into his arms, deepening their kiss. Wrapping her legs around him, she pulled him closer and felt the hard evidence of his arousal.

  Alec pressed her against the counter. Sliding his hands under her shirt to cup her breasts, her nipples tightened as he ran his thumbs over them. Desperate to touch his bare skin, Ariana lowered her hands to the hem of his shirt and tugged it upward. Alec pulled it over his head, tossing it aside. She spread her fingers against his firm chest, the heat and texture of his skin an exquisite torture.

  He captured her lips again and stroked her skin, sending her to an even greater frenzy as his energy followed his touch. Power flowed around them, electrifying the air between them and sparking with every caress. Ariana removed her shirt, aching to be rid of the confines that separated them. The desire to have his bare skin against hers was overwhelming.

  “Ari,” he murmured, his heated gaze roaming over her partially nude body, “you're exquisite.”

  “Alec, please,” she pleaded, entwining her energy around him, begging him to touch her again.

  He complied, trailing his hand along the lines of her lace bra. Slipping the cup downward, he exposed one of her breasts. He took her nipple into his mouth and sucked, swirling his tongue in a pattern that left her whimpering. She gasped, clutching him even tighter as his mouth seemed to have a direct connection with her core.

  Heat welled within her as she arched against him, demanding more. As Ariana’s energy around him intensified, she felt his control slip even more. Relishing in the experience, they both became nothing more than sensation and need, exploring their long-suppressed desire for each other.

  Alec pushed up her skirt and brushed against her panties. She gasped as he slipped his fingers inside the material, caressing her most intimate parts. He rubbed against the center of her pleasure, sending exquisite shockwaves through her, and she rocked against him, crying out as their energies met in an explosive union, binding them even tighter together.

  Collapsing against him, Ariana dropped her head against his chest, trying to catch her breath. Alec wrapped his arm around her, pulling her tighter against him as though he didn't want to let her go. He brushed her hair away from her face, and she lifted her head to look down at him. They were sprawled on the floor with her on top of him. Her brow furrowed as she looked around.

  “How did we end up on the floor?”

  He chuckled and shifted her slightly. “No idea, but I'm not about to complain.”

  She giggled and lowered her head to his chest again. “I can't believe we just did that.”

  Alec kissed the top of her head. “Gods, Ari. I think it's safe to say sex is probably out of the question until the month is over.”

  She frowned and blinked at him. “What?”

  He arched an eyebrow. “Check our connection, love.”

  Ariana opened her senses, and her eyes widened at the realization their connection was even stronger. Although it stil
l wasn't a permanent bond, she'd attached herself even more to him. It would fade in time if they didn't continue to deepen it, but it went far beyond what was typically acceptable for a courtship. She swallowed, suddenly feeling unsure.

  “Don't,” he ordered, sitting up with her still on his lap. “Ari, don't doubt what's between us. What you just gave me was a precious gift. I want even more from you, but I don't trust my control around you.”

  “But you didn't…” She bit her lip uncertainly.

  He chuckled and stroked her cheek. “No, and I won't until you're sure of us. You… your energy… Gods, Ari, you're incredible. It took everything I had just to hold back as much as I did. The amount of power you can wield is staggering. It was hard not to let myself match it.”

  She ran her fingertips over his bare chest, enjoying the sensation as her energy trailed along the same path. It was almost as though, now that their bond had deepened, his energy reacted instinctively to hers.

  “How can you be so sure about us, Alec?”

  He covered her hand with his. “I've had a long time to think about what I want. I've experienced a permanent bond and understand what's involved. I'm not perfect, Ari. I know I'll make mistakes and bad decisions. But when I think about the future, I can't imagine one without you in it. Even when I was bonded with Kayla and discovered what she was, you were the only person I trusted outside of Seara. Why do you think I asked you to help train Kayla? I've never doubted you, Ari. I only doubted myself when it came to you.”

  Ariana blinked, trying to hold back the emotion his words evoked. She wanted a future with him, more than she'd ever wanted anything. There had always been a connection between them. She'd been drawn to him from the moment they'd gotten to know each other.

  His eyes softened as he gazed upon her. “If you keep thinking like that, I'm not sure I'll be able to wait to claim you until the courtship period is over.”

  She let out a small laugh and shook her head. “I'm not sure it's a good thing you can read my thoughts.”

  He grinned and kissed her. “I thought the ability came in rather handy just a few minutes ago.”

  Her eyes widened at the realization she'd been directing him wordlessly the entire time. “Hmm… I'm starting to think you have an unfair advantage.”

  He chuckled. “Perhaps, but it goes both ways. You were reading me just as much.”

  Ariana leaned into him again and pressed a soft kiss against his lips. He was right. She could feel his intense pleasure at their shared connection. Her touch against his bare skin stirred something elemental within him. Feelings of desire, contentment, and adoration coursed through him. Alec had been telling the truth. She couldn't sense any doubts from him, only an intense longing for more.

  He stroked her back in a soft caress as he trailed his energy along the same path. The sensation was exquisite, and she shivered slightly, relaxing against him. She could easily stay in this moment forever, content to remain in his arms.

  A chime interrupted them, and she lifted her head.

  He frowned. “Are you expecting someone?”

  She shook her head and bit her lip as a thought struck her. “Could anyone else have picked up on our energy in here?”

  “Each family's quarters are reinforced for privacy from their neighbors. Depending on how your parents divided your wing, though, they may or may not be aware of what just happened between us.”

  Her eyes widened, and she scrambled off him. Snatching her bra from the floor, she paused for a fraction of a second to wonder when it had been removed. She fumbled to put it back on as the door chimed again.

