Page 19

nineteen

ada

T he early morning sun filters into our bedroom, waking me up from a wonderful night’s sleep. I’ve been having the best sleep of my life now that Ulgan is next to me. My eyes are still closed as I roll over to snuggle up to his warmth.

My hand searches his side of the bed, which is empty and cold. Eyes shooting open, I search around the room for him. That’s bizarre. Where could he be? My sweet mate typically insists on staying in bed for a few extra minutes each morning so that we can cuddle. He’s even asked Benji to start opening the bakery in the morning so he and I can spend more time together.

Then I notice a note on Ulgan’s pillow, written in his surprisingly beautiful handwriting.

Good morning Sunshine,

Theo called me this morning and needs help picking up some antiques from a seller in the city. I won’t be back until later tonight. I love you, my beautiful Ada.

Love,

Your mate

P.S. I owe you extra time tomorrow for our early morning cuddles.

This certainly solves my missing mate mystery. I smile as I reread his note. It’s sometimes hard to believe that someone like Ulgan actually exists. He never misses an opportunity to let me know how much he loves me.

I guess I should probably get out of bed and start my day. Rue and Angeline texted me last night to ask if I could stop by their place for breakfast. I’m actually thrilled that they asked me over since I need advice from Rue about something a bit personal.

* * *

My walk to the Blackwood Estate is quick, and before I know it I’m standing outside the house. Hecate appears at my side and winds her way through my legs, rubbing up against me. “Hey there, sweetie.” I give her a brief scratch behind the ears then open the front door to find Rue and Angeline lounging in the sitting room.

“Thank Goddess you’re here. I just might be dying from starvation.” Rue dramatically sprawls out on the couch and fans herself. Angeline and I both roll our eyes and laugh.

“Oh knock it off, you’re fine,” Angeline playful scolds Rue.

The three of us head to the kitchen where breakfast is neatly set. A large pitcher of orange juice, platter of muffins, and a bowl of fruit salad fill the table.

“Ada, I was thinking a veggie frittata would be wonderful this morning. What do you think?” Angeline asks me as we take our seats.

“That sounds delicious.” Angeline is an incredible cook so this is going to be one kickass breakfast. She gracefully walks over to the oven and pulls out a steaming dish that smells heavenly.

After placing the dish on the table, we help ourselves to big heaping portions. A bottle of hot sauce appears in front of Rue. We each add a generous amount to our plates and dig in.

“So, babe, how’s life with your big green hunk?” Rue asks, a wicked gleam in her eyes.

Just then, Angeline’s cell phone rings, and she walks away to answer. I’m saved by the bell, or I guess saved by the ringtone. “Hello? Okay, slow down. You’ve got to be kidding me. I’ll be right there.” Angeline pinches the bridge of her nose in frustration.

“Everything okay over there, Mom?” Rue asks with concern.

“Everything is fine, honey. One of the wards around the property needs a bit of mending. Nothing to worry about. You two enjoy your breakfast.” She begins to leave the room.

“I can come too if you need help.” Rue offers, pushing her chair back from the table and standing with a smile on her face. I notice the hint of hope in her voice that Angeline would actually take her up on the offer.

“No. No, you and Ada enjoy your breakfast. I’ll be fine without help.” Rue slumps back in her chair at her mother’s dismissal. Her earlier smile has now vanished.

After Angeline leaves, I stand behind Rue and wrap my arms around her. “You okay?” I ask.

Rue’s hands are shaking in her lap, and her head leans back to rest on me. “I just need to stop trying and accept that I’ll never be good enough to her.” The pain cuts through Rue’s words. It kills me to see her like this.

I let go of her and pull Rue up to her feet. “Rue, you listen to me right now. You’re more than enough. You are Rue-motherfucking-Blackwood, the baddest witch that’s ever existed. You care deeply and fiercely for everyone in your life. I love your mom, but if she can’t see how talented you are, then that’s her loss.”

Rue pulls me in for a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek. “I love you, you know that, right?”

