Chapter 110 Chapter 109
Evelyn.
I stirred from my slumber, the softness of the bed cradling my tired body, becoming acutely aware of the warmth enveloping me and the weight on my chest. The pale dawn light streaming through the windows was blinding and I squinted my eyes at it, directing my gaze somewhere else. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I found myself nestled against Kieran's strong form, his arms wrapped around me protectively. I watched him vacantly for a while, before turning around so I could stare at his face, an act that proved burdensome due to the numerous aches in my body. This time however, it was a welcome soreness, a testament to the intensity of our shared moments. A drowsy smile played on my lips as I traced the events of the past days in my mind.
The memories unfolded like a vivid dream—our little run in the woods that had turned into something so much more. The intense connection that we formed under the stormy sky, the pain and anguish that birthed a new kind of love between us. Despite the fear that had gripped my heart, I couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph. We made it through, and now, Kieran and I were intricately bound, mated and knotted, an unbreakable union formed amidst the challenges we faced. I reached out a hand to caress his face, a strange mixture of joy and sadness washing over me. Stopping my hands at his cheeks, I let out a soft sigh, admiring his serene state.
Kieran stirred beside me, his eyes slowly fluttering open. The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on his rugged features. His gaze met mine, and for a moment, we simply locked eyes, neither of us saying anything. His arms tightened around me, pulling me closer, and I nestled into the crook of his shoulder, closing my eyes as I breathed him in, my heart filled with nothing but pure joy. He'd brought me home after the knotting and let us go, later in the day and I spent the remaining hours, sleeping as exhaustion like no other took a hold of me. Waking up with his arms wrapped around me was more than I could ever ask for. His fingers gently caressed my back while he pressed kisses on my shoulders, the soft caresses causing the butterflies in my stomach to go on a rampage.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice a low rumble that resonated through his chest. I smiled up at him, a genuine warmth spreading within me. "Better," I replied, realizing the truth in those simple words. I pulled away to stare at him, noting the tender look in his eyes. He continued to peer at me, looking for any signs of discomfort. Seeing I was telling the truth, he let out a sigh and kissed my forehead.
He brushed a strand of hair off my face, his touch gentle yet possessive. "You scared me." He muttered, his voice tinged with a bit of fear.
"I'm sorry about that." I whispered back, grinning at him. A soft smile curved his lips — the first of its kind, and it warmed my heart. Kieran wasn't known for being expressive, but in that moment, I could feel the unspoken depth of our connection. Looking around the chambers, he snuggled deeper into me, one hand palming my right breast as he gently fondled with it and a soft sigh escaped my lips as I reciprocated his touch, running my hands through his hair.
In all of my months with him, I've come to realize how little he spoke, it was something I wanted to conquer with him but for now, I wanted to just lay here with him. With Kieran's arms around me and the dawn casting a golden hue, I felt a quiet strength within — a strength born of love, resilience, and peacefulness, however feeble.
We continued to revel in the warmth of each other's embrace, and a question that had been lingering in the back of my mind surfaced and, on a whim, I decided to voice it. "Were you... this close to my sister?" I asked, glancing up at him, The words hung in the air, and an awkward silence descended into the chambers as I awaited his reply.
Kieran's expression shifted ever so slightly, his body tensing beside me. A fleeting shadow crossed his eyes and he seemed like he was frowning. "No," he replied, his voice soft but firm. "I was never this close to her. I'd never allowed myself to. It felt wrong at the time." I nodded, feeling a pang of sadness at his words. She may have been his mate, but it was obvious he wasn't this affectionate with her as he was with me. But then again, our experiences with him was different and although it felt wrong to be with him despite all of that, I knew deep down that my sister would have approved of this.
"Why did you ask?" He suddenly said and I shrugged, my fingers tracing invisible patterns on his chest, lining out the scars that coated it.
"I just wanted to know." I muttered. Closing my eyes, I pressed my lips against his chest, placing gentle kisses on them. He nodded, a solemn acknowledgment of the unspoken understanding between us. We continued to snuggle, lost in the quiet intimacy of the moment, the warmth and reassurance of each other's presence a comforting balm.
As the golden rays of dawn stretched across the room, Kieran's fingers gently traced the contours of my face, his touch sending tingles down my spine. "I need to begin my duties," he murmured, reluctantly pulling away from our cocoon of shared warmth. I watched him slip out of the bed, hurriedly putting on a trousers that laid hapzardly on a nearby chair. I nodded, acknowledging the responsibilities that awaited him. As he prepared to leave, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of longing. The transition from the serene embrace to the reality of the day felt like a gentle awakening from a dream. Though I wanted him to stay with me more, I knew they were issues they required his urgent attention.