We hadn't been intimate for so long and I wanted him to realize I was still madly in love with him.
"Hope, faster." He pleaded; his hand slid into my hair – gripping my loose, brown locks before he began to move his hips; his cock slid in and out of my mouth in a rough and fast pace.
"Yes baby, that's it. Oh, yes, fuck, ah." I steadied my head as he continued to pound into my mouth; his erect cock felt hard and swollen in my mouth. I knew he was close; about to cum at any moment.
He let out a strained groan as he thrust three more times; his body froze on the last thrust as he climaxed; his warm cum shot into my mouth. I swallowed every drop, pulling back and catching my breath as I stared at his bulging cock that hung in the air. I gave it one final, thorough lick, making sure to clean off any remaining cum before I rose to my feet; tucking his cock back into the safety of his pants and away from the frigid cold.
"Did you like -" I began before his lips smashed against mine; his hands greedily roamed my body. One hand landed on my ass, squeezing my butt cheeks while the other slid beneath the waistband of my leggings. I shivered at the cold touch of his fingers as they slid down and landed on the lace fabric of my panties.
He smirked against my lips as his fingers slid up and down across the thin fabric – the material wet with my arousal.
"You're wet already, Hope. You can't possibly think I'm going to allow you to walk away without me returning the favor. Especially, after giving me such a pleasurable experience." His low, husky voice whispered as he sucked greedily at my neck.
"Azriel, ah. We shouldn't...someone could hear."
"No one will hear you, love. Although I have to admit, I'm going to make you moan so loud, I may be testing that theory." He vowed; his fingers pulled the fabric aside and slipped into me.
"Oh baby, yes." I whimpered as he began to move his fingers in and out alternating between one finger and then the other before moving them both simultaneously. He clearly wasn't in the mood to delay my climax – his fingers moved quickly and deeply with each stroke.
I moaned over and over; my breathy voice echoed around us as he continued; his fingers plunged so deep before he alternated between circling the bud of my clit before another series of thrusts.
"Yes, yes...ah...Azriel...I'm gonna cum." I warned, panting rapidly as my pussy clenched around his fingers.
"Come for me, Hope," Azriel whispered into my ear; his smooth words matched with the fast, pumping thrust of his fingers enough to make me cry out in ecstasy; climaxing around his fingers. I shuddered; his hand tightened around my waist to keep me up as I rested against him; my head rested on his bare chest as I slowly came down from my high.
He removed his fingers, pulling his hand from my leggings. He allowed me to relax in his embrace till I calmed down; my eyes trailed up to see him lick his fingers clean. He noticed my gaze; giving me a seductive look before lowering his lips on mine – sharing my sweetness mixed with his addicting taste.
We pulled away; his hand found mine.
"Now, we're even." He smiled; his expression showed his satisfaction.
"Fine. But one more thing." I replied; my hand slipped out of his as I tapped him on the nose. He blinked, confusion written all over his face.
"You're it." I declared, turning and sprinting towards the cliff.
"Hope! Wait, you haven't flown, dammit -" He called out; his approaching footsteps crunched in the snow, but I was already at the edge, turning to give him a playful wink before falling backward.
I watched his eyes go wide; his wings spread out before he disappeared from my view as I fell downward.
I allowed my body to calm within seconds – centering my energy to my back as it began to burn. I hissed at the pain that pinched me as my joints cracked – my wings released from their internal hold and stretched at my command. I opened my eyes in time to see the water a few seconds away.
I felt the adrenaline rush kick in as a smirk formed on my lips – my mind signaled my wings to begin working as they spread outward before conducting a large flap; the power enough to send a wave of wind towards the ocean as I stopped just a few inches from impact.
I didn't delay; my wings ached to be used and abused. I powered myself forward; the rush of the cold breeze hit my face as my hair whipped around me. I lowered just above the water, allowing my outstretched hand to flow through the chilled water. I felt beyond happy; turning my body so I could look back at where I’d jumped while I flew backwards; my eyes landed on Azriel who wasn't too far behind. I could see the relief on his face and a hint of happiness. I watched as a mischievous grin formed on those lips – a warning sign that my sinister angel wasn't going to be behind me for long.