“Of course! I love you, too. Now, I have something kind of personal to talk with you about, and I know that embarrassing things bring you happiness,” I tease.

“You know me so well,” she replies with a laugh. “How about we take this food to my room?”

We fill a tray with food and drinks and make our way upstairs. “Spill. I want every gory detail,” Rue says, cutting right to the point as we sit down at the small table in the corner of the room.

“I need to talk about babies,” I blurt. So much for trying to ease into this conversation.

“Babies? What the fuck do you think I know about babies?” She narrows her eyes, sounding confused.

“All right, I need you to not tease me about this. Ulgan and I are obviously intimate now that we’re together,” I say. Rue nods, listening. “The next step for us is to officially go through with our bonding ceremony.” I stop, unsure of how to voice what my real worry is.

“Are you having second thoughts about Ulgan?” Rue asks, reaching across the table to hold my hand.

“ No! No, I’m not having second thoughts. I love him more than anything. It’s just…” I hesitate, feeling embarrassed. “Bonding ceremonies involve knotting, and knotting equals pregnancy. You know that I want to be a mom one day, but not right now.” It feels incredible to get that off my chest.

“This is really weighing on you, huh?” she asks.

“Yeah, it is. I want to start a family with Ulgan, but not right now. A knot would guarantee that I become pregnant immediately. Rue, I want to officially be his mate more than anything, but I don’t know what to do.”

“Have you talked to him about this?” Rue asks, leaning back in her chair.

“I know he’s supportive of my choices, but I would feel better if I knew that I had some options to share with him. Have you heard of anything that he and I could do to prevent pregnancy right now?” My mate would never pressure me into anything, and will respect me and my decision.

“Come with me. I think I might have just the thing you need.” She pulls me out of my seat and leads me over to the door that connects her bedroom with her “witchy room”, as I call it.

Her witchy room is right out of a movie. It’s covered from floor to ceiling with different types of plants, piles of spellbooks scattered around, crystals of various colors and sizes, and small glass vials of who knows what.

Rue lets go of my hand and approaches a shelf across the room, returning with two medium sized glass vials, one with a vibrant pink liquid and the other a shimmering teal. “I was reading one of the ancient healer spell books in our coven collection a few months ago and came across a potion that my grandmother would make ages ago for anyone in Whispering Springs in an interspecies relationship. Of course, I just had to give it a try and make it myself.”

Rue never ceases to amaze me.

She holds up the pink vial and hands it to me. “This potion will prevent pregnancy,” she gives me the teal vial, “and this one will reverse the pink potion and allow you to become pregnant. Consider the pink one magical birth control that you only have to take once, and will stop you from getting pregnant from any species of monster. The teal vial will immediately reverse the potion, so you and lover boy can start that sweet family of yours when you’re ready.” Rue tries to be nonchalant about this, but she deserves to be proud of herself. She makes her magic look effortless.

“Rue, you effing genius! This is perfect! I can’t wait to see Ulgan tonight and tell him.” I give her a big kiss on the cheek. She always knows just what to do.

“Now that we’ve settled that, how about we head into town and have some retail therapy? And maybe a manicure. We deserve to treat ourselves today.”

Shopping with my bestie always ends in us buying way too much crap we don’t need and eating way too much yummy food. This sounds like the perfect way to spend the day. I send a quick message to Ulgan letting him know not to expect me home until later, and we head out.

* * *

Hours later, I’m walking up to my cottage with my arms loaded with shopping bags. My stomach still hurts from the amount of laughing that Rue and I did today.

That’s strange. Ulgan’s car is parked outside, but all of the lights in the cottage are off.

“Babe, are you here?” I put the shopping bags down by the door and walk further into the house to find my mate. I search the house and come up empty handed. Where on earth is he?

It’s only as I make my way to the kitchen that I can see lights illuminating the backyard through the sliding glass door.

Sliding the door open, I step outside into the backyard to see twinkling lights hanging from the trees, making my little backyard sparkle like I was walking among the stars. Music suddenly starts, and I quickly recognize the tune. Islands in the Stream begins and I know that Ulgan has something to do with it. He knows how much this song means to me and how ever since I was a little girl, I hoped that it’d be the song I danced to with my future husband.

