I give her a light kiss before sitting up and widening her legs with my own, aiming my painfully hard cock at her ready entrance. I have been waiting forever for this moment. Clara's eyes are at half mast as they meet mine.
They widen slightly as I push in, the fit tight. I will make this work.
Starting with a series of shallow thrusts, I slowly make room for myself in Clara as her head tosses from side to side on the pillow, her chest rising and falling with her breaths, her nipples standing out in hard points as her body gives way to my inexorable invasion.
I almost reach my end just from that image alone.
Reaching between us, I find the nub at the top of her cleft and rub it gently until she relaxes around me. Then, with one last thrust, I seat myself fully inside. Her hands come down to cup my backside, her short nails digging into the flesh.
It's exquisite.
Kissing her mouth, the side of her neck, kneading her luscious curves, giving her time to relax and adjust inside her, all the while stimulating her with my fingers too. I do not move until she tells me to.
"Now," she gasps. "Why are you still? Move already!"
"Yes, of course," I say politely.
She laughs but then moans as I slowly pull out. And then push back in, watching her face. She squeezes her eyes shut, her cheeks flushing a pretty pink.
It takes time, but she slowly relaxes enough I can thrust faster and harder than I thought I would be able to when I first pushed in. And I want to thrust fast and hard.
Clara urges me on with her breathy moans and the way she grips my body with her hands and legs, every inch of her tells me she wants more.
And more. Her eyes open as she demands more.
I soon pump into her hard enough that the bed creaks underneath us, my eyes locked with hers. The contact is intimate. But I want to be as intimate as possible. And I only want even more.
I grind against her with every thrust as she approaches climax once again, wanting to wait until she does.
I grit my teeth as my edge approaches fast, my testicles drawing up in preparation. Following my instinct, I nuzzle her shoulder, knowing I need one thing more. I bite down, my fangs piercing the soft, smooth skin.
Clara cries out under me, hands gripping my flanks as she clenches down on my cock, milking me with her rhythmic pulses. I meet my end in a rush. The orgasm overtakes me, tackling my body in a hot wave as I release inside Clara, as deep as I can go.
It goes on longer than I even knew it could.
I moan, hoarse, as I slide my teeth from her shoulder and slide my torso to the side so I am not crushing her, my body weak after that intense release. But she wants me on top of her.
"I am too heavy to be on top of you," I murmur.
"But I want you on top," she insists, smoothing her hands down my back.
It makes her feel safe, content.
"It makes you feel safe?" I ask, pulling myself up onto my elbows so I can see her face.
She frowns at me. "I did not say that."
I frown back. "So it does not make you feel safe?"
"No, it does," she admits as her eyes track down.
I get an image of me, the muscles of my arms and shoulders visible as I hold myself up. A sensation of being full, invaded in a delicious way, comes over me. My cock twitches inside Clara in response.
I wonder...
My heart beats faster as I look into Clara's worried eyes.
"You are... happy?" she asks.
"Can you feel it?" I ask, not able to stop the smile that wants to spread across my face.
Her eyes clear.
"Am I your... Pari?" she asks, hesitating.
Laughing, I cup her face in my hands and kiss her with renewed enthusiasm. Her happiness, her joy combines with mine in a wonderful way. Breaking the kiss, I'm unable to stop grinning.
"Yes. Yes, you are my Pari. And I am yours."
I laugh, unable to contain my elation. Clara grins back and I sense her enjoyment of my utter delight.
I roll us over so she is on top and I can hold her and cradle her.
My Pari.
Mine.
How could I be so fortunate?
"Drevakin?" Clara murmurs, rubbing her face against my chest.
"Hmm?"
It is her turn to prop herself up on her elbows so she can see me.
"Rathorin was not a good match for me."
I frown, not liking the thought of him intruding on this moment.
"No, he was not," I agree, my arms tightening around her.