I turned over – my chest parallel to the water instead of the sky as I flapped my wings harder, increasing my speed.
"Don't attempt to race me, Hope. You won't win." Azriel called out; his voice sounded closer, making my adrenaline spike.
"Just you try," I called out over my shoulder, giving one last look before shooting upward, attempting to lose him.
"You’re gonna exhaust yourself and Makoto. And don't go so high! You’re gonna catch a cold." Azriel scolded; his voice still clear, which gave me enough information to know he was still close behind.
"We don't get sick! The last one to go around the outskirts and back has to massage the other's back!" I yelled over the wind, allowing my power to leak into my wings; the surge of energy enough to make me move even faster.
"Don't say, I didn't warn you." Azriel acknowledged but continued trailing me. I laughed, enjoying every second of our time together. I never believed such an opportunity would arise to fly again, especially with someone I truly cared about. But I guess when Christmas was involved, anything was within reach.
Chapter Eleven
December 22, 2017
~MAKOTO~
"Achoo!"
"I'm gonna murder Azriel the next time he shows his face."
I looked up from my Kindle, enjoying the warmth of the oversized blanket around me as I glanced up at Ryder; his eyes fully black which informed me to Stryker's takeover.
"I'm not sick." I defended, followed up by another sneeze. He gave me a stern look, causing me to return to reading the steamy book Scarlet's friend, Cece Rose, had recommended to me.
The book, Elements of Mischief, was a captivating novel - making plumbers who I'd assumed were shifters designated to unclog toilets, sexy. I didn't think the words plumber and sexy could be used together but boy-oh-boy, was I proven wrong. No wonder Cece, Scarlet, and even EliaseAnne, were constantly texting me to ask if I'd read it yet.
With how busy I had been with each knight and our energy-consuming activities, I'd been occupied until today.
I was supposed to be on a date with Ryder but was now running a low-grade fever and sneezing up a storm. Adding the fact that I'd been the culprit of six broken glasses thanks to my magic imbalance, I was "grounded" until Hope, Daniel or Azriel woke up.
Karen was with Matthew on "business" which we all knew was alone time, and I didn't want to ruin their fun over a simple cold. I was now in Ryder's designated room, curled up in the corner – wanting to be as far away from the bed as possible.
"You're sick. Stop denying it." Stryker pointed out; his body stood next to the large bookshelf as his eyes scanned the shelves for a different book. He totally needs an E-reader for Christmas. I should tell Scarlet and Cece to help out with that.
“Hmm, I agree. But stop ignoring the fact you’re sick.” Rose replied, sounding just as exhausted. Stop agreeing with him. It's only because he's your man.
Stryker turned his attention back to me, raising an eyebrow.
"I'm assuming Rose agrees with me and it's not because I'm her lover. C'mon, you're going to bed."
"No."
"Makoto."
"You’re not the boss of me," I mumbled, curling into my blanket as I glared at him. He sighed, closing his eyes. When they opened, Tyrian eyes greeted me.
"Mako, your fever is only getting worse. You need to rest." Ryder announced. I frowned, glancing down at the reader as my finger aimlessly poked at the screen.
I could hear him sigh; his footsteps followed before he was by my side, kneeling. His hand pressed against my warm cheek – the touch soothing.
"Mako, look at me."
I glanced up at his command; unable to ignore the worry in his voice.
"What's wrong?"
"Today was supposed to be for us and I had to get sick. I don't want to sleep if I'm going to be losing time with you. I want to just heal and go out with you too. If we don't go out today when will we get our date before returning home? It's not fair." I complained.
I didn't get why I was getting emotional over a date. Maybe it was the fever, but I was truly disappointed at the fact I couldn't go out with Ryder. I knew we had spent the most time together these past rotations with many opportunities to relax, but I felt bad for getting his hopes up, only to be shattered down when I woke up with a fever.
"Mako, come here." His hand left my cheek as he knelt down, spreading his arms out. I bit my lip, crawling out of my blanket-made tent and into his arms; his intoxicating, rose scent greeted me as I laid my head against his chest.
