“You’re mine until my heart stops beating. Say it,” he demanded, his brows drawn as he struggled not to simply fall into her until he was seated to the hilt.
“I’m yours until your heart stops beating.”
He smiled, the movement calm and familiar, lacking the wildness of the smiles he had given her since last night. Her hand rose to cup his cheek. “Tobias.”
“I claim you for my own. I’ll stand by your side for all time because you’re my mate, the only one for me. I love you dearest.” He gripped her hips tightly, his head descending to lick her hard nipples. She groaned as pleasure began to build in her again, the groan turned to a moan of pain as he pushed hard, sinking deep. Her eyes watered at the unexpected pain, her body struggling against the painful intrusion. Didn’t think it would hurt so much, her mind gasped.
“Don’t fight me dearest, the pain will fade, trust me.”
Forcing his body to remain still, he brought a hand between them, fingering her overly sensitised clitoris and allowing her to become accustomed to his size. His patience was rewarded as another rush of wetness let him sink deeper and she rocked her hips to his, urging him to move.
Thrusting harder, he moved slowly until he was seated fully within the warmth of her body, groaning at the overwhelming sensation. Inside my mate, two hundred years of waiting, but it was well worth it. Perfect.
Hands came up to wrap themselves in his hair and he began to move. His deep thrusts hit something within her that drove her wild, pleasure coursing through her veins as their bodies moved in unison. His measured thrusts became wilder as her hands stroked his body, running from his scalp along his back, nails digging into his shoulders as he thrust faster, pushing harder taking her to the pinnacle of pleasure before slowing and letting her body calm before doing it again. She writhed beneath him desperate for release and he lifted one of her legs, bringing it to his side to get deeper within her body. He moved hard and fast within her not slowing when she approached the peak and letting her body fly over the edge. Her body shuddered beneath his, her sheath clenching wildly around his shaft trying to milk his body of seed.
He withdrew from her, still hard and frantic with the need for release. Turning her over so that she lay facedown in the grass, he moved her body, positioning her until she was on her hands and knees. “Tobias?” Her head turned to him but he merely smiled, kicking her legs open and shifting her hair so that her neck was exposed.
“You didn’t –” Her question was cut off as he thrust deep, making her body take the full length of him in one sure thrust. Her mouth opened on a silent ‘oh’ as he began to thrust within her, his pace faster and wilder than before.
Need to mark her; no one will think to take her from me then. Mark her. Mark her. Mark her.
The instinct rode him hard and his pace matched accordingly, holding her hips he steadied her as he moved faster and faster within her, forcing her body to reach for the pinnacle once again. He could feel her body readying for release and his gaze was drawn to the slender and exposed column of her neck. Her sheath clamped against him as she released and he could resist the instinct no longer, his fangs biting deep, breaking the skin and drawing blood. The wild bite prepared her body for his mark and his tongue swirled around her skin, instinct guiding him as he drew his initial on her flesh, marking her for all time and joining them forever. She belonged with him and now the whole world could see it. Her scent became thicker as it began to imprint itself on his skin, merging with his own to create a unique scent that told any of his kind that they were taken and exactly who would come looking for vengeance should anything happen to the other. Snarling against the wound, he left his fangs embedded within her flesh as he pushed his body harder until he joined her in release; his body relinquishing his seed until he thought he could come no more.
His teeth reluctantly left her flesh and he licked the wound soothingly, pleased more than he thought possible when he saw the mark begin to heal, albeit slowly, beneath his gaze. Mine forever. His body left hers, a wide smile plastered on his face as he drew her to lie in the grass beside him.
“You bit me!” she accused, turning in his grasp to face him.
“Yes I did, was it painful?”
“It hurt less than I would have thought, but why did you bite me?”
“I needed to mark you and now you can never escape me through death, you’re going to live with me forever. I’ll never let you go dearest.” His bite had assured that, the seemingly vicious act joining them forever so that she would never age past her prime and heal from all injuries. Though she would recover much slower than a wolf, she would recover and live so long as he did and Tobias was aiming for eternity. The wolf within him rose again as the moon continued to coat his skin in its light.
“Tobias?”
“No more talking dearest, the full moon isn’t a night for talking. It’s a night for other, more pleasurable activities.” Any protest she might have made was cut off as his lips took hers and logical thought fled.
We’ve got all the time in the world for questions; he’s not going anywhere. I’ll ask him tomorrow. Tomorrow.
Chapter Thirty Eight
The bright rays from the sun forced Tobias’ eyes open and he squinted against the offending light, clutching Alex closer to his chest. Her small body shivered within his grasp and he cursed his stupidity at failing to consider her human frailties in his lust. The cold that his body could easily hold off had seeped into hers and now she was paying the price for his carelessness. His eyes scanned the river bank for anything to warm her with and he spotted the shirt he had discarded the previous night. His arms left her body, shifting her carefully until he was free of her, despite the movement, she didn’t wake and he felt a degree of panic enter him.
Is she ok? Humans are so susceptible to disease and illness, what if she’s got one? What have I done to her?
