Heart of the Warrior

by Donya Lynne

  "It has its advantages," Ari said, working the bar between his hands before setting it aside and going to work on Sev’s cock again.

  "Mmm, yes it does."

  The hand job made Sev's legs shake. This was only the second time Ari had touched him like this since the accident, and it was as if they both had been eager to get home and back to the business of loving each other. Ari stopped stroking him and rinsed him off then eased him back until he sat down on the shower bench. Then he knelt down in front of him.

  "What are you doing?" Sev said.

  Ari pushed his legs apart and slid between them. Keeping his gaze locked to Sev’s, Ari leaned forward and took his cock between his lips.

  Sev’s hands gripped the edge of the bench. Oh, fuck! This was the one thing Ari hadn’t yet done to him and he could only stare down at his shaft as it disappeared into Ari’s mouth. His tongue swirled around and around the head, causing Sev to shudder. Then Ari's fist started pumping the shaft as he sucked lightly on his glans.

  "Oh my God, Ari. Fuck, yes."

  Sev’s fists gripped the bench so tightly it was a wonder he didn’t break it. Ari knew just how to touch him. He knew when to apply pressure, when to back off, when to pick up the tempo and when to slow down. It was almost as if he was inside Sev’s head, but that’s why nature had made them mates. They were designed for each other. Perfect complements. Mating was nature’s way of saying they had been made for each other.

  "You’re going to make me come." Sev tapped Ari’s head to tell him if he didn’t want a mouthful he had better pull back, but Ari only doubled his efforts. "Fuck, Ari. Are you sure you want this."

  Ari didn't stop. He only looked up through his long, water-beaded lashes and nodded once when he found Sev's gaze. His lips sealed around his shaft, sucking and pulling, his tongue teasing the head. His topaz eyes practically sparkled as he watched Sev.

  "Then don’t stop. Keeping do – unh – yes, that. Keep doing that. Oh God. Don’t stop-don’t stop-don’t stop." He clamped his hands on Ari’s head like he was holding a bowl in place to catch his release. "Close, so close, yes, yes, YES!" his chest and shoulders pumped hard with each affirmative declaration. "Fuck! Uuuuungh!"

  Ari moaned as Sev’s offering spurted down his throat and he swallowed reflexively as he reached down to pound his own erection. Within seconds, he jumped up off the floor and climbed onto the bench to stand in front of Sev, his feet on either side of Sev’s hips.

  "Take me in your mouth. Hurry!" Ari commanded.

  Ari bent his knees slightly and pumped his cock as he slid the head inside Sev’s open mouth. Sev closed his lips around it, flicking the tip with his tongue, making Ari shudder. He could tell Ari was close and knew just how to send him over. He rubbed his palm between Ari's legs, back, and over his scrotum. Then he slid his thumb inside Ari's ass as he gripped his cheek.

  "Aauugghh!" Ari cried out and orgasmed instantly, his ass clenching and releasing around Sev’s thumb as cum sprayed over his tongue.

  He had blown Ari a couple of times already and eagerly swallowed what Ari gave. He loved the way Ari tasted, and he licked and licked until he had taken every last drop then pulled Ari down to sit on his lap.

  "Thank you." Ari was still gasping for air.

  Sev stroked his fingers over Ari’s back and smiled at the way Ari wrapped his arms around him and held him like he would never let him go. "For what, babe?"

  "For being alive. For loving me. For everything."

  "My pleasure," he said.

  Ari barked out a breathless laugh. "Mine, too, apparently."

  "Apparently." Sev closed his eyes and smiled against the side of Ari's face then kissed his cheek.

  They held each other a minute longer, then reluctantly got up.

  "Do you think we followed doctor’s orders then?" Sev rinsed one last time before shutting off the water.

  "Absolutely. Do you want to follow doctor’s orders again later?" Ari snagged their towels and tossed one to Sev.

  "Do I look like I need that much medical attention?" He rubbed the towel over his hair and brushed it over his arms, chest, and stomach then secured it around his waist.

  Ari stepped closer and licked his shoulder. "I think you need at least two more days of bed rest. At least."

  "And I think you’re looking a bit under the weather yourself, babe. Maybe you should stay in bed with me." He wrapped an arm around Ari’s waist.

