Page 10 of Redemption (Deliverance Duet #2)

Chapter Nine

Iris

M y bare feet make soft sounds as I walk through the quiet manor house. Nyx returned, but he’s not come to see me yet, which makes me anxious. Is everything okay? I am probably overthinking things. After all, I have only just started to learn to sense his presence, so I might be wrong.

Without Nyx in the realm of death, everything feels… heavy. I lose motivation to do anything and spend most of my time daydreaming in the garden and waiting for his return. Recently, I began sensing the exact minute he arrives back, and everything seems to sparkle with life.

I checked my room, but he wasn’t there, so I pad across to his office. Thankfully it’s easy to find and I don’t get lost, although that might have something to do with the pull in my chest. Large, arched windows allow plenty of light into the hallway, illuminating the door I need. Raising my hand to knock, I pause when I notice the door is already ajar. Pushing it open, I find Nyx leaning over his desk with piles of paper spread out before him. He pushes away from the desk, scattering several of the papers.

“This is what happens when you ignore your duties, my lord,” a nasally voice admonishes from the other side of the table, the honorific clearly added on as an aside.

I hadn’t actually seen him, my gaze so focused on Nyx. Short in stature, the gnome is bulky and has greyish skin perfect for blending in with the rocky outcrops I’ve seen around the land. His large, bulbous nose pokes through a bushy grey beard that almost completely covers the lower part of his face, allowing for a small gap where his eyes are. This must be Bodrin, Nyx’s assistant. From what I’ve been told, the gnome is bad tempered but brilliant at keeping things running when his master is in the realm of the living.

“Oh.” The sound pops out before I can stop it, both males facing me in an instant. The look on Bodrin’s face says that I am anything but welcome, so with my heart pounding in my chest, I laugh awkwardly and take a step back. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt—”

Nyx is at my side in a heartbeat, his hand on my arm. His dark onyx eyes have such depth to them, and as he stares at me, I swear I can see the cosmos in his gaze and a whole universe of possibilities.

“You didn’t interrupt any—”

“Yes, she did,” Bodrin snaps from his position by the desk, a scowl of disapproval making his already wrinkled face fold even more.

I’ve never met any gnomes before, so I have no idea if they are all this bad tempered or if this is just Bodrin’s personality. Honestly, he might just not approve of me. Nyx has been absent from his duties because of me, which must have put more work and pressure on the gnome, so I suppose I can understand why I might not be his favourite person.

“Enough,” Nyx snaps, shadows flaring behind him in a show of frustration. “Leave us. I shall catch up with you later.”

At first, I think he’s speaking to me, but the gnome narrows his eyes on Nyx, bows, and leaves, grumbling under his breath. Annoyance fades from Nyx’s features, his face softening as he searches me for any sign of what brought me to him.

“Sorry about him. Are you okay?” Cupping my cheek with his free hand, he gives me a small, secret smile that no one else ever gets to see, showing me all of his vulnerabilities, his love for me, and his passion for keeping me safe. It also lets me see the Nyx beneath the god of death persona he carries around him.

Smiling back, I lean into his touch. “Yes, I could feel you were back, so I came looking.”

“You could feel me? The bond is strong enough for you to tell when I come and go?” His expression turns thoughtful. “Interesting. I wonder how strong it will be when it’s completed.” A heavy pause follows his comment, and a grin slowly spreads across his lips. We both know what needs to happen to complete our mate bond.

Images of the two of us, sweaty and naked, flash in my mind, and my cheeks flush bright red with the need to do exactly that. Nyx misinterprets the blush and chuckles quietly.

“That’s what I want to talk to you about.” Something shifts in his eyes, his stance becoming stiff. Anticipating what he’s about to say, I hold up my hand and press a finger to his lips, making him pause. “Before you say anything, let me speak.” His eyes narrow on me for a moment, but he nods his head, indicating that he won’t interrupt me.

“I have to go back to the realm of the living. I’m ready.” I hurry through my explanation, having planned this earlier today, knowing I would get tongue-tied otherwise. “Things are deteriorating there, I can feel it, and I know I am able to help. I want our bond to be complete though. Being in the realm of the living without you… I need to know you’re alright. Sure, you are a god, and I know you can protect yourself, but it will put me at ease knowing I can feel you. It will let me do what I must without any distractions.”

Nyx’s face is blank, which is worse than any anger or frustration because I have no idea how he’s feeling. This is the face of the all-powerful god. Is he offended that I want the bond so I know he’s safe? Granted, this wasn’t the most romantic mating proposal, but it is the best I can manage. If he wants me, he will have to take all of me—the good, the bad, and the awkward. My hand drops from his lips, hanging limply at my side as I wait for his response.

