by Jana LaPelle
Jaz is flittering about like normal and lands on my shoulder, "Since when do you and Ashlinn have a pet panther? That is seriously cool. Where is your better half anyway? We've hardly seen her since entering Faerie." She complains. "You need to learn how to share. Alaric it's not cool to keep her all to yourself. Claire showed us the dress she designed for her. I bet she'll look stunning. Everyone's waiting for you so the party can get underway." She chatters on. "So, does she need help to get ready, is that why you wanted us to come up here? Where is she anyway? The suspense is literally killing me."
Jaz is wound up like always, it’s like she’s on a constant sugar high and before I can get a word in edgewise, she takes flight and continues to ramble on, all the while performing some interesting acrobatics.
"Come on little kitty, let's go find Ash. She has to be in here somewhere. Alaric can't hide your mistress away forever. Tonight is all about her. So, what do you say you show me where she's hiding? You're such a pretty kitty. Where did you come from anyhow? Are you housebroken? Alaric, is this big kitty housebroken? I can't imagine what possessed the two of you to take in a panther, of all creatures. Why not a wombat? They are seriously cute and probably more manageable as an indoor pet. Nothing against you, you pretty puddy tat, but you will eat us out of house and home. Not to mention the drapes and furniture will endure some serious damage with those massive paws and claws of yours. Wow? Are you smiling? Look at how big your teeth are. Alaric, where’s Ashlinn? What’s taking her so long?” Jasmine finally runs out of breath.
"If you're finished, I will try to explain what's going on," I say to the group in front of me.
“Wow, look at your eyes pretty kitty, they’re the same color as Ashlinn’s. Don’t you think that’s a bit unusual? I mean really? Don’t panthers have green eyes? I’ve never seen a panther with amber colored eyes before. That is so weird. Don’t you guys think that is weird?” Jaz hardly comes up for air as she chatters on and on. I hear a sharp intake of breath as Lexie makes the connection.
“Jasmine if you would let me explain, everything will be clear once I…” She cuts me off once again.
“Wow, that’s just uncanny. It’s almost like I’m looking into Ashlinn’s eyes, but that can’t be right. Alaric what’s going on here?” Jasmine asks as she continues to flitter about in front of Ashlinn.
Ashlinn’s feline nature begins to take over, and she starts to swat at Jasmine. She lowers her chest to the floor with her tail up, twitching back and forth as she starts to shift on her hind legs, her rear wiggling as she prepares herself for the chase. About that time Jasmine realizes that the panther in front of her means to pounce. Before I know it Ashlinn is chasing a screeching pixie around the room jumping and playfully pawing at Jasmine. All the while Jasmine is flittering about the room, trying to get away from Ashlinn who is toying with her and having some fun.
I sigh heavily and mutter, “This is not going at all how I imagined it would.” Jasmine is screeching like a banshee pleading for someone to intervene, while Ashlinn continues to give chase and suddenly I can’t help but laugh out loud. The whole situation is beyond funny.
Lexie elbows me getting my attention. "Tell me that's not Ashlinn. It is, isn't it? I mean those eyes really?" She asks me, not really wanting my answer and then directs her attention to Ashlinn. "Ash, quit chasing Jasmine." She scolds. "Come on over here and let me see you. Ashlinn Ryllae Elan! Stop those antics right now and get over here this instant."
With that Ashlinn stops what she’s doing and makes her way toward Alexia, who is standing next to Declan. The next thing I know, a growl issues forth from me making Deck back away from Ashlinn. Ashlinn looks at me with understanding as she sits where she is and waits for Lexie to come to her. Lexie looks back and forth between the two of us and then walks toward Ashlinn, “Well, I never dreamed that anything like this could possibly happen, but why not. Once again you never fail to surprise me. Look at you. You’re beautiful.” Lexie says, as she drops into one of the chairs by Ashlinn and begins to stroke her head. Ashlinn drops her massive head into her niece’s lap and nuzzles her muzzle into Lexie’s hands seeking some additional attention. Jasmine finally realizes that she is no longer being chased by Ashlinn. She comes over to land on the arm of the chair and then ventures over to sit on Ashlinn’s neck.
