Page 29 of Heart of Chaos (Chaosborn #1)

Chapter twenty-nine

Eisa

Arik’s lips were on mine in a fierce, claiming kiss that stole my breath and scattered every last thought.

“Your back—” I breathed as he moved to my neck, pressing kisses down the column of my throat to the tie at the neck of my tunic.

“Is fine,” he growled, tugging the garment loose. “This needs to come off.”

I lifted my arms and let him pull the shirt over my head, revealing the linen band that covered my breasts and Sigrid’s necklace hanging between them.

“Beautiful,” Arik murmured, kissing down my neck and along my collarbones, my skin pebbling beneath his touch. “Like snow.”

“It’s because my blood doesn’t work,” I reminded him, feeling suddenly self conscious. I placed my hands against the bandages on his torso, wishing I could see the tattoos beneath.

Arik huffed a laugh as he reached for the band around my breasts, fingering the knot at the front. His eyes met mine, full of silver fire as hot as Baldur’s flame. “Now this.” He tugged at the knot slowly, giving me time to change my mind.

I helped him unwrap the band, baring my breasts to him as the fabric fell away. Arik groaned, cupping my right breast with his hand as he stroked a thumb over the taut nipple. Pleasure shot through every nerve from the gentle touch, pooling in my core. “Perfect. You’re fucking perfect.”

He pressed his mouth to my breast, flicking his tongue over me before shifting his attention to the other. I gasped and found myself grinding against him without even realizing I was doing it.

“Patience,” he teased, nipping at my throat. “I’m planning to savor this.”

“Or you could not,” I suggested, breathing heavily as I felt warmth spread between my thighs. Gods, this was really happening.

Arik laughed, his attention shifting back to my face. “This will be better for you if we go slowly.”

“I thought you were almost as inexperienced as me,” I gasped as he brushed his thumb over my sensitive peak.

“I know enough.” He shrugged, giving me a cocky smile that made my stomach flip in a way his emotionless mask never could. “And I have a vivid imagination aided by two decades of celibacy.”

Without warning, Arik stood, carrying me with him as he turned. He claimed my mouth, his tongue sweeping over mine, his hands kneading my ass as he kissed me hungrily,

The bowls of stew went crashing to the ground as Arik flipped us onto the bed, my back to the furs as he hovered above me.

He hissed, and I scrambled up to my hands. “Your back—”

“Worth it,” he said, tugging at the waistband of my trousers. “These next, Kj?re.”

“But the mess—”

“Fuck the mess. Eyes on me.” He tugged, and the fur-lined trousers slid down my legs as Arik kneeled on the ground before me. I wore nothing else, and he groaned as he slid his hands up my bare legs toward my hips and tugged me toward the edge of the bed. “I told you I would get on my knees for you. Now open.”

I obeyed gladly, opening my legs as I propped myself up on my forearms, trembling at the intimate touch.

“You are so fucking perfect,” he groaned, stroking the pad of his thumb gently over my clit. I gasped and threw my head back as the sensation stuttered through me.

Gods, this was nothing like Sigrid had described.

“Alright?” he asked, stilling as I regained my composure.

I nodded, biting my lower lip as he did it again. And again.

I lowered my back to the furs, my breathing growing shallow as he touched me, exploring my body in a way I had never really done before. I’d had no real opportunity or interest before him, but Hearthmother above, I had both now.

Arik placed a kiss on the inside of my knee, then another as he began to work his way up to where his thumb was stroking me.

“What are you—oh!” I gasped as his tongue parted me, licking gently and replacing his thumb on my clit. His fingers teased my lips, stroking in careful, maddening lines as he ran his tongue in circles around me.

“Is this from your imagination?” I asked, arching into the touch as he found a steady rhythm. He laughed against me, unwilling to stop long enough to answer aloud.

I have imagined doing much more vulgar things to you, Eisa. This is merely an appetizer.

Gods, the feel of his mind meeting mine as his tongue worshipped me sent my pleasure spiraling. Was this what Branka had meant by working up to it? Nothing Sigrid had told me had prepared me for the pleasure spooling through me.

Stop thinking about her and focus on me, Arik commanded, his voice a low growl in my head that sounded like Baldur was heavily invested as well.

I felt for Idunn, but she was surprisingly quiet, coiled tightly like she was waiting for something.

Are the dragons—

This time is just for us, Arik replied as he groaned against my center and slipped his tongue inside me.

I arched, fisting the furs at the pressure and sensation. This was only his tongue. I’d felt the hard length of him through his trousers earlier, and my mouth dried a little at the prospect of trying to take all of him.

Focus on me , Arik repeated, one hand continuing his stroking lines around my entrance while the other slid up my body toward my breast. He teased my nipple, tweaking and pinching until I found myself grinding against his mouth, desperate for more friction.

“Arik,” I breathed out. “I can’t—”

You can, he insisted, swirling his tongue around my clit in circles that grew faster with each pinch of my nipple. Come for me, Kj?re.

