by Tigris Eden
“What do you mean, no?”
“I mean no,” Olivia repeated.
“Suit yourself.”
Blue allowed the rope to run through his hands. Olivia had opted to stay downstairs and rest as tonight’s Grand Re-Opening activities took place. He didn’t feel right without her in attendance. He’d explained how the demonstrations served a purpose. He no longer got pleasure out of any of it. What he wanted was her up on stage with him. Showcasing her to the others, allowing them all to see how well she’d be treated. Adored and cared for.
It was all he’d ever wanted. He’d looked forward to finding a mate, and Fate had given him the perfect match. He’d be nothing without her. Nothing. He knew there was some stigma about his way of life—a lone wolf who sometimes adhered to Pack politics. Some of it was true, but most of it was false. Olivia understood that and didn’t hold anything over his head.
The stage darkened, and the music switched to a tune he knew well. Normally, there would be recruits. It would only be one female on center stage tonight. One of Victor’s choosing. They were celebrating life, love, and family. Instead of a hunt, a willing female would offer herself to one of the males who came in tonight hoping to secure a breeding contract.
Acting as ringleader, Blue walked to the cage and unlocked the door as the shrouded female walked closer. Led by Nerina, the female stepped slowly. Her walk steady and sure. She matched her steps to the sultry strings of the guitar that played through the speakers.
“Blue.” Nerina nodded slightly. Cassandra entered the cage next and set a box in the corner.
“What’s the box for?”
“A present from the Luna,” Cassandra said sweetly as she stepped out of the cage.
Confused, Blue stepped forward. He could see the ridges of the rope catching the light as pieces hung from beneath the arms of the robe. Victor stepped into the ring behind the cloaked figure and pulled back the hood.
Shocked, Blue could only stare.
Olivia.
Her scent was still faint, cloaked by the magic of the robe. Her eyes were downcast as she waited for him to inspect her.
“Shall I undress her, or would you like the honor?” Victor tossed his words back at him. The very same ones he’d used when presenting Nerina.
“Beauty,” he rasped. He wanted her to look at him. Blue pulled in a deep breath to focus. She is beautiful. She’d offered him her most sacred gift. Her body, her soul, but most of all, her heart and her trust.
Heat filled his veins as he took his time, slowly gazing at the woman standing in front of him. It was only the two of them. Onlookers, Victor, and the others…none of them mattered. Slowly, Blue stepped forward and tugged on the rope that bound her wrists. A quick, controlled movement that brought her arms forward in front of him. A gasp left her lips, and Blue’s cock swelled. The vision of her body haunted him as he imagined her bound and vulnerable to him. Her skin would bloom with beautiful patterns.
“You can go back. You can stop all of this now. I told you, I don’t need this.” He had told her just the other day, when they were sitting in the baths talking about the ceremony. She’d been hesitant, although willing. She’d agreed, but he could tell that the idea of doing this publicly bothered her. Telling himself he could live without this was one thing, admitting it was another. He knew it would take time for her to warm up to the idea. But to have her here, now, in front of everyone, was a blessing he would not squander.
“But, I do, sir.” Her voice was filled with longing as she slowly lifted her gaze. “I realized I belong to you. In all things.”
“Did you, Olivia?”
Her eyes traveled the length of his body, and a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “Yes, sir.”
The bronzed column of her throat beckoned him. Blue stepped closer, burying his nose against her neck, breathing deeply and taking in her scent. Her smile lit his body on fire. Blue would battle large armies to see her face brighten with happiness. Dominance surged through him, locking him into a place where he controlled everything. Her happiness, her needs…he would see to every single one of her desires. He may have control over Olivia’s body, but she completely owned him. His day would begin and end with her. Always. For however long Fate chose to keep them alive. Their life was irrevocably tied together, forever.
“Then, show me, beauty. Show them that you belong to me.”
With the help of Nerina, Olivia dropped the robe, and Blue watched transfixed, his chest rising harshly at the sight of her tied in red rope, her skin already showing the signs of patterns.
“Who had the honor of preparing you?”
