Rising Sun (The Awakened Trilogy Book 3)

by Amanda Carol

  Aria chuckles. “It’s part of my demigod charm. Fast healer.”

  “Incredible. That was amazing!” Dani looks at her in awe then turns to me. “And you two? How are you not naked right now?”

  Aria snorts. “That’s what I said when we first met.”

  “It’s because of our clothes. Made of all-natural materials that shift with us,” I explain.

  Dani nods. I don’t think she really thought about it when I shifted in Maryland. She was a little preoccupied getting attacked by vampires at the time.

  “That was better than…well, anything I’ve ever seen before,” Kyler says.

  “And that’s all thanks to Blondie.” Bennett grins.

  “You came up with this?” Zach asks.

  “Well…” Aria drawls.

  “Yeah, she did. My girl is amazing.” I grab her and pull her into my side.

  It was hard watching Ares beat the shit out of her. She definitely held her own, but fuck, it took everything in me not to ruin this plan. So now, I just want to be close to her.

  Aria leans into me, and that’s when I know she’s ready for some rest, even if she doesn’t admit it.

  “We should probably let you guys go get cleaned up. Right, Hails? And maybe get you off your feet.” Zach grabs Haylee’s waist and turning her toward him.

  She bites her bottom lip. “Yep!”

  “Later, guys!” Zach reaches for Haylee’s hand and starts to walk off.

  “Um, guys!” Bennett calls after them. “Knox and Grace’s cabin is that way.” He hitches his thumb behind him.

  “Right. Thanks!” Zach says, dragging Haylee toward the cabin.

  “Wow. I hope Grace and Knox aren’t home. I thought they had a lot of sex before, but good God Since she got pregnant, they’re worse than rabbits. Like, seriously.” Kyler grimaces.

  “Ha. Grace and Knox might be home, and they also probably might be doing the very thing those two are about to do,” Bennett jokes. “Actually, they most definitely are.”

  Kyler laughs. “Oh, this is going to be fun, since they are always sneaking off to go at it.”

  “Hell yeah it is. Knox and Grace are always going at it. We should place a bet to see how long it takes for Zach and Haylee to say something, because I can assure you, no one is as bad as Grace and Knox,” Bennett says.

  I glance down at Aria. She’s smiling, and typically when she uses as much power as she just used, it exhausts her, but not now. I think since she’s been using it more lately, her body is just becoming used to it. She doesn’t have to try as hard to summon it.

  “Knowing Haylee and my brother, probably not long,” Dani chuckles. “Anyway, we should let you guys go get some rest. We’ll catch up later.”

  “Yeah, nice job out there, guys,” Kyler says, shaking my hand and pulling me into a one-armed hug. “All right, Benny. Let’s talk about that bet.”

  “You’ve been hanging out with my dad too much,” Dani chuckles.

  Kyler just shrugs.

  “Yes, lets. Laters!” Bennett throws up the peace sign as he walks off with Dani and Kyler.

  When we get back to our cabin, Aria goes upstairs to shower while I fix her something to eat in the kitchen.

  It’s crazy how much things have changed in such a short time. Around this time only a few short months ago—although it feels like a lifetime—I would have been taking a nap, then getting ready to follow my dad’s orders to patrol my favorite city in the world. Now, I’m making my girl a sandwich, and I’m the one giving out orders. It seems weird to be giving out orders, but it’s also something that I’ve been used to, since I had to give orders when I was the Beta. Speaking of…

  I open the link to the pack.

  All right, everyone, listen up. I just want to thank everyone for all your hard work. I know it can’t be easy with all the changes that have been going on lately, so I really appreciate it. Between now and the bonfire, if you need anything, report to Bennett or Knox, or any one of the other six Alphas. You guys did great work out there, which is why I’m giving everyone a day off from training tomorrow. It’s still business as usual with patrols, though. After tomorrow, it’s back to work.

  Right when I close the link off, I feel arms wrap around my waist.

  “How was your shower?” I ask.

  “Relaxing. I feel refreshed and less exhausted now. What are you making?” she asks against my back.

