by Rosalie Redd
“Mine?” he grunted, half statement, half question.
That one word broke right through the floodgates of her will. He loved her. His beast knew, even if the man didn’t.
“Noeh, please let me go.” She pushed against him, but he didn’t budge.
“Let. Me. Go!”
He relented, the giant beast stepping away from her.
“I’m going to help you come back.” She touched his arm, running her hand up the soft hair.
His jaw muscles flexed. She had to change him back, and fast.
“Nomo comae dos tiquas.” She chanted the words Noeh had spoken to Torbin when he was in beast form. They must be important, but she didn’t know what they meant. “Nomo comae dos tiquas.”
Noeh crouched down and growled. His upper lip pulled into a snarl. He didn’t touch her, even though he could rip her in half. Encouraged, she stood her ground and continued to chant, adding a soft lilt, turning the words into a tune. “Nomo comae dos tiquas.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
Noeh towered over Melissa, her back pressed against the door of his bedchamber. As he looked into her warm emerald eyes, his beast recognized this female—mine. A soft moan escaped his lips.
Nomo comae dos tiquas.
He closed his eyes, and his body swayed to her lyrical voice. The words were like a cool breeze pushing him along and his mind floated, as if he were in the clouds. He went with the flow, his body and mind recalling the long lost thread connecting the man with the beast. As he reached for the strand, the energy eluded his mental grasp, frustrating him.
Nomo comae dos tiquas.
The chant became louder, infiltrating his senses, smoothing out his frustration. This time, he connected with the force, his mind relinking the pathway.
He felt whole. He hadn’t felt like this in over five hundred years.
“Noeh.” A soft voice seeped into his mind, and a warm hand touched his arm. He ached to feel that gentle caress all over his body. The stroke became more insistent—tapping—gaining his attention.
“Noeh.”
He opened his eyes. The floor of the Keep came into focus, and the smooth stone was cool against his hands. Melissa crouched next to him.
“My little kitten.” He caressed her cheek with the back of his finger.
She closed her eyes and sighed, her shoulders slumping forward as if in relief.
A fine sheen of sweat coated his bare arms and chest. His pants had reformed on his legs, replacing his long hair. He swallowed, his parched mouth yet another indication of his transformation.
He stood, bringing Melissa upright with him. Her hands rested on his arms, her touch both fire and ice. A stray strand of hair covered one of her eyes, and he brushed the unruly lock away.
“Thank you.”
“For what? I didn’t do anything.” She moistened her lips.
He leaned closer, mesmerized by her inviting mouth. “You brought me back from my beast. No one has been able to do that since the great scourge. For that, I am thankful.”
“You did this on your own. I chanted the words I heard you speak to Torbin, but you were the one who took control. It’s amazing what you can do if you try.” Her smile lit a fire in his heart.
“Your faith helped me find my way back.”
“What do the words means? Nomo comae dos tiquas?”
“Return to me. The words are from the ancient texts, the ones we don’t use anymore.”
She stared into his eyes, and a sense of unease ran along his spine.
“Before you went into your rage”—she stalled and bit her lip—“you said you were afraid to bond to a female. Is it because you’d lose your soul?”
“No. I’d gladly sacrifice my spirit for my mate.” His heart ached at the confession.
“It’s about your father and mother. Isn’t it?” Her tender and passionate tone soothed his nerves and dragged the information right out of him.
“My father couldn’t save my mother and watched her die. As a result of his bonding, he went with her and left a child to rule a kingdom. I can’t go through that. It would destroy me.”
He stilled, his fear warring with his need to be honest with her. His marking for truth pulsed above his eye. He had to tell her.
“I’m afraid of losing her.” He shook with the admission, a chill running over his body.
She must have noticed the change in his demeanor, for she leaned closer. Her brow knit together, and her hand traced up his arm, her fingers light on his skin. “My mother once told me it’s better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all.”
She peered at him, his pretty little kitten, and the block of ice in his chest melted.
“Your mother was very wise.” He was falling for her, hard, and a part of him thought her mother knew exactly what she was talking about.
Unable to resist her mouth any longer, he kissed her. Her lips were as soft and plump as he remembered. He pulled her closer, his hand entwined in her hair, securing her in his grasp. A delicate moan escaped her lips as they kissed, the vibration sending jolts of desire to his groin.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he picked her up, overcoming their difference in height. Enveloping his waist with her legs, she squeezed him, driving him crazy. The top of his shaft reached her bottom, and he felt her warmth and softness through the thin fabric of her panties. He rubbed himself against her, deepening their kiss. I could lose myself to this female. Maybe I already have.
Pulling away, he unwound his hand from her hair and ran his finger down her cheek, so soft against his calloused skin. “Would you like to feed from me?” he asked, still holding her tight with one arm.
She smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “I don’t need to feed to feel like this.”
She traced her finger across his marking, around his eye, and over his cheek. His skin tingle. He captured her hand in his and opening her palm, he kissed the delicate skin in the center. She shivered, the hair on her arms visibly standing on end. He smiled, delighted in her reaction to his ministrations.