“Nerina, sir.”
“She did an amazing job.” Blue let the pride filter through his voice.
“Thank you, sir.”
The lights inside the cage dimmed as the music changed to something sultry and smooth, bathing Olivia’s body in a soft glow. Blue walked a slow circle around Olivia, inspecting the ropes. There was some slack in the back. Standing there, he grasped the cluster of rope in the middle, giving it a gentle tug, righting her posture. With his other hand pressed against her chest, he guided her down to her knees. Her body followed his instruction gently and with grace.
With his hand still on the back ropes, he shifted her to get a better look. The sweet scent of her pussy floated in the air. In the crowd, gasps and inhales sounded, other males as equally affected as he.
“They can smell you, Olivia.” When she didn’t answer, Blue grinned. Good girl. Blue walked to stand in front of her to stroke the apples of her cheeks. “You’re behaving so well. You deserve a treat.” At his words, her body swayed forward.
Olivia’s beauty took his breath away. On her knees, her legs open, her pussy was put on display. Blue not only smelled her desire, he could also see it as it glistened on her lips. He wanted to devour her, but he’d save that for later. Right now, he would seduce her with his rope, and play with her body until she was begging for him to take her.
He still hadn’t looked in the box to see what Cassandra had brought as his gift from Nerina, but there would be time for that later. He wanted to see his marks against her skin and rub his fingers along the indentations, but first, he’d do one last thing. With his foot, he tapped her thigh, letting her know that she needed to spread wider. Blue knelt in front of her and gifted her with a deep kiss. Her body shifted into his, but before he let the kiss take over, he pulled back at the last minute, enjoying the look of euphoria in her eyes. Her lips were swollen and bright red from his kiss, a mark as evident as any other.
“There’s a good girl. Relax and let me take care of you.” With deft hands, he quickly tied her legs to the rope at her back. Each time he wrapped the bonds tighter, he felt her breath on his chest. One coil on each leg set nicely against the crease of her thigh and hip. Her lower legs were bound to her thighs, restricting mobility. There. That’s how he wanted her. Hands clasped in front, legs tied, and body on display, wrapped with only her breasts free. Blue let out a victorious roar.
“Do you see how she submits to me so willingly? Her body is my playground. Do you think it is I who holds the power, or she? She’s quiet, yes, but with every breath she takes, every beat of her heart lets me know that she wants this. Wants me.”
To prove his point, Blue palmed her between the legs. They both groaned as his fingers slid through her wetness. She was breathing heavily, and when he thrust his finger inside her tight sex, he placed his forehead against hers and kissed her sweetly on the nose. Blue added another finger, spreading her juices as he dipped inside.
Olivia whimpered when he brought his head down and dragged his tongue over her nipple. “I am the only one who can give you what you need, ease the ache between your legs.”
“Yessss,” she hissed.
The world dimmed at her word, and his head spun as if he were drunk. She whispered three words into his ears, words he didn’t understand. The last word hung in the air above them, and that was when Blue smell
ed life. Olivia was ripe with his pup. And from the smell of it, they’d conceived early on. Perhaps even during their first coupling. He’d been mindless the first two times they were together, not sure how to gauge her reactions.
“Olivia,” Blue whispered. The others outside the stage began whispering. They too could smell that she was with child.
“Bödvar, my friend.” Blue barely registered that someone was speaking to him; he was too caught up in the miracle that was Olivia. “Take your mate. I’ll have one of the others finish up here.” Pregnant females were sacred. Although not frowned upon, it was understood that a couple with young only reveled in that miracle in seclusion, they were not put on display. Blue quickly untied Olivia’s legs, bringing her to her feet.
“The gift,” Olivia whispered.
“You are my gift, love.”
Olivia smiled. “I mean the one that Cassandra placed in the corner.”
Blue walked over to the where the box lay on the floor and opened it. Inside was a silver torque to match the one he wore around his neck. His eyes caught Olivia’s, and she nodded once. Their life, combined in all things. There was no ceremony needed to collar one’s mate. It was something that each male felt differently about. Clutching the torque in his hand, Blue reached out. Olivia walked to him, and he gently placed the torque around her neck.
