“This one here—” he pointed to the tattoo of wild purple saxifrage flowers over his heart, “—I got when I was nineteen. My mom had just died, and everything was falling apart around me. Then I saw you, really saw you, and you weren’t a little girl anymore. You reminded me that after the darkest moments of our lives we find a way to continue like the flowers that bloom in spring.”
Elora took a deep breath, stiffening her will. It was all just words. Memories from a time when both of them were so different.
He pointed to another tattoo on his bicep that depicted what looked like a soul frozen over a sea of ice its arms reaching for something unseen. “This was after Niobe took you. I couldn’t feel anything, but I knew something was missing. It’s hard to describe what having your soul ripped from you is like. Luce said I had a winter soul, frozen in time.”
Mason showed her his other arm, with a new tattoo, the flesh beneath still pink from healing. Done in traditional west coast native style, the tattoo was of a man and woman kneeling and facing each other. With their backs arched outward, their knees and bowed heads came together to form a heart.
“This one I got when I realized that even without a soul I missed you and that with a soul I didn’t know how to live without you.” He closed the distance between them and slid his hand into hers. “I came here because when every emotion I would have felt for the past seven years came back to me, this was the only place that felt like home. This was the only place where I could have any hope of feeling close to you again.”
“Mason—"
He pressed a finger to her lips, halting her words.
“I love you, Elora. Today, tomorrow, always.”
He cupped her face with his hands and pressed his lips to hers. The gentle pressure shattered her, stripping away her fears and loneliness. She threw her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to deepen the kiss. Their tongues danced an erotic rhythm that left them both panting.
She pulled back and gripped his hand to lead him to the bedroom. He reached for her, and she watched his eyes glisten with passion as he tried to unbutton her shirt. But the tiny buttons refused to cooperate, and with a growl, he gripped the sides and tore it open.
He palmed her breasts, squeezing the soft flesh and pinching the nipples between his fingers. Worried he’d try to tear her bra off as well, Elora hastily unhooked it, and the material slid from her arms to the floor. He sucked a nipple between his lips, his teeth grazing the stiffened nub. She moaned and lifted her breast to his mouth.
Her nipple slipped from his warm mouth, and he blew a cool stream of air across it. The engorged bud tightened painfully. He opened her button and zipper, then worked his hand inside her pants.
“Baby, your pussy is so hot and wet,” he groaned as his fingers rubbed along her opening. One finger slipped inside her then back out. She gasped as it made her body ache with emptiness.
He pulled his hand out from her panties, and she watched him lick her juices from his fingers.
“Mason!” she cried, unsure if she was horrified or fascinated.
“Mmm, I think I need another taste.”
Kneeling, he tugged her jeans and panties over her hips, and she rested her hands on his shoulder as he helped her step out of them. She took a step back, and the back of her knees hit the bed. She fell backward, bouncing at the impact. Mason stood and removed his pants and boxer briefs.
His sculpted body was like a piece of art, each muscle sharply defined and perfectly molded. His thick cock stood at attention, and she licked her lips wanting nothing more than to feel and taste him.
He leaned over her and nuzzled her neck. With soft, fluttering kisses he made his way along her throat and up to her ear.
“Can I taste you, baby?” he asked, and shivers ran down her spine. “Do you want me to lick your sweet pussy?”
She arched her back and moaned at the visual his words created.
“Say it, baby.”
“Yes,” she answered.
His tongue licked a blazing trail between her breasts and down her belly, stopping to circle her belly button. Her hands gripped his head, and she shivered in anticipation at the direction he was going. He nuzzled the dark hair that sheltered her sex. Her fingers clenched his hair, tugging his head back and then forward as she gave into the wanton desire to have his lips on her.
He flicked his tongue over her clit, then laid it flat along the swollen bud, letting his lips close over it so he could suckle it. Her hips surged up, and a ragged cry erupted from her. Reaching under her with one hand he gripped her ass and lifted her up, bring her closer to his mouth. He released her and gave another flick before slipping his tongue in and out of her pussy.
“You taste so fucking good,” he said then burrowed his face back in her pussy. His thumb played across her clit in time with his tongue and a rolling wave of vibrations tore through her.
“Mason ... I can’t,” she panted. “Please.”
He responded by working his thumb faster, pressing his tongue deeper until she tossed her head back, letting the sensations overwhelm her. Her orgasm washed over her, her body shuddering from the sudden explosion of tension.
He continued to lap at her until her trembling subsided and her racing heart slowed. He gave her a final lick then slid up to lay beside her. His fingers played with her nipples, rolling and tugging them just enough to keep them stiffened.
