Northern Realm- Chapter 1
Waking up in the Northern Realm every day for the past two weeks was delightful. Riley and I had chosen seclusion, and with Arthur’s assistance, we’d kept our presence hidden. It was within the bounds of the contract, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that our secret could quickly unravel if anyone caught wind of our location.
Riley and I needed this break. The constant travel and my entanglements with various men had taken their toll on me mentally.
Riley had been preoccupied with his own endeavors. He, too, had ventured into relationships with women across the realms, although his pursuits were now focused on the princesses. It had been discovered that Ignatia wasn’t his mate; her secret relationship turned out to be her true mate. Ignatia guarded her mate’s identity despite our curiosity, leaving us to speculate about his nature and origins. We suspected he was a shape-shifter, a rare breed compared to lycans, but she had refused to provide any information.
The history of wolves and lycans was fraught with darkness, marked by conflicts and the elimination of rival species from the realms. It has once been believed that other shifters had posed a threat to our kind, leading to centuries of tension and warfare. While peace had since been established, the scars of our past still lingered, serving as a reminder of the challenges we faced as a species.
Even after peace was established among the realms, remnants of these rival species persisted, living in exile and secrecy to avoid persecution. Some found refuge in remote corners, while others integrated into human society, concealing their true identities to avoid detection. Despite the passage of time, the wounds of past conflicts ran deep, making it difficult for these beings to fully reintegrate into the fabric of the realms. As a result, they often lived on the fringes, wary of revealing their true nature for fear of reprisal from the lycans.
Luminara’s stay in the Dragon Lands was a temporary solution, necessitated by the challenges of concealing her immense size in the Northern Kingdom. Shrinking her with a spell was an option, but we hesitated, knowing she had grown accustomed to her grand scale. Besides, it seemed she had found more than just a home among the dragons; she had hinted there was a potential love interest.
In the serene atmosphere of the Northern Kingdom, my days were consumed by studying law and partaking in what I jokingly referred to as “princess classes” – lessons in royal etiquette. Arthur’s insistence on my thorough understanding of the realms and impeccable conduct meant immersing myself entirely in these pursuits. Accompanied only by the Omegas assigned to Riley and me, I found solace in their presence. Truthfully, I was so content in this tranquil environment that the thought of leaving didn’t appeal to me at all.
After drawing a warm bath, I sank into the water, letting its soothing embrace envelop me. The steam rose around me, filling the air with a comforting warmth as I closed my eyes, allowing myself to relax completely. The gentle sound of water lapping against the sides of the tub echoed in the room, and for a moment, all worries and responsibilities faded away. It was a rare moment amid my chaotic life, and I savored every second of it.
I heard the door to my room slam open.
I just wanted to relax. But whatever it was, it was coming. I channeled as much magic as I could.
The door flew open.
Wood splattered across the room as the door disconnected from the hinges.
I sent a spell hurtling at my assailant.
“What the fuck Rowan?!” Water splashing from my bath as I jolted up, grabbing my towel. He dodged my attack easily.
Desire filled his eyes. I was immobilized. His eyes traveled. My towel, absorbing water and clinging to my body, protected me from his penetrating gaze.
Blonde hair falling on his brow softened him from his stern look. His usually sleeked back, overly gelled hair looked untidy.
His muscles flexed, perspiration clinging to his skin.
Him wanting me. Me wanting him.
“I…” he licked his lips. Eyes blazing, setting fire to every part of my skin he looked at. He could sense me getting wetter, sniffing out my arousal.
He took a step forward.
Raising my hand, “Stop. Do not take another step except out of this bathroom!” I could feel magic and rage bubbling under my skin.
Arthur had made it clear Rowan and I were to be nothing, especially with me here in the kingdom. But Rowan seemed to ignite me back to life and fill me with anger and need. The magic licking my skin would be enough to propel him out of the bathroom.
“I.. you... it’s just..” he seemed unable to finish his sentence, dumbfounded.
He stood there.
I glared at him, afraid to move. I did not want to get up; I didn’t need my legs rubbing together at this moment, my body singing to give in to him. I just needed to calm down for him to leave.
“You were touching yourself.”
I gasped.
Heat rose to my cheeks. I looked away, unable to deny the accusation.
Mortifying.
“That’s why I’m here,” his voice husky from his lycan vibrating along the edges of his voice.
He knew.
“I tried not to barge in. Allow yourself time. But you weren’t doing it quickly enough. I could feel your pleasure. It was driving me crazy.”
“I could feel you, smell you,” he growled. “I couldn’t take it anymore. I tried touching myself, but I had to come to you,” he sounded defeated.
My eyes traveled to the bulge in his pants. I felt a wave of butterflies erupt in my stomach.
But I couldn’t. We couldn’t.
“Out,” I said firmly, pointing my finger toward the door.