He kissed her again, his tongue tangling with hers as he explored her mouth. This female, this irresistible female—he was falling for her. He couldn’t help himself.
She stilled against him and broke their kiss. Her gaze met his, her body rigid. “Oh, no.”
A chill crossed over his bare arms. “What’s wrong?”
As he breathed, he smelled her unique scent, now infused with the rich bite of musk. The fragrance grew stronger and permeated his senses. His cock jerked and strained against his pants, the pressure so intense his balls ached.
She was in heat. As a male, he couldn’t help but respond to her body’s call.
“I’m sorry,” she panted. “I-I can’t control my body.”
She licked her lips, drawing him to her like a bee to honey. Her eyes were heavy, and her smooth skin electrified him everywhere their bodies came together.
“Please,” she said. “I need.”
His marking for honor pulsed, the pain spiking through his brain, clarifying what must be done. Using every ounce of inner strength, he released his hold and set her down on the cold stone floor. Both he and his inner beast screamed at the loss of contact.
I can’t do this to her, she’s…untouchable to me. Yet touching her was all he could think about. His chest constricted, and he never hated his value for honor as much as he did right then.
“You need a male. Who shall I get for you?”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Melissa’s cheeks burned. Her red face would betray her shame. Unwilling to meet Noeh’s eyes, she peered at the floor of his bedchamber. The coldness that enveloped her was as much from his rejection as the cool, smooth stone.
“I don’t want anyone…” But you. She turned to go.
He caught her by the elbow, and she stilled. His touch lit up her nerves everywhere their skin connected.
“No one? There must be someone…” He didn’t finish
his words. Instead, his thumb circled the skin on her arm.
She glanced at him. His blue eyes swirled with flecks of gold. Deep inside he cared for her, the drawing on the floor the only proof she needed. She swallowed her pride and bared her vulnerability to him.
“You. Only you.”
He didn’t move, nor did he speak. His shoulders rose and fell as he breathed. He studied her, and her heart melted at the sight of this proud, majestic male. Her male. I love him. I love him more than I should.
“This is your last chance to pick another male. I won’t be responsible for what happens if you stay.” Although his words allowed her an exit, his amber eyes and every twitch of his muscles begged her to stay.
“Maybe you didn’t hear me the first time,” she said, her tension draining away as she committed herself. “I only want you.”
He was on her before she knew what happened. Cradling her head in his hands, he kissed her, his mouth possessive, demanding she comply. She dug her nails into his back, enjoying his reaction as his muscles stiffened under her touch. He broke from the kiss and hissed, his breath warm against her throat.
“Please,” she moaned.
His focus drew down to her bosom, her nipples taut with need. He stroked his palm across the side of her chest, pressing against the fabric of her dress. Taking the weight of her breast in his palm, he flicked his thumb across her firm nub, making her jerk and sending a jolt of excitement through her aching body. The temperature in the room rose. Her skin warmed as sweat dampened her clothes, pinning them to her body like a second skin.
The sunstones dimmed, bathing them in soft light.
Noeh growled, the sound hungry and possessive, sending a thrill of female pride through her. Only she could cause him to react this way. He grabbed the bottom of her dress, ripping the material up and over her head in one swift motion. After unclasping her bra, the confining garment fell to the floor. Baring her breasts to him, he looked at her with such passion, such want. She couldn’t get enough of him.
His gaze wandered south, down past her waist to the crook between her legs. He breathed in deep, the broad muscles of his chest expanding. As his jaw tightened, determination lined his features. He moved in a blur, sweeping his arm under her legs and cradling her against him. She cried out, a fluttery sensation rolling through her stomach at his sudden move. Her hand on his chest, his heart pulsed beneath her fingers, its rhythm fast and strong.
A wave of dizziness crashed over her, and her need intensified, pumping more pheromones into her bloodstream. Her body ached. She whimpered as she ran her hand over his firm chest and abs, lost in his masculine scent. The dampness in her panties was as much from her desire as her need.
He carried her over to his bed and placed her on the covers, his actions careful and attentive. Mounting her, he straddled her hips with his knees. He bent down and with an intense focus, caressed one of her breasts.
“Tell me what you need.” His voice was gruff as he squeezed her peak between his fingers.
She arched her back beneath him, his touch like throwing gasoline on a flame. His triumphant smile lit up his face, and she studied every contour and line, committing it to memory.
“Satisfy me,” she said.
“Oh, I intend to.”
He gripped her panties, yanking them down in one motion. The lingerie landed on the floor with a soft hush. His intense glare traveled up her body, from her mound, to her breasts, to her face. The look of need in his eyes made her heart stutter.
His large erection strained against his pants, the engorged head poking through his waistband. Her need warred with her desire, and her love for him fueled both.
“Noeh, please,” she mewled as her body shook.
He slid down, away from her, and she gripped his arm.
“Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere.” His eyes glistened with desire.
He grabbed her hips, positioning her to his liking. He spread her legs with his hands and took a deep breath. Growling, he kissed the top of her mound, sending a delightful quake through her body.
“I wonder if you taste as good as you smell.” A mischievous smile spread across his face. “I should find out.”