  They embraced and Ari nibbled his bottom lip. "I hope I’m not contagious."

  "I don’t know if you’re contagious, but you’re definitely the antidote I need, and I think I need another dose before we go back to AKM."

  Ari kissed him, licking his lips. "I think I can handle that."

  "I hope so." Sev crowded him out of the shower and back to the bedroom, where they fell onto the bed already wrapped in each other’s arms.

  * * *

  Ari was still hard from the shower and only wanted more of his mate. His mate. Nothing would tear them apart. Not Io, not his parents, no one. This was where he belonged and he would never doubt that again. He rolled Sev to his back and slid inside him, ready to give Sev everything he wanted and needed for the rest of their lives together.

  Sev’s legs locked around him and he pulled him down until they were chest-to-chest and mouth-to-mouth once more.

  "I’m never letting you go," he said, thrusting into Sev, their lips brushing together.

  "I’ll never let you." Sev grunted as Ari thrust again, harder this time.

  "Am I hurting you?" Ari knew he needed to be careful with Sev for a few days.

  "No. Feels good. Harder, babe."

  Ari rammed into him, and again, faster, their flesh slapping as their bodies came together.

  Sev moaned. "Yes, I like that." His eyes closed briefly as his face contorted in ecstasy.

  "Must be my mate. He’s really sexy and I can’t stop myself."

  Sev smiled at him. "Your mate’s a lucky guy."

  Ari licked his tongue over Sev’s lips and just ever-so-softly kissed him as he pressed both palms against Sev’s hips, driving into him harder.

  "Oh, God!" Sev groaned hard. "Check that. He’s a very lucky guy."

  "I’ll be sure and tell him." Ari grunted as he pushed forward inside Sev again.

  He fell more in love with Sev every second he was with him. Almost losing him made him appreciate that much more what they had together.

  Ari fucked Sev harder, another orgasm tickling his spine, growing on a crescendo until it exploded and shot fireworks through his balls. He grunted and clamped his mouth over Sev’s then shuddered as he pulled out and came on Sev’s stomach.

  After the last spasm rippled through him and he lay spent on Sev’s torso, Sev grinned against his mouth. "Doctor’s orders."

  Ari chuckled. "Who would’ve thought, right?"

  Sev laughed then Ari joined him.

  Ari was happy. He was finally happy.

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  Sev held Ari’s hand proudly as they walked through the main hall toward the holding rooms. The stares only made him stand taller as he squeezed Ari’s hand reassuringly. He knew it would still be a while before Ari was completely comfortable with public affection, but he had been the one to insist on holding Sev's hand. Ari seemed determined to show Sev how important he was to him, and just as determined to overcome the fear still inside him that they would be the subject of ridicule now that they were out.

  But they had a couple of big guns in their corner, which made it easier. Micah and Traceon had been busting anyone’s chops who dissed them. Sev was still surprised about that, but sometimes allies came from unusual places, and Trace and Micah were two vampires Sev and Ari both wanted in their corner. Nobody fucked with Micah, and Traceon was proving to be just as intimidating. The two of them together? Well, it seemed everyone was smart enough not to push their buttons.

  He and Ari turned down the prisoner hall and stopped in front of Gina’s door. Apparently, s
he was no longer a flight risk, because the posted guard was gone. He had heard she'd tried to escape that first night – well, one story said escape, another said she was trying to kill herself. At any rate, the posted guards had been removed from in front of her door, so she must have calmed down enough that they were no longer needed.

  "Do you want me to go in with you?" Ari said.

  "I want you to do everything with me, Ari." Sev gave him an earnest look.

  Ari smiled and nodded then followed him as he pushed open the door.

  Malek was inside the room with Gina and stood up and moved in front of her like a guard dog.

  Sev frowned at him. "I’m not going to hurt her, Malek."

  "What do you want?" Malek sounded defensive.

  Gina sat up behind him. She had apparently been napping.

  "I knew her brother. I brought her something I think he would have wanted her to have." Sev paused. "And I want to talk to her. Just her and Ari, not you."

  "Forget it. No one sees her without me present."