“It was made to be around your throat.”
“It was. Now, take me out of here so you can love me properly.”
The return to their room was an interesting one. She couldn’t properly walk. Blue had to pick her up and carry her over his shoulders. Not that it posed a problem. When they entered the room, he’d placed her gently on the bed. His nostrils flaring again as if he couldn’t believe she was pregnant.
Bound, Olivia tried to get comfortable.
“I’m sorry, this isn’t a good position to be in on a bed this size.” Blue apologized unwrapping her hands first, before unbinding her legs.”
“No,” Olivia laughed. “I felt unbalanced.”
She watched as he undid the rope. He kissed each impression on her skin that the rope made. Each time his lips touched her skin, Blue growled.
“I’m proud of you, beauty. You have no idea how amazing you are. That you did that for me.”
“I did it for us, Bödvar. I may not understand everything, but I’m trying my best. Remember, compromise.”
He nodded his head once before, kneeling between her legs, and taking a slow lick. “You pregnant with my child, the scent you’re giving off, it’s driving me crazy. I don’t think I’ll let you leave this room at least for a couple of weeks.”
At his admission, Olivia laughed. Until the laugh turned to moans. When he took his fill, he left Olivia on edge. She wanted to protest, but her thoughts died on her lips, the moment Blue took hold of them. They were tangled limbs, two bodies, one goal, and Blue saw to it, as he rose above her. He whispered how much he loved her. His ice-blue eyes gazing into hers as he slowly entered her.
Two souls, dancing in the dark. His hands were everywhere. Olivia felt lightheaded, but at the same time level-headed. Closing her eyes, she let her body feel Blue. Light encased them, twisting and turning as the two became one. Happiness surged through her. He wanted their child as much as she did, and he showed her with bold strokes of his cock. Guttural sounds ripped from his chest. Creating a melodic symphony of lust and love. Growls accompanied with grunts magnified each of his thrusts tenfold. Olivia clawed at his back, trying to hold on. Fingers drifted, palms slid along heated skin. The warm-up. A dazzling display of deep kisses, stroking tongues, and bodies pressed against each other as they vied for one another’s affection.
Olivia spread her legs wider, allowing the thick length of his cock to slide deeper into her heat. Up and down, his powerful strokes slid through the slickness between her legs. Blue tried to pull out, but Olivia remained determined to keep him close. Wrapped in each other’s arms, Olivia lifted her head, exposing her neck. Blue’s bite had become her favorite thing over the last couple of weeks. The first time she thought she’d pass out from the euphoria alone. His body craved hers just as much as she craved his.
Blue’s breath was a rasp in her ear, as Olivia moved with him. His hands cupped her breast, the pleasure of his touch, the feel of his skin, so acute, it was more than what she needed. It was everything that she wanted. Her sex clenched as he pushed deeper, his hips slick beneath her hands as she tried to push him deeper.
“Fuck, Liv. You feel and smell amazing,” Blue murmured against the base of her neck. White-hot pleasure shot between Olivia’s legs, she couldn’t help the sudden tremors that overtook her body.
“That’s it, beauty, give it to me.”
She was helpless. Boneless in her quest and desperately seeking release. Spurred on by the sounds Blue continued to make, Olivia gripped the length of his dick harder, making him grunt. Olivia was too far gone to react or respond to any of Blue’s whispered words of devotion mixed in with his crude words. She could hear them, but her breath was no longer hers to control. With a muffled curse, Blue rose up and Olivia couldn’t help but drown in his icy-gaze. There was so much more to him than what he let other’s see. The surface of him was defined, but the depth of his love, his emotions was vast. Lost in his gaze, their act of love continued. Blue pushed deeper, harder, coaxing her orgasm to the surface. Making her submit to his every lustful demand.
“Give it all to me beautiful girl,” he growled.
“Its yours.” Olivia managed to say. “Come with me.” She pleaded.
