She started urgently moving her hips, trying to recapture the same bliss he'd just given her, but he gripped her waist tightly, keeping her maddeningly still.
“I'm not letting you come yet.”
“W-why?” she whimpered, grasping his hands in an attempt to remove them, only stopping when he slowly drew back, then pushed back in the same way. She stiffened in response, her face falling against the crook of his neck.
“It's too good to end so soon, and I need to feel you, baby.”
She whimpered, grasping his ass while he continued holding her hips stationary, thrusting too slowly to let her climax, but fast enough to keep her on the edge.
“Please … ,” she whispered breathlessly.
“Am I the only one who's made you feel this way?” he asked at her ear.
Charlotte nodded frantically, still trying to rock over him.
“Say it.”
“You're the only one!” she cried, thoughtlessly clawing her nails at his back.
Growling, Ulric kissed her long and hard, then promised, “You're mine now, Charlotte.” Finally, he gave her exactly what she'd wanted, driving home with a grunt of force. “I'm going to make you come so fucking hard.”
“Yes!” she cried, gripping him tightly when he released her hips.
Wasting no time, she worked them over him, their sweat dampened bodies writhing together, lips meeting in a frenzy. She was so wound up that it took no time at all before a violent orgasm sent her into a state of pleasure so exquisite it bordered on pain.
At the same time, Ulric shouted her name as her slick walls constricted around him. She felt his seed erupting inside her, intensifying her pleasured state of euphoria, waves rolling through her in a climax that went on for what seemed like hours before slowly dying, and only then did Charlotte find any semblance of rational thought—which was a very simple decision.
I could get so used to this.
Chapter 29
Nothing could've prepared Ulric for the kind of pleasure Charlotte gave him.
She'd looked so unsure at first, but her expression slowly became overwhelmed until she was gazing up at him reverently, like he'd given her more than she'd thought possible. Ulric found himself in a similar position when he'd never had such exquisite bliss, needing to draw it out.
The experience completely redefined what he knew as making love.
Clutching her trembling body tight, he bucked into her until the last of his seed was spent, shuddering as his hard orgasm subsided. In the aftermath, he worshiped her body with kisses, praising her before Charlotte breathlessly whispered, “You're still hard.”
Once wouldn't be enough to fully sate him, and Ulric could feel his sharpened canines proving he was still in Wrath, replying, “We're not done yet.”
He lifted his head in time to see the excitement sparking in her half lidded eyes, suggesting she wasn't ready to stop either, adding on a groan, “We won't ever be done.”
Kissing her slowly, he pressed his hand between their joined bodies to find her clitoris, rolling his thumb into it. She clutched him tightly, whimpering as she broke the kiss to rasp, “Then lay back, Ulric, let me ride you.”
The idea was maddening, and he didn't deny her, stretching back across the blanket to let her straddle his hips, watching as she pulled her legs up by his sides. Placing her hands against his lower abdomen, her breasts pressed together between her arms in a sexy display, adding to the pleasure when her hips began gliding fluidly over his.
He grabbed them in a tight hold, feeling their rhythm, able to see his cock sinking in and out of her body. Ulric had no idea what he'd done to deserve such exquisite treatment, but Charlotte's movements were better than the most erotic fantasy he could've dreamed up, making it impossible for him to stay still.
Lifting his knees, he surged up to meet her.
“Oh!” she gasped. “Do that again … ”
“You like it?” Ulric asked, meeting each roll of her hips with a deep thrust, the feel of her tight, slick walls better than he could've described.
“Yes!” she whimpered, desperately trying to match his pace.
But he needed more, pushing harder to get it. Charlotte bucked as his movements gained strength and intensity, then speed, driving faster until she was bouncing over him and clutching his shoulders, crying out in pleasure.
Ulric never took his eyes from her face, her expression pained as she rasped, “I never … thought it'd feel like this.”
To make it even better, he shifted his thumb to tease her clit, making her clench his shaft tight. Every sensation like a white hot brand, and joined with her this way, their bond was complete—eternally so.
“Ulric!” she cried, looking as dazed and overwhelmed as he felt.
“That's it,” he growled, refusing to slow down until she came—and it didn't take long. She jerked suddenly, her muscles milking him tight when she cried his name with another hard orgasm.
Ulric grasped her hips to hold them still, nearly roaring in pleasure as he came with her for the second time that night. Nothing was better than her trembling body climaxing over him while she took his seed, and he knew he'd never get enough of this woman.
Finally, Charlotte collapsed against his chest, and he held her close, lovingly nuzzling her neck as they panted almost in unison. Several moments passed catching their breath before she lifted her head, rasping, “Is it … always like this?”
“I'd like to think it will be,” he groaned, sweeping his fingers along her cheek adoringly. “This has been the best night I've ever known.”
Charlotte blushed, though there was a definite amusement in her eyes as well, prompting him to ask, “What?”
“It's just funny hearing you say that when you're three centuries old. I feel all egotistical now.”
Ulric grinned, cupping her cheek in his hand, loving the way she affectionately leaned into his palm. “You have every damned right to be.”
