Page 36

You Leave Me Breathless

Death

It is dark in my study, save for the light of the fireplace. The sun has already set, and I know Grace will be home soon from her training. I focus on the flames as they lick the black marble in the fire pit. They dance and crackle, orange chasing into yellow in a constant battle of wills. I lean back into my chair, nursing the amber whiskey in my hand. I think of Grace, my defiant little mortal. Ever since I met her, she has not been afraid of me, pushing me as we dance like the flames.

I enjoyed punishing her way too much last evening. The feel of her soft ass under my hand and the sound of her little whimpers had me testing my will. I almost gave in to her magic cunt, more than once. I let my head fall back into the pads of my chair and gaze at my collection of old books. I cannot let the little hellion always win. I have to remember to stand my ground, or she will likely end up stabbing me. A small smile graces my lips as I think of her and chuckle. She will always try to stab me, whether or not I stand my ground.

Why is it everyone else is afraid of me except her? I wonder if it is due to our mating bond or if she is always so brash. Even the strongest of feared warriors have fallen to their knees in my presence. I stroke my beard as I recall the brave fighters in battle. Their whispers calling my name as axes cleave into their bodies. They beg for me in their dying breath, awaiting their Isles. They always beg.

Wind whistles loudly outside, grabbing my attention as I snap my head to the long windows. I furrow my brows, staring into the dark night. I shift uncomfortably, my body feeling unusually high-strung. Why is my body on such high alert today? Something is not right on my mountain. The winds have changed.

I listen as female voices laugh in the Grand Hall, their high lilts echoing off the vaulted ceilings. I focus on the little footsteps carrying on to my room and breathe a sigh of relief, knowing my mate is safe inside. Pressure lifts off of my shoulders as they relax, and my jaw releases its tension. I start to calm.

That is, until I listen to a second set of steps leading down the hallway in my direction. Pearl must be coming to give me a report. My muscles tense as I crack the crystal glass in my hand. The splintering of crystal clinks into the cup. So, something did happen.

A light knock raps on the door.

“Come in, Pearl,” I speak to her, unease seeping into my gut.

She opens the door and silently slips in, giving me a small bow. “Ro.”

“Tell me,” I demand, anxiety settling into my bones. Since when am I so nervous? I have always been the most level-headed of my brothers.

“Velaya was on the mountain yesterday. I felt the winds shift while I was training Grace. They shifted back by the time we were leaving the sparring ring, and I smelled her scent.”

Velaya . That shifty little bitch has always been a thorn in my side. A thorn the size of a fucking dagger. Why would she risk coming up here? She must have an inkling something is different, but my servants would never talk of the girl. I made it painfully clear what would happen to them if word ever got out to the other Gods.

Realization washes over my head in cold shivers as the answer dawns on me.

Fuck, the Solstice . Of all the Gods, Velaya is the closest to us. She must have seen the bonfire during the Winter Solstice. Dread fills me as I stand, slowly shuffling closer to Pearl.

“Did she see Grace?” I whisper in a hush, my breathing picking up as I stare at the ground in my own shame. I cannot bring my eyes to Pearl as I await her answer. If she saw her, she will tell the others. Grace is not safe. They will do unspeakable things to her. It will be my fault for her torture.

“I smelled Velaya’s scent. The closest she got was the creek off to the west of the ring. Grace went there for a short moment to wash her hands and came back. She would have said if she saw someone. Since I don’t know the exact point she visited the creek, there is a possibility she could have scented her.” Pearl’s tone is serious, a soldier asking for orders.

Fuck, my dead heart drops faster than a speared body. I swipe my hand down my face slowly as my eyes look out the dark howling window. That bitch is out there. “Where were you two today?” I interrogate my Cerberus, my eyes cutting to her sharply.

“I kept her inside today until I had a moment to talk to you.”

I sigh in relief. Pearl was always a smart, dedicated warrior. The brains of the three Cerberuses. Her brothers, such fierce protectors, carried such natural strength. But even Pearl could win against the two with her wit. She carries strength herself, but with her smarts, the warrior is deadly.

“Grace does not train outside anymore; she is moving to the inside training ring with Tai. I want you focused outside, chase Velaya off this fucking mountain,” I growl, my body tense with anger. I should have killed Velaya long ago.

“Yes, sir.” She turns to leave.

“And, Pearl”—I stop her—“You catch any of them coming near, you fucking kill them.”

She nods sharply and leaves the room.

I breathe deeply, trying to calm my sporadic heart.

My little mortal has no idea how close she was to being turned into a plaything for a group of malicious Gods. Feeling an overwhelming need to see her, I leave my study and march to my bedroom. When I get to the door, I hear giggling and shouting inside.

I peek the door open to see Kai on my bed, squatting in front of a laughing Grace. He bounces up and down with his legs spread while he explains something.

“—So, once you get him like this, you’re going to want to reach your hand down to your clit. Tease him a little, he’ll fucking love it.” He chuckles. “And then, when he—”

“Ro!” Grace spots me in the doorway, her face lighting up red in embarrassment.

