by Rae Monet
He roared as he came and he knew she had joined him because her small body tensed and she screamed his name, her body tightening around him, milking his cock, then relaxing. He thought he could touch the stars as his final thrust drove him deep into her, his hands grasping hers in desperation.
The only sound was of their breath mingling. He smiled sleepily against her lips. Still hard, he remained joined with her. He pushed into her again and she moaned, smiling at him. His hands flexed in hers and he released them, slowly running his fingers down her arms, into her hair, down her shoulders, his stroking movements deliberate as his hands delved underneath their bodies, coming to rest on her ass, clutching her, kneading her. He wanted to fuck her again and again.
I can't get enough of her, he thought.
* * * *
He was still rock-hard inside her, and Serena sensed he was not yet sated. She squeaked when he lifted her bottom. Rocking back on his knees, still locked together, he pulled her body upward. He motioned for her to tighten her legs around him and he lifted her body fully against his. They were facing each other now, Roan on his knees. She lifted completely off the ground, her legs draped around him. He held her up, his hands anchored on her ass. His eyes sought hers as he reached forward with his lips and clamped his teeth on her nipples, gently biting her, then using his tongue to soothe the hurt. She arched into his mouth, the feel of his teeth on her nipples touching the most erotic side of her nature. Pleasuring her with her own pain. She was so wet, her cunt slipped up and down his cock.
"Ahhhh."
"I am not yet finished,” he explained as he lifted her body. Sliding her up, he dropped her back onto his shaft. The position only lent to a deeper penetration.
"Ride me, little one. Ride me hard."
They both groaned at the intensified emotions the position brought. Serena raised her hands, locking her arms behind his neck. She watched as his head dropped back and his breath huffed out at her touch. His satisfaction was evident. Knowing she could give him gratification only strengthened her reactions.
* * * *
Roan groaned, and his eyes closed when she braced her arms around his shoulders. With his assistance, she began moving herself up and down. The motion made him pull in his breath, then it stopped, momentarily. His back arched as Serena braced her legs and rode him. His hips thrust forward of their own volition to meet her, and he released a cry, his hands tightening on her soft ass. He drove up with one final, strained movement and hugged her to him, still buried deep inside her.
He remained still, desperately attempting to catch his labored breath. When his legs could finally support him, he slowly stood with Serena linked to him.. Then sinking back down, taking her with him, he lowered himself onto his back.
Serena stretched out on top of him. He relaxed under her. She gently slipped to his side and stroked his face as she watched him fall into a deep doze, spent from the day's activities. He reached out and clutched her hand to his chest, placing it on his slowing heart. When she was sure he was asleep, she lifted herself from his side and lovingly tucked a blanket around his slumbering frame.
After pulling on her clothing, she went toward the river.
* * * *
Roan woke instantly when Serena touched his shoulder. He smiled at her, capturing her hand in his. She smiled back, however, he sensed her strain.
"We are ready to leave. Go wash. I must teach you a Solarian ritual before we depart.” He nodded, and she reached over and handed him his clothes. Her hand strayed to his chest, gently tracing a healed cut. The cuts were mending so quickly some were no longer visible. “We are both healing with unusual swiftness."
His hand met the one lying against his chest. “Let's not question what we do not understand. We are not unbeatable, yet we have both grown stronger since our joining."
* * * *
Serena entwined their hands on his chest. He was correct, she did feel stronger, even more so after they had loved, and she was frightened by the strength of her feelings for him.
The bond they had developed was unnaturally powerful, and she was alarmed to be linked to any one person in such a way. She was becoming dependent upon their union. When they were parted, there was a void in her heart so vast no other person could fill it. When he was hurt, she could sense his pain, when he came, his feelings only enhanced her pleasure.
"You know it to be true, and I sense you fear it.” He pushed up, the blanket pooling at his waist. His arm came around and circled her, drawing her to him, their hands clasped between them. “Do not fear it, little one. Accept it. Our place is together."
She saw the warmth in his eyes, the conviction in what he was saying. Abruptly, she pulled out of his arms, releasing his hand as she stood. “Prepare to part, Roan.” She dropped his clothes onto the blanket and left.
* * * *
Roan ran his hand through his tousled hair. He was deeply disturbed. She was unable to accept what he had so readily acknowledged.
They were fated to be mates.
Richard had told him of the legend. At first, he had scoffed at the idea, unable to believe these fantastic Solarian tales, initially even unable to accept this race of people existed. But he was sure now, as certain as he was that he had always been out of place in his father's world. He had only been comfortable on the battlefield, yet still had a sense something was missing from his life. Well, he had found an absent part of his life, and he had never felt so content and at peace with himself as when he was with her. He was intent on his purpose, to make Serena believe it.
Chapter Nine
After Roan washed, he strapped on his weapons. On his knees, he eased down to the dirt, facing Serena. He had removed his tunic and she was stripped down to her leather halter. She held a small wooden bowl of some sort of red paint.
"Tell me about this ritual."
She leaned her body over his. Her fingers began drawing strategically placed lines on his face.