Rowan flew towards me. Grabbing my hand and caressing my finger with his tongue. He kneeled beside the tub, his eyes barely flicked open as he moved his tongue, sucking on my fingers that had been inside me. He shifted my hand to cup his face as he leaned into my hand and groaned.
Just as quickly, he stood and backed away from me. There, naked in the tub, I sat speechless and gawking at him.
“That shouldn’t have happened. I shouldn’t be here. I don’t know what came over me. I didn’t even know you were here until I lost control,” he said, staring at me sheepishly. “Forgive me.”
I stood. This bath was ruined. I protectively wrapped myself in a soaked towel. “Rowan, I-” my sentence was cut off. His lips were on mine. His arms wrapped around my body. All the air left my lungs as his scent filled my lungs.
My core exploded with ecstasy. We moaned breathlessly into each other’s mouths as he lifted me out of the tub. Hands in hair, roaming our bodies, exploring, begging, making memories of every curve and muscle.
Needs that I didn’t want filled me.
I ripped the shirt from his chest. He was opening his body to mine as I dropped his pants and my towel. His mouth drew me closer. I was lost in his kiss. Our tongues were clashing, hungry for each other.
We separated away, gasping, bodies pressed against each other. His eyes shifted black as his lycan came forward.
I stopped, lips brushing. We looked at each other, and everything stopped. Time, space- nothing moved. Oxygen escaped as the world shifted on its axes. The stars aligned. The oceans swelled, and the earth began to shutter. The wind whipped around us, and fire started to grow deep in our bodies, lightly flickering beneath our skin where we were touching.
“My Mate,” I whispered, canines extended.
“Yes,” he responded.
Consequences be damned.
Rowan’s teeth latched onto my shoulder trapezius. Blood and fire released from me. I screamed in pleasure, causing his grip on me to tighten as the fire in my blood coated his throat.
When he stopped and removed his canines, he looked at me- eyes dilated, breathing ragged, blood in his mouth. My blood. My mate. I trailed the length of his neck with a claw, indicating where I would mark him. My canines extended before he could object. His body got ridged, but my teeth sank deeper.
I jolted upright, water sloshing everywhere. I had fallen asleep in the bath. Submerged in the water, the startling, vivid dream had just swept through my consciousness. Hastily, I finished my bath, my mind racing with thoughts, and then rushed out of the bathroom.
“Riley?!” I called out, darting through the cozy confines of the cottage we were staying in. It was nestled within the woods, secluded and serene.
He stumbled out of his room, only half-dressed, concern etched across his features. “What’s wrong?” he inquired, scanning me for any signs of distress.
“Mating season,” I blurted out, the urgency evident in my voice. “It’s in two weeks. What do we do?” My pacing quickened, anxiety gnawing at me with each step.
As I turned back to Riley, my words caught in my throat.
There, on his neck, was a fresh mark.
Riley was mated.
“Riley...” My gaze shifted towards the door just as Emberlyn’s head popped out.
Without hesitation, I rushed towards Riley, squeezing him tightly. “I’m so sorry I interrupted!” I exclaimed, my words tumbling out in a rush.
“Congratulations!” I squealed, turning to embrace Emberlyn the moment she emerged from the room.
Emberlyn blushed, “You didn’t interrupt, we were sleeping.”
“It was a long night,” Riley grabbed her and kissed her forehead.
Tears of joy rose in my eyes as I approached them, “I can’t believe it! Mates!” I exclaimed.
“Well, allow me to make breakfast. We are celebrating! Should we get your sisters?” I asked, glancing at them, wanting to include Arpina and Ignatia.
Emberlyn’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she nodded, her smile infectious. “That’s a great idea. They knew we were getting to know each other but don’t know that the mate bond snapped into place. It happened when we were flying Verdant.”
With the kitchen humming and preparing a hearty breakfast, I tried not to think about my dream and the trouble the upcoming mating season would cause.
Riley swiftly shadowed to bring Arpina and Ignatia to the cottage. The sisters arrived amidst a swirl of shadows. They stepped into the light of the cozy kitchen. As they stepped into the light, their eyes widened in surprise, and curiosity and excitement rang as they realized Emberlyn was mated.
The conversation naturally turned towards Riley and Emberlyn, their newfound bond becoming the focal point of our discussions. As the mating season loomed, the discovery of mates in our group would grow.
“Are you thrilled about having found your mate?” Arpina chimed.
Emberlyn’s face lit up with a radiant smile as she responded, “Being with Riley is a dream. I dared to hope, but the moment we realized our bond solidified. It was beyond anything I could have imagined.”
Riley’s gaze softened as he pulled Emberlyn closer, “I feel honored to have Emberlyn as my mate,” his voice brimming with adoration.
Arpina let out a soft sigh, “I seem to be the last one without a mate,” she admitted wistfully.
Laughing, I tossed a piece of bread in her direction. “Hey, technically, I’m still on the market too. We’re in this together,” I reminded her.