Finally, after what feels like a lifetime, he releases a long breath, yet his body remains tense. “Iris, we shouldn’t bond just because you feel like you have to. I’ll keep you safe whether our bond is completed or not.”

Realisation hits me. He thinks I’m proposing this because I feel threatened or required to. Just the thought makes me want to laugh. He has no idea how strong my desire for him is. I guess I’ll just have to show him. Reaching out, I take his hands in mine. They dwarf mine, but he holds them gently, as though they are the most precious gift in the universe.

“Nyx, I’ve wanted to bond with you since the moment I realised what you are to me.” I hope he can hear the warmth and sincerity in my voice. “You are the one that keeps saying I’m not ready, but I know my body, and I know myself. I’m ready for this. For us.”

I can see how much he wants this in the depths of his dark eyes, and for a moment, he’s not a god, but a male professing his feelings to his lover. “Iris, when you become my mate, it will make you a target. Do you understand that?”

This was not the answer I was expecting from him. Frowning, I tilt my head in question. “A target to whom?”

He bristles as though even thinking of the possibility of me getting hurt is incomprehensible. “Other gods, my enemies, all manner of people. I am the god of death, so they will consider you as my weakness, and they would be right.”

Anger flares inside me, and I have to fight the urge to step away from him. Does he see me as weak? I supposed compared to an ageless god, a puny human might be seen that way, but I have proved myself recently. I have shown that I can cope with the barrage of changes that have come my way. I have not fallen apart when my life has been turned upside down, I adapted. I died , yet here I am. I’ve not fallen apart or become hysterical. Strength isn’t always physical, and I have an internal tenacity that isn’t being acknowledged.

Raising my chin, I meet his gaze. “I am not weak.”

One dark brow arches. “You misunderstand me, Iris.” He pulls me closer so my chest is flush against his. “You are the strongest person I have ever met. I am the one who is weak. All they would need to do is threaten to hurt you, and I would crumble. I would give them the keys to the underworld despite knowing it would cause the end of the world as we know it.” His hands slide around my waist to rest on the small of my back, effectively holding me in place. “I cannot stand losing you again.”

“Oh.” Dumbfounded, I stare at him wide-eyed. There are so many things I could say to him in response, but his heartfelt words have rocked me and caused my mind to go blank.

It would be easy to discredit his comments as exaggeration, but I know deep down that Nyx isn’t. He would give up everything . It would be catastrophic for the world, but he holds my safety as his ultimate priority and doesn’t pretend to be anything else.

I may have run out of words, but thankfully, I can show him exactly how I feel. Raising up onto my toes, I kiss him with every emotion that drives me. The softness of his lips is blissful, especially as he groans and parts them, allowing me to taste him. I could stay like this forever. The only thing that’s missing is… Alaric. My heart aches, the pang of pain reminding me that I’m missing a part of myself. I need my mate, but I also need Nyx.

“I can feel your pain,” he murmurs against my lips, pressing his forehead against mine. “Let me take that away.”

I nod softly, cutting off my thoughts and allowing myself to feel him against me. Fingers trail across my cheeks, brushing my jaw and down the long stretch of my neck. For a heartbeat, his hand rests at the base of my throat, squeezing gently and inciting a gasp from me. Slowly, he walks me backward until the backs of my legs bump against something hard—his desk. He lifts me and slides me back.

I allow him to move me and explore my body, trusting that he would never hurt me. There’s something freeing about giving up control and letting him take the reins. Our kisses are deep and passionate, my heart humming with my love for him.

Yes, love. It’s been growing for a long time, and now I can happily admit it. I’m in love with the god of death.

My hands go to his shirt, needing to feel his skin against me, but he chuckles into my mouth and pushes them away. I lose the determination to undress him as I fall into the pleasure he brings me. Cupping my breast, he squeezes gently, sending a zap of arousal straight to my core. My head falls back with a gasp, and he uses the opportunity to work his way down my neck, nipping, licking, and kissing the sensitive skin. My clothes seem to magically fall off me, puddling on the desk.

He works his way down my body, helping me out of my underwear until I’m completely naked and spread across his desk, exposed and ready for him. He takes a deep breath and steps back.

Confused, I frown and sit up, my mind so foggy with desire that I can’t find my words. Thankfully, Nyx beats me to it, running a hand through his hair. He looks shaken, something I don’t think I’ve ever seen before. Was he close to losing control, is that why he stopped? His hands clench into fists at his sides like he’s forcing himself not to touch me. Why?

“We should move before we get too carried away,” he bites out, his jaw tense as his eyes lock on the most intimate parts of me.

Relief floods through me. He’s not rejecting me, he just wants to move this somewhere else because he’s worried about someone walking in on us. In this moment, I really don’t care. The only thing I need right now is him. The lack of his touch leaves me feeling cold and needy, my body crying out for him.