“Well now princess, you’ve been keeping secrets. You could have let me know instead of scaring the pixie dust right out of me. I thought for sure I was going to be snack food.” Jasmine says as the three of them get reacquainted. I take that moment to talk to Declan.
"Deck, this is her first shift, it's about two to three years early. Her need to claim her mate will not be denied. There is no way we can postpone completing the binding. It's happening tonight. I need for you and the rest of the Guard to work with The Dagda in making sure that the Keep is secure in my absence this evening, and possibly tomorrow. We'll postpone the public binding ceremony if we have to, that remains to be seen. Jasmine will understand about our absence tonight, but I will allow you to explain to Alexia. I have a feeling you would prefer it that way." Declan just grunts then says, "No worries A, you just take care of Ashlinn, we've got your back. I have to say I never once anticipated this. I'm kind of blown away."
I look over to see the three women together. They're all adapting and getting to know this new Ashlinn, and her panther is getting to know each of their scents. Jasmine and Lexie are laughing at Ashlinn as she licks each of them showing her affection for them. Poor Jasmine almost ends up entirely in her mouth, and she starts in on one of her rants all the while Lexie laughs. I smile to myself and could not be happier.
I feel her through our bond as a wave of longing rushes through her. A low incessant whine builds deep in her throat. It's almost painful to share through our bond, and I watch as she begins to pant. I decide that it's time to intervene as Jasmine looks at me with wide eyes. She begins to put two and two together. "Okay, everyone. It's time to go enjoy the banquet below and the music and dancing. I need to see if I can coax Ashlinn to shift back." I say walking to the door. Declan clears his throat getting Lexie's attention as she and Jasmine say goodbye.
“So we’ll see you in a bit?’ Alexia asks as she makes her way to the door. Jasmine speaks up as they are hurrying through the egress, “About that Lexie, I don’t think we’ll be seeing Ash tonight. I’ll let your kindred explain that one.” I hear as they make their way down the hall to the stairs. Our suite is the only one on this floor of the turret so we should have plenty of privacy as I close the outer door to our rooms.
Chapter 24
(Ashlinn)
I’m quivering in anticipation of what’s to come. I find that my feline is such a hussy. I can barely control her as she continues to nuzzle Alaric. His sharp intake of breath alerts me to his own arousal. What I thought earlier before the shift is true. We are two entities sharing one form, me and my panther. Now that I know that she’s there I can’t deny that she has been guiding my instincts for some time. Now her instincts are riding us hard to claim our mate. That doesn’t alleviate my nervousness of what is to come. Not to mention, I have no idea as to how to shift back. I have tried several times now and nothing. My panther is smug in the fact that she’s out and wants to stay out. Another wave of need rocks through us and we issue a caterwauling sound that belies how affected we are. Our need to claim has set in. Lexie and Jasmine just left, and they took the news better than I thought they would. Alaric breaks through my ponderings as I realize that my feline has pounced on Alaric knocking him back onto the couch in our room. We’re licking his cheek and mewling as he’s stroking us and presses a kiss just below our eye.
Alaric asserts his dominance when he says, "This is so not happening if you stay in your feline form. Shift back for me, mo grá."
As if by majic, my shift takes place and suddenly I find myself naked pressed against Alaric as my panther form retreats. He reaches up and cups my c
heek, “Welcome back, álainn.”
“Oh my gods, I’m naked and …,” I say as I reach up to cover my bare breast, Alaric covers my naked form with a throw from the back of the couch.
He says in a low, gravelly voice, "You have never looked more beautiful." Alaric drops a kiss on my forehead and then says, "This is not exactly how I pictured things going for this evening. It's not a bad thing, but it just changes how we will approach our mating."
As he's talking, I find that I've moved to straddle him, as if I can't help myself but to move closer to him. I can feel his hard length through his pants as I press into him. I'm so embarrassed by my actions I feel my entire body flush, and I bury my head in the crook of his neck and groan, not only in shame but pleasure as I try to ease my need again by gently rocking into the length of him. Alaric pulls me close and buries his head in my hair while raining kisses down my neck. I fist my hands in his hair urging him to continue. I'm so caught up in the moment I don't realize until we are moving that Alaric has picked me up and is carrying me to the bathroom.