He relaxed, rubbing my back soothingly.
"Tomorrow is Kai's Galleria event. We need you to be fully rested and back to your unique self. We still have Christmas Eve. You and I will have our date then. In order for that to happen, you need to sleep. Once Daniel wakes up he'll make you feel good as new, okay?" He consoled.
"You promise? You're not just saying that to make me sleep, right?" I questioned, lifting my head to meet his gaze. He nodded.
"You have my word, my Princess. Christmas Eve will be our day to do all the Christmas stuff you want. Seeing as my fellow knights have been spending more time marking you than letting you enjoy some Christmas traditions." He mumbled the second part, frowning.
I giggled at his comment, leaning into his embrace as I relaxed.
"Tell Stryker that Azriel's in the lead," I revealed. He was silent for a moment before his lips pressed against my neck. I sighed, enjoying the touch of his cool lips.
"I'm not letting that angel win FYI. I'm just holding back till you get better. You've been warned, Princess. That includes you as well, Rose." Stryker's deep voice acknowledged. I tried to ignore the excitement that fluttered through me; Rose's essence lingered in my mind as she listened in.
"I'll totally be ready for him." She acknowledged before leaving my mind. I sighed; my eyes felt heavy, and I began to feel cold.
"We'll be ready," I replied; my voice sounded weak. A good nap would do me some justice.
"I think a nap would do you some good." Ryder's voice returned; acknowledging my outspoken thoughts.
He lifted me up with ease; carrying me princess-style, to the king-sized bed. After nestling me into the warm sheets he left to get a cold cloth. He pressed it gently on my forehead, sitting on the side of the bed.
"Are you gonna leave?" I questioned, opening my eyes.
"Nope, I'll stay with you."
"You don't have to," I suggested, not wanting to hold him up. He would probably be bored watching me sleep.
"I want to. Tons of books to read. Plus, you're cute when you sleep. You like to reinstate your claim on me."
"What?" I questioned, confused.
"You sleep talk. I think you say different things with each guy. Haven't I told you this?"
"Hmm...maybe," I replied; my memory a tad fuzzy. I continued.
"What do I say when I'm with you?"
"You say, mine."
"Do I? Interesting." I closed my eyes, feeling sleepy. I wished Nightmare was here to cuddle with me.
"You want me to hold you until you sleep?" Ryder suggested. I opened my eyes to see his soft smile as his hand brushed a strand of my hair away from my face.
"Yes," I admitted, craving to be in his arms.
He lifted the covers, sliding himself between the sheets before pulling me into him. He removed the cloth from my forehead, stating he'd put it back once I fell asleep. I didn't mind; my mind already drifting as I took deep breaths, loving his scent.
I drifted to the land of sleep.
~ROSE~
I opened my heavy eyelids; the dark room greeted me as my vision cleared. I analyzed my surroundings; my body nestled against Ryder who was sound asleep. I sat up to view his peaceful expression while he slept; an arm behind his head and his smooth, jet black hair ruffled to one side. His bare chest rose and fell; my eyes scanned his defined pecs and abs. I leaned forward, kissing him gently on the neck – inducing a deep moan from him. He relaxed in the sheets; his arm that was once wrapped around my waist fell back as he turned his body to face me, falling back to sleep.
I smiled. It still felt like yesterday when I'd wake up in the middle of the night in the low, lit dungeon – Makoto and Midnight finished their exchange session and had fallen into deep slumber. It gave me a moment to simply think about the situation we were in; the reality that we'd never escape the facility walls always settled into my bones. I exhaled, wondering if this silly fever caused me to have such negative thoughts.
I always got this way around this time of cycle; my demon trait of holding grudges clawed at my mind for vengeance. Each time Makoto got hurt, I felt the urge to cause havoc and destruction on those who inflicted such pain. I'd lost count of how many times I cursed the Owner, Blair Aspen and wished to burn him to nothing but ash. To be fair; that was my original wish when I was younger. As we aged; I wanted the opposite – to give him a slow, agonizing death for all the shifters he forced us to kill. He didn't care about walking around this universe with blood on his hands. However, we did.
