I sighed deeply. Well, that was one less thing to worry about. But thinking about Helia reminded me of something.
“That day when Helia gave you that drink at her house, do you think that’s what made you a wolf?” I questioned. If she was the one who did this to him, I’d make her fix it. I didn’t care if she was the most powerful witch alive.
Seb thought for a moment. “No, I don’t think so. I think I’ve always sort of felt it there, but I didn’t understand what it was. It was as if the wolf inside was asleep, and when Helia gave me that drink, it woke him up. And he’s been awake, trying to get out ever since”
I guess that made sense but a lot was still unexplained.
“I thought the werewolves have gone extinct when the heart of wolves was destroyed over a thousand years ago.”
“That’s true, but they weren’t killed, just separated from their beast or stuck in wolf form until so much time passed that they forgot what they once were and newer generations never knew. The wolves we encountered in Nexus have forgotten that they used to be able to shift, but when I showed up, they could sense the wolf inside of me just as I could sense the human inside them. It was why they didn’t attack.”
Wow, this was amazing! Seb was a freaking werewolf! If I didn’t see it for myself, I didn’t know if I’d believe it.
Ha! Said the girl that was a thousand-year-old vampire.
“Wow” was all I could say.
“Do you mind if we discuss this later? There’s something I need to tell you, and I don’t want to waste another second of you not knowing,” he said, sounding unsure for the first time.
I swallowed the lump in my throat.
Oh gosh! I hope he didn’t have bad news. Finding out one of your mates was a werewolf is enough big news. Even so, I nodded for him to continue.
He took deep breath and squeezed my hands. “Two years ago, everything changed for me. Two years ago, when I looked into your blue eyes, I was captured by you. Before I met you, Ana, I was just a guard trying to protect my sister and get her away from the vampires safely. Nothing else mattered. I hated vampires. Talon and Marcos destroyed my life, and I watched them do the same to others. I wanted nothing more than for every vampire to die a slow painful death. But then you came along. You were and still are different. You’re not like the rest. You’re so human and caring. I tried to distance myself, but the more time I spent with you, the harder I fell. Watching you treat my sister like she was your own and not some blood bank filled me with a joy and appreciation I couldn’t describe. For being her friend and showing her love, I thank you.”
At this point tears, were filling from my eyes.
“But what you do for me goes even beyond that. Ana, when I’m near you, I feel alive. Before you came, I didn’t realize how incomplete I was. But when you escaped, I did. I was empty without you, Ana. Seeing those eyes and that beautiful smile was the best part of my days back at Marcos’ place. I know I screwed up a lot. I’m so sorry for hurting you. But…” he trailed off.
My whole body was trembling. Tears were flowing down my face like a waterfall. If my heart could beat, it would have been pounding in my chest, and my face would have been flushed red. Seb’s heart, I could hear, was thumping around his chest like a wild animal. His nervousness was as sweet as his words.
Seb stood from the haystack and dropped to his knees before me. “Analise, I humble myself and ask for your forgiveness. But more than that, I ask for your heart because two years ago, I gave you mine without even knowing. I love you, Ana. I love you more than I can imagine loving you. I love you at your worst and your best. I love you from your fangs to your sharp nails. I love you from your sarcasm to your courage. And no matter what the future holds, I know I will still love you. Your amazing, Ana.”
To say, by the time he finished I was crying like a baby, would be an understatement. I was bawling my eyes out. All this time, he felt this way about me, and I never knew. The truth was I felt the exact same way about him.
I realized it at the blood castle that it was Seb I’d missed the most.
It was Seb I longed for at night.
It was the reason I called out to Seb when I got shot.
Seb was the only one for me.
Seb was my choice for my mate.
There was never a chance it would have been anyone else. He was the only one who always stood by my side even when his better judgment told him not to. He was able to love me despite everything vampires had done to him and his family.
“Seb,” I whispered, “I can’t give you my heart… you already have it. I love you so much. And I choose you as my mate. Always.”