"But you are." She sighs, kissing my forehead before leaning back to meet my eyes. "I remembered where I heard of House Lo'ara before." She takes a breath and lets it out in a sigh. "I matched with two Princes when I went to Celestial Mates. The Prince of House Ti'ana and... the Prince of House Lo'ara."
I frown. "You matched... with me?"
She nods, her face serious.
"Not only that, you were a better match for me. But Celestial Mates said multiple matches means the Prince from the Major House receives the match."
That is...
My mouth tightens as I absorb what she has just told me.
"I wish I could say it is not possible, but the Major Houses often seem to know no shame," I say, shaking my head.
None of this would be a problem if the Major Houses did not once again attempt to exert control where they should not. Clara nods as she lowers herself back onto my chest.
"You are right," she mutters, snuggling in.
As I lie still, my future held in my arms, I wonder if the Major Houses realize that they are on the verge of creating an untenable situation. We of the Minor Houses have become somewhat accustomed to having less and being treated unfairly. But outright threats to our safety?
And now jeopardizing our possible futures with our Paris? It is a dangerous game they play.
And I do not know how much longer they can play it.
Chapter Nineteen
Clara
I wake up wrapped in Drevakin's arms and there’s nowhere else I'd rather be. As I look over at his sleep relaxed face, the now familiar warm contentment I experience every time I look at him washes over me.
If I'm honest with myself, I've never felt this depth of connection before. I was so in love with Joseph, and I cared about him deeply, but I'm not the same person I was then, before life dealt me some serious blows. I'm older now, with a lot more under my belt.
I know myself so much better after going through the gauntlet of the last few years. All of that plays a role in how I feel now. And while the Paritella is amazing and beautiful, I also know it isn't the reason I feel the way I do.
That doesn't mean I wouldn't miss it if I lost the connection, but if it disappeared tomorrow, I would still care about Drevakin just as deeply. As I lie still, drinking in the quiet moment, I also know with utter certainty that Joseph would be happy for me. Though he might have wished the circumstances weren't so dangerous and tumultuous.
I smile, almost able to hear him rolling his eyes and asking why everything is so complicated with me all the time. It was a long running joke between us. I never thought I could feel what I felt for him again. Let alone something even more and in such a short time.
After Rathorin, I seriously thought I had made a colossal mistake in coming to Alva at all. Now... now I believe it was destiny, or fate for me to come to Alva, meant to meet Drevakin. No matter what else happens now, I can't regret this decision. Not when it's brought me this.
I sigh as the anxiety about our situation rises again, never far in the background. There’s no avoiding the facts. We're stuck in a kind of limbo here at House Do'ana, no matter how nice our stay has been so far. Elorshin and Margot have been amazing, but we can't live our lives in the shadows forever. We have to make a move soon.
As that thought is crossing my mind, Drevakin opens his eyes. As soon as they meet mine, he smiles, tightening his arms around me.
"Good morning," I murmur, le
aning in to place a light kiss on his lips.
"It is a good morning," he replies, rolling us and bracing himself on top of me.
I smile at his playfulness though I know my troubled thoughts are clear.
"What is wrong?" he asks, cupping the side of my face.
Even if my expression didn't reflect what I was feeling, I know he would pick up on my mood through the Paritella. There’s no way to hide my emotions around him. It's disconcerting. It's liberating in a strange way, but also kind of scary.
"I’m just thinking about the future. I don’t know what we’ll do," I murmur, wrapping my arms around his hard waist.
He nods, his face sobering. "Yes, I understand." His eyes track over my face, his thumb rubbing across my bottom lip. "No matter what happens, we will figure out what to do. Together."
"I know, but if something ever happens to you..."
"It will not," he reassures as I trail off.
I shake my head, looking away. "You can’t guarantee that."
The old pain, an echo of the anguish I went through when Joseph died, rises. His death destroyed my world. The pain has muted, somehow becoming less with time, but it’s still there. I don't think it will ever go away.
