Chapter 35 More
ARYA
The next hour was overwhelming. Apparently, if Luca and I completed the bond, marked each other and mated fully, our combined power would be unprecedented. Enough to fulfill the prophecy. Enough to unite all supernatural beings under one rule.
Enough to make us targets for everyone who benefited from division.
“There are forces that don’t want unity,” Bardon explained. “Old families who profit from conflict. Extremists on both sides who believe their species is superior. Completing your bond could trigger another war.”
“So I’m damned if I do, damned if I don’t?”
“You’re the bridge, child. Bridges get walked on by both sides.” His expression was sympathetic. “But you’re also stronger than anyone gives you credit for. Including yourself.”
After the lesson, I found Ryker on the terrace overlooking the gardens. He didn’t acknowledge me when I sat beside him.
“I’m sorry,” I said quietly.
“For what? Following your instinct?” His voice was flat. “You don’t owe me anything, Arya.”
“I owe you honesty. And the truth is, I don’t know what I’m doing. This bond with Luca, it’s intense and overwhelming and terrifying. But it’s also real and I can't deny it.” I can barely fight it. Though, I don’t say that part.
“I know.”
“But you’re my best friend. And I don’t want to lose that.”
Finally, he looked at me. “You’re not going to lose me. Even if it kills me to watch you fall in love with someone else, I’ll be here.” He smiled sadly. “That’s what you do when you love someone. You want them to be happy, even when their happiness doesn’t include you.”
Tears burned my eyes. “I wish things were different.”
“Me too. But they’re not.” He stood. “I’m going into town for a few days. Give you two some space. Give myself some distance.”
“Ryker—”
“It’s okay, Ar. Really.” He squeezed my shoulder. “Just… be careful with your heart, okay? Kings are dangerous creatures.”
After he left, I sat there watching the sun move across the sky, my emotions a tangled mess.
I was falling for Luca. That much was undeniable. Every touch, every kiss, every heated look made me crave more.
But I was also terrified. Of losing myself again. Of becoming someone’s possession rather than their partner. Of repeating the mistakes I’d made with Jaime. Plus, it felt like it was too soon. I’d only known him a few days, even if it felt like we’ve known each for all the centuries he lived when we were together.
“Brooding looks beautiful on you, but I prefer you smiling.” His voice, smooth as silk, sounded from my left.
I turned to find him leaning against the doorframe, watching me with those intense golden eyes.
“Just thinking.” I replied, trying to hide the fact that he was all I thought of lately.
“About?”
“Whether I’m making a mistake. Falling too fast. Setting myself up for heartbreak.”
He crossed to me, kneeling so we were eye level. There was something primal about seeing a man as powerful as him on his knees.
I ignored the fluttering feeling in my lower stomach and listened to him.
“Let me make you a promise.” He spoke softly, his hands squeezing mine. “I will never be like him. Never make you feel invisible or unimportant or less than the extraordinary creature you are.” His hand cupped my face. “I will worship you, challenge you, protect you, and probably drive you crazy with my possessiveness. But I will never, ever diminish you.”
“How can you promise that?”
“Because I’ve waited eight hundred years for you. I know the value of what I’ve found.” He kissed me softly. “And because you won’t let me get away with it if I try. You’re too strong for that.”
He was right. I was stronger. Powerful enough to walk away if I needed to. Or powerful enough to stay and fight for what I wanted.
“Take me to bed,” I said suddenly. The words foreign but right. Just like everything else with him.
His eyes widened. “Aeliana—”
“Not for that.” I blushed furiously but tried to sound confident when I continued. “Not yet.” I stood, pulling him up with me. “But I want to be close to you. I want to explore this thing between us without an audience or interruptions. Just us.”
The hunger in his eyes was devastating. “Are you sure?”
“Very sure.”
He didn’t need to be told twice. In seconds, I was in his arms, being carried through the house to his bedroom. He kicked the door shut behind us and laid me gently on the massive bed.
“I would usually take a woman out on a date, dine her before eating her for dessert.” His words stoked a fire inside me. It must be what pushes me to grab a fistful of his hair roughly. My lips hover over his when I speak.
“Don’t speak of other women when I can feel how hard you are for me.” I didn't recognize the woman speaking. The confidence in her voice, the sureness of her words. She knew what she wanted, and she wasn't afraid to say it.
Luca seemed impressed too. The glow of his eyes burned with pride.
“Tell me what you want,” he murmured, hovering over me. His large hands spanned around my waist. “What you’re comfortable with.”
“I want you to touch me. Kiss me. Make me forget everything but this moment.”
“That, my beautiful mate, I can absolutely do.”
His mouth claimed mine in a possessive kiss while his hands began their exploration. Sliding under my shirt, tracing the curve of my waist, the swell of my breasts. Every touch sent fire through my veins.
When he pulled my shirt off, leaving me in just my sports bra, his eyes darkened to molten gold.
“Gorgeous,” he breathed. “Absolutely fucking gorgeous.”
His mouth moved to my neck, sucking and biting in ways that would definitely leave marks. Claiming marks. His hands cupped my breasts through the fabric of my bra, thumbs brushing over sensitive peaks until I was arching into him.
“Luca,” I gasped, raking my hands through his hair back, his hair. I wanted him closer, needed more of him. Everything.
“Tell me what you need.” He groaned against my lips, his hardness pressing into my center, giving my clit the friction it so desperately needs.
“More. I need more.” I moaned, arching more into his touch.
He removed my bra with practiced ease, and then his mouth was on my breast, tongue swirling around the peak while his hand worked the other. The dual sensation made me cry out, my hands fisting in his hair.
“So responsive for me,” he murmured against my skin. “I wonder how you’ll react when I taste other parts of you.”
The suggestion made me clench with need.
His hand slid lower, palm pressing against my pussy through my leggings. “May I?”
“Yes. God, yes.”