Everwinter (Chronicles of Naelyra Book 1)

by R. J. Lloyd

  He smiled up to me as I took over. “I love a woman who can take charge.”

  “Good.”

  As I lay on his chest, smiling, feeling him slip in and out of me, I tried to decide if I was ready to collapse or start riding him harder. With him, I felt comfortable… fulfilled in a way I never had before. It wasn’t a conscious realization. Nor an epiphany. The sensation simply washing over me like a warm wave.

  He cupped my ass and thrusted up once more. I sat up, the corner of my mouth turned up as I nodded, enjoying the slight bit of pain with the immense pleasure. The sound of his voice sent shivers through me. I picked up the pace once again and allowed him to take me to climax, not holding back my screams this time.

  He pulled me down after I collapsed back onto him. He forced himself in deep, and his body didn’t hold back, responding in kind to mine as he came again. He kissed my forehead and let me rest on top of him as he stayed hard inside me, his arms wrapping around my small frame, holding me on his chest.

  I half expected him to toss me off him and get out of bed. But I was going to take what time he allowed me to curl up and rest. But he surprised me by not moving out from under me. While he may not need to sleep, he closed his eyes anyways. The bliss we shared was so powerful that, despite not tapping into my ability to sense emotions from others, I could feel his energy… and his happiness. And what I felt brought a smile to my lips.

  He stroked my back as he held me to him, neither of us making a move to leave the other.

  Chapter

  Four

  His Kingdom

  I slept peacefully that night, almost deeply. A soft snore occasionally escaped me, but I hadn’t moved from my spot until I stirred come morning. But when I did, I jolted awake, bolting up into a sitting position, looking around. “Satin sheets… carved wood… cold climate…. naked vampire… Okay, so it wasn’t a dream.” My hands were planted on his chest as he lay under me in the same position I had fallen asleep in.

  He rubbed my back gently. "You are safe here. Sleep if you wish. I won't bite you without permission."

  Sleepily, I snuggled back into him, not really thinking about it. Being there, seeing and hearing him felt natural… soothing. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to fall asleep.” Then, my head shot up, “Wait. Did you just make a joke?”

  He chuckled. “I did. I am not without humor, little one. And it is the truth, even if it was meant to be a tease.”

  I shifted to try to sit but felt him still in me. I stayed as I was and smiled. Damn, the vampire had some stamina. “If you’ve got things to do, I can...” I realized I didn’t have a way home. That I was, in fact, stuck in another world. So, I wasn’t sure how to finish that sentence.

  "You can what?” He smiled before picking me up and rolling on top of me, keeping us connected.

  I held onto him as we rolled, a sleepy giggle escaping my lips. “I was going to say go home but then realized where I was. And I wasn’t sure where I could go.”

  My hand lazily traced abstract lines over his chest. I didn’t know what I was feeling, but it was hard to deny myself with him. Attraction? Lust? I didn’t care what it was. Being with him felt too good not to indulge in it.

  “Do you really want to leave so soon? Perhaps you have another to go home too?” He slowly thrust into me with the most alluring look on his face.

  “Fuck.” I moaned happily as he moved his hips in a slow tempo. I arched to meet him at every angle, needing to feel him, to match his pace. “No. I do not have anyone waiting.” How was I supposed to form words when he was doing that? He thrust again, entering me deeply. A small gasp escaped my lips before words could form again. “Just my business. But my managers can deal with everything for a little while. I just don’t want to be in your way.” I groaned again and writhed in painful pleasure under the enticing man who clearly knew what he was doing. My fingers grasped at whatever I could touch - his skin, the sheets, his hair.

  "Well you clearly are not in my way anymore.” He pushed in deeper as if to emphasize what he meant.

  My giggle returned as I gripped his arms. My legs wrapped around his hips, pulling him in. I needed him deeper. I wanted to feel him in my core, but I played along breathlessly, “What? You going to try to keep me longer so you can have me like this for days?” Gods, I hoped so.