“You absolutely wonderful man, you better get out here right now before I start crying.”

“I thought you might like this.”Ulgan’s deep soothing voice comes from behind me.

I lied. The tears are coming regardless. “You did all of this?” I say, looking around in wonder.

“Ada, you deserve the best of everything. This isn’t as extravagant as I would’ve liked for you, but it just seemed like something you’d appreciate.”

I brush tears from my eyes. “You know me so well. This is perfect. But what’s the occasion?”

“You asked me once why I call you Sunshine.” He holds my hands in his and I can feel that they are slightly trembling. “You, Ada, burst into my life like the first glimpse of sun after a rainstorm. You bring so much joy and happiness into the lives of those around you, and I will forever consider myself the luckiest orc in existence that the fates decided that I am worthy of you.”

He reaches up to remove his glasses and wipes tears from his eyes. Ulgan’s heart is one of the most beautiful parts of him.

“Ada, I want to officially ask you to become my mate, and my wife.” He lowers himself down to one knee, pulling out a small black ring box from his pocket. “Ada Walker, will you be my mate, and let me love you forever?”

Ulgan’s hands shake as he opens the ring box to reveal a beautiful oval cut emerald ring, the large stone flanked by tiny diamonds that sparkle in the moonlight.

Sinking to my knees with him, I throw my arms around Ulgan and kiss him deeply. Oh, I probably should respond to his question. Cupping his face in my hands, both of us have tears running down our faces. “Yes, a million times yes! I love you so much!” We stay like this for a long time, just holding each other and kissing like the world will collapse if we don’t.

Ulgan helps me to stand and slides the ring on my finger. “Our bonding ceremony is private and just between us, but we can have a human wedding too if you’d like.”

“I don’t need a wedding.” I just need my big green teddy bear every single day of my life. “Maybe a party or something later, but I like the idea that this is just between you and me.”

“We’ve talked a bit about orc mating rituals. There’s one part that I didn’t mention, but should have.”

He looks unsure of himself, so my arms go around his waist and urge him to go on.

“When an orc finds his mate, he can only officially claim her by triggering a mating heat and experiencing it with that mate.”

“Ulgan, I know about the mating heat,” I interrupt.

“You do?” His eyes widen in shock.

“Yeah, I may or may not have done a bit of research when we started seeing each other. You’re the first orc that I’ve ever dated, so I wanted to know what to expect.” Now probably isn’t the best time to mention that my research involved monster romance novels. I’ll tell him later.

“Goddess help me not make this more awkward. Are you ready for my knot?” he says, cheeks darkening.

“Oh hell yeah I am, and I’m freaking excited for it.” Was that too eager of me? He roars with laughter. “We haven’t discussed babies yet, but I think we should. Being a mother has been something I’ve wanted for ages, but I’m not ready just yet,” I share.

One of Ulgan’s arms tighten around me, as he raises his other hand to cup my cheek so that I’m looking into his eyes. “Before you panic, orcs have come a long way medically. I’ve been on suppressants to dampen the mating heat since we met. I will never force you into anything. Yes, I want to be a father, but only when we’re both ready. I can continue using the suppressants until that time.”

“We have another option.” I let go of him and head into the house, returning with the two vials from Rue.

“Option two is that you stop taking the suppressants. Rue gave me a potion today that will allow us to have as much sex as we want without having to worry about having a baby, and this other vial will reverse it so that we can start our family.” I show him the vials and he holds them, examining each one.

“So, option two means what exactly?” Once again, he’s making sure that I know he’ll respect whatever decision I make.

“Option two means that your mating heat will be triggered,” I tell him, stepping closer.

“Sunshine, I haven’t taken my dose today, so my heat is starting. We would need to stay here and make love until the heat dies down in a few days. It would mean that my knot would finally lock inside of your sweet pussy, and I would fill you up with my cum over and over again until you are dripping with it.”