I took his face in my hands. The pure happiness radiating from him warmed me all over. Seb jumped to his feet and picked me up in his arms. I wrapped my legs around his waist as he held me tightly.
“I love you. I love you. I love you.” He whispered over and over again like he could never grow tired of saying it.
I could never grow tired of hearing it. This moment was the happiest I’d ever felt in my life. Finally, he said the words I so longed for. The tears I shed were nothing but of pure joy.
I couldn’t wait any longer so I crashed my lips to his. Seb eagerly kissed me back. His warm silky lips felt like velvet against mine. I deepened the kiss, wanting to be even closer to him. Our tongues danced without shame. His hands ran up my spine, igniting my never-ending need for him. How long we stood there kissing, I couldn’t say. But it would never be long enough.
When we pulled apart, we were both breathless; him from lack of oxygen, me because I felt so alive.
“Ana…” Seb spoke softly with our foreheads pressed together. His eyes were shining gold, and his teeth have elongated as well. “I have to claim you. I’m trying to fight it, but my wolf knows you are his, and we must mark you”
I take in his rows of sharp teeth, but I was not afraid. I could feel the same need to bite him as well. My own fangs burst free in response. “Take me Seb. Make me yours…”
A low growl rumbled in his chest. It turned me on in a way I’d never felt before. Seb held me with one hand and used the other to pull down the ripped piece of dress hanging off my shoulder. Slowly, he pulled me closer until I could feel his lips brush against my skin. The tiny movement sent sparks flying through my body. His pink tongue dashed out, licking my skin smoothly. A moan escaped my lips. I could feel Seb’s own excitement pressing against me.
Then he sank his canines into my skin.
Everything changed after that. My body exploded like fireworks. A gentle caress spread inside of me, starting from my shoulder all the way to my toes.
I needed more.
Now.
I needed to bite him more than I needed to drink blood.
Before he could remove his teeth from me, I sank my fangs into him. The taste of his blood in my mouth was heaven. It was perfect. It was the sweetest, cleanest blood I’d ever tasted; even better than his blood used to taste.
Afterwards, I became more aware of him. I could feel what he was feeling. Seb was happy; more than happy, actually. When I bit him he, finally felt complete. And so did I.
After we released our teeth from each other, I gazed back at him. His eyes were blazing blue like mine and mine reflected gold like his. It was like he had a part of me, and I had a part of him.
Slowly, our eyes faded back to its normal colors, and we began to kiss again like our lives depended on it. Seb lowered us to the ground, never breaking the kiss. He crawled on top of me, moving to my neck. My core was heating and throbbing with need. I dug my nails to his bare back, loving the sounds of his moan and growls.
“Take me, Seb. I need you… to… take me.” I rasped in a thick lust-filled voice.
“Are you sure? We can wait until everything is perfect.” He croaked in a voice thick with as much lust as mine.
I looked around the old unused barn. It was barely standing. Old hay littered the dusty ground. Then I turned my eyes back to Seb; my mate.
“Everything is perfect.” And it was because he was here with me. Seb smiled, and had I been able breath, it would have been taken away.
“I feel the same way.” He replied, bringing his lips back to mine.
I could never get enough of kissing him. The need for each other intensified, and it was a race to get out of our clothes. For him, it was easy; me, not so much. The tight ripped dress wasn’t sliding off all sexy like they did in the movies. Frustrated, I yanked it off, further tearing it. Seb chuckled, helping me remove my bra and panties. Then he kissed me on my left cheek, on the right one, my forehead, nose, and finally, lips.
“You’re so beautiful in each and every way.” Seb cooed to me.
He was everything I ever wanted and more.
He positioned himself so his rather large member was dangerously close to my core. It both thrilled and scared me at the same time.
“Forever.” He whispered, looking into my eyes.
“Forever.” I replied, gazing into him.