  "I have discovered that I do love to fuck you, yes.” He whispered in my ear as he thrust. Pools of desire flickered like flames in his eyes. “Would it be such a bad thing if you were to stay so we could enjoy each other for a while?"

  I arched again, this time pulling him to my mouth, my body needing to say what my voice could not. He nipped playfully at my bottom lip before devouring me as if he owned me. The taste of his tongue had my senses reeling in a new high. Fucking him had been immeasurably passionate. But there was something behind our actions this time. Something that tugged at my very essence and caressed my soul in a way that made me long to be his.

  "You like that, little one." It wasn't a question, he knew, and I couldn't deny it.

  I nodded and smiled, licking my lips, trying to taste him still lingering on them.

  That must have been the right answer because he began to thrust harder, deeper. I cried out both because it hurt, but also because it was the most pleasurable pain I'd ever experience.

  "Are you okay?" This time it was a question. He slowed, waiting for my response.

  I lifted my hips, begging for more. "Don't stop."

  A grin spread across his face as he rammed into me, giving me what I asked for. I returned the motion best I could, despite being physically exhausted. I didn't care. I was lost to him.

  I could feel myself climbing to a climax, every nerve ready to explode. I couldn't tell if the moans I heard were his or mine. It didn't matter. I was completely lost in him. And when he thrust again, I knew I was close.

  He plunged one last time; his fingertips pressed into my hips hard enough to leave bruises. A deep groan settled in his throat, growling in pleasure as he lost himself in me again. The sensation had me falling over the edge. I clung to him, pulling him closer as I cried out, my head tilting back, sweat dripping as I fell back onto the bed.

  He leaned down and kissed my forehead before rolling us to our sides. I collapsed, my breathing shallow and heart rate going like a hummingbird’s wings.

  "Thank you for that." He kissed my hand and sat up. “But you should eat and recuperate. I am afraid that I could break your fragile body if I continue to have you as I want. We can continue later after you’ve eaten and replenished your energies if you wish.”

  I took a deep breath. “Probably a good idea.” I cleared my throat and tried to get comfortable, adjusting to not having him entwined with me. “If I need a shower or food or whatever, what do I do? And where am I staying? Oh! And what do you do for work and all that? What will I need to know while you’re away?” I rapid-fire shot questions at him.

  “You are adorable.” He chuckled at me. "I have made my fortune over the centuries. I am a Vampire King. You just slept with Royalty." He smirked, patting my leg.

  “Cocky,” I bluntly stated, but it was so hot. Vampire King. I playfully chewed on my bottom lip as I watched him.

  He stretched his arms up over his head, his lean muscles flexing. "You are free to sleep here, of course. The servants can bring you whatever you want if you just pull that rope by the bed and ask. The bathroom is through that door across the room. The mountain has a natural hot spring, so you can have both naturally hot or cold water from the sink and bath."

  “Do you let all of your sex toys stay in your chambers?” I sat on the side of the bed next to him and eyed the rope, thinking about food and water. Not waiting for a reply as my stomach growled again, I got up and tugged the rope. Figuring it would be a little while before anyone came, I walked, naked, over to the fireplace and warmed myself by the dying fire. “And where shall I keep my things?”

  He watched me walk, clearly enjoying the view by his expres
sion. "I don't normally let them stay here no. Normally they would have left in the night… if human, typically their bodies carried away by one of the servants. As far as your things are concerned, they can stay in here as well. There is room."

  I turned back to him. A slight nudge of fear flashed through my body. But when I saw him admiring me standing there, completely naked, I realized how at ease I felt around him despite the clear dangers. There was no malice in how he looked at me, only desire… and something else. Something that resembled admiration. Something also rather familiar, yet I couldn’t quite place it. “Mind stoking the fire for me? Or should I do it myself?”

  He walked up next to me, wrapping an arm around my waist, sending another ball of fire into the logs, catching them ablaze. “As you wish.”

