27.

  Ash

  Hearing Faelwen’s voice after so long was like feeling sunlight pierce through the coldest morning mist. It warmed me in ways I hadn’t realized I’d missed until now. Holding her close, her lithe frame tucked against mine, was an anchor I hadn’t known I needed.

  After introductions were exchanged with Spook, a man whose silent intensity was as sharp as a drawn blade, we gathered near the pond. My eyes watched Spook as he sat down by the water that reflected the warm light of the chamber.

  I listened to Faelwen who spoke of their journey, of rediscovering each other after their adventures in Westray, and of Aeon, how he’d guided her through the labyrinth of her magic.

  A spark of intrigue and curiosity formed itself in my mind. Aeon Tempus, an otherworldly being from the First Realm. I read about him in the books I’d found to study my magic. And although I wanted to know more about him, I couldn’t help noticing the way Spook’s eyes lingered on her.

  The tension in his jaw was unmistakable, as was the fleeting tightness in my own chest. Spook was young somewhere in his twenties, no older than Faelwen, with wild auburn hair and piercing blue eyes hardened by hardship. He’d probably learned to survive at a young age. Those are the ones you had to be cautious about.

  A faint scar graced his cheek, lending him an air of danger and resilience. He reminded me too much of myself in my reckless youth. But the way his gaze followed her, lingering too long, stirred a jealousy in me I couldn’t ignore.

  My hand found her cheek mid-sentence, and I brushed my fingers across her soft skin. She faltered, a blush rising as her words trailed off. Her gaze flickered to mine, and in that moment I locked eyes with Spook.

  Instinctively sending him a silent message, sharp as an arrow. She’s mine. It was ugly I knew, but hells I couldn’t lose her again.

  He held my stare for a breath too long in my opinion before looking away, his fingers absently stroking Artemis, who lounged at his side with an air of feline indifference.

  “What about you?” Faelwen’s voice pulled me back to her, the curiosity in her eyes a balm to my irritation.

  “What about me?” I asked, smiling softly.

  “How did you get here?”

  Her question set me adrift on a tide of memories.

  “I fought them off. Ran and hid in the temple of Veras. Elora found me and took me to her parents,” I said briskly, not wanting to go into details. I noticed Faelwen’s eyes darting over my face as if she was trying to figure out if something was wrong. Nothing was wrong.

  “They told me you were coming,” I said, my voice softening hoping to give her some reassurance. “And I waited. Every day, I hoped you would arrive.”

  My arm tightened around her, drawing her closer as warmth and love surged through our bond. Her quiet sigh of relief was all I needed to feel calm again.

  “I’m going to explore,” Spook’s abrupt announcement broke the moment. He stood, his movements deliberate as he headed for the door without so much as a backward glance.

  “Spook!” Faelwen’s alarm was immediate, and she rose from my side, the loss of her warmth leaving an ache and making my irritation rise again. Why would she go after him? If Spook wanted to disappear in the shadows, then let him. I probably would have done the same if I were in his shoes.

  Her expression was etched with worry as she glanced at Artemis. Oh, my darling, always caring for others and forgetting herself in the process. The golden-eyed feline leapt gracefully from his perch, padding silently after Spook. Good, maybe this gives her some reassurance. And now we can properly catch up.

  “I’m sorry,” Faelwen said, her voice tinged with embarrassment. “He’s been tense since we arrived. He’s usually not like this.”

  I waved her apology away with a grin not wanting her to feel any shame at all. “Don’t worry about it. I guess he needs space. Maybe scouting will calm him down,” I responded, knowing full well scouting wouldn’t calm his frustrated feelings about Faelwen’s love for me. If I had read the signs on his face correctly he cared more for her than ‘just friends’.

  “Honestly, I’m glad we’re alone now,” I added. Her lips curved into a teasing smile as she turned back to me, her face close, so close I could feel the warmth of her breath.

  “Oh?” she murmured. “And why is that?” Her proximity was intoxicating, and I couldn’t resist.

  “Because it lets me do this.”

  I leaned in, brushing my lips against her cheek. Her skin flushed beneath my touch, and I trailed a line of kisses along the curve of her cheekbone to the delicate slope of her neck.

  Her soft sigh sent a shiver up my spine, and I pulled her closer, savouring the moment. Her hands found their way to my shirt, clutching it as if I might vanish.

  I couldn’t help but chuckle.

  “Don’t worry, darling. I’m here,” I mumbled as I kissed her again, deeper this time, until I gently urged her lips to part and I claimed her fully. A soft moan escaping her mouth. Her taste was sweet, intoxicating, and I was lost in her.

  I pulled back, giving us both a moment to breathe. My hand caressing the side of her face. I looked at her for a moment longer as if reminding myself she was truly here.

  Carefully I pulled her onto my lap, her legs settling around me as she pressed herself closer. My need for her was undeniable, and I could see the heat rising in her cheeks as well.