She offered a smile, “Thanks, Mer. You’re right.”
As the aroma of breakfast filled the kitchen, Emberlyn turned to her sisters, her eyes bright with excitement. “Ignatia, you know your mate is welcome at the ceremony, right?” she asked.
There was a moment of silence as Ignatia’s gaze grew deep and contemplative, a sense of tension subtly swirling in the air between them.
“I know. It’s just... complicated,” Ignatia finally admitted, her eyes shifting away briefly before meeting Emberlyn’s gaze once more.
“Why is it complicated?” I probed.
Emberlyn leaned in, her voice gentle but firm. “I want you and your mate at my ceremony, Ignatia. We don’t care what he is,” she reassured her sister.
“He’s cautious,” Ignatia revealed. “He’s not ready to reveal himself to a group of lycans. He’s... valuable.”
Riley’s interest was piqued. “Valuable in what way?”
Ignatia shook her head, closing off the conversation, and returned her focus to her meal.
“I can make a vow,” I offered, a hint of magic infused in my words. “A spell to protect him in our presence. We want you to feel comfortable bringing him around. We vow to protect, heal, and prevent any exploitation of his abilities or knowledge.”
Ignatia looked up, surprise evident in her expression. “You would do that?” she asked uncertainly.
“Yes,” I affirmed. “We are family. You are my guardian, and I stand with you as you would with me. Your mate will also be considered my guardian. I protect those who are part of our circle.”
A softness entered Ignatia’s eyes as relief passed through her. “That... that would mean the world to me,” she murmured, visibly moved by the offer. “But it’s a significant decision. I need to discuss it with him.”
“We understand,” Emberlyn said, reaching across the table to squeeze her sister’s hand. “Whatever you decide, we are here to support you. Your mate is welcome here, under our protection.”
Riley nodded in agreement, his expression resolute. “We would stand by our vow.”
A smile graced Ignatia’s face, gratitude shining in her eyes. “Thank you. I will speak with him tonight. This... this means more than I can put into words.”
After dinner, Ignatia approached Riley. “Hey, could you take me back to the Fire realm? I need to discuss some things with my mate,” she stated.
“Of course,” Riley replied, planting a quick kiss on Emberlyn’s lips before vanishing with Ignatia in a swirl of shadows, leaving us to anticipate their return.
As we sat around the fire, waiting for their return, Emberlyn, Arpina, and I dove into planning the mating ceremony. We needed to blend Emberlyn’s fire realm heritage with Riley’s connection to the water realm into the festivities.
“How about starting the ceremony with a fire dance?” I suggested.
Emberlyn nodded, “And then we could incorporate a water blessing,” she suggested.
Arpina was already making notes of our ideas. “Let’s set it up so the fire dance happens near water, intertwining both elements.”
Our brainstorming session blossomed into a whirlwind of creative ideas as we sketched plans for a ceremonial path illuminated by torches leading to a tranquil pool for the vow exchange. We toyed with launching floating lanterns on the water post-ceremony, creating a mesmerizing fusion of light from fire and water realms.
After a while, the shadows in the room began to stir, signaling Riley and Ignatia’s return from the Fire realm. All eyes turned towards them as they stepped back into the flickering light cast by the fire.
“We’ve talked it over,” Ignatia began, her voice steady. “He’s willing to come, thanks to your vow. He… we’re both grateful for your support and protection.”
Gathering everyone around, I cleared a small space in front of the fire. The flames flickered, casting dancing shadows as I prepared to weave the protection spell.
“Today, we solidify our group with a vow of protection.” I extended my hands, palms up, towards the fire, the warmth tingling against my skin.
“Latin is best for vows,” Riley stated.
I rolled my eyes, “I’m not strong with Latin; my words will be enough.”
“I’ll write it out; it’ll be better. I promise. Especially if Ignatia’s mate is going to feel comfortable,” he suggested again.
“My mate is an ancient race; Riley may be onto something,” Ignatia grinned.
“Great, so Latin it is,” I shrugged as Riley jotted down the vow.
“Invincibilem circulum protegendi creemus,” I intoned, focusing on the words and letting the power of the Latin phrases guide the magic. “Per ignem et aquam, per terram et aërem, custodiamus eos.”
As the words left my lips, a soft glow emanated from the fire, the flames turning a deeper shade of blue for a moment before returning to their natural color. The air around us hummed with energy, a tangible sign of the spell taking effect.
“Ex hoc die porro, sub nostra protectione erunt. Omne malum quod eos quaerit repeller, et in tempore necessitatis, inter nos refugium convenient, ” I concluded, feeling the spell’s power pulsate through the group, binding us.
“For someone not good with Latin, you said the words very accurately, better than I could fire out,” Riley said, impressed. “Writing Latin is easy; speaking it is a whole other beast.”
