by A. C. Mason
Why now, at this moment, when she was losing Cathen?
“Alexia, my witch, you must see your feelings for Cathen as a testament to the strength of love and hope. They are the only things worth fighting and risking for. They will perhaps take those we love, but they can never take our ability to risk the pain. I learned that too late. I wasted time I could have been adoring you, afraid to love again.”
“You left me.” Tears trailed down her cheeks. “I wasn’t ready to let you go.”
“I’m never far and I’ll always be part of you. But I want you to love again. Don’t make my death break your spirit. Cathen will bring you renewed joy and be a doting parent to your young.”
She knew he was right, and though she’d tried to guard her heart, Cathen had worked his way in.
“You both deserve joy.” VanWolf wiped her cheek.
“I do love him.” She feared he would hate her for it.
“How could I be anything but amazed by your strength, witch? You are stronger than I ever was.” He kissed her forehead. “Go to your mate and know you have my blessing. He needs you as much as you do him.”
Bright light blinded her, and then she knew nothing more.
Chapter 18
Cathen opened his eyes. Alexia lay unconscious against his now human form. Were they all dead? That wasn’t possible. Somehow, as he’d hoped, she’d brought him back to life, resurrected him from the dead with her healing gift.
The betas stared at him, wide-eyed.
“We must go before more arrive,” Varor said, gesturing with his snout toward the location of the pack. “Hurry up!”
Yeah, the betas standing naked in the middle of the street with an unconscious woman draped over them would go unnoticed, wouldn’t they? He picked up the dead officer in front of him, removed his uniform jacket and pants and dressed. A naked man carrying a limp body would call a lot of attention on them. Lifting Alexia into his arms, he followed the betas into the side streets.
The ache inside him was gone. He’d freed her of him. Exhausted, her body had shut down to heal her. At least that was what he hoped.
“We need to move the pack tonight.” It was crucial they leave the city now. “There is a ship off the coast waiting for us, but we must hurry.”
“You take her directly to the meeting point and we will see to the pack,” Varor responded, then turned and headed back with the others.
“Agreed.” The pack could move around undetected in small groups. He climbed into the tiny water taxi the betas had left for him, set down his coquette and rowed south to the coast.
Despite the possible risk, he provided Varor the location where they’d meet the ship and ordered him to gather the others there with the help of Griselda.
* * * *
Cathen stared out into the vast black ocean before him. Alexia had barely stirred since yesterday. The full blue moon overhead glared the truth down onto him. Her heart would not change. When he was on deck of the ship Gabby or Griselda watched over Alexia with the promise to alert him the moment her condition changed. But nothing.
The British naval force had cleared their passage as they headed for the coast of Africa, Libya.
“I’m going to rest.” Cathen placed his hand on Varor’s shoulder. “You take over.”
“Really?” The shock in his eyes amused Cathen.
“Unless you don’t feel able?” he teased.
“I’m honored.” The other pack betas appreciated Varor’s willingness to take on responsibilities they didn’t much want. He would make an excellent Epsilon-Beta, but it was still too soon to ask him. The others betas needed more time to grow accustomed to Varor barking orders at them.
“Cathen, my sister and I helped you because we both believe that you will reunite all the Shunu packs,” Varor said. “It is the reason she gave her life for that of your mate.”
But Alexia was no longer his mate.
“You go rest.” Varor turned from him.
It made sense now as to why Tyra had brought up the blue moon at the dinner table. Not to insult Alexia, but rather to gauge Cathen’s belief in the prophecy. He descended the stairs into the ship.
Griselda stood against the doorframe. “Not a peep.”
“She’s going to be all right.” And so would the child. It was the only thing Cathen was sure of. VanWolf had told him when he was dead.
“I hope you are right.” She crossed her arms. “The pack has seen enough loss.”
He placed his hand on her shoulder. “That we have.” As for his heart, that was another matter and only one could rectify it. “Thank you for staying with her.”
The door to the mated pack members’ room opened.
Helena exited. “We know.”
There was no way he could find enjoyment in such displays of love when Alexia had yet to awaken. Maybe he never could again.
Then pressed to her tiptoes, Helena kissed his cheek. “And we understand.”
He smiled, backed up into his room and closed the door. Alexia’s fragrance washed over him, mixed with the scent of the sea. The ship swayed in the waves.
She lay tucked beneath the covers on the large bed.
He removed his wool coat and set it over the wooden chair next to the desk. He climbed into the hammock next to the bed where Alexia lay. He faced her. She slept with a peaceful look on her face.
“You must come back to us–to me.” He closed his eyes and drifted off.
* * * *
Warmth hovered over Cathen. Lush lips kissed his, and he opened his eyes.
Alexia stood next to the hammock, a smile brightening her face. “Wake up, Prince Charming.”
If he were dreaming, he wanted to enjoy the lie his mind had created a few moments longer, and pulled her mouth to his. A soft moan escaped her and his entire body woke.