  “You want this, darling?” I asked her, pushing myself a little up, making contact with her. She bit her lower lip. I needed to be sure if she would be okay. After all she just came back from a long journey and a lot of new impressions.

  “Are you sure about this?” I murmured again, letting my desire show in my voice, hoping she felt the same way.

  She hesitated, her movements nervous, her eyes searching mine for comfort. She still fidgeted nervously, rubbing over my heart length. I couldn’t help the sigh that escaped my lips. I stayed still, giving her the space to change her mind. Instead she smiled at me, leaning forward. Her hands trembled slightly as they rested on my chest.

  “I… I’ve never done this before,” she admitted, her voice barely audible. “But I want to.” Her confession caught me off guard. I see, that was why she was fidgeting on top of me. I cupped her face gently, my thumb brushing over her lips as I smiled.

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  “Then I’ll make sure it’s something you’ll never forget,” I whispered, my voice low and promising and I gently nipped at her lower lip. She tried to pull her head free, a smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

  “Be gentle, Ash.”

  “Always,” I gently kissed her on the cheek. I stood, lifting her effortlessly in my arms. Her legs wrapped around my waist as I carried her toward the bedroom. Her breath hitched as I leaned close to her ear, my voice a husky murmur.

  “Tonight I want to take my time with you. I’ll make it perfect.” Her body shuddered at my words, and as I laid her gently on the bed, her trust in me shone through her nervous gaze. In that moment, nothing else mattered but her.

  ? ? ?

  Faelwen

  His touch was a caress of the divine, and his smile a light that pierced through every shadow I carried. I couldn’t think. I could only feel. He was everything I wanted and more… more than I had dared to dream.

  The scent of him, like pine forests kissed by summer’s last golden rays, wrapped around me, intoxicating and warm. His hands moved over me with hunger, but unhurried and full of intention, as though each moment was to be savoured like the finest elven wine.

  Fingers feathered across my skin, tracing the curves of my body with an exquisite tenderness that left a trail of goosebumps in their wake. My breath hitched as his touch dipped lower, a whisper of warmth against the sensitive flesh of my inner thighs.

  I arched into him, silent pleas in every curve of my body, urging him onward. It was like my body took over, shutting out my mind to think.

  His lips ascended, claiming my breasts with a hunger that sent sparks of fire through my veins. The gentle nip of his teeth, followed by the soothing flick of his tongue, drew a gasp from my lips.

  His name escaped me, unbidden and breathless, and I felt the answering tension in his body, the hardness of his desire pressing against me. He moved with maddening precision, teasing me with his touch before his fingers found the aching centre of my need.

  Firm, measured strokes drew a shuddering moan from deep within me, my nails raking lightly down his back. His low chuckle vibrated against my chest as he murmured, “Hmm, darling, your nails are sharp.”

  I froze, guilt flashing through me. “I’m sorry,” I gasped, but the apology died as he slid a finger inside me, his breath hot against my ear.

  “Don’t apologize, my love. I like it when it hurts,” he said, his voice a rough, feral growl that sent shivers cascading down my spine. Emboldened, I pressed my nails back against his skin, drawing a groan of approval from him.

  He added a second finger, his movements deliberate and teasing. His lips returned to my chest, his tongue tracing languid circles around my nipples.

  “Do you like this, darling?” he whispered, his words a seductive promise against my skin. I couldn’t answer. Words failed me as my body arched into his touch, a moan spilling from my lips in place of a reply.

  His chuckle was low and rich as he captured my mouth in a kiss that grew deeper, more fervent with each passing moment. His hand guided me, wrapping it around his hardness, and with gentle  patience he guided me. His groans grew rougher, more primal, as my confidence grew.

  When he could wait no longer, he pulled my hand away and positioned himself against me, his gaze meeting mine.

  “Breathe, darling. You’re doing so well,” he murmured, his voice a soothing balm as he eased into me. I gasped, the unfamiliar stretch sharp at first, but his whispered reassurance steadied me. He brushed his lips against mine, his kisses soft and grounding, until the ache began to melt into something sweeter.

  As he began to move, slow and careful, his fingers found my centre again, coaxing waves of pleasure that rippled through me. A warmth blossomed deep within, spreading through my limbs and stealing away my breath.

  I matched his rhythm, the need for more consuming me. The world faded, leaving only him; his scent, his touch, the heat of his body against mine.

  My hands tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, and his groan vibrated through me. His pace quickened, his movements deeper and more demanding, until we were nothing but a tangle of limbs and fire.

  Pleasure surged within me, building into something vast and overwhelming. When it broke, it shattered me, leaving me trembling and crying his name as I tightened around him. He groaned, his body taut as a drawn bowstring as he pushed deeper, angling my legs to take him fully.