Holy shit. Copious amounts of sex with nothing between us and no baby until I’m ready? Sign my ass up!

“Option two,” I say immediately. “I want option two. Make me officially yours, Ulgan.”

His eyes close in what appears to be an effort to get control of himself.

I reach over and take the pink vial from his hand. His eyes pop open and we lock gazes as I uncork it and drink the contents, which surprisingly tastes like strawberries. Yum.

“Goddess save me, Ada. I was hoping that you’d say that. Follow me, little mate.” He intertwines our fingers and leads me to the bedroom. I release a gasp as I take the room in.

Where the ceiling used to be, it now appears as if the night sky is overhead, twinkling with stars. “How in the world…” I say, unable to finish my thought.

“This is a bonding gift from Rue. She enchanted the ceiling to mirror the night sky. It’s an old orc tradition that mated pairs would consummate their bond in the fresh air under the stars.” My bestie is the best. My heart could burst with my love for her.

“I love you with everything that I am, Ulgan.”

“You, Ada, have turned my life upside down in the best way. You were always meant to be mine, and I meant to be yours. I love you, Sunshine.”

Slowly, he makes his way to me. I reach for the hem of my sweater, but Ulgan is faster. His hands brushing mine away. “You are my present to unwrap, mate.” His hands replace mine and he eases the soft sweater over my head until it falls to the floor.

“I need to feel you.” Desperation to touch him and be touched by him, needing to see him, takes over me. My fingers begin unbuttoning his dress shirt, making quick work of the buttons. Easing the shirt off his shoulders and giving myself plenty of time to feel him up.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” he laughs. Looping my thumbs into the waistband of his pants I pull him toward me.

“Very, very much.” Leaning toward him, I duck my head and place kisses across his broad chest.

Ulgan gives a sigh of contentment. My tongue traces the black swirling design that is hard to keep my hands and tongue off of. His tattoos are a work of art. He shared with me that the tattoos are a traditional orcish design that ancient orc warriors would cover their bodies with. I desperately need to sketch the historic pattern.

“That little tongue of yours is dangerous, mate.” His hands travel up my back to the clasp of my bra. He undoes it with ease, and I move back just enough for it to fall to the floor. My hard nipples catch Ulgan’s attention and he plays with one while sucking the other into his mouth.

“That feels so good, baby.” My words cut off on a moan, as his tongue swirls around the overly sensitive peak, and he gives it one final intense suck before releasing it with a pop. He moves on to the other. My nails score his back as I hold on to him for dear life, my knees weak.

“Ulgan, I need you.” My voice is desperate. His gaze meets with mine and there is something primal in them.

“Sunshine, I can feel the mating heat taking over. Are you sure that this is what you want?” He gives me one more chance to change my mind, but I’ll be damned if I’m leaving now.

“I want you, my mate. Make love to me. I am one hundred percent in love with you, and I always will be. Now, get your ass out of those pants and get on that bed so I can have my wicked way with you.”

He smirks and complies with my request. As he shucks off his pants and briefs, I quickly remove my clothes. Both naked now, I push him back on the bed and climb onto his lap, sitting up so I can memorize every inch of his muscular body. It will never get old seeing the look of love on his face. Bending down, I capture his lips with mine and he quickly takes control of the kiss. His lips work mine and his tongue tastes my bottom lip until I open for him. Our tongues move against each other and the room fills with the sounds of our heavy breaths and moans.

Ulgan’s hands reach around to hold onto my ass, bringing my hips down to rub against his hard cock. Placing my hands on his chest for support, I eagerly move my hips to create more friction. Holy crap, if his cock isn’t inside of me soon I just may combust. “Ulgan, I need you inside of me.”

In one smooth motion he flips us so I’m underneath him on my back. His eyes are filled with heat as he captures my mouth in a rough kiss. Well, this is new and I’m low key loving it.

“Not yet, little mate. I need to prepare you for my knot.” One arm supports his weight above me while the other snakes between my legs and touches my core. “You’re so wet for me already. Are you trying to drive me crazy?” His index finger runs through my slit before playing around my center.