He could tell how important his praise was when she blushed, whispering, “So do you.”
“Satisfied with the performance, then?”
“Very,” Charlotte confirmed. “I'm … actually hoping it's not over.”
Though he'd come twice, and his Wrath had faded, Ulric could feel himself stirring again in the face of her interest. If his mate wanted to learn more of how good sex between them was going to be, he was eager to assist, leaning up to capture her mouth with a low groan.
Rolling her onto her back, he murmured, “Not by a long shot, sweetness.”
He spent his time getting to know her body more thoroughly, tracing her curves with his hands and his lips while she explored him just as greedily.
After all the waiting and the questions, Charlotte was his, and he'd never have to worry about her growing old or dying now that she was immortal. Ulric was all too ready to start their life together as well—but the thought gave him a moment of pause.
Though she acted as if all was well, he had to question just how easy it would actually be to get started when she was adjusting to so many changes. In a single day, she'd not only transitioned, but also found her mate, and they'd both been too swept up in the strength of their impulses to talk about it.
So it seemed foolish to think that, even though their evening was going so well, she'd be able to accept everything that came with their bond without some effort.
Now that his Wrath had ceded, Ulric realized this more clearly, recalling a similar situation where Charlotte reacted negatively to hearing the way he felt because she wasn't ready for it. So would it be better to let more time pass before bringing it up?
Ulric wasn't sure. He only knew he wanted her to be adjusted so she wouldn't feel overwhelmed when he confessed his desire to spend eternity with the woman he loved more than anything.
Chapter 30
After her troubles enjoying sex, Charlotte was insatiable, eager to experience more of how good it could actually be, and Ulric didn't disappoint.
He was an i
ntense lover, demanding and considerate. They spent their time that night reverently exploring each others' bodies until finally returning to his room where they fell asleep in his bed.
Charlotte woke a few hours later, snuggled against him with her head on his chest. It was still dark out, but she instinctively knew the sun was soon to rise.
Having such insight still seemed strange, yet intriguing. She could even detect Pepper sleeping at the foot of the bed, and in focusing on the cat, perceived his heart beating normally in good health. Guess I'll be saving on vet bills from now on.
But for as interesting as her perception had become, it also raised some unique questions—particularly where Ulric was concerned—and the longer Charlotte laid there, the more uncertain she became.
So much had changed so suddenly that she was overwhelmed, and the same question she'd had before popped in her head again—Am I really ready for this?
Laying next to Ulric, the warmth of his body radiated into her as she recalled their night and how utterly perfect it was. She'd not only enjoyed making love with him, but it felt right, and she had no regrets.
Still, would she have slept with him if she'd been human?
Considering her growing feelings, it was definitely possible, but she would've had the benefit of knowing it was what she wanted, not questioned whether or not she'd simply given into some instinctive urge.
The connection between them was something she never could've imagined the likes of before, and while it wasn't unpleasant, Charlotte wasn't sure she had the experience to differentiate between it and her actual feelings going forward now.
Making love was one thing, but building a life with him was quite another.
Disgruntled, she sat up, idly looking around Ulric's bedroom to try distracting herself from her growing doubts by figuring out how to make the space a little more inviting. It was roomy, with a private bathroom and walk-in closet—but it lacked character.
Ulric had mentioned before that he hadn't stayed at the estate in a while, and it showed. His bed was a king, and an electric fireplace in a white marble hearth stood across from it, but the furniture and walls were bereft of personal touches that could've made it more comfortable.
Her unpacked boxes from the Spire were sitting near the dresser, courtesy of Dalris, and she could always set out her knickknacks and—
“Charlotte?”
She was so deep in thought that she gasped when Ulric asked her name. Looking back, he sat up behind her with a curious expression on his face over her reaction.
“Sorry, I thought you were sleeping,” she excused.
“Daydreaming?” he asked, drawing two large arms around her.
“Something like that,” she whispered, her eyes drifting shut as he ran kisses along her neck. Charlotte shivered, leaning into his inviting warmth, asking, “Is this your way of saying good morning?”
“Seems fitting,” he replied, lightly nibbling her pointed ear as his hand trailed beneath the blanket covering her chest to cup a breast. She mindlessly arched into it as he squeezed, and the reaction seemed instinctive, reminding her of her doubts.
With a grumble, she pulled his hand away, whispering, “Ulric, we need to stop for a while, don't you think?”
“I thought we already did,” he murmured seductively, tilting her face to catch her gaze. “Is everything okay?”
Looking up into his blue eyes, Charlotte had a hard time remembering why anything would be wrong before she finally managed to answer. “I think so, I'm just … I don't know what to think of all this yet. It's confusing.”
He released a breath, nodding as if he might've expected her to say such a thing. “You just transitioned, and neither of us were thinking much last night. So tell me what's on your mind.”
As if to give her room to think, he released her and sat back against the pillows, but it didn't help. Charlotte only found herself staring at the hard lines of his muscular physique leading down beneath the thin sheet draped over his hips, her new senses clamoring at the sight of him—and that was a part of the problem.