I cried out, the sensation unexpected and glorious and shattering as spasms racked my body and I rocked against him.

Good girl, he murmured, licking me through my climax as I felt the pressure ebb and the spasms lessen. You taste like fucking Valhalla.

A laugh left me, the sound jarring and unexpected as my body reacted to his in ways I couldn’t predict. “What about you?”

“We’ll get to me,” he said, pulling away and kissing my inner thigh. “You’re not ready for that yet.”

“What do you—oh my fucking gods!”

I love it when you swear, he murmured, his mouth returning to my clit as he curled a finger inside me. It was tight and deep, the pressure so much greater than just his tongue as he pressed against my walls. Tongue first. Then fingers. Then you can have my cock if you still want it.

I moaned, and the sound would have embarrassed me if I hadn’t been so aroused.

Arik worked me up again, sliding a second finger in to join the first. I felt something pinch and snap, and I cried out as he stilled, rising above me to claim my lips.

Alright? he asked, pressing his forehead to mine. We can stop if you want.

“I’m fine,” I breathed, the pain already dissipating as I got used to the feel of two fingers. “What was that?”

“Your maidenhead,” he said, brushing another kiss against my lips. “That should be the only pain you feel if I do my job properly. It’s likely already healing.”

I nodded, taking another breath. “I’m alright. Don’t stop.”

“Are you sure?”

I lifted my torso, kissing him deeply as I felt his fingers flex in me. “Please?”

Arik kissed me back, then trailed kisses over my breasts and down my stomach until he was back on his knees. He pressed a kiss to my clit, stroking my lips as he began to gently pump his fingers. I arched into the touch with another gasp.

Told you you’d beg, he growled, moving too slowly and gently when I needed more. I arched my hips into his hand, trying to chase the feeling of my previous release.

That’s it. Arik’s mind wrapped around mine, stroking every part of me until I was practically coming undone. Ride my fingers and take your pleasure.

The words tipped me over that glittering edge once more, and I felt Idunn lose her battle to stay out of our lovemaking as she roared into my mind.

Again.

“Idunn,” I gasped, as my body rocked against Arik’s hand and tongue. “She won’t wait anymore.”

“This is about us, not them,” Arik repeated. “We can keep them out a little longer if you want.”

It will be so good, Idunn promised me. I need my mate.

I shook my head. “I’m ready.”

Arik’s eyes darkened to silver slits as Baldur looked out through them, and I felt mine do the same as Idunn took firm residence in my consciousness.

“You’re still in control,” Arik said, standing and unbuttoning his trousers. They fell to the ground without ceremony, letting all of him spring free. His cock was larger than I’d remembered it being in my few glimpses of him, the head beaded with desire as he stroked himself once. “As am I. They’ll be here, but this is still about us.”

I nodded, licking my lips as I caught my breath.

“Is your back—”

“Still fine,” he said, leaning down to scoop me up and shift me over toward the center of the bed. He climbed over me, his lips pressing gentle kisses up my body as he positioned himself at my entrance.

I opened to him, his hips forcing my legs to part in a way that sent desire coursing through me as I felt his tip notch at my entrance.

“We’ll take it slow,” he murmured, using one hand to hold himself in place as he cupped my cheek with the other. I could feel him trembling with restraint as he held Baldur back, but Idunn was finished waiting.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him down to me. Please?

The voice was both mine and Idunn’s, and I heard Baldur’s rumble of approval as Arik pressed into me, holding my hip to guide his thrusts. The pressure as he entered me was so much more than his fingers had been, and I gasped as he paused, sliding back out before pushing in a little deeper.

Alright?

We’re fine, I said, Idunn’s voice twining with mine as I tried to urge him closer and deeper, my hips lifting to meet his too-gentle thrusts. Stop worrying and fuck me properly.

The words were his undoing as he lost his firm leash on Baldur and claimed my mouth, seating himself to the hilt. He swallowed my gasp, withdrawing almost to the tip before thrusting home again.

Like this? he growled, one arm sliding beneath my shoulders as his other hand gripped my hip. Do you want me to fuck you like this?

Yes, I cried as Idunn and Baldur met on the shining bridge between our minds and writhed together, emulating our human bodies as Arik thrust into me. I felt Idunn’s pleasure couple with my own, the sense of being filled by both dragons and my mate so profound that I felt tears prick my eyes.

Pleasure spiraled up my spine as he thrust into me again and again, grinding his hips against me with each thrust to send friction where I wanted it most.

His tongue swept over mine as he filled me in every way, body and mind and soul, and I felt his pleasure as it built in him with each thrust, his pace quickening as he neared climax.

“Fuck,” he growled, thrusting so deep I saw stars as he found his release. I wasn’t sure I would find mine again, but he moved his fingers to my clit as he kissed me though his pleasure, continuing the pressure and rhythm I needed until I was coming a third time, my body sweat-slicked and spent as he kissed me through my final throes.