  His face buried in the curve of my neck, his breath hot and ragged against my skin. With a final, shuddering thrust, he broke apart, his voice hoarse as he whispered my name again and again.

  For a moment, the world was silent but for the sound of our breathing, our bodies still entwined as we came back to ourselves. He shifted, careful and gentle, lying beside me but keeping a leg and arm draped over me as though to tether me to him.

  His flushed face broke into a grin that mirrored my own, his smile crinkling the corners of his eyes in a way that sent butterflies fluttering in my chest all over again. No words were needed. The love in his gaze, the warmth of his touch, spoke volumes as we lay together, hearts and souls woven as one.

  ? ? ?

  After what felt like a fleeting moment cradled in Ash’s arms, the sanctuary of our moment was pierced by the low groan of the door. I stilled in his arms. How long had we been lying in this bed? The door’s creak echoed through the room like a warning cry, and a familiar voice cut through the quiet.

  “I hope you’re decent, because I want to sleep,” Spook announced, his voice sounding too light as if he was trying to hide how he truly felt. The weight of realization crashed over me, and I scrambled upright, heat flushing my cheeks as I reached for a nightrobe draped across a chair.

  I tugged it on hastily, fumbling with the sash as Spook sauntered in a grin on his face. Ash, however, seemed utterly unruffled by the intrusion. He stretched himself lazily, his posture one of practiced ease, half his body still draped in the blanket.

  The silver glow of starlight streaming through the window illuminated his chest. A map of faded scars he’d tried to hide with dark ink tattoos, like a story etched onto his skin by time and pain. I had never paid attention to that before and found myself staring at it for a moment mesmerized by the beauty of it.

  When Ash finally stirred, sitting upright in bed, the Fiend’s branding came into view, glinting on his shoulder blade. A burn wound that marked his soul. My heart stilled. Could he really defy that monster?

  Ash rose with languid grace, pulling on a pair of trousers with ease of someone who knew they were being watched.

  “Nice artwork you’ve got there,” Spook quipped, his grin sharp and wolfish. Ash glanced at him, his mouth curving into a faint, sardonic smile.

  “Thanks, mate. I’m sure you’ve got your own.”

  Spook gave a casual nod, but I noticed how his weight shifted from foot to foot, his hands fidgeting like he was spinning invisible threads.

  “Not many,” he admitted, his voice quieter than usual. “But a few.”

  It struck me then how little I’d ever seen of Spook’s and Ash’s secrets which might have been inked onto their skin. The things they’ve been through.

  The air between them grew thick with an unspoken rivalry, like two duelling wolves circling each other. Then Spook cleared his throat, breaking the spell.

  “So… uh, only one bed,” he said, his gaze darting around the room. Panic bubbled in my chest, my eyes following him to the singular massive bed Ash and I just climbed from. Ash’s low chuckle broke the tension. He spread his arms with an exaggerated flourish.

  “Oh by all means,” he scoffed, his tone colder than I was used to. “Make yourself at home.”

  I felt the air in the room thicken. For a moment, Spook blinked, genuinely taken aback, but then his face split into a sly grin.

  “I thought you’d never ask.” Before I could react, Spook stepped out of his shoes, flinging them aside and as he leapt onto the bed with an almost childlike exuberance. I pinched the bridge of my nose. Why did he always have to fool around when the pressure increased?

  Ash’s expression shifted, a flicker of irritation darkening his face before he mastered it, his grin sharpening. Without a word, he grabbed Spook by the arms and unceremoniously hauled him to the far side of the bed.

  “You’re spooning with me,” Ash declared, his voice edged with mock authority. He swung himself over Spook with feline agility, reclaiming the middle of the bed and motioning for me to join him.

  Spook wisely kept his mouth for once. Rooted in place, I could only stare, my tongue tied in knots of disbelief. At my feet, Artemis padded into the room, his sleek fur brushing against my legs, grounding me in this weird moment. His voice hummed in my mind, low and steady.

  Don’t let them intimidate you, Wen. They’re just boys being boys. Each vying for your attention and yet…

  And yet what, Buddy? I asked silently, my hand drifting automatically to scratch his fur.

  They forget one thing, Artemis replied, his tone almost smug.

  And that is? I urged him on.

  That I had you first.

  I rolled my eyes, a laugh bubbling in my throat, but I smothered it. Right. Boys being boys. Artemis let out a small, knowing grunt, his golden eyes flashing in the dim light. Together we climbed into the bed.

  Artemis curled himself protectively at my feet, his warmth a quiet reassurance, his front paws on Ash’s lower legs. Ash draped an arm around my waist, his presence solid and steady, while Spook turned his back to us placing a pillow in between him and Ash.

  His breathing was already softening as exhaustion overtook him. The room fell into stillness, the rhythmic cadence of our breaths blending into a peaceful lullaby.