Seb plunged into me, and it was both painful and exhilarating. He tried to pull back when he thought he hurt me, but I tightened my legs around his waist holding him in place. Slowly, he thrust in and out. Each time, it felt better and better. His eyes were glowing like lights. As were mine. We moaned and kissed all over each other’s face and neck. I dug my nails to his back, wanting more of him. It was so pleasurable. I couldn’t get enough. Bolts shot out from all over my body, crawling along the hay covered floor. The blue light made it look like a dream.
I wanted him deeper so I used my immortal strength to flip him over expertly so I was on top. Seb’s eyes lit up excitedly. I began grinding my hips against him harder and harder. Seb moaned, cupping my breasts and teasing the buds. I was practically screaming when he took one in his mouth, making me experience more pleasure than I thought possible. I felt something deep inside me building up. It was like this pressure that kept building and building. I didn’t know where it was taking me. I just knew I had to reach it.
Seb took hold of my hips, matching my thrust. I felt hot all over. My screams could probably be heard for miles, but I didn’t care. I was almost at my peak. I knew Seb was too. Everything was so heightened now. I could feel my core pulsing around his member.
And then an explosion happened inside of me. It was like a burst of light and colors that made my whole body weak in the best way possible. My head fell back, and I screamed in pleasure as my entire frame shook. Seb climaxed shortly after me, moaning my name and filling me with all his love.
Afterwards, I collapsed onto his sweaty chest, and he held me in his arms. We lay there panting for several minutes.
“That was wonderful,” I said love-drunk.
“Yes love. It was.” He replied, running his fingers through my hair while I lay on his chest. I’ll cherish this moment forever.
Something tingling down my shoulder alerted my attention. I shifted my eyes to it, realizing there were black lines forming a pattern around the area where Seb had bit me. I watched them until they created a picture.
The picture was of Seb. Well, Seb in werewolf form anyway.
“Hey, look at this.” I tell him as I sat up.
Seb stared at my boobs and smiled wickedly. “Hm-mmm, yes, those are lovely.”
I smacked him playfully. “Not that, silly. This,” I said, pointing at the tattoo-like werewolf on my shoulder.
“Wow, it looks amazing!” He beamed. “It’s my mark.”
He rubbed his fingers over it, and I had to fight back the lust. Awesome! I couldn’t believe I was claimed now!
“Wait, there’s nothing on you.” I exclaimed after I searched his body for my face.
His chest and shoulders were bare of any markings. Even my bit mark healed already.
“Oh, hold on. Turn around.” I prompted him after I remembered that my claim was on the back of his neck.
Sure enough, a beautiful mark had emerged. The traditional mark that Jace and Cassius had was there, but on top of it was more.
“It’s two swords; one blue and one gold. They are intertwined; two handles, one blade. It looks like a really cool tattoo.” I described to him.
“I love it already.” He replied, flipping me over and tickling me.
I laughed not beacuse I was not ticklish but because I was so happy and to see Seb like this, with his guard down and his emotions on full display, made my whole world.
“We have to go back, you know.” Seb informed me, pulling me to his chest again.
He was right and we both knew it. But I didn’t want to go just yet. I wasn’t ready to deal with Jace or Cassius or Ferox or anyone else.
I wanted to stay and enjoy this little pocket of happiness with the man whose love consumed me.
“I know, but let’s stay just a little while longer.” I pleaded, giving him puppy dog eyes.
“For you, I’d stay a lifetime.” He smiled.
“I love you, Sebastian.”
“I love you too, Analise. Forever and Always.”
Chapter 48
Reactions
Cassius
Being locked in a dark cell for two days was something I was not used to. I was a prince and princes should never be treated this way. It made me angry! More than angry―furious.
How could my father do this to me?
It was bad enough Ferox killed Acacia, but locking me up for defending my mate was beyond unnecessary. I couldn’t do anything to save my mother, but I would do something to save Ana.