I felt Idunn and Baldur disentangle as we stilled, both breathing hard as he pressed sloppy kisses to my neck and shoulder. The spasms subsided, and I lifted my hands to hold him as gently as I could without irritating his back.

I wasn’t sure I’d have words for what had happened between us. What had changed so completely with our coupling. I felt both him and Baldur more clearly than ever, their dual presence at the edge of my mind as if the bridge between us had tripled in strength.

“It has,” Arik murmured, still pressing kisses to my shoulder. When I frowned in confusion, he tapped his skull. “The bond strengthens when it’s first consummated. It must be making it harder for you to keep me out.” He looked up, propping himself up on his forearms as he slid out of me and shifted to his side. I was about to mourn the loss when he tugged me onto him, his arms winding around me as he held me close and pressed a kiss to the top of my head.

I nodded, flattening my hands against his broad chest as I tried to make sense of my feelings. I was satiated, certainly. A little sore in a way that I didn’t completely hate. And a new, bright flame seemed to have lit in my chest, flickering brightly when I remembered how it had felt to have Arik inside me.

“Eisa?” He looked down, his eyes back to their usual gray as he frowned slightly. “Are you alright? I’m going to need a verbal confirmation that I didn’t hurt you.”

I laughed. “I’m fine. That was…well, I’m not sure I have words for what that was.”

“Good, I hope.” He laughed, stroking a finger over my cheek. “It was well worth the wait, for my part.”

I nodded again, my throat suddenly tight with a longing so ridiculous, I had to forcefully tamp it down.

It is not ridiculous to want him to say he loves you, Idunn argued, yawning loudly as she curled up in my mind, fully content and satiated for the first time since our bonding. You could say it first.

Absolutely not, I scoffed, trying to push the desire from my heart. This isn’t love. I still barely know the man.

Truly? She sounded incredibly skeptical.

Humans don’t fall in love after having sex once, I insisted . This is a physical attraction brought on by the fact that you and Baldur are mates. I’m being stupid.

You are not human anymore. You are drage.

That doesn’t mean that love automatically follows.

Idunn shrugged. Tell yourself that, if it makes you feel better. There is no shame in loving him. He will tell you when he is ready.

“You know,” Arik murmured, pressing his lips to the shell of my pointed ear, “someone told me once that it’s exceptionally rude to carry on a prolonged conversation with your dragon in front of others.”

When I didn’t smile at his joke, he frowned and rolled over me, pinning me beneath his chest like a cat with a newly captured mouse.

“Tell me.”

“Tell you what?”

“What’s wrong, Eisa.”

I sighed, glowering internally at Idunn. You told him?

There was no need, she drawled. It is written across your face.

“Kj?re,” Arik pushed, pressing a kiss to the tip of my nose. It was such an unexpectedly tender gesture that the words almost came tumbling out of me unbidden.

Almost.

“I—” I swallowed. “This is what you want?”

Arik raised a brow at me. “This?”

“You and me.” I gestured dumbly between us. “Like this.”

Arik’s face cleared in understanding. “I want you , Kj?re. All of you. You should know by now I don’t do things by half measures.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means that I want you like this, warm and pliable in my bed,” he pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. “And I want you raging and calling me an ass.” Another kiss to my cheek. “And I want you fierce and fire-breathing.” The other cheek this time. “And I want you flighty and overthinking.” My lips, this time. “In every way, I want you.”

“And would you still want me if not for Baldur?”

This question was, I realized, my deepest fear. That none of this was real. That it was all some illusion made of magic and a bond I had no control over. The thought didn’t sit well with me, for some reason.

“Eisa,” Arik said seriously, lowering himself back to his side and pulling me flush against his hard body. “I wanted you long before I was willing to admit it to myself.”

“But Baldur knew,” I argued. “He knew who I would be to you. There is no situation in which you and I would be together without him.”

“What do you need from me, Kj?re?” He asked softly, pressing kisses to my face. “What do you need me to say or do to trust that I want you? That I want this ?”

I swallowed, trying to push the tightness in my throat away. All my life, I had been something for other men to use. Henrik and Einar wanted me as property, not as a person. It was difficult to believe that a man like Arik, who was just as powerful, if not more so, would want me for any other reason.

“Eisa,” he pushed, resting his forehead against mine. “How can I convince you that this is real and that you’re stuck with me, even when you realize you could do ten times better?”

“Not ten times,” I protested, cupping his strong jaw with my hand. “Two times at most. Maybe three on a bad day.”

Arik laughed, his head falling back in wry amusement as he skated a hand down my thigh. I felt him harden against me, and I looked at him in surprise.

He kissed me, his tongue working to sweep away my doubts and worries that were borne of a lifetime of loss.

“If there’s nothing I can say, Kj?re,” he purred, catching my lower lip between his teeth as his hand slid between my thighs, “then let me show you.”