He lets out a grunt, letting me know he’s close, but this time, my orgasm is the one setting him off. My walls flutter around him as he holds me close and thrusts up into me a few more times before finding his release. I collapse onto his chest and he leans against the tree trunk as we regain our energy. Finally, I can feel him deflate and our combined pleasure slips out onto his lap. I’ll clean it up in a moment. Gotta love magic for quick clean up!
A lazy haze comes over me as his arms wrap around me and we rest, just enjoying each other’s touch. My eyes slide closed and I listen to the beat of his heart. Our bond thrums with his love for me, and I push the giddy, satisfied feelings of love back down the line to him.
There’s a loud snapping sound above us, followed by a grinding sound. My head whips up and William follows my lead. Something falls from the dense leaves above us and lands in my lap. I look down and there’s a heart-shaped piece of bark attached to a long circle of vines braided together. Lifting the vine up, I dangle the object in front of our faces and William gently picks up the bark heart.
A grin spreads across his face as he flips the bark for me to see. On it is the same engraving as the tree. The wood has a smooth finish and an enchanting quality to it. “Looks like you have a memento to carry with you always. Seems like the tree agrees with me on using it as a reminder when you need it.” He pulls the necklace from my hold and puts it over my head, making sure to place the heart safely between my breasts.
Just when I thought this tree had already given me the greatest of gifts... it hands me another in the form of a token I can keep with me always.
Chapter 6
Cecily
Per Klaus’ request, well, demand really, I gave him an update through our link when we arrived at the field with the tree, and again when we left to head back to the others. That’s how they knew to wait for our arrival, and are standing outside by the mountain when we get there. As soon as they catch sight of us, I hear Alex say, “Oh, she’s absolutely glowing; bet they sealed the bond.” He elbows Marcus as if rubbing it in. “Looks like we’re next, buddy.”
Marcus just rolls his eyes and strolls toward us, pulling me into a hug when I’m within reach. “You seem happier,” he murmurs into my hair.
I breathe in his peppermint scent and press a kiss on his cheek. “I really needed the time with him. Thank you for not trying to stop us.”
To give us some privacy, Will takes a few awkward steps away from us toward the others, but doesn’t quite join them. Hopefully, they make a connection soon so he doesn’t feel like an outsider. Marcus pulls back from our hug, but still keeps his arms around me. “It wasn’t easy to let you out of my sight being this close to Silas, but Klaus said you really needed it and I trust his judgment when it comes to you. I’m just glad you’re back with us now.”
I smirk up at him. “Aw, did you miss me?” My tone is teasing and light.
“Hmm, I might have for just a moment... Maybe you should remind me of what I could’ve been missing.” His head bends down toward mine, and I stand on my toes to reach him. Our lips meet for a sweet kiss which he doesn’t hesitate to deepen.
I’m lost in the feel of his tongue brushing against mine, which means I don’t notice Alex sneaking up on us until he’s gripping my hips and twirling me around to face him. “Hey, sweet cheeks! My turn!” Marcus cages in my back as Alex slams his lips to mine, stealing a kiss of his own. I give in to him, but as soon as he pulls away, I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand.
Alex smirks at my show of distaste. “Still not our first kiss, Alex. Nice try though!” I catch a puzzled look from Will, who has no idea what our little game is.
“One of these days, I’ll get my kiss from you, Angel. So how was your date? Did William behave himself?” Alex gives a little waggle of his eyebrows.
“My knight was an absolute gentleman. The date was perfect.” A blush warms my cheeks.
“Wait, wait, wait just one second. You call him your knight and his name is William? Oh, this is too great! I know what movie we need to watch next. Have you seenA Knight’s Tale?” His enthusiasm is bubbling over and he gets this small bounce to his stance, unable to contain his energy.
“Pretty sure I’ve seen it. It’s the one with jousting, right?” I try to pay attention to what he’s saying, although my mind gets distracted thinking about our first movie night. His fingers teasing up my thigh under the blanket until he slid inside as Klaus played with my clit. Both of them pleasuring me in tandem...
Fingers snap in front of my face and my gaze refocuses on Alex who sports a shit-eating grin. “Penny for your thoughts?” An embarrassing high-pitched giggle comes from someone who sure as shit wasn’t me, and I twirl around to walk toward Klaus and Derrick.
“So do we have a plan yet? Where’s Thea and the prisoners she was supposed to help escape?” My first question is directed to the group, but my second is said while I’m looking at Will.
Alex and Marcus come up from behind, and stand on either side of me. A finger trails down my spine and I don’t have to look to know it’s Alex. “They actually showed up while you guys were gone. We sent them off to the castle; figured it would be a good place for all of us to regroup and make a game plan,” Marcus notifies us.
“I like the dress, Angel. Can you wear it for me as a renaissance roleplay night of debauchery sometime?” The whispered words cause my eyes to roll so far back I worry they might stick, before I continue ignoring Alex. I need to change my clothes again. Will smirks from a few feet away, having caught the comment.
My fingers play with the charm on my necklace as I listen to the guys talk about which path they want to take back to my castle, and who gets to run where in a formation around me. Macho men having to puff their chests up. I shift into my wolf form and make a show of cleaning myself, acting as if I have no cares in the world. Maybe they need a lesson in making plans without consulting me.
Pretty soon they’re playing rock, paper, scissors, and I’m left wondering where their maturity evaporated to. Whatever, I’m sure they will follow my fine ass as I walk away. Sure enough, I’ve only been walking away from them for thirty seconds before I’m surrounded by five wolves. “Precious, you seem to be in a mood. Everything ok?” Derrick says through our link.
“Yep, I’m fine.” My response is clipped and short. I may get a bit moody when the guys think they need to protect me like I’m a damsel. I’m confident I’ve never given them the impression that I need to be saved from dangerous situations. I mean, aside from them saving me from the bunker... and the one time Will and I were betrayed by Silas. Other than those two times, I’ve never beenwoe is me, I need to be saved.
“Doesn’t sound like you’re fine... Isn’t that woman speak for things are most definitely not fine? Shall I come up with a fun prank we can pull? Some fun to cheer you up?” Derrick tries, he really does, even nudges me with his head, but I’m not in the mood to team up with him right now. He doesn’t get to be rewarded for trying to make plans revolving around me with the others and not ask me if I want to be included. I mean, do they all really think I haven’t been trained extensively on safety measures for traveling and avoiding attacks?
“Maybe later.” My reply is cold as I pick up my pace, causing Marcus in front of me to growl as I pass him.
A moment later, another channel opens up between me and my mates. This time it’s most certainly an accident because Derrick says, “I thought females of our kind don’t get PMS. Our girl is moody as fuck.”
Wow, Derrick. Just… wow. Okay, now I need to come up with an even better way to get back at them all. Klaus peers over at me from my left with concern in his eyes. Shit, he must be picking up something from my soul. Oh, well...