  What the fuck was up with Malek? Did he think he was Gina's bodyguard or something?

  "No, Malek. It’s okay." Gina brushed back her hair. "I’ll see him. I owe him that."

  Malek softened at the sound of her voice then nodded. "I’ll be right outside if you need me."

  Malek stepped out and he and Ari exchanged perplexed glances before he turned back to Gina.

  Gina's tears began immediately. "I am so sorry. I didn’t know – I thought – Gabriel’s death – and I saw you – Oh God, I almost killed you." She dropped her face in her hands and started crying.

  "Gina, calm down. I’m not angry at you. I’m as much to blame as anyone." He looked at Ari. He and Ari had already talked about how he should never have let his iron skin down in the first place. He had been careless, so it wasn’t just her fault. He had known better.

  "No, it’s my fault. All my fault."

  Severin pulled her into a hug and she latched onto him, her fingers gripping his shirt. She suddenly broke into harsh sobs, and he knew part of her sorrow came from having lost her brother and never having properly dealt with her grief. Now she finally could. Her guilt over trying to kill Sev gave her the perfect excuse to do so.

  "Gina, I’ve been told what happened. At least the bits and pieces that you’ve shared, but I wanted to make sure you knew the truth about what happened between Gabe and me."

  "I already know. I saw in your mind."

  Sev frowned. Nobody had told him this. "When?"

  "When you were unconscious. I know now. You tried to save my brother. And I mistakenly thought you were part of the group that killed him."

  Sev wiped a tear off her cheek. "I couldn’t tell Gabe what I was. I couldn’t tell him because I worked undercover. When he showed up at that raid, my heart nearly fell. He and I weren’t mates, Gina, but I cared about him. He was the closest thing to a boyfriend I’ve ever had until I met Ari."

  Gina looked up as he gestured toward Ari, who nodded politely to her.

  "Hi," she said.

  "Hi." Ari smiled.

  Gina looked back at Sev. "I know that now. I know that when you returned to the factory, you wanted to help him. I saw the truth. I know your boss lied and that you did work for VDA. I just wish…." She sobbed. "God, I wish for so much." She covered her face with her hand and cried. "I wish I'd known. I wish I hadn't been so careless. I wish I'd listened. And I wish Gabe had known the truth, too. He died thinking—"

  "That I betrayed him. I know." Sev squeezed her free hand. "But I'm sure he knows the truth now. Wherever he is, I'm sure he sees the truth."

  She nodded curtly, wiping her face. "I hope so."

  He reached into his pocket and pulled out a locket and an envelope then handed them to her.

  She gasped and put her hand over her mouth when she saw the locket. "I gave that to him when I was just a little girl." She popped it open and choked back tears. "He was my hero. My big brother. I wanted to be just like him. It's why I became an enforcer." She gazed at the locket.

  Gabe had put a picture of her and him inside. Sev had looked at the pictures often in the months that followed Gabe’s death just over a year ago.

  "We both know the truth, now, don’t we?" Sev took the envelope that remained unopened and pulled out a picture. The edges were worn and the picture was creased in one corner as if it had been folded down. "Gabe kept this picture in his wallet and took it everywhere with him, Gina. Before he died, he had taken it out and put it in a small picture frame in his apartment. I went back and got it. I wanted something to remember him by, but now…" He paused and looked at Ari. "I don't need it, anymore." He turned back to Gina. "You should have it." He held the picture out to her. "He bragged about you all the time. He loved you so much."

  Fresh tears flowed as she took the picture and stared at it. It was a picture of her and Gabe that had been taken at Christmas. They both had Santa hats on and huge smiles on their faces, arms around each other on the floor in front of the Christmas tree.

  Gina looked up at him. "Thank you for this."

  Out of the corner of his eye, Sev caught Ari wiping a tear off his cheek.

  "You’re welcome, Gina. He was a good male. A worthy male."

  She nodded. "He was. And so are you. I wish I had seen that sooner." She hung her head. "I really fucked up."

  He exchanged glances with Ari. "We all do, Gina. We all do." And didn't he and Ari know that all too well? "Some of us just do it better than others." He looked back at her, smiling.

