The Elusive Sun, page 28
part #2 of Etherya's Earth Series
“There’s a little creek that runs behind here. Not as big as the river where you seduced me when we were kids,” he said, grabbing her wrist and nipping her hand when she lightheartedly slapped his pecs, “but it’s a good place to make some new memories. If you’re ready for that.”
“I’m so ready,” she said, wondering if she’d ever even dreamed she could feel this happy.
“Good.”
Pulling a small, felt-covered box from his pocket, he dropped to one knee. Lila lifted her fingers to her lips, her eyes clouding with moisture as she gazed down at him.
“My mother had four rings that she wore on each of the fingers of her left hand. One was meant to go to each of us when we turned eighteen. When she was killed we all got to choose which one we wanted.”
Opening the case, she saw a silver ring topped with a large, square-cut, amethyst. “I chose this one because it reminded me of my best friend’s eyes.”
Lila let out a sob at his reverent words.
“I know you said you needed a year, and I won’t push you, but I’m so ready to bond with you, Lila. Now that we have Jack, I want to start our life together. I’ll live here with you and take the train to be with the troops five days a week. I don’t need to live at Astaria now that we have the trains. I hate sleeping in that tiny cabin without you. Please put me out of my misery and bond with me.”
Lila observed his handsome face through her tears, realizing that this was why she hadn’t told him yet that she was ready to bond. Somewhere in the back of her mind she wanted the formal proposal. And, boy, had he delivered. Elation swam through her body as she tried to control her tears.
“Lila?” he asked, shaking the ring box. “Are you going to answer me?” he teased.
“Yes!” she said, lowering down to her knees and throwing her arms around his neck. Placing multiple kisses on his red lips, she felt him chuckle.
Grabbing her hand, he slid the ring onto her third finger.
“It looks so pretty on you,” he said.
“Oh, Lattie. Thank you. For the ring and the proposal and the house and for Jack. You’ve done so much for me. I feel like I don’t do enough for you. You make me so happy.”
“It’s not a contest, woman,” he said, pulling her to stand. “You make me happy, too. Remember the blow job thing? Yeah, that’s pretty much worth ten houses.”
Throwing back her head, she laughed. “You’re insufferable.”
“You love it,” he said, nipping her lips.
They drove back to the cabin in the dim light of dusk. Once there they made love and she thanked him again for everything. Her heart was so full that she was going to build her life with him and Jack in the house he’d built for her. As she lay with him, his front spooning her back, she thought of the loneliness she’d felt over the centuries. During those times she couldn’t have even fathomed that she would end up where she was today. She had lived with her secret love for Latimus for ten centuries, believing it unrequited. Thankfulness swamped her as she fell asleep in the arms of the man who she truly felt was her destiny.
Chapter 32
One month later…
Latimus stood under the wooden altar, lined with white and purple flowers. Inhaling a deep breath, he waited for Lila to walk down the aisle.
“Nervous?” Sathan asked softly behind him.
“He looks like he’s going to puke,” Heden said, standing behind him.
“Will you two idiots shut up?” Latimus murmured. “I hate public displays like this but I’m bonding with the woman of my dreams so I’m trying to muddle through it. You’re not helping,” he said, throwing a glare at Heden.
“Shhhh!” Miranda scolded, standing across from him. Arderin snickered behind her. He thought they both looked so pretty in their formal dresses, Miranda’s a deep green over her nine-and-a-half month distended abdomen and Arderin’s a deep blue.
Latimus scowled at Miranda and looked down the felt-covered aisle, waiting.
Thirty people sat in the chairs that surrounded the carpeted aisle. His eyes roamed over Breken and Lora, Sadie and Nolan, Takel’s mom who was sitting beside an animated Antonio, eyes twinkling as he flirted with her. Sam, Darkrip, Glarys and Kenden sat in the front row. The Slayer commander smiled and Latimus gave him a nod.