He released her, sat up and stared into her pretty emerald eyes. “Make love to me.” So he was greedy and wanted a fully satisfactory wet dream. The wolf inside him stirred, reclaiming her in his heart. His soul needed to join with her. There could never have been another for him. This wasn’t a dream and he wasn’t sleeping.
She was awake and so was he.
The corner of her mouth quirked up. “I will, after the mated females have prepared me for you.” Her wispy curls stood straight out, creating a halo around her head. She was most beautiful…every time he gazed at her.
Even a dream come true could be cruel. Of course he wanted her to say those things, but if she did it out of guilt or fear, she wasn’t doing it for the right reasons.
A tear spilled from his eye.
She cradled his face and covered him in kisses. “Please don’t cry,” she whispered, her voice straining.
He locked his fingers with hers. Her heat penetrated him and he didn’t want to let go of her, but she’d never really been his. “You are free.” He slid from the hammock, let go of her and put his back to her. “My death, however brief, was long enough to sever the link between us. You are free.”
“You said that already.” She placed her hand on his back and rubbed. “Then mark me.”
Why would she even say such a thing after everything they had been through? He’d spent days wishing for those words, and now the reality caused them to pain his chest. If she loved him that would be one thing, but she spoke only the words out of a misplaced sense of responsibility and guilt.
“Do you not love me anymore?” Her voice quivered. “Did I push you away too long? I’m sorry. I was confused about how I feel.”
“And you aren’t anymore?” Desire could not fuel a lifetime of joy, only nights of passion, which would then turn to ash.
“No,” she said.
“How do you feel?” he asked.
“I’m terrified that I have lost you and that even my love for you cannot bring you back to me.”
“I never left you.” Hadn’t he been the one begging her to turn to him while he stood at her side every step of the way?
“Will you ha
ve me then, as your mate?” She leaned in and wrapped her arms around him.
He covered her hand. “I’m trying so hard to let you go, but you aren’t making this easy. I could only bear being your mate if I know that in your heart you love me too.”
“I do, with every fiber that is me. Mark me, and allow me to come to you reborn from the ceremony of grief.”
Was she looking for a way to delay their joining? “There is no need for such a ritual.”
“Our traditions are part of us. They bring us comfort and predictability in uncertain times. It is important for your honor as Alpha, and for the young to see that despite pain, love and hope always win over fear and hatred.”
He needed to know she truly wanted him. “Promise me you mean this? Swear to me you aren’t saying these things to relieve me of guilt, or because you believe I will perish if you do not save me.” He turned and stared into her eyes.
“I do mean what I am saying. However, I cannot swear to something that is fact. Cathen VanLoup, without me you will most certainly perish.” She smiled as brightly as a thousand full moons.
He kissed her nose. “You have a point.”
She unbuttoned the front of her blouse. Her milk chocolate skin was revealed, and the cocoa-hued buds peaked.
Want and need for her ached in him to the bone. “Ask me again?” It was going to take some reassurance on her part to make him feel certain of her feelings for him.
“Mark me. Claim me. Never let go of me,” she demanded. Hunger flickered in her eyes.
“Never ever.” Cathen nicked a thin tear in her skin over her heart, then licked. “Yours the moment I set sight on you until forever more. Mine from this moment forth.” She tasted like heaven.
The scar lit up with the spark of life, branding its impression into his chest too, and through his heart.
Chapter 19
Alexia untied her robe and slipped the fabric from her shoulders. Henna, Kirsa, Sascha and Eline kneeled naked around the steel tub filled with soapy water and each had a sea sponge.
“Are you nervous or scared?” Sascha asked.
Why did she believe it was an either or? “Both.” Alexia stepped into the tub, sat and rested against the slanted back.
“Understandably.” She smiled. “We are here to transition you from mourning to rebirth. Life is filled with pleasure, hope and love.”
Her journey with Cathen had taught her how much she took for granted those basic ideals.
Eline tucked her mouth next to her ear. “I’m going to cover your eyes with a facecloth to wash your hair.”
The fabric lay over Alexia’s eyes. She relaxed.
Gentle hands massaged with soapy fingers her arms and legs. Her sore muscles unwound. The pampering felt invigorating.
The females spoke in the old tongue with warmth in their tones.
Fire awoke inside her as their fingers rubbed her breasts, areolas and nipples. She bit her lip and held onto the side of the tub.
“You are safe with us. Relax, let your body be swept up by the sensation,” Eline whispered as she massaged her scalp.
Alexia’s breathing deepened. Slippery fingers parted her labia and rubbed her nub. Was she dreaming? A tongue twirled her nipple and another mouth suckled the other. This was real, and enjoyable. Two fingers pressed to her opening and then slid inside her while a thumb massaged her clit. In and out of her folds, the digits worked her to a frenzy. She couldn’t wait for Cathen to show her new delights.
The internal massage sped up. She was so close to release. Her inner muscles squeezed the fingers and her clit pulsated against the stimulation. She gasped in bliss.
Then warm water flowed over her, rinsing her head and limbs.
Eline removed the face cloth from her eyes and kissed her cheek. “We hope you’ll both one day join the mated pack members in sharing our love for each other.”