She thought they'd have more time, ideally enough to allow her to fall in love so accepting an eternal bond with Ulric wouldn't be difficult once she transitioned. As it stood, she cared about him deeply, enjoyed his company, and felt uncomfortable over the thought of being without him—but how much of it was just instinct?
She needed more than some supernatural urge directing her in order to feel completely comfortable signing up for eternity. I know he's my mate, but … do I love him?
An even bigger question was how to explain this to Ulric without causing a debate. While he was supportive, he'd never been human, which meant he may not understand her reasons for being so reluctant now—or at least have some difficulty accepting it after waiting so long to find her.
“I don't know,” she finally replied. “This draw I feel to you is just … strange. A part of me says you're the one, but … that's not enough.”
Just as suspected, Ulric looked confused. “Not enough?”
“I'm not sure how to explain it,” she grumbled. “You were never human, and I'm not sure you'd … ,” she paused, then tried, “I mean I'm not comfortable with … ”
Charlotte trailed when the more she tried, the harder it was to figure out. Was she just being paranoid? Maybe, but taking some time to really think about things was preferable to telling Ulric something that she might regret later.
He must have sensed the general direction of her thoughts as well because he asked, “Do you regret last night?”
“No, not at all,” she replied in all honesty.
Ulric released a sigh of breath. “Good, and I'm not trying to push you. But if you're troubled, especially about what's between us, then I need to help.”
“I know, but that's exactly what I'm trying to figure out, and I haven't had much time to think.” Grumbling, she decided to simply ask, “Could we just wait to discuss this tonight?”
Having the day to sort through her emotions would be enough to know where she stood at the very least, and she waited for Ulric's response. The expression on his face was thoughtful, but unsure, almost like he wanted to make a point, but wasn't certain he should.
Still, he agreed. “Okay, if you need time, we'll discuss it later.”
Relieved, Charlotte leaned in to give him a quick kiss in gratitude. But it seemed like a bad idea when Ulric cupped her nape to deepen it like he couldn't get enough, making her heart race for more. Guess Edith can't call me a prude anymore because Ulric's got me addicted.
She gently broke the kiss and sat back to keep things from accelerating, then stood to get dressed. On the way to her boxes, she heard Ulric groan as if the sight of her nude body affected him, and she smirked, glad to not be the only one who was so easily distracted.
Though, her smile faded when he headed to the closet just as naked, indirectly turning the tables—or maybe he'd done it on purpose. Either way, her eyes were riveted, especially when she realized he'd become aroused.
At the sight of his erection, her body grew taut with lust, and for a brief moment, taking the day to think things over didn't seem quite so important.
But Charlotte snapped herself out of it once he disappeared into the closet, tapping down her desire by mentioning something unrelated.
“By the way, Dalris told me you and Garrick were ambushed, and the vampires who attacked me don't know where Lillian is, so now what do we do?”
Though immortal now, Lillian didn't know about her transition, so the vampiress could still be gunning for her out of ignorance.
“Dalris is taking over the hunt, so we just wait to see what he finds,” Ulric answered from the closet. “It shouldn't be long, either. He has a lot of connections, and people owing him favors.”
That sounded promising, though Charlotte had to ask, “He's not going to handle it all by himself, is he?”
“No, he just wants me free to be here with the changes you're going through. So we'l
l still be involved.”
She was glad to hear it, wanting to help with the effort in any way she could when Lillian had caused so much trouble. Besides, why should anyone else get hurt when she was the one being hunted?
After donning a simple top and a plain pair of jeans, her thoughts were interrupted when a knock sounded at the door with Dalris announcing his presence. “I'm sorry to bother you, but I have news from Liam.”
Immediately, Charlotte began worrying. Liam was watching over Edith, who could be in danger, so the elder draconian had her full attention as she promptly answered, “Come in.”
Ulric had just stepped out of the closest, dressed in a black shirt, some denim pants, and a pair of leather boots, when Dalris opened the door. Waylaying some of Charlotte's concern with a casual greeting, he informed them, “Liam says Edith's fine, but vampires showed up at her home not long ago, so he's bringing her here now.”
Though relieved to know Edith was okay, Charlotte felt guilty when she was the reason vampires had targeted her at all, muttering, “This is my fault.”
“No,” Ulric countered, hooking an arm around her back, “you didn't ask for this.”
“Maybe not, but I'd feel better if I could help.” Taking a moment to consider it, she asked the brothers, “I can teleport now, so do you think I should pick them up to make the trip easier?”
“They're only a few hours away, and it's daytime, so there's no need,” Dalris supplied.
His point was valid, but Charlotte's heart sank into the pit of her stomach when Ulric qualified, “Besides, if Edith doesn't know you're fae yet, it might startle her.”
Uneasiness overcame her as she thanked Dalris, who nodded and turned to leave. Once the door was shut, she looked up at Ulric to see that he'd noticed her troubled expression, asking, “What's wrong?”
“Edith doesn't know I'm a fae, Ulric,” she explained. “I never told her because I didn't think she'd find out. But when she learns the truth about the supernatural, won't she see me for what I really am now? She might think I'd been lying all along.”
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