Finally, Lila appeared, and he struggled to breathe. Her blond hair was in some fancy updo that looked gorgeous. Her flawless face glowed under the sun, the lavender of her irises seeming to pulse. The long, white gown she wore hugged every curve of her voluptuous body and he imagined slowly dragging it off her silky skin after the ceremony.
Holding Jack’s hand, they walked down the aisle toward him. His heart swelled in his chest as she came to stand before him.
“You’ve never looked more beautiful,” he said softly.
She gave him a brilliant smile, causing him to feel a throbbing pang in his solar plexus. By the goddess, she was magnificent.
Holding one of each other’s hands, and each holding one of Jack’s hands as he looked up at them, they each recited the bonding vows. They promised to love and cherish each other for eternity, through sickness and health, darkness and despair. At the end, he pulled her into his embrace and gave her a blazing kiss. Fuck everybody else. If he had to do this formal shit in front of everyone, he was at least going to get a good kiss from his woman.
Afterward, they headed to the ballroom. Decorated in purple and white, a band played at the front of the room. Leading her to the large table that spanned the front of the room, they sat down to watch everyone dance.
“Should I ask you to dance with me or will I be rejected?” she asked, a teasing light in her eyes.
“I’ll dance a slow one with you,” he said, squeezing her hand. “Later though. I need some blood. And some whiskey. Lots of whiskey if I’m going to contemplate dancing.”
Laughing, she shook her head at him. Arderin came and dragged her away. His heart swelled as he watched the two women he loved most in the world dance together. Jack ran up and joined them and the three of them giggled as they danced to the human pop song.
He was surprised to see Darkrip sit down next to him, in Lila’s vacant seat.
“I was hoping to have a word with you.”
“Sure,” he said with a nod.
The Slayer-Deamon’s gaze was firm. “It’s hard for me to feel any sort of emotion about death and destruction. Being that I was raised in the Deamon caves, and that bastard’s blood runs through me, I struggle with the feelings that all of you exhibit. I figured that you could probably understand that better than anyone else. I’ve seen you kill on the battlefield.”
Latimus studied his olive-green eyes. “I can. It’s a part of me I wrestle with, especially now that I’m with Lila. She doesn’t seem to care but I hate it.”
Darkrip’s expression was contemplative. “The evil that courses through me is so much darker than yours but I’ve tried to control it. It’s extremely difficult.”
Latimus nodded, feeling a strange sense of compassion and comradery for him.
“I guess I’m telling you this because I wanted to apologize for even considering striking Lila when we last fought my father. I’ve been taught to take down the enemy, no matter what the cost, and that compassion is weakness. I should’ve tried harder. She’s been extremely kind to me and I like her immensely. I hope that you both understand that it wasn’t personal. I just hate my wretch of a father and want to rid him from this world.”
“I understand,” Latimus said. He’d never really spent a lot of time with Miranda’s brother but he was starting to see a bit of what he struggled with on a daily basis. It must be so hard to tamp down a part of yourself that was so evil. He admired his restraint and control. “I want to kill that bastard too.”
Darkrip gave a short sigh. “We’re going to have to find Evie. It’s the next logical step. It won’t be easy. I’ll need your help. She’s extremely evil and I’m worried to bring her into our world.”
“I’ll help in any way I can. We must sway her to our cause. I’m willing to find a way.”
“Thank you,” Darkrip said. Standing, he extended his hand. “I know I like to chide you for being an arrogant brute, but I do admire what you’ve done with your army. I’m honored to be your ally.”
Latimus stood and shook his hand. “Thank you. We’re also honored to have you on our team.”
With one last firm shake, the Slayer-Deamon gave a nod and walked away. Latimus thought it an interesting conversation. A peace offering of sorts. They would have to work together to find his evil sister and convince her to kill Crimeous with the Blade of Pestilence. The road would be long and winding but they had no choice. They had to rid the planet of the Dark Lord’s malevolence.