  I jumped when a redheaded woman walked in without knocking, unprepared to have an audience. It would not have been difficult to see my reaction to being seen naked... and for him to be so exposed in front of another woman? It didn’t settle well with me. She stood off to the side of the doorway, waiting for instructions. I assumed she was there due to me having pulled the rope by the bed. My eyes went wide as they bounced between him, the bold female and my own body. I hated to admit that I was more than perturbed that he was so brazen in front of another woman. I wasn’t normally a jealous woman, but hell, I just spent the night with him and felt a small claim. As strange as it was, my body pressed against his as if wanting to take a larger claim.

  I wanted to ask him why she was allowed to freely come in without regard for our privacy. Why he didn’t boot her to another room for not knocking… or relegating her to a worse fate. But I didn’t want to ask in front of the woman. And a part of me didn’t want to know. But it irritated me that he was okay with someone else not only seeing himself, but me. Instead of asking questions, I stood behind Kane slightly, trying to conceal my body.

  I did my best to contain my reaction and offered a smile. “I believe Mr. Rathmore said food is available. What are my choices? Or if there’s not any, may I please have what can be easily prepared? And please, water. Lots of water.”

  The woman bowed and left not really looking at either of us, seemingly not fazed by our appearance. Okay, so I guess the woman didn’t speak? Kind of rude, but whatever. Perhaps she just knew her place with her king.

  “Thank you.” I called out as the woman departed, then looked at Kane. “Where did you say I should put my things? And who can repair my clothes?” I tried to be sure my reaction wasn’t as visible as I felt it was.

  He held his head higher and gave my middle a gentle squeeze. “She is just a servant. She does not care if we are clothed or not. That is not her job to care. You should not worry. Besides,” he turned me, taking me by my arms and pulling me to face him. “You have an exquisite body. You should never be afraid to show it off.”

  Red stained my cheeks. “Thank you, but I prefer modesty.”

  “Then I suggest not pulling the rope next time until you have put on suitable attire.” He chuckled and kissed my forehead.

  I had taken note that the attire we chose on our trip in was more for outdoors or traveling, not like the pretty dresses the women inside that house were wearing. I wanted to ask about that but decided it another thing to keep to myself, not wanting to appear ungrateful. “My things? A place for them and to get them repaired?”

  "Don't worry so much, I have servants for all of that." Kane let his hands fall to my hips. “I meant what I said… do not be so fearful of showing your beauty off.”

  “Servants for putting my things away and fixing them? Okay. Fine. But allowing servants to see you like this?” I placed my hands on his chest, refraining from curling into him. I looked down. “Do you not find it inappropriate to just flaunt yourself in front of women?” I wanted to take the words back as soon as I said them. I knew it wasn’t my place to lecture him about who he did what with. I hated that I felt so… protective? No. Possessive? Still no. Jealous. Yes. I was jealous. And I hated that, too. I shook my head trying to clear the absurd feelings.

  "I own this castle, and to be fair, I have had my fair share of the servants. I don't honestly care what they think,” he stated this fact casually before he trailed kisses down my neck.

  I did everything to not react but failed, huffing not so silently. Not only about the servant comment nor the thought that he’s possibly had that one, let alone others. But also at the idea that while I was there, he could have any one of them as and how he pleased.

  He ran a finger down my side, following the curve of my figure. "What’s wrong with you, little one?" He kissed the side of my neck again as his hands gripped my hips tighter, pulling me into him forcefully.

  “Nothing.” I huffed, trying to fight the urge to wrap my arms around his neck and pull him to me. “I’m fine. I’m sure your servants are all eager to serve you as you please.” It was the most passive aggressive and pouty thing I’d probably ever uttered.

  "You are upset about my past? Surely not." He caressed my thighs more.

  It was not fair what his touch was doing to me. “No.” I let one of my hands rest on his as it moved over me. “We both have a past. I’m not concerned with yours.”

  "Then why do you sound upset about the servants? Are you falling for me?" His lips trailed to the back of my neck, his nails lightly scraping my skin as he moved my hair out of the way.