  She frowned at him, then her face twisted and she rolled her eyes and smiled wanly. "I guess I’m an overachiever." She sighed and looked down. "So, what happens to me now?"

  "Well, I’m here to bust you out," Sev said, clapping his palms down on his thighs.

  "Excuse me?" Gina frowned at him as if she didn't believe him.

  "You heard me. Let’s go." Sev stood and took Ari’s hand.

  "You’ve got to be kidding."

  "Nope. Come on." He reached for her hand.

  She took it and stood up hesitantly then followed him to the door. Ari knocked and Malek opened it from the outside.

  "Where do you think you’re taking her?" Malek said.

  "She’s free to go." Sev pulled on Gina's hand to leave the room, and Malek practically burned holes in him with his gaze.

  "I wasn’t told," Malek said.

  "I’m telling you now," Sev said warily.

  They all stood in the hall at a stalemate, Gina appearing afraid to move, and Malek refusing to let her go.

  "It’s okay, Malek," Tristan said, coming down the hall. "Severin isn’t pressing charges and asked us to let her go. We’ve decided under the circumstances to agree. You’re free to leave, Gina." Tristan stopped in front of her.

  Malek looked from Tristan to Gina in disbelief, and Sev didn’t know what to make of his strange behavior.

  "No, she can’t go." Malek shook his head.

  "Yes, she can, Malek. We’ve concluded that the circumstances surrounding this incident were out of the ordinary, and since Sev is so passionate about wanting her released, being that he was the one who was shot, we've decided to honor his request."

  "But…." Malek looked positively stymied.

  "It’s okay, Malek. You did a fine job keeping an eye on her, but it’s time to let her go. Come on, Gina. I’ll walk you out." Tristan held out his arm and she took his hand, which sent Malek into a fit of growls.

  Ari let go of Sev’s hand as everyone exchanged wary glances and prepared for what sounded like a shit storm about to blow up. But then Malek simply quieted, looked down, then back up, and smiled.

  "Forgive me," he said. "I’ll walk out with you." Malek joined Tristan, and after an uneasy moment, the three strolled down the hall. Gina turned and gave him one last look and mouthed the words thank you just before they disappeared around a corner.

  "You ready to go home for good now?" Sev took Ari’s hand once more and pulled him to hi
s side as they started down the hall.

  "Not quite." Ari flashed him a mysterious smile. "One more stop, and then I’m all yours."

  The way he said it made Sev wonder exactly what he meant by that.

  "Okay, where are we going?"

  Ari pulled up in front of Tristan’s office. "It’s a surprise. Hold up a sec. I need to put something on Tristan’s desk." Ari ducked inside and was back out in a flash.

  A few minutes later, they were cruising to the North Side.

  "Come on, Ari, where are we going?"

  "You’ll see soon enough."

  Fifteen minutes later, Ari turned into his parents’ neighborhood.

  "Ari?" He looked over as Ari offered a tight smile.

  "I owe you this, Sev. I’m finishing what I started."

  "You don’t owe me, anything. You don’t have to do this."

  "Yes, I do. Not just for you, but," Ari glanced at him, "I need to do this for me, Sev. I need to stand up to my parents. It’s time for me to live my own life and not the life they expect me to live."

  "But Micah said they’ll cut you off."

  "They’ll cut me off, anyway. I’m not marrying Persephone. I’m not. The only person I want to marry is you."

  Sev had known this was coming. He had known when Ari refused to leave him while he recovered. But they hadn’t talked about it. Hearing Ari say out loud that he wasn’t marrying Persephone and that he wanted to be with him and only him filled his heart with joy.

  Ari pulled into the drive, drove up to the house, parked behind a black Suburban, and shut off the engine.

  "I’m proud of you, Ari. And I’m damn proud you’re my mate. I just want you to know that before we go in there."

  "Thank you." Ari took a deep breath. "You ready?"

  Sev chuckled. "Me? More like, are you ready?"

  * * *

  That was the question, wasn’t it? On the surface, the answer was no, but Ari knew deep down he was going to do this now. To hell with everything else. Sev deserved to have Ari proclaim to his parents that he belonged to Sev and that he didn't care what they did to him. He would spend the rest of his life living the truth, not hiding behind lies.