Shuffling forward on the edge of the desk, I reach out for him, my lips quirked up on one side. “Here is fine.”

Snorting at my expression, he steps up to me again, lifting my legs and wrapping them around his waist. The look he gives me makes me bite down on my lower lip.

“I’m not bonding with my mate in my office.” His darkness surrounds us, and in the blink of an eye, we’re in his bedroom. The shadows disappear, and he strides forward, carrying me as though I weigh nothing. “There will be a time for fucking in the study, but today, I want to take my time with you and show you exactly how much you mean to me.”

“Nyx,” I whisper, not knowing what to say to that. The image of him fucking me from behind in his office is prominent in my mind, but I’m so deeply entranced by him that his immediate actions are all I can focus on.

Lowering me onto the black sheets of his bed, he watches as I inhale deeply, completely surrounded by his scent. Something primal consumes me as I rub my cheek against his pillows, needing to be marked as his .

A satisfied smirk curves his lips as he slowly unbuttons his dark shirt, watching me the entire time. It’s a beautiful torture, seeing each inch of his pale, muscular chest be revealed. I can’t wait any longer, I need to touch him. Surging forward, I reach for him, but before my fingertips can brush against him, something stops me. Glancing down at my traitorous limbs, I see the reason I’m not moving—shadows bind me.

I pull against them, but they hold firm. The shadows writhe and dance over my skin, their touch featherlight while being as strong as steel.

“So impatient.” Nyx tuts, shaking his head as though he’s scolding an errant schoolgirl. “Lie back,” he instructs softly. He could have ordered me, but the way he says it offers me a choice, a chance to change my mind.

My mind has been set for a long time, and I don’t plan on changing it now.

I lean back, and my shadow restraints come with me, allowing me to settle into place. The misty cuffs around my ankles disappear as I stretch out, getting comfortable, but the bindings around my wrist stay in place, pinning my arms above my head.

Removing the rest of his clothes, he stands before me in a black pair of underwear, which are doing next to nothing to hide his straining erection. He’s perfect, every smooth muscle defining how strong he is. A speckle of dark hair across his stomach leads down into his boxers like a trail for me to follow. He seems to be as entranced by me as I am by him, his gaze slowly travelling the length of my exposed body. Finishing his perusal, he locks eyes with me and climbs up onto the bed, the mattress dipping as he places himself between my thighs.

He’s able to see my most intimate parts, and his rumble of approval is completely animalistic. My cheeks heat, and all of my human sentiments ring through my ears. So vulgar . I can almost hear my sister’s voice in my mind, disgust and disapproval making me want to cover up.

“No.” Nyx’s order is punctuated with his hands gently widening my legs. “I want to see you. You never need to hide from me.”

Taking several deep breaths, I take in his expression and see none of the disgust I was imagining. Instead, he looks at me like I’m the most beautiful, exquisite woman he’s ever seen.

“Every part of you is beautiful to me,” he murmurs, leaning over and planting a hand on either side of my body, lowering himself enough to press a kiss to my lips. I get lost in the kiss, releasing all of my inhibitions. It doesn’t last long enough, though, and he pulls away, sitting between my legs.

“Eyes on me.”

I’m a little confused, as I’m already watching him, but I don’t get to ask what he means as he lowers his mouth to my core.

Fuck.

My eyes roll into the back of my head at the sensations he creates, kissing, sucking, and licking my cunt. I almost jump from the bed when he moves up to my clit, my body so hypersensitive to the glorious pleasure, and it’s only because my hands are still bound that I remain in place. Panting, I look down and find his amused gaze staring back at me. This couldn’t possibly get any better—

I cry out as he presses a finger against my entrance, sliding it into my cunt with exaggerated slowness. He pushes in and out, giving me a taste of what I need.

“More, I need more.” I rock my hips in an attempt to make him move faster and deeper.

Chuckling against my clit, he sucks it into his mouth as he continues his slow torture, giving me just a fraction of what I need. He places his free hand on my lower stomach, holding me down so I can no longer buck against him.

“Nyx, please,” I plead, hating the neediness in my voice.

Thankfully, a second finger is eased inside me. I’m overwhelmed with pleasure, all of my senses on overdrive. All thoughts and worries disappear until it’s just Nyx and me in this moment. Bliss builds low in my stomach and core, Nyx never once relenting until I ride the wave of climax.

Release washes through me like a crashing tidal wave, moving through my entire body with a feeling of intense bliss and warmth. Everything feels golden, as though I’m basking in sunshine. I slowly begin to regain my senses and peel my eyes open to see Nyx watching me from between my legs with a very smug expression.