Kisrsa, Sascha and Henna smiled and nodded. They covered themselves with their housecoats.
Eline draped a beautiful white robe over the towel rack. “When you are ready the Alpha awaits you. Impatiently, I might add.” She winked.
One by one, they filed out into the main hall with lighthearted giggles and closed the door.
Alexia stepped out of the tub and patted her skin dry. The moon was bright blue and full outside the window. It felt warm and protective over her. The face of the man on the moon seemed to smile. She chuckled at her strange thoughts, then combed her hair and covered herself in the white robe. The fabric was thick. Part of her was nervous, but she knew she belonged with Cathen. Maybe she always had. She could spend time on regret and questioning her motives, but that would only delay the beginning of their life together.
Hesitantly, she took the knob in hand and opened the door to the bedroom.
Soft beige light warmed the dim room. Cathen paced by the window, stopped and turned toward her with a smile. As she met his gaze, his gold eyes glowed.
“You look beautiful, coquette.” He crossed the distance between them and took her hands into his. “You are shaking. Are you scared?”
“No, nervous.” She leaned into him.
“I’m nervous as well.” He pressed her hands to his heart, which thundered beneath his skin, and then up to his lips, kissing each palm.
“I love you,” she whispered against his heart.
“Say it again?”
She laughed. “I love you, Cathen.”
“I don’t think I can ever get tired of you saying that.” He reached under her legs, picked her up and carried her to the bed. “Is it safe for us to…make love, given your condition? There are other pleasures we can share if we need to wait.” He climbed on the bed next to her.
“Shh.” She placed her index finger over his mouth. “Yes, it’s safe and healthy for you to make sure I’m content.”
He kissed her fingers. “Content isn’t good enough, coquette. I want you bursting with joy.”
She smiled. “I can definitely live with that.”
“Did Kisrsa, Sascha, Henna and Eline help you transition into rebirth?” Blue light from the moon lit his masculine face.
She nodded. “But not nearly in as powerful a way as you seem to manage.”
“Is that so?” He grinned.
“It is.” She traced the profile of his strong jaw.
“So it is then.” He opened her robe, exposing her body. “Exquisite.”
“You say that now, but what about when I’m as big as a house?” Alexia unlooped the buttons of his shirt, revealing the dark curls beneath, kissing a path downward. The male musk of him filled her with a sense of safety and love.
He lowered himself between her legs, kissed her stomach and worked his way down. “I’m sure you’ll be even lovelier, softer and rounder.” The warmth in his voice moved through her.
“You just called me soft and round.”
The light skimming of his lips evoked fire beneath her skin. “In all the right ways, coquette.” He parted her labia with his fingers and kissed her nub with his lips. Moisture collected in the inner core of her folds. “Mmm.” With his tongue, he slipped downward, collecting her excitement, sailed up to her nub, and then flicked back and forth.
“See? It is so.” She took hold of his hair, pressing his face into her.
He licked, rubbed and suckled every inch of her sex. Then he pumped his tongue in and out of her opening while his fingers strummed her clit. His mouth and fingers switched places. He pressed two fingers to her canal, stroking inside her with fast, sharp motions and lapped her nub.
Beneath his tongue, she pulsated into the beyond. “Cathen.” Inside she tensed and relaxed, sending waves through her body. She jerked in delight.
“Yes, coquette.” He lifted, crawled upward and rested his waist on her sex.
“I enjoy being pleasured by you this way.” She kissed his temple.
He grinned, nibbled her neck and rotated her on top of him. “As do I. And I want to learn all the ways you enjoy being pleasured.”
“I like the sound of that.” She kissed his nose.
“I thought you might.” He lowered his pants, tossed off his shirt and sat up, wrapping her legs around his waist.
They were face-to-face and stared directly into each other’s eyes.
“You are my Treiama, coquette.” He lifted her and angled her opening above his erection. “From the moment I laid eyes on you.” His width stretched her insides to accommodate his size.
She held onto him with her arms around his neck. “And you are my chosen mate.” Pumping, he thrust his cock in and out of her. His gold-eyed gaze was fixed on hers as her body took more of him, deeper. The spark of life burst from their bodies in waves. Matter became energy and light. Nothing but their bond was of consequence. Their celestial forms floated above, joining them on a cellular level. Heat and hunger grew more desperate inside her. He drove in an out of her faster.
She was held at the edge of ecstasy. “I love you, Cathen.” She matched his need.
“Say it again, coquette.” He kissed the corner of her mouth. The floodgates opened. She was carried by the strength of their shared release.
“I love you, Cathen.” She collapsed against his chest.
He stroked her curls. “Je t’adore, ma coquette.” I adore you, my coquette.
a.c. Mason
a.c. Mason’s mother’s family survived the Nazi occupation of Belgium and she grew up hearing their harrowing stories. Those dark times not only showed her the worst side of humanity, but reminded her of the courage and sacrifices ordinary individuals made to save others. And though those who shared their memories with her are no longer here, as she weaves in their accounts of WWII, she once again feels connected to them.
a.c.’s Website:
www.acmason.com
Reader eMail:
[email protected]
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