Chapter 52

Emily.

I heard the roar of Eric's Ferrari and I jumped up. *That was faster than I expected.*

I hopped excitedly over to the door and pulled it open, rushing through without caring to close it. He stepped out of his car with a giant grin on his face. I leaped into his arms and he twirled me around.

“I guess it went well?” I asked as he placed me back on the ground.

“Quite well. Surprisingly well,” he replied, sounding as if he didn't quite believe it, almost like it had been a dream.

“That's good,” I said with a large smile.

He leaned down and kissed me. “Miss me?”

“Maybe a little,” I replied with a wink.

The corner of his mouth turned up and he gave a chuckle.

“Well, I definitely missed you.”

“Oh?” I asked innocently.

“I think it's high time we sit down and have a talk.”

I nodded. That was a good idea. There was so much I wanted to say. He led me inside and we sat down together on the couch.

He held my hands and looked straight into my eyes, care and love swirling inside like a beautiful calming sea of emotion. His smile caused tiny crinkles around his eyes, something I had never noticed before.

“Emily,” he started, not quite sure what to say.

I waited patiently for him to continue.

“You know I have a complicated past, and I'm a complicated person. But I'm also as loyal as they come. I want to be there for you for everything, the good and the bad. I would die for you a thousand times just to know you're safe and happy. The goddess marked us as mates, something I didn't even know when I snatched you away and married you. But now you've captured my heart and I can feel our bond strengthening every day. I'd be useless without you. You complete me.”

He let out a sigh, looking down for a moment.

“Emily, I think I love you.”

Another pause, and he looked back into my eyes.

“No. I know I love you. And I'll never stop. If you'll truly have me.”

He stopped and I waited to see if he had more to say. When I didn't say anything, he stuttered and blushed. “We can take it as slow as you want. Do it your way. I don't need to rush as long as you're by my side.”

A smile slowly spread across my face and I hugged him.

“Thank you for being man enough to respect my boundaries. Thank you for making me feel safe enough to implement them if needed.”

I pulled away and held him at arm's length. I love you too. When Raina kidnapped me, I heard you inside my head and it filled me with such calm…” I teared up and had to pause before I could continue. “You were the one who helped me face Dylon. Though I was scared and physically alone, you were there, holding me together.”

I took a deep breath to clear the horrific memory and wipe away my tears. “And I haven't been able to get you out ever since,” I said with a chuckle. “I feel so much calmer and happier when you're near. I think I would die if I had to be without you.”

A final single tear escaped my eye and Eric reached up with his thumb to wipe it away before I could. He cupped my cheek.

“You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear you say that.”

I chuckled. “Actually, I think I do. Can you not feel it? I can feel your emotions, your desires, your hopes. Like a golden river flowing between us.”

“I had never thought of it like that before. But now that you say something, ya, I do see that.”

“I've felt it for some time now, but I kept pushing it away, pretending it didn't exist because I was frustrated you weren't hearing me. I wanted to be so much more than a fragile little prize you wanted to keep safe. You seemed to recognize my potential when you made me your assistant, and it was going so well. But then you hid me away again like a helpless little thing. But I know now that I can do so much more. I am so much more.”

“I know,” he whispered, caressing my cheek. “I'm sorry I didn't see it sooner. I promise to treat you better - to give you the life you want and deserve.”

I smiled once again, sighing contently, and leaning my head into his hand, closing my eyes. I could feel him leaning closer, and his hand pulled my face towards his. His lips met mine gently and warmly. My hand traveled up his arm to his face, pulling him closer and kissing him passionately.

I ran my fingers through his hair and parted my lips, inviting him in. This time, he accepted the invitation, gently probing with his tongue. His other hand wrapped around my waist and pulled me closer.

I melted into him, enjoying the sensation of his body next to mine. Time seemed to slow as our bodies and tongues entwined together into one.

Eric moved his lips to my jaw and then down my neck before coming back to my lips. He pulled away just enough to speak. “Let me mark you, Emily. Like I should have done so long ago. Please, let me claim you and make you mine. Let us complete the mating bond,” he breathed. “And I want you to claim me back. Become my Luna in more than just legality.”

“Yes,” I purred, gently pushing my body into his. “Yesss.”

He kissed me so fervently that I thought I'd never breathe again. But I didn't panic, I leaned into it. His love flowed through our bond, peaking my desire for him.

“Let's take this to the bedroom,” he whispered, scooping me into his arms.

He carried me up the stairs and into his bedroom, laying me on his bed.

“Do you remember what I told you the last time you were in here asking for me?” he asked, his body only inches above mine, pinning me in place.

I shook my head. I couldn't think clearly. All I could think about was his body on top of mine and how much more I wanted.

“I told you that “I don't do gentle. If I'm going to have you, I'm not going to be careful. I will ravish you until you are screaming my name.” He grinned wickedly. “And I will have you screaming my name, Emily. So loud everyone will know you're mine.”

I trembled as a tingle of excitement and anticipation flowed through me. My heart rate increased and I nodded.

“Then let's start by getting these pesky clothes off of you,” he growled seductively, pulling on my shirt. I raised my arms above my head, making it easier for him to get it off.

“Mmmm, that's better,” he said, his eyes perusing my body.

I moved my hand to take his shirt off, and I tossed it to the floor. “Like what you see?” his voice smooth like honey.

“You know I do,” I purred, my mouth turning up in a smile as I took in his toned torso. I traced my fingers over his sculpted six-pack, causing goose pimples to rise on his skin.

He then leaned down and kissed me, taking my breath away. His lips moved to my neck and traveled down my collarbone to my breasts. He cupped one in his hand as his mouth explored me, his tongue teasing my nipple.

I moaned and arched my back. I could feel him grin against me as he moved down to my navel, his hands unbuckling the button on my pants.

My head swirled as his hands and mouth drew pleasure from places I had never expected.

“Oh, Eric,” I moaned, trying to stay quiet.

“Mmm, I think you can do better than that,” he growled, the vibration of his voice sending another wave of pleasure through me.

He picked up speed and I couldn't help but moan louder. It felt so good!

“Oh, Eric! Oh, I want you so bad!”

My hips bucked against him and he pulled away, causing me to whimper. He teased me with his dick, and I tried to pull him towards me, but he smiled and tsked.

“I'm not done yet, my flower,” he purred, forcing my hips back down. He kissed me again and I couldn't fight. Warmth spread from my lips through my body, sending tingles down my spine.

And finally, I felt him enter and I gasped in ecstasy. We moved as one, and as we came to the climax, he bit down on the right side of my neck where my shoulder met my throat.

Emotions, pictures, and feelings rushed through me and I could feel his climax as easily as my own. He had marked me, and the sensation of the bond completing was stronger and more sensual than I had expected. His name burst from my lips.

Suddenly, I felt the urge to pin him beneath me. I took him by surprise and rolled over on top of him, biting down on the same place he had. I could tell he felt the same burst of sensations.

We rode the wave of ecstasy until we were both too tired to continue. I heaved a long sigh as I rolled gently next to him, cuddling against the warmth of his naked chest.