My breath hitches as he inserts a finger into me. He slowly removes it and then thrusts it back in. A scream is ripped from me. This man’s fingers are national damn treasures.

Slowly torturing my pussy, Ulgan inserts another finger, and I can feel myself stretching with each thrust as I ride his hand. Just when an orgasm is within reach, he inserts a third finger and I shatter. My head falls back on the soft pillow, and the stars seem to shimmer above me.

Ulgan works inside of me until my orgasm dies down. Then, the smug bastard shoots me a satisfied glance before removing his fingers and holding them to his mouth, glistening. He slowly licks each finger clean with that big tongue of his. “You taste so good, love, but I’m going to need a lot more. Your body is my new favorite dessert.”

Working his way down my body he places kisses on every bit of skin he can reach. I thoroughly enjoy seeing this man between my legs.

Ulgan eases my legs apart, making space for his large body. “Mmmm,” he groans, gently kissing my inner thighs and then a final kiss to my core. A shiver runs through me, and then I feel his tongue lick straight through my slick slit. He laps at my pussy, moaning with each pass of his rough tongue. Without warning, he stiffens his tongue and begins to thrust it deep inside of me. His thumb strokes my clit until all I can see are those twinkling stars again as my body falls apart.

“You taste like perfection. I could spend hours between your thighs, and one day I will.” He continues licking until he’s drunk down every last drop. “Do you think you’re ready for me? Are you going to be a good little mate and let me fuck you now?” His dirty mouth gets me even more wet.

“Please, please fuck me, Ulgan. I need to feel you inside of me. Don’t make me wait any longer.” If he doesn’t do it soon I’m flipping us and taking over.

“You’ve waited long enough, my love. Are you ready for my knot? During the frenzy, this part of me will swell and lock us together.” He leans over me again, gripping his knot that’s already starting to expand. “Don’t panic, it will go down eventually, but soon after I’ll need to be inside of you again.”

“Do you see me complaining? It aches so much right now. Please, I need you.”

Ulgan lines himself up with my core and slowly the head of his cock breaches my entrance. This is a familiar feeling now, but it gets better each time. Ulgan slowly enters me until his knot bumps against my pussy. Rising above me, his arms keep his weight off me as his hips pick up speed and he thrusts in and out.

“You feel so damn good inside of me,” I moan. “Give me your knot, baby. I need more.” I match his rhythm as he slams his hips into me, as his knot rubs against my entrance. He continues to tease me, not giving me what I want just yet.

“Ulgan, now!” He pounds into me over and over. Then, he gives one final deep thrust and my body feels indescribably full. The breath leaves my body and my mouth opens in a silent scream. Ulgan continues to rock into me as my channel spasms around him as I come. Seconds later, he shouts my name and his cock unleashes what feels like an endless stream of cum. He keeps his arms locked to keep himself from crushing me as he shoots his final load deep into me.

His arms give out and he collapses. The feeling of his weight on top of me feels wonderful and I hold him in my arms as his head rests in the crook of my neck. Both of our bodies are sweaty and sticky and we lie like this for a while until his knot goes down and he’s able to slide out of me, causing a mixture of both of us to drip down onto the bed. He rolls to lay on his back. We rest like this for a few minutes, catching our breath and looking up at the stars.

“Ada?” he asks.

I turn my head and find him already staring at me like I’m the most precious thing in the world to him. “Yes?”

“I’m so thankful I found you.”

“Come here, you sweet man.” He bends down so I can kiss him, trying to pour all of my love for him into it. “You’re more than I could’ve ever dreamed of. Are we officially mates now?”

He brushes my bangs away from my damp forehead and places a kiss there. “Yes, my beautiful mate. It’s official now.”

“Are you ready for round two?” Reaching down to cup one of my breasts, I give it a little squeeze. “I need you again,” I pout.

“You’re insatiable. Let me take care of you, Sunshine,” he growls, then dives at me. I let out a laugh, but it quickly turns to a moan. My mate knows just what I want.