“No, baby, not yet. First you want to—”

She kicks Kai in his thigh, making him fall backward, waving his arms and slipping off my bed. He slides down to the floor, and his crazy eyes fall onto me. “Oh, shit. Hey, babe.” Kai straightens himself until his head leans onto his hands as his kicks he legs in the air behind him.

I narrow my eyes at him. “Why are you always up to something?” I question suspiciously.

“Chaos, babe. It’s in the name.” He grins at me.

“Do you not have somewhere to be?” I cross my arms tightly as I glare at him.

“Nope.” He pops the ‘p’ before smiling up at me, still kicking his legs like a little schoolgirl.

Anger radiates off me in waves. Any other time, I would ignore his crazy shit, but tonight, I am too tightly wound. I had Velaya, the Goddess of the Hunt, on my fucking mountain. She knows I have a human here now, and she will be back, either to hunt her for herself or take her back to the others. I roll my tight shoulders, cracking my neck. I need a fucking release, and I know one way to get it.

My hands fist as I ready myself for a fight, feeling the need to pummel him. I take a menacing step forward, but movement from the corner of my eye gives me pause. Grace lies on the bed, scooting to the edge nervously. I sigh, releasing my hands. I really do not want a repeat of last time.

I look back at Kai. “Get out,” I manage.

“Fine. But you’ll thank me, and when you do, I want you on your knees, King boy.” He saunters out, ducking behind me.

I slam the door behind him, dropping my head onto the door frame as it shuts. How am I going to tell Grace she is going to be hunted because of me?

“What’s wrong, Ro?” A small voice sounds behind me.

I groan at how precious she is. She is making this so much harder. I hear her light little steps walk over to me before I feel a small hand on my back .

“Hey.” Grace’s voice is soft.

Begrudgingly, I turn to face her. I imprint her beautiful face into my precious memories. Her delicate brows and doe eyes fit for a Goddess. Her sharp cheeks and cute little button nose. And those lips, fuck. She is going to hate me. I must remember her now, for surely, she will deny our mateship after I tell her. “I have failed you, my little mate.” I bring my hand up to caress her face.

“What are you talking about?” she asks me, leaning into my rough hand. Her brows furrow as she looks at me.

I sigh in surrender, giving Grace one last look. “The Winter Solstice was a mistake. I should not have been so weak and let it happen. I wanted so badly to feel your touch I would have given you anything in that moment, but now, my weakness has led to putting you in danger.” I watch her face as she tries to understand my words. “The Yule log put off a signal to the other Gods that something had changed here in the palace. Velaya came sniffing and now knows you are here. A human. You are in terrible danger, Grace. I am so sorry, my mate, could you ever forgive me?” My voice trembles at the thought that I have bestowed such a fate onto the only one I am supposed to protect. Of all the souls I am responsible for, I have doomed my very own mate.

“Ro, everything is fine. I am here with you now, and the Gods are so far away. Do not worry,” she tells me, placing her hands on my chest.

I stare at her little hands on me, processing. I do not understand. How could she forgive me so easily? Perhaps it is I who needs a punishment. “I promise, Grace, I will protect you. I will kill anyone that dares lay their hands on you,” I vow, grabbing her hands in a promise.

She smiles at me, cocking her head. “You aren’t going to kill anyone, Ro.”

“No, you are right.” I kiss her on her forehead. “I will gut them first. I will slice them open and play with their entrails. I will break every bone in their body, one by one. Their cracks will echo into these grand halls. I will skin them while they lay lifeless, writhing in agony. Their screams are what I will savor most. They will sing their beautiful melodies to me as I play with their broken bodies. No, you are right, there are fates worse than death, and I would not dare give them a sweet escape.” I caress her cheek as she stares up at me, wide-eyed.

“I think you need to lie down,” Grace whispers to me, concerned.

She grabs my hands and drags me toward the bed, pulling me onto the soft covers. I lie down and groan, throwing my arm over my face. I feel so much shame, until I feel a little body climb on top of me, straddling my chest. Peeking under my arm, I am rewarded with a most magnificent view.

Grace heaves my heavy arm off my head and leans down. “Maybe I can help relax you,” she purrs.

I groan as my hands gravitate to her delicious thighs, rubbing and squeezing. She could bury me between those beautiful legs, and I would suffocate, gladly. My mouth waters as I stare at her cunt, directly before me. Suddenly, I am very hungry.

“Take off your pants,” I order huskily.

“You’re so bossy. What if I say no?” She giggles, playing with me.

I smack her on the ass and squeeze. “Grace, get on my face and ride me. I want to taste that sweet little cunt.”

I hear her breath hitch, and she immediately stands, undoing her pants and sliding them off. I lick my lips, seeing her pretty cunt show through her little curls.

“Come here, now,” I demand. I cannot wait, I need her taste in my mouth.

She giggles as she comes closer, straddling me and lowering herself onto my face. Fuck, I could orgasm just watching that alone. Grace hovers over my face, biting her lip. I can smell her nervous energy, she is unsure about this.