I laughed. “So when do we get to meet your mystery man?”
Ignatia gestured toward the flames.
We sat in amazement as a creature emerged from the cinders of the flames.
This being possessed a humanoid form with elegant, fiery wings spanned wide from its shoulders. The wings shimmered with gold, red, and orange hues, mirroring a sunset’s vibrant colors. The creature’s eyes glowed with a fiery intensity. Its hair flowed like liquid flame, cascading down its back in waves of vibrant colors that flickered and danced with an inner light.
This creature’s skin was adorned with intricate, glowing markings that resembled flames, and its hands flickered with fire.
Its voice is melodious yet powerful, “Good evening, friends. I am Thalion,” he moved swiftly towards Ignatia.
“What are you?” Riley stared in wonder.
Thalion’s gaze met Riley’s. “I am a Phoenix,” his voice carrying the resonance of ancient magic. “I am a creature of the Fire realm, embodying rebirth, fire, and renewal. My existence is tied to the cycles of life, death, and resurrection, with each end marking the beginning of a new era in my life.”
He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle among us. “My form allows me to traverse between realms, and my essence is deeply connected to the elemental force of fire. I can travel by flame.”
My eyes flickered to Ignatia, “He’s immortal. That’s why you said he was valuable.”
Ignatia met my gaze, a silent acknowledgment in her eyes. “Yes,” she confirmed softly. “His immortality, his essence as a Phoenix—it makes him invaluable.”
Arpina approached him, “How old are you?”
Thalion turned towards Arpina, a slight smile touching his lips. “In terms of your years, it would be difficult to quantify. Phoenixes experience time differently, reborn from our ashes time and again. But to give you a sense, I have witnessed civilizations’ rise and fall and stars' birth and death. So, in modern terms, I am ancient.”
“If I had to guess, I would be tens of millennia old,” Thalion clarified, his form subtly changing before our eyes. The fiery essence that emanated from him receded, revealing a figure entirely human in appearance, save for the captivating flicker of flame that danced in his gaze. Remarkably, his wings remained, unfurled behind him, as black as charcoal.
“Remarkable,” Riley couldn’t hide his amazement. “Truly outstanding. I knew Halvor mentioned phoenixes, but I had no idea shifters existed.”
“So, the question now,” Emberlyn stood up, her energy contagious as she clapped her hands excitedly, “Are we doing a double ceremony?”
“No!” Ignatia and Thalion exclaimed in unison, their loud response surprising everyone and sparking laughter around the fire.
“Sorry, no,” Thalion clarified, a smile softening his refusal as they chuckled. “We had our ceremony with the dragons, and we’d rather not step into the public eye that way. At least, I don’t,” he paused, turning to Ignatia with a considerate gaze, “Do you want a public ceremony?”
Ignatia shook her head, her smile matching Thalion’s. “No, our private ceremony was perfect for us. I cherish our privacy too much to have it any other way,” she affirmed, her hand finding Thalion’s, their fingers intertwining naturally.
The group nodded in understanding. Emberlyn, though visibly excited about the idea of a grand celebration, quickly adapted her enthusiasm to support Ignatia’s preference.
“Well, that settles it, just us, ”Emberlyn declared, kissing Riley’s cheek.
I glanced at Riley, “Guess it’s time to announce our arrival in the Northern Kingdom?”
Riley nodded in agreement. “If we’re to have a mating ceremony before mating season, we need to move fast.”
“Traveling during the heat is less than ideal. So, a week, then? Plus, this could be a chance to bring the realm leaders together. Make it a moment for diplomacy, even address the situation in the Shadow Realm.”
Emberlyn’s enthusiasm waned at the thought. “You’re turning our wedding into a political event?” she pouted.
Riley wrapped his arms around her, his voice reassuring. “We’re creating an opportunity to unite the realms,” he said, comforting her with a nuzzle against her mate mark.
“Alright, but I have full artistic dominion of our ceremony,” Emberlyn demanded.
Riley agreed, “Of course, love. You’ll have full control over the planning.”
I couldn’t help but smile, fully aware that Riley had skillfully dodged planning the ceremony. He was happy to leave the details in Emberlyn’s capable hands.
We set to work preparing a room for everyone to stay the night. A note was sent to Arthur, informing him of the developments and our plans. Tomorrow, we would announce our presence in the Northern Kingdom, signaling an end to our seclusion. Our haven, once a place of quiet and privacy, was gone.
I felt the bittersweet acknowledgment that our time away from the eyes of the realms had come to a close.
Retreating to my room, I was acutely aware this would be my last night of true solitude. With a sense of finality, I drew a bath, the warm water filling the room with steam and comfort. Beside the tub, I poured myself a glass of Noredale, the rich aroma of the drink mingling with the steam.
Noredale was renowned in the Northern Kingdom for its smooth texture and robust flavor. Each sip tantalized the palate with notes of juniper, pine, and hints of wild berries, evoking the crisp freshness of the mountain air.