Though he knew she couldn’t die now that he had claimed her, she could still become ill, her body suffering until the illness had passed through her system, the knowledge didn’t make him any less worried. The shirt was quickly retrieved, his body utilising all of its strengths to aid her as fear for her safety beat against him, and he made his way back to her. Moving in her sleep, her legs parted, revealing blood spattered thighs and he groaned at the sight.
I took her too hard last night. I should have been more careful with her, no wonder she’s still sleeping.
He wasn’t sure whether to be relieved that she was simply sleeping heavily due to exhaustion rather than from an illness, as guilt at having caused her pain gnawed at him. Crouching down beside her cold body, he manoeuvred her into a sitting position, shrugging the oversized shirt over her head before working her arms through the sleeves. A quick scan of her small frame revealed hand shaped bruising at her hips and the guilt within him multiplied. A low moan at the movement caused him to sigh with relief at the first sign of life she had made since he had woken, before he lay her back down against the cool grass.
Locating his jeans, he quickly donned them, returning to Alex and lifting her into his arms as he made his way back to the estate. Holding her close against his body, he ran, careful not to jostle her too much in case she woke. Although he refused to run as fast as his body was able lest she woke, he was still moving fast enough that they made it back to the estate’s entrance quickly.
Upon his arrival the large doors swung open and a crowd of people rushed forth. Good thing I got us both dressed, his mind chuckled before he frowned, his wolf’s instinct beginning to pound at the temples of his mind. Scanning the crowd he easily spotted his mother and father leading the group along with several members of his Council.
“Well?” Thomas demanded, his loud voice carrying across the distance that separated them even as his quick strides brought him closer.
His wolf’s mind was still close to his own so soon after the full moon, its impulses and thoughts easy merged with his, grabbing hold of his mind and clouding it red with a
nger. The idea of so many people gazing upon his mate’s almost naked form had his wolf’s hackles rising as it paced angrily at the back of his mind and Tobias felt himself agreeing with its actions. A low growl slipping past his lips as the throng of people continued their approach. Shifting restlessly in his arms, Alex turned her head further into his chest breathing in deeply. The simple action, showing the trust she placed in him, turned the low growl into a louder one and he bared his fangs to the gathered crowd.
They think to look upon what’s ours? Never! He wasn’t sure whether the thought had originated from him or the wolf and at that moment he couldn’t find it in himself to care, roaring loudly at the mass of people as they continued their approach.
“Wait!” Thomas shouted, throwing his hands up to stop the progress of the crowd. “Son?”
“What?” Tobias snapped, his feet itching to simply turn around and take his mate back into the forest.
We don’t need to be here, the wolf whispered seductively to him. We could live comfortably back there. We can protect her and provide for her, we’ve proved that over the last two nights. There’s no need to expose her to these people. We don’t need them. We finally have our mate. Let’s go.
The urge to listen to the wolf’s demands was strong after having let it have control of his mind so recently and he found himself turning away from the crowd, his body tensing for another run, this time in the opposite direction, as the desire to return to the sanctuary of the woods rode him hard.
“Tobias?” Thomas called. “I’m sorry there are so many people out here, I know it must be difficult for you.”
You have no idea, the rational side of his mind groaned.
“We all just wanted to see if everything had gone well, everyone is very anxious for both you and Alexandria.”
“I don’t need anyone to worry about her, I can take care of her myself,” he snarled, increasingly angry at the idea that others thought him unable to provide for and protect his mate.
“We know that,” Thomas chuckled as Yvonne came to stand by him, clasping his large hand within both of her smaller ones. “You’ve proved that to us all. You know that none of us would do anything to hurt her or make her feel uncomfortable, Tobias. You’re my son, I only want you to be happy.”
Forcing the wolf further into the cage at the back of his mind, he could feel his ability to reason and understand the consequences of his actions returning to him. “I know you do father, but I don’t want all of you here. It’s hard on me,” he grumbled.
Yvonne’s eyes finally took note of Alex’s state of undress. Her legs were bare, the large shirt that she presumed was her son’s, only just covering the bulk of her body and understanding dawned on her. Turning to her side, she was pleased to note that Maria had managed to stick close. “Maria,” she whispered urgently, “run into the estate and get a large robe, one that Alexandria has previously used if you can manage it. Then bring it back to me, be as quick as you can.”
“Of course your majesty,” she replied, vanishing into the crowd as she sped off along the halls of the estate.
With most of the estates’ residents outside, she was able to make her way to Alex’s room in next to no time, easily locating a large bath robe the Princess had used before she had left before speeding off to make her way back to Yvonne’s side. Nothing seemed to have changed in the few minutes she had been gone, the crowd were still standing stationary near the estate while Prince Tobias stood a fair distance away from them, Alex still held tight against his chest.
“Your majesty.” She pressed the garment into Yvonne's outstretched hand.
Releasing Thomas’ hand, Yvonne stepped forward as though to leave the large crowd and head to her son’s side but her mate’s hand on her wrist stopped her. “What are you doing Thomas?”
“Stopping you sweetheart, you can’t go to him. He’s not thinking straight, can’t you see that?”