Deciding not to waste this beautiful day thinking of Crimeous, he walked onto the dance floor and pulled Lila to him. A slow song was playing and he wrapped his arms around her as they swayed to the music. Looking over at Arderin, he observed her wide eyes and her mouth, which had fallen open in shock. She’d been trying to get him to dance for a thousand years, the little bugger. Sticking his tongue out at her, he chuckled at her responding scowl. Slowly, he rocked Lila and closed his eyes, loving the feel of her body against his.
Later, they decided to stay at his cabin. Miranda and Sathan had offered to watch Jack. Miranda was calling it her “mommy boot camp”. As they entered the bedroom of his tiny cottage, Lila looked at the packed boxes.
“Will you miss this place?” she asked, shrugging off her white cardigan.
“No,” he said. “I was lonely and miserable in this cabin. I spent every day longing for you as you slept in the castle. I’m ready to move on and build happy memories with you at Lynia.”
Compassion swam in her beautiful eyes. “I’m so glad those days are over.”
“Me too, honey,” he said.
Approaching her, he drew her into an embrace. “You look amazing in that dress but I can’t wait to pull it off of you.”
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she asked, “So what are you waiting for?”
Chuckling, he rotated her and touched her hair.
“Take it down,” he commanded.
“Okay, bossy,” she said, turning her head to look at him.
Lifting her arms, she pulled the pins from her head, throwing them on the nearby dresser. Golden strands fell to her shoulders and she fluffed her fingers through the thickness.
Latimus stuck his nose in the soft strands, inhaling the fragrant scent. “Your hair always smells so good.”
She nuzzled her back into his front. “I thought you were going to get me out of this dress.”
Laughing, he tugged on her hair. “Who’s bossy?
It had become one of their favorite ways to tease each other and she grinned as she tilted her head to gaze at him. With her hand, she pulled her hair aside, allowing him access to the zipper.
Thick fingers grabbed the tiny zipper at the back of her neck. Slowly lowering it, he kissed the exposed skin that was left in its wake. Once it was to her lower back, he slipped his hands under the dress, around the skin of her stomach and pulled her back into the front of his body.
“You’re not wearing a bra,” he growled, lifting his hands to clutch her large breasts.
“Nope,” she said, looking up at him. “It wouldn’t work with this dress.”
“Fuck,” he whispered, grabbing her nipples and twirling them between his fingers.
Her eyes closed as she leaned her head back on his shoulder and whispered his name. He played with her breasts for a bit and then pushed the dress from her arms. Lowering down her body, he slid it off her soft skin until it puddled onto the floor. Turning her as he lowered to his knees, he bit at the top of her white thongs.
“Let’s get these off so I can suck your pretty pussy.” Grabbing the sides, he pulled them down her curvy hips, tossing them to the floor, unable to comprehend how beautiful her body was.
Drawing her to him, he lifted one of her legs over his shoulder. As she gasped, he placed his mouth on her core, stroking her wetness with his tongue.
“How do you always taste so good?” he murmured into her.
Clutching his hair, she pushed further into him, exciting him more. His tongue flicked her little nub and then he sucked it in between his lips. Pulling on it, over and over, he felt her body tense, tight as a bow. She reached out and grabbed the nearby bedpost, giving her balance as her other hand continued its death grip on his hair. Holding her to him, she came all over his mouth and chin, her thin fingers threatening to pull every strand of the raven tresses from his head. He didn’t care. He loved making her come and rubbed his face into her wetness, consumed by her.
Placing her leg back on the floor, he lifted her up to carry her to the bed. Gently, he laid her across the black comforter. He removed his clothes, his gaze never leaving hers. Lifting her arms over her head, she beckoned to him, biting her lip as he undressed. Large, gorgeous breasts…pink, soft lips…the plushy blond triangle of hair between her sexy thighs…they all called to him and his stiff shaft seemed to reach for her as he threw his boxer briefs on the floor.
Lowering over her, he began nudging into her, loving the desire that pulsed in her eyes. Moving his face toward hers, he kissed her lips, forcing his tongue inside.
“I can taste myself on you,” she said.
“Fuck yes,” he whispered, licking her tongue. “You drenched me, honey. I love that you get so wet for me.”