I lift my head and look at him questioningly, and he laughs. "Easy, mo ghrá, you're going to relax in a nice warm bath as I prepare our rooms for us." Through the open door leading to the terrace, I can hear soft music beginning to waft into the chamber. The celebration on our behalf is beginning to get underway. I hear, in the distance, a cheer go up as a toast has been issued. A small part of me wishes I were there, but the ruling majority is happy that I'm here with only my kindred, my mate.
Alaric sits me on the edge of the tub as he begins to draw the bath and adds some lavender scented bath salts. He pulls me to my feet and at the same time he allows the throw to slip from around me to pool at my feet. His hands rest on my waist almost encircling it entirely. He drags his heated gaze over my naked form, inhaling deeply as his desire ignites in the depth of his eyes. I drop my gaze feeling vulnerable and exposed while simultaneously excited about what this is leading up to. Alaric hooks his index finger under my chin and lifts my gaze to his. He leans down to give me a scorching kiss as he pulls me against him. All too soon he breaks away to lift me up and place me in the tub with a smile, and says, “Okay relax in the bath. Give me a little bit of time, but take as long as you need. Then you can come out and join me.” He places a kiss on my forehead and walks into the other room. I watch him go, admiring his exceptionally sculpted backside.
I inhale deeply, and it takes a few moments for me to relax into the bath because I feel as if I'm wound tight as a spring. Slowly, I ease back and close my eyes with my hair piled high on my head and let out a sigh as my tense muscles begin to ease. A few minutes later I open my eyes to see a gold sheer baby doll nightie hanging from the back of the door, sneaky Elf-Man. I didn't even hear him come in. Just the sight of the lingerie jump starts my libido once more, and I climb out of the bath to towel off and put on the sexy little number Alaric has left for me. Just like I had talked about before, he is always so very thoughtful. There are matching, barely there, lace boy shorts that go with the ensemble. I leave my hair loose; it's crimped in waves from the braids that it has been confined in for most of the day. The length of it hangs heavy down my back. It's then that I notice the charm that Dagda gifted us with, and I stare at it in contemplation. My decision made, I secure the charmed cuff to my wrist, making the decision my own, as I take a last look in the mirror. I hardly know the woman staring back at me. I'm provocative and alluring in a way I never thought I could be, as I stand here assessing my reflection.
A wave of desire rocks through me, and I know that I will not be able to hold out much longer. I curse under my breath because I don't want to rush this, of all things. It's my first time, and I want for this to be perfect or as perfect given the circumstances as it can be. I whimper and close my eyes as I clench my thighs together trying to ease the need that I feel. My body is a flame of desire, want, and need.
Alaric comes up behind me, wrapping me in his arms and says, "You are so beautiful. I thank the gods that you are meant for me, mo grá. We have the entire night for me to show you how much you mean to me." He says quietly, as he pulls me back into his strong embrace. He cradles me close to him as he delivers sweet kisses down one side of my neck and I melt into him, granting him the access he so desires. In this moment, we are about to embark on a very personal journey. One that will bind us together for always, and I'm flooded with emotion, mine and his. I take him in as we make our way into our bedchambers. He's wearing black silk drawstring sleep pants, his chiseled pecs, and abs on display for my enjoyment. He has never looked more enticing to me as he does at this moment. Looking around, I'm amazed at what he has done in such a short period of time. The windows and terrace doors are left open letting in the light of the enormous moon and the sounds of celebration from below. The wall sconces have been dimmed, and the fire in the fireplace burns low. The bed has been turned down, and there are white and red rose petals strewn about as well as several bouquets of flowers set about the room. I begin to sway to the music that's coming from lower in the Keep. Turning in his arms, we both begin to move to the melody to ask, "How were you able to do all of this so fast?"
“You like it?” He asks as if he’s uncertain of my reaction.
"I love it. I'm so glad you found me, Alaric. I love you. I will do whatever I need to do to hold on to you. You complete my soul." My inner cat begins to purr.