  “A sandwich,” I reply, slicing it in half, smiling at the memory of the first sandwich I ever made for her.

  I turn, scooping her up into my arms and placing her down on the counter. Aria laughs, and it’s still the best sound I have ever heard.

  “What are you doing?” she asks, still smiling.

  But it falls when I take a step forward, bringing a hand up to cup her cheek. Her beautiful pale green eyes flick down to my lips then her eyes lock with mine. Her breath hitches as I get close enough, then I brush my lips against hers. I lick her bottom lip, and she opens for me. She moans softly when I bring her hips to edge of the countertop. I wouldn’t mind bending her over on this counter and burying myself inside her, but truth be told, I’m content just kissing her right now.

  I pull back, resting my forehead against hers. “That was what would have happened if we hadn’t been interrupted.”

  Aria chuckles. “We could still get him a collar with a bell on it.”

  “Don’t tempt me, baby,” I laugh as I reluctantly step back and hand Aria her sandwich. “I told the pack to let us be until the bonfire. What’s the point of having Betas and other Alphas if I’m always available? So, I closed our doors for the rest of the afternoon. And…” I pause, leaving the kitchen to grab a bag from the living room that I had hidden. “I had Kai and Caleb pick up a few things in town. More specifically, I had them get you more paint and canvases.”

  Aria’s face lights up, and she sets her half-eaten sandwich back down on the plate. “Oh, my God!”

  She comes right over to me, and I hand her the bag. She peeks inside, then looks up at me with a huge smile on her face.

  “Thank you!” She stands on her tiptoes and kisses me quickly, then starts to rush off to the garage.

  I chuckle, then start to clean up the mess, but I hear footsteps quickly approaching. I turn just in time to catch Aria as she leaps into my arms, wrapping her legs around my waist, and crashing her lips against mine.

  “You’re the best, and also amazing,” she says before kissing me once more and jumping down.

  I chuckle as I watch her run back out to the garage. I finish cleaning up in the kitchen, then jump in the shower to rinse off the sweat, blood, and dirt from today. I plan on taking another shower later before the bonfire since I’ll be working on my car all afternoon. I change my clothes and head back down to the garage, where I plan on spending the rest of the afternoon.

  Just me and my girl.

  It feels like it’s been forever since I put my brushes on a canvas.

  I dip my brush into the white and coat the whole thing, then use different shades of blues and purples, mixing it with the white to create something that reminds me of an ocean at sunset. Sometimes I’ll just play around with mixing paints and seeing what comes out of it. I’ve already been through two other canvases and am currently working on my third.

  But I keep finding myself getting distracted. Movement catches my eye, and I look up over the easel to watch Hunter lift his toolbox off the ground with ease. His arm muscles flex as he sets it down on his work bench. His shoulders twitch when he opens it, and I’m willing his black tank top to come off with my mind. Out of all the magic in the world, you’d think someone would have that kind of power.

  Hunter spins around, seemingly lost in thought as he walks over toward the hood of his car. He bends over to pick up a spare tire and rolls it off to the side, then grabs his slider so he can easily slide in and out… Okay, I don’t know why watching him work on his car turns me on so much.

  That’s a lie.


  I know exactly why it does.

  I flush when he looks over at me and suck my bottom lip in between my teeth. He winks, then drops down and I can barely hear him slide under the car when “Sail” by AWOLNATION blasts through the speakers. Shaking my head, I return to my painting but after a few moments, I feel the familiar tug, so I open the link.

  Baby, can you get me the socket wrench? Hunter asks.

  Yep! I reply, shutting off the link and setting my brush down.

  I walk over and grab the wrench but instead of handing it to him like I always do, I get a better idea. I stand at the hood of the car and spread my legs, in the perfect position so when he slides back out from under his car, I’ll be the first thing he sees.

  I feel the tug, so I open the link back up.

  Did you find it? It should be in the toolbox.

  Oh, I found it. But if you want it, you have to come out and get it, I tell him.

  I glance down just as he uses the slider and pushes himself out from under the car, right in between my legs. His eyes glow a bright blue as he notices my stance above him.