Ending the kiss, Latimus gazed into her irises as his hips gyrated back and forth into hers. Fisting her hair in his hand, he lifted her head, aligning the vein on his neck with her mouth.
“Drink from me.”
Her sexy tongue began to lick his neck, preparing him for her invasion. Dying with anticipation, he clutched her hair as he moved in and out of her. He felt the points of her fangs on his skin and then they pierced him as he gasped.
“Oh god…” he moaned, clutching her hair tighter. “Fuck, Lila. I’ve dreamed of this for so long.”
She purred, squeezing his shoulders as he fucked her. His thick cock was being choked by her flowing pussy as her lips pulled blood from his neck. The sensation was overwhelming and he felt his climax on the horizon.
“It feels so good. Shit, I’m going to come. I’m sorry honey…”
“Don’t be sorry,” her sweet voice said in his ear. “Just do it harder. I’m close too.”
Threading his hands under her shoulders, he hammered into her as she resumed sucking him. Drowning in her, he found himself wishing he was soothsayer, if only to tell her how amazing she felt and how magnificent it was to be with her like this. His balls began to tighten as he focused on pounding her with his shaft.
“I’m coming…” Lila cried, her head falling away from his neck as she threw it back on the bed. “Oh god, Lattie, yes…”
Clenching onto her ever-so-tightly, he gritted his teeth and let himself explode inside her. Their bodies spasmed together as they held each other. He let himself relax on top of her, knowing that she loved feeling his weight over her but being careful not to crush her. His beautiful bonded mate lifted her lips to his neck, placing a soft kiss on the two bite marks and then licking them closed. His massive body trembled as her tongue darted over his skin. Eventually, the wound healed and he lowered his forehead to hers as he panted.
“You sexy little temptress. It was about time you drank from me. It felt so good.”
Opening her eyes, she smiled. “I loved it. You taste good.”
“Not as good as you. Every inch of your body tastes amazing.”
Her swollen lips curved into a shy, sated grin as she ran her fingers through his hair. “Maybe next time we can do it at the same time.”
“Mmmm…yes, let’s do that,” he said, waggling his eyebrows, causing her to laugh. They stayed that way for a few minutes, gazing into each other. Then, he lifted her up and stuffed her under the sheets.
Afterward, lying on their sides, ice-blue irises stared into violet ones. They stroked each other softly, as they so often did after they loved each other.
“We’re bonded,” she said with a smile. “How exciting. Are you happy?”
“So fucking happy, woman,” he said, lifting her hand to kiss it.
“You finally kept your promise to me,” she said, her lavender eyes twinkling.
He felt his eyebrows draw together. “What promise?”
“You promised me all those centuries ago that you would rescue me and save me from a forced bonding.”
“Did I?” he asked, pulling her closer to him. “It took me too damn long. I can’t believe I was such a coward with you.”
“It was the course we needed to take,” she said, caressing his cheek. “Maybe that’s why it’s so good now. We just needed to fight for it.”
“I’ll never stop fighting for you, Lila. I love you more than you’ll ever know.”
“I love you, too” she whispered.
Lying on the soft sheets, they gazed at each other, willing their eyes to stay open but unable to after such a long day. As the moon hung overhead, they drifted into sleep, her body entwined with his, where it had always belonged.
Epilogue
Lila rode the train to Uteria, absently chewing her lip as the car chugged along. Sadie had called her and told her she needed some help at the infirmary on Uteria. She’d been quite vague but she’d explained that she was looking for volunteers and Lila was always happy to volunteer her time to help others.
In the year since she’d been bonded to Latimus, she’d opened the shelter at Lynia and helped Yarik open one at Naria as well. It was important to her that no one in their kingdom suffered and that everyone was allowed an equal opportunity to succeed and flourish.
Arriving at Uteria’s platform, she departed the train and headed to the main castle, where Sadie’s infirmary was housed. Heading inside, she nodded to some of the staff members and headed down to the bottom floor. Entering the infirmary door, she saw the Slayer physician, pink baseball cap upon her head, writing in a chart.