As the warmth of the bath touched me and the Noredale worked its comforting magic, I felt a gentle buzz. Embracing the moment, I pulled out my book, letting the words and the soothing environment transport me away from the impending changes and towards a realm of stories and imagination.
After spending a few luxurious hours in the water, letting the jets massage away any lingering stress as I turned the final pages of my book, I finally, albeit reluctantly, stepped out of the bath. Slipping into my pajamas, I prepared for bed, feeling the pleasant weight of impending sleep.
However, as I exited the bathroom, the sight of a figure sitting on my bed startled me, and a scream left my throat.
The light illuminated the room, chasing away the shadows. I realized the figure was Rowan. The surprise of his sudden appearance momentarily froze me in place, a thousand questions flooding my mind.
At my scream, Riley and Emberlyn came crashing into my room, ready for anything. They paused, taking in the sight of Rowan casually sitting there. Understanding the situation quickly, Riley rolled his eyes and said reassuringly to the others in the cottage, “Everything is fine!”
“Hi, Riley,” Rowan greeted, unfazed.
“Hey, next time, maybe use a silencing bubble if you’re going to scare Meredith half to death,” Riley suggested as he approached Rowan, greeting him with an embrace. “If you’re staying the night, just let us know, and we can prepare a room,” he added, throwing a glance in my direction for confirmation.
Riley and Emberlyn left us to talk, closing the door quietly behind them.
Rowan glared at me.
“You’ve been here for two weeks,” he accused.
“Yes,” I admitted, the discomfort evident in my voice as an unwanted heat began to pool within me.
“You didn’t think to mention it?!” His voice grew louder. “You’ve hidden here for two full weeks? And didn’t think I was worthy of knowing?” he yelled, his disappointment cutting deep.
I was rooted to the spot, my emotions a whirlwind of desire and confusion.
“You don’t even have anything to say?! Nothing to defend yourself with?!” His shout filled the room, every word fueling the turmoil inside me.
“You’re a real piece of work, Meredith!” he exclaimed, his anger palpable.
“I—” The attempt to speak was futile; the words just wouldn’t come, stuck in my throat as I fought back a moan, overwhelmed by the intensity of my feelings and the situation unfolding before me.
His eyes shifted black instantly at the sound of my stifled moan. His lycan instincts heightened his senses, making him acutely aware of the pheromones I was emitting, a heady mix of fear and arousal.
As he drew closer, his nostrils flared, his eyes locked onto mine, and the blackness swirling within them seemed to draw me in, hypnotizing me with their intensity.
Rowan took a step closer, his body emanating a raw power that was both terrifying and irresistible. I could feel the heat of his proximity, the electricity between us crackling in the air like lightning.
And then, in a swift movement, he pinned me against the wall, his lips crashing down on mine in a fierce, possessive kiss. The growl reverberating in his chest sent a shiver down my spine, but I welcomed it, my lycan awakening in response to his dominance.
At that moment, no more accusations or words were exchanged between us. Only the primal, animalistic need consumed us both, binding us together in a whirlwind of passion and desire. As the room spun around us, I couldn’t think about anything except him.
With a low, guttural growl, Rowan pressed his body against mine, his hands roaming possessively over my skin, setting me ablaze.
Our breath mingled in the charged air, our movements urgent as we gave in to the fierce passion that consumed us.
Rowan dropped to his knees before me, his eyes burning with an insatiable hunger. Without hesitation, he lifted the hem of my nightgown, revealing my flushed, heated skin beneath. Goosebumps erupted across my flesh as his hands tenderly traced a path up my thighs, his touch igniting a fiery need deep within me. I felt a rush of heat pooling between my legs as his fingers skimmed my sensitive skin, his touch setting my nerves on fire. The soft fabric of my nightgown slid effortlessly over my hips, leaving me exposed and vulnerable before him.
I inhaled sharply as he buried his face in my core, his hot breath sending waves of pleasure rippling through me. His tongue traced agonizingly slow circles around my most sensitive spots, each touch setting a fire ablaze within me. My hands threaded through his hair, urging him on.
The room filled with the sounds of our shared desire, the rhythm of our breathing, the soft moans that escaped my lips as he expertly drove me closer to the edge of ecstasy. Every flick, every kiss of his lips against my skin, sent me spiraling into a world of pure sensation, my body trembling with need.
His lips were soft and wet, his tongue skillfully exploring every inch of my sensitive folds. He savored every moment, relishing my taste as if I were a rare delicacy he’d longed to consume. My legs on his shoulders, meanwhile, gently held my thighs apart, providing just the right amount of pressure to keep me open and exposed to his eager mouth.
As his touch grew more urgent, I felt the tension coiling tighter and tighter within me, aching for release. And when it finally came, it was like a wildfire consuming my entire being, a blazing inferno of pleasure that left me gasping for breath, my body quivering with the aftershocks of ecstasy.