“My little Goddess, I want you to suffocate me with your pretty fucking cunt.” I grab her hips and ram her onto my face. I taste her instantly, sweet honey with a hint of lemon. I groan, savoring her at first as I lick lazily. I listen to her moans and watch her face above me. Her eyebrows are furrowed, and her mouth open as she sings. My mate is so damn beautiful. I feel her need grow as she starts grinding her hips on me, small thrusts at first. Using my leverage on her hips, I encourage her to fuck my face. I want her to fucking smother me, use me. I start licking and sucking at her little bud, and she goes wild, grinding on my face with all abandon.

She weaves her hands in my hair, pulling it tightly. I moan under her as she frees herself, finding her pleasure from my mouth. I am all too happy to assist her, eating her wet cunt in a frenzy. I cannot breathe, but I have never been so happy to be smothered.

Her body goes tight as I feel her orgasm overtake her.

“Oh, Gods, Ro!” she shouts into the air.

I admire her as she screams her passion above me, her hands intertwined in my hair. Her rhythm stops, but I take control of her hips and keep her moving on my face. I lick and suck, lapping up her juices like a starving animal.

My little creature’s body starts to sag, and I can tell I have exhausted her. I taste her precious cunt one more time and lift her off me, gently. I help my Grace to lie down, her body spent, and come over to settle next to her. I pull her into a hug, playing with her long white hair.

“You know, my divine little creature, I really do not appreciate for you to keep calling for the Gods as I give you your pleasure. I am your God, me.”

She smirks at me. “Ro—”

“Call for them again and see what happens. Your Gods will not save you from your impending punishment,” I threaten as jealousy slithers in my body.

She bites her lip as she looks up at me.

I wipe my finger along her pout possessively. “Me,” I growl.

She is wordless as she nods her head feverishly. I relax as I continue to caress her lips with my thumb. I move down to her chin and lower across her throat. I feel for her vein, loving the way it thrums under my touch. I wish she did not heal so quickly. I like having my mark here.

“Ro,” she starts, looking up at me.

I look at her, her scent smells of worry. “What is wrong?” I ask her. She just had a glorious orgasm, what could she be worried about?

“Nothing. It’s just … I was wondering what your blood tasted like.” Her words come out in a rush as she buries her head into my chest, embarrassed.

She wants to taste me? My cock throbs at the thought of her biting my neck, staking her claim on me. Sudden need washes over me at the thought of us exchanging bites. I fucking love her blood. I would live off of it if I could. “I have tasted you. It is only fair you get to bite back.” I smirk at her.

She looks up from her dark lashes, biting her lip nervously as her ocean eyes glance at my neck. “How do I do it? I don’t have those sharp teeth like you.” Her voice is so quiet, apprehensive.

“Just bite hard until you get blood, you will not hurt me, Grace,” I assure her, swiping a stray hair from her face.

“Now?” She gulps.

“Would you like me to go first?” I speak softly, leaning into her. “I love the taste of your blood, little mortal. You have the scent of a delicate Celestial Lily, and your cunt tastes of sweet honey. Even your blood is like sweet honey with a little pinch of sea salt.” I squeeze her cheek, teasing her. Grace slaps my hand away as I chuckle darkly. “You are a delicious little human. I would live off of you, Grace, biting and licking you up. And when you wear my mark, I just want to keep you in my bed and fuck you hard. I want everyone to know you are mine.”

Her breathing is hard as I lean into a kiss, tasting her soft lips. I trail my kisses along her lips, down her jaw, leading to her throat. I cannot help myself as my mouth waters, kissing along her pretty neck. I have the strongest urge, deep in my core, to mark her. I need to taste her.

I move fast, sinking my teeth into her pale throat and feel blood spurt into my mouth. I drink deeply, groaning at the sweet, warm liquid filling my mouth. My cock throbs under me, needing to feel her, to seed her. I need to make her mine.

I quickly yank my pants down. Just enough to get my cock out and get on top of her. I cannot think, I am just following instinct. I am not gentle as I ram my hard, thick cock into her tight cunt. She cries out, in pleasure or in pain, I do not care. I continue fucking her. She hugs me tight, digging her nails into my back. I have gone mad, completely insane as I whimper into her neck, desperate for more. Her pleasure is an invitation into something so warm, it is not just her pleasure, but it is a dark embrace that fills you with so much love. With her blood, I am being melted, filled with hot thrumming life. I have never experienced anything like it. Her blood is fucking addictive. She is wondrous. Grace’s hips meet my every thrust, pulling me deeper into her. I am in a frenzy; her delicious heat is welcoming me, giving me such pleasure while the taste of her blood is fresh in my mouth. I groan deeply. I need more. I need something else.

“Grace,” I groan, bending my head to lick at her fresh bite mark.

All of a sudden, Grace grabs my neck and bites into me, hard. I feel a burst of pain and pleasure ripple into my body. I moan deeply, the feeling of her on my neck sending me into a hot orgasm. Pleasure rips down my back as my cock spurts hot seed inside her cunt.

There is a sensation in my chest, like a white rippling fire dancing deep in my essence. It fills me with longing, but also fills me with joy. The flames lick at every part of my body, moving and transforming as I lay transfixed. My head starts to swim as the room spins. I look down at Grace, and she has fainted. I have no time to worry as my vision fades.

Darkness overtakes me.