At some point, he must have released my wrists from his shadows, as I’m able to move freely as I sit up, shifting onto my knees as I close the gap between us. This allows me to slide my arms around his neck and press a slow, languid kiss to his lips, enjoying the taste of myself on his tongue. My breasts press against his naked chest, and he hums in pleasure as his large hands skim over my body. He seems content to stay this way, but I have other ideas.

My hands move to his underwear, pushing it down over his hips until his cock springs free between us. I wrap my hand around his hard flesh, gasping at the feel of it. Stopping our kiss, I drop my gaze for a peek to confirm what I’m feeling. Yup, it’s just as girthy as I thought it was.

Nyx chuckles, pinching my chin and lifting my head, hungrily kissing me. I lose myself in his kiss, slowly squeezing his length and running my hand along the shaft. Time seems to lose all meaning. I have no idea how long we’ve been together like this. It could have been minutes or an hour, but Nyx must be close to losing control, as his whole body has become as stiff as his cock. He’s trying to be gentle with me, holding back as he kisses me.

“Nyx,” I whisper against his lips. I don’t know what else I’m going to say, there are no words for what I want to convey, but thankfully he seems to know.

Blowing out a long breath, he pulls back far enough to watch my expression. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”

I love that he’s checking in with me and respect his integrity, but I am horny and want to seal our bond. “You are my mate.” I squeeze his cock, my gaze on his the entire time so he can see the seriousness in my eyes. “I want to claim you.”

A slow smile pulls at his lips as his eyes glitter. “Yes, my goddess.”

The world suddenly shifts around me as Nyx scoops me into his arms, smirking at my cry of surprise. He lowers me down with all the elegance and reverence of a prince from one of those fantasy books I love to read and kisses me softly. Parting my legs, he positions himself with his hand wrapped around his cock as he watches me.

Slowly, he presses his cock against my cunt, swiping up and down to cover the head in my slick. I shift and move with him, needing to feel him inside me. Notching against my entrance, he hovers above me, his breath shuddering from him as he tries to cling to his control. Shadows flicker around him, and I realise just how tightly he’s holding himself back.

“Let go,” I whisper, brushing my hand against his cheek. He shudders, leaning into the touch, his eyes sliding shut. “I won’t break. I’m made for you.”

This seems to resonate with something inside him, as his eyes snap open, locking onto mine with predatory focus. “Mine.”

His possessive grip should turn me off. Instead, my skin prickles with anticipation, and arousal floods every part of my body, my core wet and ready for him. His nostrils flare, and I realise he can smell my arousal. I wait for the embarrassment, but it doesn’t come. No, this feels right. This is where we’re supposed to be, two mates together.

“Yours,” I agree, my chest warm with my feelings for him.

Pushing his cock into my cunt, he moves slowly, allowing me to stretch and adjust to his size. Small gasps escape me each time he advances. His jaw is still tight as he bottoms out, filling me completely. I fucking love the sensation, my core clenching around him. This proves to be almost too much for Nyx, and he hisses before he slowly pulls back, only to slam into me.

He pounds into me, picking up speed as he finally lets go of his control, allowing his body to take the lead. I grip onto him, rocking my hips and going for the ride. I am close to my climax, and if his jerky movements are anything to go by, so is he.

Pressing his thumb to my clit, he circles it as he pistons into me. This is all it takes to throw me over the edge, my second orgasm slamming into me. This one is hard and intense, my eyes rolling into the back of my head as I feel him pulsing and coming within me. I’m dimly aware of him crying out as he’s taken by his climax, but I’m so focused on the sensations within my chest that I hardly hear him. A bright, golden light within my chest blocks out all else, the warmth of my completed bond with Nyx overshadowing the pleasure of our orgasm.

A part of my soul has been restored, making me feel more whole, his strength radiating through me. Mates are supposed to bring something with them that benefits their partner, and for Nyx and me, it’s his power and passion.

“Goddess.” Nyx’s voice slowly brings me back around as he shifts his weight and lies on the bed beside me. Blinking back into reality, I look over at him, noticing his soft expression. I’ve never seen him look so… free.

“Mate,” I reply, my smile wide. I feel like a weight has been lifted from me, and now I know I will always have Nyx at my side. The only thing that would make this moment better would be if Alaric were here. My mind twinges slightly as I remember my conversation with Ciaran. If he truly is my mate like he believes, then I will never be complete until he joins us.

Now is not the time for those worries though. Right now, I want to bask in the afterglow with my new mate, experiencing the new sensations in my chest as I adjust to being bonded again.

There will be time for next steps and plans of returning to the human realm. As I’ve learned, life can be short and change in the blink of an eye, so I will make the most of every loving moment that I can.