And I don't want it to go away, ever. I want to remember Joseph. Honor him and his love of others, his honor, his willingness to do anything he could to help. I was too grief stricken to appreciate his decision to serve when I was first told. Only later did I realize there was no other option for him. That was just who he was. The man I loved with my whole heart.
Drevakin frowns, his eyes locked on my face when I turn back.
"What did you think of?" he asks. "Sometimes, I feel as if you are so far away. As if you've gone where I cannot follow."
I lick my lips. Maybe it's time to tell him. If anyone deserves to know, he does. "I was... married, before."
He nods his eyes sympathetic. Perhaps he had an inkling.
"What happened?" he asks, his voice soft.
I swallow, but the knot in my throat refuses to move. "He was a fighter. Like you. And there was a battle." I look away, blinking back tears. "He died trying to save others."
"So he died with honor," Drevakin whispers.
"Yes." I shake my head as I turn back to meet his eyes. "He died with honor. But he also left me alone. I would have rather he not have been so honorable and lived."
Drevakin nods, his attention focused on me. "I can understand that. You cared for him deeply."
"So you can see why I worry," I say, trying to get off the painful topic.
He cups my chin with his fingers. "I cannot guarantee I will never endanger myself or that nothing will ever happen." He leans down and places a soft kiss on my lips. "But I can say I will try my best to stay safe, to always come back to you."
I nod, knowing it's the best he can do. I've fallen for another hero. Another man who is honorable deep down to his bones. I know he will do what he believes is right no matter the cost. And I also know I have to accept that. I can't change who he is. Nor would I want to.
"I think that's enough worry for so early in the morning," I say.
"This is true," he says, mockingly serious. "And I believe I know just the cure for this mood."
I laugh as he ducks under the covers, moving down my body. He makes a space from himself between my legs, and soon I'm not laughing anymore. By the time we make it out to breakfast, I have to admit his method for improving my mood is damn effective.
I’m a new woman. A very satisfied new woman.
We go to the kitchen like we've gotten into the habit of doing. We eat before we move to the practice room once again. Our routine has become predictable. We eat, we practice, we have lunch, and then sometimes Elorshin joins our practice or comes with news. Drevakin and I spend a lot of the day together. And although the situation is far from ideal, that we can spend so much time in each other's company is amazing.
I try to enjoy every moment, knowing this pocket of time is precious. There’s no guarantee about what’ll happen tomorrow. When Elorshin enters the practice room early today, his face grim and I know our short reprieve is over. My gut clenches in response.
"Drevakin, Clara, we need to speak. Come to my study. Something has happened."
Drevakin and I look at each other, trepidation clear in his face and through our bond. Dropping what we were doing, we follow Elorshin into the study. Margot is already waiting, looking as serious as Elorshin.
"I put the baby down for a nap," she says as she takes my hand in hers, looking over at Drevakin with concern.
The news must be bad indeed. All the build up isn't helping, my stomach is roiling with fearful anticipation.
"What is it?" Drevakin asks.
Elorshin lets out a heavy sigh. "Forgive me. There is no easy way to convey this news." He glances between us. "Rathorin has besieged House Lo'ara."
"What?" I ask, looking over at Drevakin's tight face. "Why?"
Elorshin's attention is also on Drevakin, his worry clear.
"From what I can gather, he believes you two are still alive. He feels deceived about your deaths. Apparently, that House Lo'ara is still running smoothly makes him think you must be there, leading the House while in hiding," Elorshin explains.
Drevakin nods, his jaw tight, his arms crossed over his chest, braced like he expects a physical blow. "What is he asking for?"
Elorshin's eyes are grave as he watches Elorshin. "He is asking you and Clara to surrender yourselves," he reveals, reluctance in every word.
"I'm so sorry, honey," Margot murmurs.