And then, with a primal hunger that left me breathless, Rowan buried his face in my core. I gasped as a surge of pleasure rippled through me, his hot breath fanning the flames of desire that burned within me. His tongue danced agonizing slow circles around my most intimate parts, each stroke sending electric shocks of sensation coursing through my body.
My hands instinctively tangled in his hair, a silent plea for more, as I arched my back in ecstasy. The exquisite torment of his touch drove me to the edge of reason, my breath coming in ragged gasps as I teetered on the brink of release. Every flick, every caress of his lips against my skin pushed me closer and closer to the precipice of pleasure.
And then, in a crescendo of raw intensity, it all exploded within me. I cried out, my body convulsing as waves of ecstasy crashed over me, leaving me trembling in the aftermath of the release. With a slow, deliberate motion, he began to lick up the remnants of my orgasm, his tongue tracing a path from my core to my inner thighs. The sight of him consuming my passion, his face a picture of intense concentration, was exhilarating.
His lips continued to caress my skin, leaving a trail of wet kisses in their wake. The gentle suction of his mouth as he pulled away from my body had me moaning. As he finally released my thigh, I reached down to cradle his face in my hands, pulling him up to meet my lips in a long, passionate kiss. Slowly, we disentangled ourselves from each other’s arms, our eyes locked in a silent communication of need.
I pushed him backward towards the bed, undoing his pants. His arousal sprung upwards when his pants dropped to the floor. As he lay on the bed, I crawled towards him, my eyes never leaving his erection. It stood proudly against his body. I reached out, wrapping my fingers around it, feeling the hardness throb in my hand.
I leaned down, my lips brushing against the head of his penis. I took him into my mouth slowly, relishing how he tasted and felt.
I moved my head in a slow, rhythmic motion, taking him deeper into my mouth with each pass. I could feel his body tense, the muscles in his thighs and abdomen tightening as I worked on him.
His grunting filled the room, a symphony of pleasure that only grew louder as I increased my pace. I could tell he was close, the tension in his body. I pulled away, looking up at him with a wicked grin.
“Not yet,” I whispered, my voice thick with desire.
He groaned, frustrated. I climbed onto the bed, straddling him, our bodies aligning perfectly. I positioned him at my entrance, feeling the head of his penis press against me.
“Not yet,” he whispered.
I raised an eyebrow, “Why not?” I asked.
His gaze locked onto mine, the intensity of his stare making my heart race. “Because I want to feel you come apart in my hands,” he said, his voice low and husky. “I want to watch your face as you lose control, knowing it’s all because of me. But if we do that, I will not be able to let you go. Your contract will end with me.”
“Then let’s end it,” I said confidently.
His canines elongated, “No,” he gritted his teeth.
“Rowan,” I whimpered.
“No,” he said firmly.
I traced his canines with a finger. His body shuddered in response.
And I felt myself involuntarily expose my neck to him. I submitted myself before him.
“Mark me,” I whispered. “Make me yours.”
His eyes widened at my submission, the desire in them transforming into something more profound. He hesitated momentarily, the weight of our contract and its consequences weighing heavily on his mind.
But the raw need in my voice, the plea for him to claim me, seemed to break through the barrier he’d put up. With a low growl, he leaned forward, his mouth capturing mine in a fierce kiss. His hands reached my wrists, gently but firmly securing them above my head.
I felt the tip of his fang graze my lip, a faint prick of pain followed by a rush of warmth. I felt A surge of power, my body responding to his bite. As he continued to kiss me, his tongue exploring my mouth, I could feel my canines growing. My heart raced, my breath quickened, and a sense of belonging filled me like never before.
When he finally released me, our gazes locked once more. The intensity of our connection was undeniable. A wave of disappointment washed over me as I realized my plea had fallen on deaf ears. The desire still burned within me, but now it was tinged with a sense of desperation. I knew that if I didn’t find a way to break free from these constraints, I would be trapped forever in this unfulfilled longing.
Rowan’s eyes softened, but his resolve remained unwavering. “I can’t,” he said, his voice heavy with regret. "The contract...it’s not just about us. It’s about the balance of the realms. Who’s to say what chaos it would bring if I were to break it?”
I stared at him, feeling the sting of tears in my eyes. “You’re right,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.
He reached out, cupping my cheek in his hand. “This is real, but so are the consequences of breaching the contract.”
I nodded, trying to accept the reality of the situation. As much as it hurt, I knew he was right.
“Let me pleasure you then,” I slid down his body, getting lost in the rhythm of my movements.
I was losing myself in the sensations that surrounded me. As I brought him closer to his release, I found myself longing for him to mark me, to claim me as his own. I wanted to feel that connection, that sense of belonging that would make me feel complete. But as I looked into his eyes, I saw the same determination that had been there before – a determination that left no room for compromise.