Serena was trying to block her senses, concentrating on sketching war lines on Roan, but she was having a difficult time. His bare-chested body was too close to hers and his unique male scent wafted over her. It was a scent she was coming to enjoy immensely—to crave even.
"Prior to battle, Solarian Wolf Warriors paint their faces and arms in the manner I am doing to you. It is only done when risk of death is high, the enemy strong. It is designed as a cleansing ritual, to help us re-focus our senses. I have completed this ritual very few times since most of my life has been spent in peace, but it has not always been so.
"Before we took refuge in the Highland mountains, prior to my birth, Solarian Wolf Warriors gave their skills to assist those in need. They apparently fought in many battles. Warriors assisted those people who did not have the skills to fight for their own rights. History says the day Edward's troops came forth to eliminate our people all warriors completed this ritual. They fought bravely, but the enemy's numbers were overwhelming and in order to save our people, it was necessary for them to flee."
Roan nodded. “When I was found in the forest, my father told me I was marked like the devil and had a massive gray wolf lying dead next to me. I never understood what he meant when he said I was marked. I assumed he was speaking of my tattoo."
She shook her head. Her fingers continued to stroke his face before moving them over his arm, drawing a single red line from his shoulder, down his arms, to his wrist. She repeated the process on his other side. “Most likely even at a young age you would have participated in this ritual."
* * * *
Finishing, she handed Roan the thick red substance and pointed out how she wanted him to draw on her. His fingers glided over her skin. Touching her heated body, as much as he tried, he couldn't control his desire. He made a valiant effort to calm his charging heartbeat. His finger slid over her shoulder and down her arm. Her eyes were closed, her breath steady. Deep in concentration, he doubled his marks. She opened her eyes and her expression told him she was not impervious to hi
s touch. He saw her yearning.
"Follow your instinct and my movements."
He nodded at her instructions.
Closing her eyes, she raised her arms above her head, her fingers spread, palms facing out, and suddenly Roan intuitively understood he needed to follow her movements. Raising his arms, he locked his hands in hers. She leaned toward him. He moved the additional three inches to meet her forehead with his and closed his eyes. Their breath mingled as he concentrated on re-focusing his thoughts on the impending battle. He drew several deep breaths, his hands and arms moving with hers, and circling around, he rested their linked hands next to her hips.
"A'Don ar Cuideachd-ne, we protect our own."
He repeated her vow.
She released his hands but before she could stand, he tugged her to him, wrapping his arms around her. “A'Don ar Cuid-ne, I will protect you, Serena, with my life if necessary.” She raised her hands to his cheeks and cradled his head between her hands.
He accepted the familiar, soothing feeling of her touch.
"Roan,” she murmured to him, “you have touched me as no other man has.” He smiled at her declaration, and claimed an instinctual, ancient male victory.
"And as no other will,” he reminded her, mayhap a bit too roughly.
She smiled with him. She sighed and gently kissed him. “And as no other will,” she agreed against his lips.
He deepened the kiss, his fingers cradling her head in his hands. This kiss was different to him, held a certain anxiety. “Remember that thought, little one.” He pulled them both up off their knees. They were battle ready.
She handed him his tunic while she drew on her vest and cloak.
"Let's go.” He tied her cloak under her neck, then kissed her.
Richard was already waiting on his horse. Roan signaled to Caine as he mounted. Serena rode behind him as they pointed their horses in the direction of the Scottish Highlands.
* * * *
By riding through the moonlit evening, near close of the second day, they had tracked Galen and his men. Clumsy in their trek, Galen's men had not even attempted to conceal their trail. From the Highland hideaway of the Realm, the group was no more than a day out.
Roan and Serena laid stomach down on the rocks above the men, watching Galen and his troop bumble along the rocky trail. Their horses stumbled, not trained or bred for the terrain.
This will give us an advantage, he thought.
He whispered, “We need to get in front, surprise them. Are we close enough yet to signal any other warriors?"
"We are within one day's travel at the most. We are close, but not close enough."
He dropped his head and swore. Although he was confident in their abilities, there were at least two-dozen burly mercenaries down there.
The numbers were against them.
"I will send Richard and Caine ahead. I know another route of travel. Richard might be able to return with assistance in time."
He acknowledged her suggestion, moving his head in the affirmative. With a silent wave, he signaled her to seek Richard.
Even as she left, Roan was certain their move was futile. Others would never reach them in time.
We need to move swiftly, he thought.
He backed down the overhang on his stomach. Reaching the ground, he returned to Richard and Serena, his approach disrupting an argument.
"You cannot always protect me.” Richard crossed his arms, his expression fierce and unrelenting.
Standing next to him, Serena was clearly fuming, and beautiful in her anger. He attempted to suppress the quirk of his lips. Probably not a good move to smile right now, he counseled himself.
"Richard, protecting is my craft. You have known this since we were born. Why do you cry like a child about this?"
Roan cleared his throat. On the surface, it appeared she was purposely trying to bait her brother. Richard began throwing items into his bags, his expression furious.
"Now you act as one."