Their lovemaking became a fierce tango of limbs pressed against each other. Blue led, and Olivia was helpless to follow him right into ecstasy’s sweet embrace.
“Damn.” Blue growled. His voice hoarse. The heavy weight of his body pressed her into the mattress for moments, before he rolled off her and pulled her into his arms. “Never had better.”
“My hair’s a mess.”
Blue grinned against the side of her neck and rumbled, “Like you care.”
He pulled back and their eyes met for what seemed like the first time since she’d unveiled her secret.
“Go on, say something. I know you want to.” The weight of her pregnancy lingered in the room. Why does it need to be awkward? Just get it out there.
“What can I say? You did what you thought was best. I’m not saying I agree with you. But I understand why you did what you did. I’m thankful for the blessing either way.”
“Had you known about our child, things would have turned out differently.”
“How so?”
“You never would have allowed me to go into the battle. Even if I were carrying the Bow and Arrow.”
“Damn right. You’re my mate. It’s my right and honor to care for you, even when you can take care of yourself.”
“Bödvar.”
“Olivia,” He growled her name, and she knew the tone. He was about to put his foot down, on something she wouldn’t agree with.
“Don’t make me shackle you to the bedpost.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” she hissed.
“I do dare, especially if you keep putting yourself, and our child in harm’s way.” They were on their sides, now facing each other, as Blue placed his palm on her still-flat stomach. “Our victory in the field was a small one. You know that, Olivia, and what’s coming won’t get any easier. It’s only going to get worse and harder. Colin’s gone off to find your sister—against all of our wishes—and Callum left to free his brother. We must all be diligent. Protecting you from all of this is my top priority. You, Nerina, and the other women who are expecting carry our future.”
“I know, Blue, and it’s our future I’m fighting for. Just like you.”
“Stubborn beauty. Not even five minutes after our lovemaking and you’re already trying to tell me how things are.”
“Blue, I’m not going to sit on the sidelines. I’m okay. The baby is fine. She’s just like her mother.”
Blue’s e
yes widened, the blue melting into twin pools of aquamarine. “A girl?” he growled. “You’re giving me a girl?”
Snuggling into his arms, she sighed. “You didn’t think you’d have a son on the first go, did you?”
“No, but I was hoping this one-time Fate would give me an ally.”
“Not this time around. Girls one, Daddy zero.” Olivia laughed.
“Either way, I’m happy. But in this one thing, I ask that you prepare yourself properly. At least train with the others, while you still can.”
That’s exactly what she was going to suggest.
“I agree. We need to be ready. While I can pull spells up from memory, they don’t always work out the way I think they should. I need to practice my craft, as well as practice being an able and capable fighter.”
“Exactly. If you become separated from the Bow, the Arrow can only do so much for you. I need to know you can take care of yourself.”
“Understood, and I agree.”
They were at least agreeing to something.
“I love you Olivia. I may not say it enough. But I hope I show it. Everyday I wake up next to you is a miracle. I am complete because of you. Whole again. Like you said, we’re going to lose people we love in this war. But I pray to the Goddess, I never lose you. Not until our time. Not a minute sooner. I may have lived what seems a thousand life times, but I promise you, my life started the moment we collided back on that mountain. You’re it for me. It doesn’t matter what life has thrown our way. We’ve already overcome some pretty amazing things in my book.” Blue pulled her closer, and kissed her sweetly on the lips, before yawning.
Sleep claimed Blue fast, and Olivia listened to the strong sound of his heartbeat. She’d come to Alaska on a forced vacation, and ended up in the arms of a man who shouldn’t rightfully exist. But Blue did, and he belonged to Olivia. She’d fought in a real-life battle, killed more Hunters than she cared to count. All because of destiny. That bitch wasn’t trying to make life easy at all. The Hunters still wanted the Silver Bow of Artemis, but they also wanted the Arrow of Power. And she was both—keeper of the Bow and embodiment of the Arrow. Each side wanted to control her. But the only man who actually did—not that she’d actually admit that to him—lay next to her in the bed, deeply asleep.