“As you complete me, Ashlinn.” He says simply, swaying to the music as we move closer and closer to the bed. I know that there's no going back. Not that I want to. We're about to complete our union, and my panther is chomping at the bit. It takes all of my control to push her back and ask her to be patient. My cat is a vixen to be sure. I'm lifted onto the bed and Alaric places his hand on my flat belly, sliding it up, caressing me as he goes, to the center of my chest as he gently pushes me back to lie on the silken sheets while cupping my breast. The bed is of a height that he has full access to me as he grips my hips and pulls me to the edge of the bed. I can feel his arousal, his hard length nestled between the valley of my legs. All the while he's trailing kisses down my neck, then down to my breast as my back arches up towards him. My nightgown is removed with amazing speed, and he cups my breasts in his hands and squeezes both before lowering his head to take one nipple in his mouth teasing me. His hot, decadent lips moves to my other breast, and he repeats his attention before sucking hard and nipping at the taut tip. I try to assuage the need that fills me as I buck against him. He denies me as he continues his path down my body to my navel, trailing a damp path of hot kisses, my skin puckers into goose bumps before he gets to that sweet spot between my legs. His heated gaze finds mine, and within moments my panties are a thing of the past, I'm totally naked and exposed. Then with a wicked smirk, he lowers his head and oh merciful gods, his talented tongue works its majic as I reach down to fist my hands in his hair. I feel a beautiful crescendo building within as his tongue and fingers work in tandem until it's too much to take, and a flood releases inside me. I'm helpless but to ride the tidal wave created by all the sensations Alaric has created in me since our first meeting. For the first time in my life, I let go and ride this beautiful wave.
As my release continues to rock through me, I'm helpless to do much more than lay trembling on the bed. I have never felt these amazing sensations before. I reach up to caress his beautiful face and pull him down for a kiss. I can taste myself on his tongue and lips. I can't help the smile that appears as we deepen the kiss, all the while our hands and arms roam over one another unable to get enough of the other. I arch into him seeking more. I feel Alaric at my entrance as new sensations tear through me. First one finger, and then a second slowly enter me as he works at stretching my tight entrance preparing me for what has yet to come. All these sensations are so new and overwhelming, and I long for more as I squirm beneath him, my hips bucking. He keeps me restrained by pinning my arms above my head. His lips trailing teasing kisses from my neck to
my breast and as he latches onto one of my nipples, I feel the coiling sensation reach a new crescendo, my breath hitches, as a second climax tears through me that leaves me panting, trying to catch my breath. Alaric is breathing heavily now, and I can tell that he can't wait a moment longer, the intensity of our combined feelings and emotions are at a fever pitched frenzy that cannot be denied. The feline in me is whimpering and wants to mark her mate, but I hold her at bay.
Alaric declares in a deep, throaty voice, "I love you Ashlinn. You belong to me." With that, I feel him push into my entrance. He stops, breathing heavily in restraint as he grips my hips, allowing me time to adjust and then slowly begins to push forward. I can tell that he's not yet fully seated before he pulls back.
I grit out between my teeth, "Please Alaric, I need you." With that Alaric surges forward filling me and I gasp. He stills for a minute to allow me a moment as the bittersweet pain subsides. As it does, I realize that I have never felt so full, so complete, and I want more. We both begin to move in rhythm to one another. "Alaric! Oh, my." I pant. As we rock into one another, emotions overwhelm me and combined with the sensations our coupling has awaken. I realize that I'm about to go over the edge again, I'm clinging to him, lost in the moment when he stops. I look up at him with wide eyes, wondering what could possibly be on his mind. His brilliant blue eyes are shining down at me and he makes a promise to us. "Ash, you are my beginning and my end. You are mine!" With that, he slams into me with a renewed vigor. Our mating takes on a fevered frenzy. We can't seem to get enough of the other, and we continue to move together at a frenzied pace. Each time he slams into me, I can feel him hitting that sweet spot, and my climax continues to build until I feel like I'm about to explode. All I know is that I want him buried so deeply in me that I don't know where he begins or where I end.