I continued to coax him to the edge, knowing that this was all I could offer for now. As he sat upright, his fingers gently yet firmly began to explore my delicate folds, his touch a perfect blend of tenderness and assertiveness. His fingers glided over my sensitive skin.
My mouth moved in rhythm with his thrusts. The sight of me engulfing him only heightened his arousal, making his touch more deliberate. He slowly slid a finger inside. His finger moved in and out, gently stretching me as he added more. I moaned softly around him.
His other hand gripped my hair, guiding me closer to him. The combination of his fingers and my mouth on him created a symphony of pleasure that left both of us gasping for breath. His fingers continued to caress my most intimate parts while I eagerly swallowed him.
He looked at me with tenderness, “The next time you ask me to mate you, I won’t be able to stop myself. The next time you ask me, make sure I’m the one you choose. There will be no going back,” he whispered, his voice filled with emotion.
Exhausted and entwined, we drifted to sleep, a peaceful calm surrounding us as the night’s emotions gave way to rest.
The early morning chill surrounded us. The thought of leaving his comforting warmth was unbearable. I was rarely inclined to sleep in, but the temptation was strong. Waking up beside him felt like a delightful surprise. I savored his scent, nestling closer to his back, allowing my breath to synchronize with his.
Hours later, tender kisses on my skin gently roused me. Rowan’s lips traced a path along my jawline, sensing my awareness, and I leaned into him, welcoming the awakening embrace. His hands glided up my naked body, gripping the peaks of my breasts, and I gasped, feeling a surge of desire between my legs.
“Always so ready for me,” his teeth grazed my skin.
He sucked my neck where his mark would go—sending ecstasy through my body. His arousal pressed against my thigh, and I eagerly reached for it, eliciting a growl of approval from him.
“We could have sex,” I whispered as my teeth gently grazed his delicate neck, leaving a trail of light kisses.
“I can barely control my lycan as it is,” he argued.
Ignoring his concerns, I whispered, “Stop trying to control it. Embrace the wild side,” he grunted as I continued to nibble on his neck.
He pulled my body close to his, wrapping his arms around me protectively, and whispered, “We aren’t mated, and we won’t mate until you complete your contract.” His lips gently brushed against my forehead as he spoke, pulling, and he pulled me closer.
“Shall we begin our day then?” I asked, propping myself up on my elbows, our faces mere inches apart. I leaned in for a passionate kiss, my lips lingering on his for a moment before I dared to bite down aggressively on his bottom lip. He recoiled, momentarily surprised by the sudden sensation. With a playful leap, I left the warmth of the bed and rushed towards the bathroom.
He leaped out of bed in hot pursuit, catching me in his strong arms. He carried me to the bathroom and turned on the shower, the water cascading down upon us as he began to bathe me slowly, his hands gentle yet firm, creating more moans to leave my body.
“This morning has been extraordinary,” I mused.
I looked at him in the mirror, my fingers gently brushing through the damp strands of my hair.
“I wish we didn’t have to face the world today,” I continued, my voice saddened at the thought of leaving our bubble.
Our eyes met in the mirror, and I saw the same longing in his gaze. Our night, shower, and everything we had experienced together had been perfect.
As Rowan wrapped his arm around my waist, guiding me gently out of my room’s sanctuary, the moment’s intimacy felt like a protective cloak. My room, conveniently located next to the kitchen and opening up to the living room, had always felt like a strategic advantage until now.
Stepping into the open space, we were met with an unexpected sight. There, in the kitchen, stood the king. The shift in the atmosphere was immediate, his presence like a cold wave washing over us. His face contorted with anger as his gaze swept over us, taking in the closeness between Rowan and me.
"We didn’t defy you. We aren’t in another realm. It was I couldn’t have relations with her in any realm that would interfere with her relationships or the contract,” Rowan spoke with a confidence that only he could muster against such a figure.
Rowan’s defiance of Arthur’s alpha authority was bold. His grin was almost challenging as he tightened his grip around me, a clear sign of his protection and refusal to yield.
Though powerful and commanding, Arthur’s demand seemed to falter against Rowan’s resolve. The atmosphere was charged with tension, a standoff between father and son.
"This stops now," Arthur snarled.
“No,” Rowan, firm in his refusal, pulled me closer to him as he took a seat, his posture unyielding. "We will not stop.”
Arthur’s face turned a deep red, the embodiment of rage as he processed Rowan’s unwavering defiance.
Despite Arthur’s visible anger, Rowan remained steadfast. The air seemed to thicken, charged with the silent battle of wills unfolding before us.
“You are disrupting the very foundations of our authority and power,” Arthur finally spoke, his voice controlled but seething with barely contained fury. “The other leaders will not stand for this. This was an opportunity for them to elevate themselves and their kingdoms.”