“Fuck! I need to get out of this cage!” I yelled, pulling on the bars for the hundredth time. It was no of use. These cells were built especially to keep vampires trapped inside.
“I see you’ve settled in nicely, my Prince,” Raven said, popping up outside my prison cell right before my eyes.
I hated when she did that.
Raven had promised to make sure I made it to my cell “safely” after I slapped her, but along the way, she changed her mind and allowed the guards to bring me here without her. This was the first time I’d seen her or anyone else since. They hadn’t even bothered to bring me blood, further adding to my irritability.
“Why are you here?” I sneered, flashing my fangs. I hated the witch, and I wanted nothing more than to see her dead. I began forcing images of excruciating pain into her mind, but she remained unmoved.
“You can stop trying to use your ability on me. It won’t work. You’re too weak from not feeding for the last two days.” She replied with a hint of amusement.
It all made sense now. Raven didn’t come when I was first imprisoned because she knew I would be too great of a threat to her at full strength. So she had me starved out first. I tightened my grip on the bars and hissed viciously in her face.
The witch only laughed.
“You’ll pay for this, bitch!” I screamed.
“Maybe.” she shrugged “But before that day, I’m going to show you why slapping a witch is never a good idea.” She added in a much darker tone. “There are many ways I can make you suffer. Like this…”
Raven snapped her fingers and millions of large black spiders sprang up from the ground. The tiny green-eyed creatures scurried directly to me, crawling all over my body. I stepped on some, squashing them with my expensive dress shoes. I also tried to fling off the ones that already made their way up my arms, but they were just too many. They covered me completely from head to toe; entering my ears, nose and mouth.
However, as quickly as it started, it ended with the snap of Raven’s finger. I spun all around, searching, but every last spider was gone.
“Spiders are too messy. How about I do this?” she said, snapping her fingers again.
This time, my whole body burst into bright red and orange flames.
“AHH!” I screamed, dropping to the ground and rolling. No matter how much I tried to douse the fire, it continued to savagely eat away at my flesh. Burning was second to platinum in the killing-vampires department.
Meani
ng, it hurt like hell.
I screamed and screamed as the fire grew impossibly hotter.
Raven clapped her hands together, and the flames disappeared as if they were never there to begin with. I continued to put out the invisible flames and stayed on the ground, panting and checking my body for the burns I was certain was there. None were found.
“Fire is too boring.” The witch added, tapping her veiled chin. “This is more fun to watch…” And with another snap, large snakes began to slither down the walls into my cell. Huge green, black, and even red snakes of all sizes came for me. I jumped to my feet, snatching the first snake near me. I took the black creature in my hands and forcibly ripped its head off.
Again and again, I ripped off more and more heads. A few were able to bite me, but I ignored it and continued slaying them with record speed.
“Is that all you got?!” I yelled with my arms wide, gesturing to the dismantled bodies of the snakes. Blood covered my hands, face and body. I looked mad.
Raven didn’t reply. Instead, she pointed her thin finger to the dead reptiles. I followed the movement and became enraged by what I saw. The heads I had torn off began to grow back, but what was once one became two. Every snake grew back with double heads.
Raven laughed hysterically. I shook off my shock and tried to fight them off again, but they bit and attacked me like the monsters they were. A huge boa wrapped around my midsection while smaller pythons and vipers wrapped around my neck, arms, and legs. They rendered my attacks useless. I couldn’t move, and the strength of the boa was crushing my bones.
Just when I thought this was the worst, a tan colored rattle snake crawled around my face. It shook its tail, sounding the room with a warning. Then the snake snapped and struck my face several times. With fangs nearly as sharp as mine, the snake easily tore through the flesh on my face. I opened my mouth in a hiss but that, too, was a mistake. The rattler took the opportunity to dive into my open mouth, cutting off my sound and choking me as it traveled down my throat.
“See, my Prince. There are many ways I can make you suffer. Remember that the next time you think about touching me.” Raven threatened.
Pure: A Paranormal Romance Page 52