  “I think I'm going to die from embarrassment if it’s my parents.” She grabbed her blouse and pulled it over her head. “My father's going to have a heart attack. I mean, first, I yell at him, and then I announce to everyone within range that I had an earth-shattering orgasm. Fantastic.”

  Alec arched an eyebrow and grinned. “Earth-shattering, huh?”

  “Don't think you're getting out of this, buddy. If I have to face my parents, you'll be right there with me.” She glared at him and pushed off the floor, running a hand through her hair. “Oh, no. I have sex hair. I can't talk to my father with sex hair.”

  Alec tossed back his head and laughed. As Ariana grabbed his shirt to throw at him, he stood and ran a hand over her hair. A light band of air energy wafted over her, untangling and smoothing out her hair, and he pressed a kiss against her temple.

  “Breathe, Ari. It's going to be fine.”

  “That's pretty useful.” Ariana reached up to touch her hair in amazement. That talent alone would have come in handy all those times she'd found herself running late. Shaking off the wayward thought, she shoved his shirt in his direction and turned toward the door.

  He chuckled and grabbed her arm. “Your shirt's inside out, love.”

  Ariana swore under her breath and yanked off her blouse, putting it to rights before heading to the door. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm her thoughts. She was an adult who was in an adult relationship. She could handle this. It was probably just her parents wanting to make sure everything was okay. Yep. Right. She winced and tried not to squirm.

  She was so screwed.

  Ariana pressed the button to open the door, prepared to greet her parents, but her intentions fell apart at the sight of the man in the doorway.

  “Hayden? What are you doing here? Are you looking for Jason?”

  The tall, dark-haired man gave her a charming smile. He took her hand, placing a kiss against it, and sent a light trail of heated energy over her. The moment his power enveloped her, she felt Alec's irritation along their connection.

  Uh oh. This might go badly.

  “No, but I understand he'll be arriving shortly. I actually stopped by to see you. Do you have a few minutes to speak with me?”

  She hesitated and glanced back toward the kitchen area where Alec had just emerged. He strolled toward the entrance appearing every inch of the High Council leader, exuding power and confidence. Ariana immediately felt her body respond, wanting to go to him. She swallowed and held herself back. Their connection was definitely stronger.

  “Alec,” Hayden said with the slightest hint of annoyance, but he didn't release Ariana's hand. “I wasn't aware you were here.”

  Alec moved beside Ariana and put his arm around her waist in a possessive gesture. “Yes. Ariana and I have plans for dinner this evening.”

  “I see,” Hayden replied, narrowing his eyes on Alec's arm before turning his focus back on her. “I apologize for my poor timing, Ari. If you don't mind, could I have a few moments to speak with you privately? There's a formal matter I'd like to discuss with you.”

  Her eyes widened, and she looked back and forth between the two men. They were both powerful Drac'Kin males. Having them in such close proximity when each was determined to claim her could potentially be disastrous. The strong scent of possessiveness tickled her nose and she rubbed at it absently. Their emotions were clashing against each other, and the tension in the air was quickly becoming stifling. Even her calming energy was doing little to combat it. She increased her output, sending more soothing threads to try to pacify them.

  As though sensing her discomfort, Alec gave a curt nod. “Of course. It's your right to speak with Ariana if she wishes it.”

  Ariana hesitated but stepped aside to invite Hayden in. She couldn't rightfully deny a formal request, especially if Alec’s suspicions were correct and her father had already given his permission. Although, she could strangle her father for not giving her fair warning. What had he done? Declared an open invitation for anyone to court her the minute she showed her talents?

  “If you'll excuse me, I'll give you two some privacy,” Alec said coolly to Hayden. His gaze softened slightly as he looked at Ariana. “Please let me know if you need me.”

  She gave him a small smile and nodded. Once he'd gone back into the kitchen area, Ariana turned to face her brother's friend. Hayden glanced around t
he room, his eyes lingering on some of the plants and the fountain before turning back to her.

  “Do you mind if we sit?”

  “Um, no. That's fine.” She gestured to the couch, completely at a loss as to the protocol in this situation. “Would you like a drink?”

  “No, thank you,” Hayden said, sitting on the couch and waiting until she was seated beside him. “Judging by your surprise at seeing me, I'm assuming your father hasn’t had a chance to speak with you.”

  She shook her head. “No, I haven't yet had a chance to speak with him, but I think it's safe to assume you're not here about Jason.”

  Hayden took her hand in his, surrounding her with his heated fire energy. It was markedly different from Alec's, but it still reacted with hers. Alec's irritation flared to life again, and she clamped down tightly on their connection.

  “No, I'm not here about Jason. After visiting with your brother yesterday in the medical ward, I spoke with your father about the possibility of courting you.”

  She swallowed and looked down at their entwined hands but didn't respond, unsure of what to say.

  “I'm sure this is probably something of a surprise,” he began, running his thumb over her hand. “I know we haven't had a chance to spend a great deal of time together. Most of the time, I've only been with you at family functions or when I've been with your brother.”

  When she made a small noise of agreement, he continued, “I've always been drawn to you, Ari. When I spoke with your father, he expressed his concerns about what happened when you went to the surface. The fact is, he's extremely worried. I can't say I blame him either. You're in a vulnerable position right now. Your abilities are evolving, and the bond you share with Jason is no longer sufficient. None of us want to see you in danger, and we don't know exactly how your abilities are changing.”

  Ariana frowned, irritated by her family's loquaciousness when they'd constantly encouraged her to remain silent about her talents. “I appreciate your concern, Hayden, but I'm not as vulnerable as you believe. While I may not possess traditional offensive or defensive abilities, I'm not helpless. I don't appreciate you insinuating I am.”