He opened her a little further, and the cool air hit her wet folds. He blew on them. The tickling sensation prickled the skin on her arms. She moaned as her desire built, heat radiating off her skin in waves. He licked her slick passage, making her buck against him as he held her steady. Taking his time, his tongue circled her clit.
She screamed, her body jerking against his mouth. He teased her with his tongue while he watched, his amber eyes hungry and determined. He growled as he nibbled her bud, and the vibration sent her over the edge.
*****
Noeh’s heart raced as he held Melissa tight, pinning her to his bed. He tormented her, savoring her feminine juices as she bucked under him, his arms squeezing her hips, confining her movements. Her eyes, a perfect shade of green, looked into his, and his heart thawed, his walls breaking down.
To his surprise, he wasn’t afraid of his emotional commitment to her. His chest expanded as happiness filled him, something he hadn’t realized he’d gone without. He longed for this female and would do anything for her.
His erection strained against his pants, and a small bead of arousal eased from his crown.
“Take them off,” she commanded, pointing to his slacks.
He loved that she ordered him, bending him to her will. Removing them as fast as he could, he crawled over her, resting his arms on either side of her head. Where their skin touched, their mutual heat drove his need for her. Her firm breasts pressed against his chest. His shaft lay against the smooth skin above her mound, his balls rubbing against her fine pubic hair.
She’s so tiny. I could crush her without so much as a thought. Will she be able to take me?
She ran her finger along his marking, apprehension etched in lines around her beautiful eyes. “What’s wrong?”
Her concern touched him on a level so deep he couldn’t respond, couldn’t move, couldn’t do anything but stare into her eyes. I did it. I fell in love with her. The realization caused his heart to clench.
He rolled over, protecting her in the cage of his arms, straddling her on top of him.
“Nothing,” he said, “everything is perfect.” You are perfect.
Her palms rubbed his chest, and the feel of her hands exploring his body lit up his nerves. She glanced down at him, her smile one of pure enjoyment.
With his skin stretched taut, his balls ached for release. He lifted his hips, his shaft caressing her back. She hoisted herself up, centering her core over the end of his cock. Her slick folds slid over the tip, driving him crazy.
Worried about his size, he gripped her thighs, holding her still.
Tilting her head, she raised her eyebrows, uncertainty crossing her features. “Why are you stopping?”
“I don’t want to hurt you.” The lump in his throat made the words sound harsh.
She caressed his face, her eyes glistening. “You could never hurt me,” she whispered, “not ever.” She pushed against his hands. “Now, let me drive.”
He’d always been in control. This was difficult for him, but he relented, releasing his grip on her thighs. As he did, a sense of weightlessness engulfed him. Maybe he should relinquish control more often—only to her.
The tip of his shaft rubbed against her wet folds, spreading her velvety warmth all over his cock. The sensation overwhelmed him, and a groan rumbled in his chest. With slow, deliberate movements, she took him in, inch by inch, until she settled herself on him at last. A moan of pure pleasure escaped her lips, and a smile played at the corner of her mouth. Thank the gods, she could take him.
With willful intent, he gripped her hips, joining in the movement as she rocked back and forth. Her need punched up another level, her nails digging into his arms. The pain intensified his own desire, and he increased the pace. Caught up in the frenzy, flesh upon flesh,
their bodies slapped together.
A soft mewl, short and sweet, bubbled from her lips as her orgasm crested. Her sheath, filled with her release, excited him, throwing him into his own. A shudder wracked his body, contracting his balls, and he spilled his seed deep within her. She rode him still, milking him for every last drop. When she was done, she lay on top of him.
He lavished her neck and face with delicate kisses, and the taste of her tangy skin on his tongue soothed him. With her in his arms, they lay together for several minutes. He never wanted to let her go.
Her scent of mint and carnations changed—became infused with a new fragrance, an indication that the egg had been fertilized. She’s pregnant with my child. He smells like cinnamon. His chest expanded at the thought. Happiness like he’d never known lightened his heart.
Her hair caressed his chin as she cradled her face against his neck. The tips of her sharp fangs nibbled his earlobe, teasing the delicate skin. Her soft breath tickled his ear, as if she’d spoken to him, but he didn’t hear any words. The warmth spread tingles of delight down the back of his neck.
Raising herself up on one arm, a beautiful smile graced her lips. Her gaze roamed his face, as if trying to read his expression. Her brows pinched together, and she stiffened in his arms. She glanced away, her chin quivering. “I’m going to my room now, You…serviced me. I won’t be a bother to you, or your queen.”
As she dismounted him, his organ slackened, and the remnants of their joining glistened on his stomach. After grabbing her clothes off the floor, she raced to her room and slammed the door, shutting him out.
What just happened? He jumped out of bed and crossed the room, intent on getting answers. As he reached for the doorknob, he stopped.
Maybe she was right. What could he offer her? A place by his side? A future together? He ran his hand through his hair. Maybe the kindest act was to let her be.
He placed his palm on the door and lowered his head. This never should have happened. He should’ve insisted she select another male.