  “What are you up to?” he breathes, getting up and pushing the slider with his foot across the room.

  I lift my shirt over my head and pull my hair out from my ponytail, letting it cascade down over my shoulders. Hunter’s eyes glow even brighter when I undo the button on my jeans and wriggle them down my hips and onto the floor. I manage to keep my red converse on as I carefully kick my jeans to the side.

  I may or may not have prepared myself for this moment. Red converse, red lacy bra, and panties to match. He watches my every move as I slowly take steps toward him. I place my hands on his forearms and run them up over his biceps and shoulders until my fingers curl into his hair, which is finally getting a bit longer. Since he’s a wolf, his hair grows much faster than the average human. I tug him toward me and crash my lips onto his, swiping my tongue against his bottom lip, then pulling it between my teeth.

  He growls, grabbing my hips and yanking me closer, but it’s not close enough. I wrap my legs around him when he picks me up and walks us backward until he gently places me down on the hood of his car. I pull back, grabbing the hem of his tank top and lifting it up. Once I get to a certain point, he takes over, and I let my fingers lightly travel down the hard ridges of his eight-pack abs until I get to the button of his jeans. I undo it and pull his pants down slightly, letting his dick spring free and slowly starting to stroke it. His eyes are glowing brightly as he watches.

  I open myself up to him, as he does for me whenever we are intimate.

  Come here, I command.

  He doesn’t hesitate. He bends over, kissing me roughly with a hunger that matches my own. I grip the back of his neck with one hand then reach down between us and line him up with my entrance, moving my panties to the side.

  Aria…

  Hunter’s voice is rough and sexy in my head as he thrusts into me, kissing and nipping at the sensitive spot behind my ear. He buries his face in my neck as he picks up the pace.

  “Fuck!” I cry out loud, the music drowning us out. “Hunter!”

  I come. Hard. And Hunter catches my release with a passionate kiss.

  Then he stands up, gripping my hips and pulling me down closer to the edge of the hood. He wraps a hand around my neck, squeezing it lightly for a moment before letting it trail down between my breasts, down my stomach until his thumb finds the bundle of nerves. He swirls his thumb around as he thrusts in and out of me, faster and harder than ever before. I arch my back, practically levitating off the hood of the car as I come again.

  Damn, baby, I love watching you unravel while I’m inside you, Hunter tells me through the link. Come for me again.

  His thumb is back, pressing hard and whirling around on my clit, and a loud, animalistic sound escapes Hunter’s lips when my walls tighten around him as I come on his command.

  Fuck, I can’t hold back any longer, Hunter growls.

  I wrap my legs around him and pull him to me. He crashes his lips onto mine and growls as he finds his release. We are both sweaty and panting, and still holding onto each other tightly as we try and catch our breath.

  I will say it again. I can never get enough of you. Hunter kisses my neck, my collarbone, my shoulder, then comes back up to my lips.

  He swirls his tongue with mine slowly, savoring the moment. He ignites a fire that burns me from the inside out, making me hot and bothered just from his touch alone.

  I love you, Aria Elizabeth. Always, Hunter says, using the link before pulling out of me.

  I let out a gasp-like moan when he does, already missing him.

  Always, I reply back, sitting up.

  He smiles at me, revealing the dimples that I love so much.

  “Hold that pose,” he says out loud, walking over to his bench and pulling out his phone.

  I have one foot propped up on the grill of his car, while the other is outstretched in front of me. He walks over and flips my hair over, then leans in to kiss me. He tugs my bottom lip out with his teeth and then takes a step back.

  “Perfect. Don’t move.”

  Click.

  His eyes glow a soft blue as he stares down at his phone.

  “Did you just take a picture?” I ask, hopping off, grabbing my clothes, and getting dressed.

  “Mm-hmm,” he says, slipping his phone in his back pocket. “I set that picture as the background.”

  I flush, but then he comes over and cups my cheek.

  “Don’t you worry that pretty little head of yours. It’s not set as my lock screen. That picture is for my eyes only,” he says, grinning from ear to ear. “It’s around that time. We should get ready for the bonfire. I’m going to shower really quick, then we can head out. Care to join me?”