I squeeze Margot's hand. Then I move over to Drevakin, wrap my arm around his and clasp his hand, not knowing how else to comfort him. Drevakin's eyes are out of focus like he isn't seeing the room in front of us.
"And then what?" I prod Elorshin when he says nothing else. "What happens after we show ourselves?"
Elorshin looks at me and shakes his head, glancing away again. Not good. I look up Drevakin. "Drevakin?"
He looks down, his face serious as his eyes focus.
"What do we do?" I ask, coming up blank.
He frowns, his face looking lost. "I do not know."
As I look around the room at all the worried faces, I wonder if there’s any good decision to make. We don't have a lot of options.
Drevakin gathers me into his arms, holding me tight. I wonder if this is one of the last times he will. I hold him back tight enough I know it can't be comfortable, but he doesn't complain, setting his head down on top of mine as we hold each other.
"I do not know," he murmurs again.
"We will support you, no matter what decision you make," Elorshin says in a quiet voice. "For now, we will leave you alone to think."
I listen as he and Margot leave the study, closing the door behind them. Now it's just me and Drevakin.
The future has caught up to us.
Chapter Twenty
Drevakin
As we stand alone in the study, Clara tucked into my arms, I think. Various options come and go in my mind, all with the pressure of knowing time is scarce. House Lo'ara can withstand a siege for some time, but Rathorin has enough of a force he could overrun it eventually.
Politically, it would not be a smart move for him to sacrifice a multitude of people he does not have to. He may be the Prince of House Ti'ana, but that does not mean he is immune to being overthrown, given the correct provocation. Sending his people to die when it is unnecessary could well be enough.
I do not know if he will take the politically expedient path. It is obvious that the power of his position as Prince of a Major House has poisoned his mind, given him an inflated ego. He may believe he can say and do whatever he pleases, using fear and force to ensure nobody rises against him.
Even though he might be wrong in this case, the political ramifications will not help House Lo'ara after the fact if he decides to use numbers to overwhelm the border walls. And that brings me to a reality I cannot avoid.
>
I cannot leave House Lo'ara to its fate.
Every male, female, and child in that House is my responsibility. They have put their faith in me, looked to me for guidance and safety. I have a duty to protect them to the best of my ability. A duty I have never taken lightly and cannot now. If sacrificing myself is the only way, I will do so.
"I have to turn myself over to Rathorin," I say out loud.
I knew what my decision would be after Elorshin first informed me, but I needed to ensure I had exhausted all possibilities. My promise to Clara, to keep myself safe as possible, rings in my ears. I didn't know the test of it would come so soon. Clara leans back so she can look at my face.
I expect her to argue, tell me I can't do this, that I need to keep myself safe. I would understand. She has already lost a mate and knows the excruciating pain of that loss. A pain I hope never to experience. I do not want to deal her that blow again. But she surprises me as she seems to have a knack for.
"I know," she says simply, a wistful smile on her face. "You wouldn’t be the man I care so much for, that I love, if you didn’t do what’s right."
Relief flows through me in a cool rush as I lean down to rest my forehead against hers, looking into her beautiful eyes.
"I do not know what I did to deserve you," I murmur.
"I don't know either," she says with a smile, a twinkle in her eye.
Chuckling in response, I'm happy she can find humor even now.
Her face sobers. "But you aren’t going alone," she says.
I frown, my heart clenching in panic.
"Clara—"
"No," she interrupts. "Rathorin isn’t asking for you alone. He’s asking for me too."
I shake my head, my stomach dropping and my heart beating faster. Fear is much more real at the thought of her in Rathorin's power than it is when facing my probable death. I cannot bear to think of her hurt.
"He only suspects you are still alive. I can mollify him by turning myself in," I argue, ice cold desperation trickling down my spine.
Clara shakes her head almost in apology. I am reacting harsher to her decision than she did to mine. Maybe I'm not as strong as she is.
Forbidden Alien Prince: Celestial Mates (The Alva) Page 12