  I was starting to melt at his touch, but his question jarred me. “What? No! Why would I be falling for you? I mean, I’m sure all women swoon, and you’re used to that. But really? Are you not just using me for sex and answers then will be eager to send me home as soon as you find a way to do so?”

  "I am using you for sex sure, just as you are enjoying it. I also find comfort in you that is satisfying. Soothing even. As far as sending you home like a child. That is not what I aim to do. However, you are free to leave at any point."

  I was torn by his words and worked to rebrick the emotional wall I typically had up after letting it sag slightly. A part of me had noticed that he admitted to feeling comfort in me. That he, too, felt there was something soothing between us. But he also admitted to using me for sex, and I didn’t want to think that we could or should have anything more than that.

  “Enjoying it. Yes.” I mentally scrubbed the swooning away as best as I could, but my curiosity pushed forward. “Not what you aim to do though? And you find my company satisfying and soothing, huh? Your plans have changed, I gather. What is your aim now?”

  His fangs grazed over my neck. "To learn all about you and, perhaps, keep you here."

  The fire crackled, the heat from the flames mixing with my own internal temperature that was growing in intensity as his hands roamed over my flesh, causing me to sweat slightly, the droplets glistened on my body. “What?” I paused and looked down, seeing him stroking himself as his eyes roamed over me. When I looked back up at him, his fangs were fully extended. I gulped. “Keep me here?”

  "If you would want that.” He took the small step forward to close the gap between us, his body now pressed against mine. “I can't even promise that I can get you back home now as it is."

  I moved with his motions, wrapping my fingers around his arms. A new need surfaced in me as I watched him stroke himself. I didn’t know why I found it so hot. Why am I loving this? He just wants to use me. I should be repulsed. He stroked faster and I gulped wanting to touch him myself. “Why would you want me to stay? Need another blood doll or bored with your servant sex?” I poked at him with my words. It was now a game I was playing – taunting him with my words to see how far he would take me.

  "Is that what you want? A brand on your ass cheek labeling you mine?" He moved my hand so it slid up and down his cock.

  I moved his hand to take over, stroking him, my free hand running up his chest. My breathing picked up as I moved my hand up and down his shaft. “A brand? No thanks. Not into that whole pain thing. I just didn’t think you’re into claiming women or taking yours
elf off the market. You know... that whole monogamy thing.”

  "Such a big word. Perhaps it’s not one I’ve liked the sound of in the past." His hand slipped between my legs, pressing a finger into my folds. "You are so wet.”

  I moaned, despite trying to keep from giving in. “Big word? I just meant that I didn’t figure you for the relationship type. I can see you claiming a woman for yourself but to care who or what she does when she’s not servicing you or to not partake in others and be with one woman? While I’m that type, I certainly don’t see you that way.”

  "I don't know if I could be that type if I am honest." He gripped my hips and set me up on the long dresser nearby, pushing the items that sat on its surface aside. “I am dying for a taste."

  “Then taste me.” I ran my hands through his hair.

  Kneeling down before me, his eyes came up, a sinister look on his face. “But I will say this; if you taste as good as you fuck, I just might be.”

  “I can see that you’re not. But...” I moaned as he reached my clit. “Are you saying that’s what you want? Have you fallen for me?” I liked Turning his words back on him, taunting him.

  He gripped my thighs and pulled me into him. His long tongue slid deep inside, licking and swirling, exploring me. He only pulled free to answer. "You would like that."

  He dove back in, eagerly flicking my clit with his tongue. My moans, accompanied by whimpers and my stomach still growling, having not eaten yet. I was losing the upper hand. I could feel it as his tongue danced around my opening. “I would like that, huh? Nope. You are a type.” My hands slipped, and I started to fall.

  He grabbed me up, balancing me as he continued. "What type is that?" He smiled up at me and gently bit my thigh, not enough to draw blood, before teasing my clit with his tongue even more.

  I shook my head with a mixed reaction. I didn’t want him to stop. “Carnal.” Is all I could say before I tilted my head back and let out a loud moan. His name wasn’t far from my lips. But I didn’t dare give him that power, yet.