“There’s nothing wrong with my sight love. I’m going to help our son and there’s nothing wrong with me doing that either,” she murmured sweetly.
“Sweetheart, his wolf is likely still at the front of his thoughts, he could see you as a threat and attack you.”
“No honey, I’m his mother and I’m female, he’s not going to see me as a threat. You and this crowd on the other hand…” She trailed off allowing Thomas’ wolf to fill in the blanks.
“Yvonne, sweetheart, I don’t want you to do this.”
“Thomas, you’re going to let me go aren’t you love?” she purred, moving closer to him as she rubbed her cheek against his.
“Yvonne,” the King groaned, his eyes sliding shut as his mate’s scent wrapped itself around his senses. The restraining hand on her wrist loosened and the Queen slipped away from the crowd, striding across the distance that separated her from her son.
“Tobias love, I’ve brought something for Alexandria.” She stopped moving a few paces from him and held out the blue robe.
The scent of vanilla reached his nostrils and he walked towards his mother, snatching the garment from her.
“Do you want some help son?”
He nodded, turning his back to the audience. Smiling, Yvonne walked towards him and together they managed to get Alex into the robe, though she still refused to wake despite the constant movement of limbs and appendages. I didn’t realise she was such a deep sleeper; anyone else would have woken up by now, Tobias sighed. Satisfied that she was sufficiently hidden from the intense stares of the crowd, he felt himself calm. “Thank you mother. I don’t know what came over me.”
“You’re more like you father than either of you can see,” she chuckled. “Now, shall we go and see what all these people want before you abscond with you mate to your rooms?”
“It isn’t like I have a choice,” he grumbled, moving towards his father and the gathered crowd.
“Your highness?”
His eyes landed on Adam, the chairman of his Council as the man rushed forward. “What is it Adam?” Tobias drawled, anxious to get inside.
“Is it done?”
“I don’t see how that’s any of your business!” Tobias roared, angry at the man’s intrusion into his personal life. “What I do with my mate is my concern.”
Having spent years with Tobias, Adam didn’t so much as bat an eyelid at his Prince’s tone, instead continuing in his ever-composed voice. “Your highness, the laws of succession,” he reminded calmly.
His eyes narrowed at the reminder of his position. “I’m intimately acquainted with the laws of succession.”
“Then you know why I ask.”
“Yes it’s done. Damn it, I don’t wish to deal with this right now. I have more important things to deal with right now.” I want to get Xandria somewhere warm, she’s not shaking as hard but I want to check her over for any injuries I might have given her. Damn it! I should have waited. I’m so much bigger and stronger than she is, how could I not have hurt her? The scent of blood assaulted his nose and his mind flashed back to the dried blood he had seen between her thighs earlier, though try as he might he couldn’t find it in himself to regret totally the actions he had taken last night, the idea that he had caused harm to his mate didn’t sit well with either him or his wolf. And I want to get her into a shower.
“Your highness, you’re the Prince of our people and you should take your responsibilities more seriously.”
“I take them very seriously Adam, as you should well know,” he growled, increasingly angry with the man that stood before him.
“I’m sorry your highness.” He paused. “May I see it?”
Tobias knew the man in front of him was referring to the mark he had left against his mate’s skin and his gaze was instantly drawn to it. His bite had healed in that it was no longer bleeding, but the imprint of it would be forever etched into her skin. The teeth marks were large, reflecting the size of his fangs when he had created the mark and dead in the centre was his initial etched into her skin. Deeper and without the ink of
a tattoo, any of his kind upon smelling her scent now merged with his own and seeing his mark would know that this was his mate.
Tobias was vaguely aware that the council member meant well but he couldn’t stomach the thought of him eying the intimate mark so early on. His mind conjured up images of Adam’s hands against Alex’s skin, his fingers touching the tender skin to check its permanency. Never. I’ll never let someone touch her. She’s mine! Tobias’ tenuous control on his anger snapped, but before he could lunge for the man despite his cargo, Thomas had moved, grasping the man by the throat as he walked him back into the estate.
“That was a very stupid thing to ask Adam considering the state of the Princess’ attire. You could have waited, it’s not as though the mark will fade,” the King claimed, shaking his head as they entered the doors, his voice fading away.
As though the departure of the King was a signal, the crowd that milled around them began to disperse, unwilling to further ignite Tobias’ anger.
“Let’s head inside Tobias, you can make Alexandria more comfortable indoors.”
He nodded, clutching her closer to his chest as he followed his mother into the estate. I should savour the time we’ve got together. The council is filled with people like Adam and now that I’ve claimed her they’ll all be pressing their demands for a quick coronation. He groaned, the idea distinctly unappealing.
Chapter Thirty Nine
A light knocking at Ilyanna’s door diverted her attention from keeping an eye on her boisterous triplets as they played in the wide expanse of the suite they had been given. The heavy wood furniture had all been pushed to the very corners of the front room allowing the triplets to roughhouse on the wooden floor in their wolf forms. Holding Alice to her chest as she gently rubbed the baby’s back, burping her after her latest feed, she crossed the room, mindful of the flying balls of fur that were her children.
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