With her breasts aching, Elora turned to her side so she could feel the rasp of his chest hair along them. His stiff penis pressed into her belly, and she reached down to grip his velvety flesh. She stroked him firmly, using the bit of precum that he released to slide along smoothly. He dug his fingers into her hip, then covered her hand with his, pulling her away.
Mason rolled her onto her back and knelt between her legs. Hooking his arms under her knees, he pulled her hips off the bed. His cock nudged her opening, and he sank inside her tight channel.
Hips pumping furiously, Mason spread her legs wide. The stretch of her flesh deepened his thrusts. She cried out as the emptiness that had left her wanting was finally gone, and she felt the fullness of him to her core.
Elora reached out to run her hands up his chest, feeling the thundering beat of his heart. She strained to lift her hips and match his rhythm, but his hold was too firm. Her back muscles tightened as tension built within her, and she bore down. Ecstasy exploded within her, her body spasming around his. Her low moan was met with Mason’s and the hot splash of his cum rushing through her.
He collapsed beside her and wrapped her in his arms. They lay there, a tangle of quivering flesh until their breathing slowed. In the quiet that fell between them, Elora closed her eyes tight, unwilling to do anything that would break the spell cast over them.
Reality intruded, though, as the beep of the oven timer drifted through the house. She gave a soft sigh as she opened her eyes and rolled from the bed. Mason watched her scoop up her shirt and chuckled at the curse she gave when she remembered he’d ripped the buttons off. The oven beeped again, and she hustled out to the kitchen.
The rabbit was perfectly roasted, its skin a lovely golden brown, but Elora’s stomach heaved at the sight. All she could see was the poor, defenseless bunny laying limp in her trap. It was a reaction she’d hoped would fade each time she caught any animal, but after all these weeks, she was about to give up.
Mason’s arms looped around her waist, and he rested his chin on her shoulder.
“That looks delicious,” he said. He nuzzled the spot just behind her ear. “It smells almost as good as you.”
“Then you can eat it all,” she said, turning in his arms. “I think I’m ready to become a vegetarian.”
He laughed, and tears sprang to her eyes.
“What’s wrong?” he asked when he noticed the stray tear that escaped.
“I’ve missed your laugh.”
“It’s only been a few months.”
She shook her head. “No. Not the fake laugh you used to give when you thought I expect
ed it. I missed this one.”
He expression softened. “You’ll never have to miss it again.”
“I can’t go back to Ironshore,” she said. “I can’t spend my life staring at the water, remembering Niobe.”
“You don’t have to. There’s nothing left for me there.”
“What about your father?”
“He was called into provide support during the Anchorage breach and never made it out.”
“I’m so sorry.”
He shrugged carelessly, but despite the distance that had existed between the two men, Elora knew Mason had loved his father. The constant battles they’d had was a result of Mason’s drive to earn the respect of the older man.
“What about being a Tank guard? Will they move your post?”
“I’m no longer a guard. I resigned my commission before I left Ironshore.”
Elora was stunned. Mason had never wanted to be part of the Tank, but at the same time, he’d devoted the last seven years of his life to it.
“What will you do now?”
He leaned in close, letting his nose touch the tip of hers. “First I’m going to eat that rabbit, then I’m going to carry you back to bed and kiss every part of your delicious body. After that, I’ll probably take a shower.”
She slapped his shoulder. “You know what I mean.”
He chuckled, and her heart melted.
“I’m going to do what feels right,” he said.
“And what’s that?”
“Getting settled into our home.” He framed her face with his hands, peering into her eyes. And in the dark-brown depths, she saw his soul. “I meant what I said, Elora. I love you. Today, tomorrow, always.”
* * *
The End
* * *
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From the Author
As I began writing this story, I was inspired by the stories of the First Nations, Inuit, and Eskimo cultures, and in particular, the tales of the Amautalik and the Aklajuk. These Giants were represented in the story as Niobe and Juki, distant ancestors of the Lesser Giants. I spent a lot of time trying to find ways to incorporate pieces of those mythical giants into Winter Souls, and wished I could have spent more time exploring their characters. One of the greatest resources I found was Arctic Giants by Neil Christopher published by the Inuit-owned company Inhabit Media Inc.
About the Author
Angela Fristoe grew up in Alberta, Canada. She dreamed of becoming the next Dian Fossey or Jane Goodall until she realized she wasn't all that keen on the outdoors or animals. Instead, she went into education and focused on helping struggling readers. Angela lives on Vancouver Island with her family where she is pursuing her writing career while continuing her work in the education field.
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www.angelafristoe.com
Winter Souls: an Adult Paranormal Witch Romance: Sector 10 (The Othala Witch Collection) Page 21