  I chuckle. “As much as I would love to, we would never make it out there. You go on and shower. I’m going to paint for a little while longer.”

  Hunter frowns, but then smiles. “Okay.”

  He pecks me on the lips and walks back into the cabin. I go back over to my easel and pick my paintbrush back up, perfectly content in my own little world.

  Once Hunter is dressed and ready, he grabs his guitar and we make our way down to the clearing where everyone seems to be mingling already.

  “Well, it’s about time you two showed up!” Kyler says, coming over and slapping Hunter’s hand.

  “Yeah, well...” Hunter runs a hand through his hair and down the back of his neck, then looks down at me, smiling.

  I flush, remembering our afternoon together.

  Kyler looks between the two of us. “I see.”

  “Where’s Dani?” I ask him, changing the subject.

  “Oh, she’s over there with Zach, Haylee, and your brother.” Kyler points over to where they are sitting down on one of the log benches.

  Declan is tuning his guitar while they talk. I glance around and spot Ciera chatting with Abby, who already has a red solo cup in her hand.

  “Aria!” Abby shouts when she spots me.

  “If you gentlemen will excuse me,” I laugh, leaving Hunter with Kyler to go to my best friend.

  She hands me a cup, and I take a hefty sip, letting the beer cool my throat.

  “Please tell me that you, Declan, and Hunter are going to play some tunes.” Abby loops her arm in mine.

  Ciera laughs. “Did you really think they wouldn’t?”

  “She’s right. And I know just the song.” I wink at my best friend and open the link to Hunter.

  Meet me over by Declan.

  Yes, ma’am, Hunter replies.

  I close the link as Abby, Ciera, and I make our way over to where the others are seated with my brother. I look around, noticing everyone talking and having fun, which is much needed after the last few weeks we’ve had. There is still no sign of Isabella, but that means nothing.

  I make eye contact with Blaine, and he quickly looks away. He and I have come to some sort of understanding. He stays out of my way, and
I stay out of his, but that doesn’t mean he and I will be best friends forever.

  “Hey, guys! Are you having fun?” I direct my question to Zach, Haylee, and Dani.

  “Yes! This is better than any vacation I’ve ever been on!” Haylee squeals. “Although I do wish I could drink with you guys. It’s no fun being the sober one.”

  “Aww, Hails, I’ll drink one for you.” Dani smiles at her best friend and places a hand on her knee.

  “Make it a double, then!” Haylee laughs.

  “Oh, shit. My sister can’t hold her alcohol. That’s a bad idea,” Zach moans playfully.

  Dani slaps his shoulder. “Are you kidding? Who’s the one who out-drank you and Ky at our parents’ fourth of July party?”

  “Uh, that would be us!” Haylee says, high-fiving Dani.

  “See, and you ended up puking in the bushes. Ky had to carry your drunk ass up to bed,” Dani laughs.

  “I know what having to deal with a drunk sibling is like. Don’t I, Dec?” I joke.

  My brother looks up at me with a smirk.

  “Ahh, those were the good old days, weren’t they? Did I ever mention that you’re my favorite sister ever?” Declan leans forward to fake whisper. “Don’t let her fool you, though. Aria was a partygoer too. She and Abby would always get into some sort of shenanigans.”

  “You’re damn right we did. Cheers, babe!” Abby says holding out her cup.

  I tap mine to hers. “Cheers!”

  “What’s going on over here?” Hunter asks, a look of amusement crossing his features as he watches Abby and I finish off our beers.

  “Oh, nothing.” I wink as Bennett comes over.

  “Blondie!” Bennett lifts me up and spins me around.

  “Are you drunk?” I ask after he sets me down.

  “Maybe. But, hey, you and Zayne are needed.” Bennett looks around and spots Zayne standing with Kyler. “Hey, Z! Get your hot-headed ass over here!”

  Zayne whips his head in our direction, and both he and Kyler make their way over to us.

  “What’s up?” Zayne asks, giving Abby a quick kiss.

  “I’m going to need you and Blondie….” He pauses and looks over at Hunter, grinning from ear to ear.