Christmas was the hardest. I didn't understand why it felt harder than the other eleven rotations in the cycle. Maybe, it was due to the holidays we didn't celebrate. It may well have been the Christmas books Makoto would read every cycle.
I shuffled to the edge of the bed, standing up slowly. I closed my eyes for a moment, ignoring the dizziness that inflicted my senses; making me unsteady on my feet. I let out another sigh; my hand lifted up to press onto my forehead.
"Still got the bloody fever," I mumbled to myself; my shoulders fell. It was rare for us to get sick. Whenever Hope sensed the slightest change in Makoto, she'd heal her without notice. But, with Hope down for the count thanks to her nightly adventure with Azriel, Mako just had to flow with it till one of the angels woke up.
I had watched in the background when Ryder had tried to wake Daniel up using their knight bond, but it was unsuccessful which meant Daniel was seriously knocked out.
I glanced up at the clock, squinting my eyes to attempt to read the time with my blurry vision. It was three in the morning, which meant we'd been asleep for a solid ten hours. I looked back at Ryder who slept away; his soft exhales helped ease my internal battle. At least he doesn't snore like Marcus. I don't get how Makoto can stand it. Even Lexi could sleep through that truck engine like sound. Maybe it's cause they love him. I wonder if Stryker snored like that if I'd be able to sleep?
My eyes returned to face forward – landing on the bookshelf in the corner on my right. I frowned as a familiar book caught my attention. I dragged my feet forward; being conscious not to stumble over the air as I walked slowly towards the item of interest.
I reached out for the book, pulling it out to see the little blonde girl named Christina on the front cover; the same Christmas book Makoto read for years.
I frowned, before the anger within me resurfaced. I wasn't angry at the book, necessarily. The innocent, lifeless object had done nothing but attempt to do its job and tell its story and bring happiness to my host. It was the reality my host would never experience such joys, over and over again.
Cycle after cycle, I'd watch Makoto break down – the library walls and single chair her only companions as she wrapped herself into a ball; surrounded by her imaginary presents to ease
the heartache that burned through her – through us. I knew my feelings were mutual; the others’ agony and frustration just as prominent. No spirit wanted to see their host suffering. We went through enough of that every day with the multiple experiments and trials.
I raised my hand to glance at my open palm; my growing anger contributed to the flickering rage of power pooling at my fingertips.
As if hearing my call, the dark flames emerged – flickering in the palm of my hand, waiting for the exact moment to let loose in rage.
I bit my lip, feeling the exhaustion it was putting on my mind and body. I wasn't in any condition to be summoning them. Makoto being sick resulted in her energy being all over the place. We'd been trained to tame our power at all times. Even when we slept, our body knew to reach a certain threshold before placing a restriction. With this fever however, our body was confused and our mind fuzzy – making it impossible to be in full control of our multiple elements.
All I need to do is calm down. Just calm down and forget the past...the past that made your host suffer cycle after cycle. The stupid book that brought both joy and sorrow. Dammit.
I gritted my teeth as the urge only grew; the flames grew in height and I feared the poor bookshelf would be consumed by the purple-black flames. I closed my eyes, ready to call for help when a pair of hands pressed gently on my hips as a body pressed against my backside.
"Rose. Take a deep breath." Stryker’s low sensual voice commanded. His voice wasn't as stern as I'd expected it to be. It was soft, almost gentle compared to his usual tone.
"Stryker...I-" I began but struggled. I didn't want to admit that I struggled to contain the flames, to show such vulnerability. I knew all it did was worry Stryker and the others. I didn't want to worry him, but I did need help. How could I ask for help without sounding vulnerable?
"Baby, you're not vulnerable for asking for help." Stryker consoled; his arms encircled me and pulled me into his embrace.
"Yes, I am. I shouldn't be struggling. I should be able to simply command it to return to its sacred place within me. I didn't call for its assistance. Yet, the flames won't listen to me." I argued, my frustration apparent.
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