Rowan’s response was calm yet resolute. “Meredith and I,” he paused, his gaze softening as he looked at me, “we share something real that shouldn’t be dismissed or punished.”
The room fell into a tense silence, everyone waiting for Arthur’s response. The king, still red with anger, seemed to be wrestling with his own emotions, the rigid lines of authority blurring in the face of his son’s impassioned stance.
For a moment, it seemed as if Arthur might relent, the father in him wrestling with the king. But the silence stretched on. It was clear he wouldn’t.
“Rowan stands as one of the two main contenders for my mate,” I clarified, trying to keep my voice steady. “Given my current journey, there’s a fifty-fifty chance he’s the one.”
Rowan turned towards me with astonishment and hope in his eyes. “Really?”
I nodded, my smile timid but sincere.
Emberlyn couldn’t contain her excitement. “That’s fantastic!” she exclaimed, her voice echoing her happiness.
Arthur, however, wasn’t as thrilled. “Fantastic? That is hardly the case. You’ve only explored a third of the realms. Things might still shift,” he countered, his tone dripping with skepticism.
I quickly corrected, “Actually, I’ve been to five, six if you count this one. Only six realms left to visit,” standing my ground. “And with the ceremony fast approaching, plus the other realms’ representatives coming, I’m confident the list will narrow down significantly by the week’s end.”
Arthur raised an eyebrow, questioning my calculations. “What kind of math are you using? You’ve visited the Water Realm, Forest, Shadow, and Fire,” he listed, emphasizing each name.
“Water, Ocean, Forest, Shadow, Fire, and now here, the Northern Kingdom,” I corrected him with a note of triumph.
“That’s not exactly what the contract meant. Including the ocean realm is a stretch,” he replied.
“A stretch would be if I counted the Dragon Lands, too,” I shot back, not backing down.
We locked eyes, neither willing to yield in the silent challenge that hung between us.
“What exactly is the Ocean Realm?” Emberlyn inquired.
Riley turned to her, “It’s a concealed realm within my own. It’s a long story; Prince Marin is best to bet he one to share.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Oh, wow. I knew about hidden places like the Dragon Lands, but an entire hidden kingdom?”
Returning to the immediate issue, I clarified my position regarding the contract’s requirements. “To adhere to the contract, which demands visits to 12 realms, I’ve decided to skip the Desert Realm. Even if Christian were my mate, I’d have to reject him,” I explained.
Arthur’s unwavering gaze lingered on Rowan and me, his silence weaving a thread of discomfort through the air.
“Okay,” he finally conceded.
“Okay?” I echoed, seeking confirmation.
“You will depart after the ceremony, well before mating season begins, to prevent my son from acting impulsively and marking you,” Arthur declared firmly.
“Fine,” I responded sharply, irritation coloring my tone.
Rowan tightened his embrace, his voice laced with desperation. “No! I deserve four weeks."
Arthur was unyielding. “You have two, this week and the next,” he insisted, his hand coming down hard on the island.
“Dad, please,” Rowan began, attempting to reason.
Arthur’s growl cut through the tension. “Remember, you are my son. I can see your lycan struggling for dominance. He’s on the edge of marking her, of violating the contract. Prove me wrong. Tell me you’re in full control. Tell me your lycan isn’t on the brink of taking over right now.”
Rowan’s transformation was swift, anger radiated from him.
Arthur observed this with a nod. “That proves my point,” he remarked dryly.
It took Rowan a moment to revert to his human form. His eyes were still caught in a battle between his human self and lycan nature. He breathed heavily, struggling for composure.
“Be cautious during your stay, Meredith. Rowan’s lycan isn’t as restrained as we’d like. He’s volatile, potent, and without a mate,” Arthur warned, his voice carrying a severe tone.
Turning to Rowan, concern etched on my face.
Rowan’s response was a resigned shake of his head. “He’s not wrong. I’ve been struggling to keep my lycan in check for months now,” he admitted, then sharply looked at Arthur.
Arthur met Rowan’s glare with a level gaze. “This is why we must take precautions,” Arthur continued his voice firm. “The ceremony must proceed as planned; after that, Meredith must leave. It’s for the safety of all involved.”
Rowan knew arguing further would be futile. His concern for my well-being overshadowed his desire to contest his father’s decision.
I felt a mix of emotions swirling within me—worry for Rowan, frustration at the situation, and a sense of urgency to find a solution to help him gain control over his lycan side.
“Let’s focus on finding a way to help you,” I suggested, reaching out to touch his arm, trying to offer some comfort. “There has to be someone who’s faced this before, someone who can offer guidance.”
Arthur sighed, the weight of leadership and paternal concern evident. “We will seek advice. But for now, we adhere to the plan. It’s the safest course of action.” Arthur exited, his departure seemingly sucking the warmth from the room.
We were left in a heavy silence, the weight of the conversation rendering us speechless.