Richard's head lifted, his brows drawn together, his lips peeled back from his teeth. He charged her.
Roan automatically stepped forward to protect her. Stopping, he reminded himself of who this man was and stepped back.
This was between them, siblings, he hadn't the right.
Richard moved within an inch of Serena's face. His expression was fierce, his breaths rapid and breaking. Roan was amazed by the likeness of their faces, the similarities of their hair and features. At that moment he was confident Richard could be a warrior, if he chose to.
"You test my patience.” Richard's expression was as hard as a stone.
Serena's eyes widened in surprise before she schooled her features.
They stood face to face and toe to toe, staring each other down. Roan feared they would come to blows if one of them did not surrender, yet he still chose not to interfere.
Slowly Serena reached out and took Richard's fist in her hand. She unclasped his curled fingers and hooked her arm through his, placing them around her arm. She said nothing, just remained still, and eventually Richard's fingers visibly clasped around her arm and tightened.
"Go,” she said. “Roan will protect me as I have vowed to protect you. I need you to seek assistance. Take the high route. It will be quicker."
Still clasping her arm, his stare met Roan's, and Richard nodded to him, as if to say he would hold Roan to his vow to give his life for Serena's.
Roan rested his arm around her small shoulders and reminded Richard of the power Serena and he held together. “We are strong together, remember."
Richard clasped Serena to him, hugging her, as Roan dropped his arm. Richard's anger, however, was not completely gone. His eyes locked with Roan's, and his message was clear.
Do not fail me in this. Protect her, as you have no other. She is, at times, reckless!
He smiled at Richard's request.
Do not fear. I protect what is mine.
Richard unclasped Serena, handing her the small healer bag he had assembled. He mounted, and with one last irritated look, he pulled away.
She watched him, signaling to Caine. “Go with him, Caine. Protect him with your life.” Caine turned and loped off after Richard.
"Why do you anger him purposely?"
"His anger will serve him right now, don't you agree?"
He wrapped her into his arms. She smiled while nestled against his chest.
"Should anything befall me, Richard will be the future leader of our people. He must learn when to ride away."
He pulled back to study her face. “What do you mean?"
"I am fated to be our Realm leader, like my father and his father before him. Richard will lead in my stead, should I die.” She made it sound so simple, being the leader of her people.
"Are you telling me you are the next ruler of your people? You are a Princess?” He was amazed. In all their dealings, she had failed to mention this fact.
"Yes, although we do not title it ruler or Princess. I am fated to lead our people, as my father does now. I am the chosen one."
"Why are you here? Why did they not send someone of lesser value to your people?"
She stiffened at his question. “In our Realm, no one person has any greater or lesser value than another. I am the highest rank of our warriors, just as Richard holds the highest rank in healing. We were sent because the fate of our people is at risk, and it is our duty to protect them."
* * * *
Serena pulled out of the comforting circle of Roan's arms, resigned to what needed to be done. She checked her weapons, tightened buckles and straps. “Make ready."
His actions followed hers as he readied for battle. They had performed the warrior ritual earlier in the morning, and with dark red lines adorning their face and arms, they made an intimidating pair.
She pointed to a rocky embankment above. “We will follow this ridge. It will shorten the trail and allow us to drop down in front of them."
"How far ahead?” He moved
up behind her to see where she pointed.
"Enough time to set several well-laid traps.” She smiled, turning to look at him. He smiled back and moved closer. His gloved hand came up to rest on the back of her neck.
"Kiss me.” Dipping his knees, he slid closer, angling his head. “Kiss me for all you're worth."
She rested her gloved hand on his cheek and her eyes ran over his face. She saw his worry and his need. His eyes closed at the touch of her hand. As if he knew this could be their final kiss. She rose to her toes and tangled her gloved hands in his hair, pulling his head down while his arms locked around her body. She kissed him as he had asked, with all of her heart. Her trembling lips melted against his, her tongue forcing his mouth apart. She tasted his warmth, his essence. Her lips caressed his, moving over them, wetting them with her tongue. Her hand tightened against his head, allowing neither to breathe.
When the need to take a breath finally overtook her, she broke the kiss and stepped back. His arms released her. Her breath exhaled in unison with his. He lifted his hand to his lips. She knew what he was thinking. His expression showed his disbelief that a woman who had been a maiden such a short time ago could kiss him with such worship. He shook his head, his voice tumbling out in a croak. “What was it we were about?” he asked, smiling at her.
"Killing mercenaries,” she reminded him.
He nodded, then helped her mount, his hands lingering on her ass longer than they needed to. Finally, he lightly slapped it.
"Right."
She laughed and tried to relax with his banter. With the possibility of death before them, they needed the laughter and the teasing.
He mounted, pulling around to follow her lead on the trail.
* * * *
As they approached the area they had targeted, they discussed the plan for traps. The locale was well-wooded and surrounded by tall rocky cliffs. Escape would be difficult.
"We need to take Sir Galen and retrieve the scroll and crystal first.” Roan reminded her as they finished stringing a rope across the trail.