A Shift in Temperament
Ayris decides to halt our departure to allow Kel to recuperate. Ayris believes in safety in numbers and doesn’t want to risk leaving a small contingent of men behind to escort him whilst we travel ahead. Particularly, when it’s clear that the enemy could strike with little to no warning. With the aid of the healers Kel is somehow cracking jokes already, so Ayris is confident that he should be fit enough to travel soon. His recovery seems to be nothing short of miraculous.
Brunella seems less on edge now Kel is awake. She’s barely left his side since the attack, and I can’t help but wonder if her magic has somehow helped speed along the healing process. I know a little of her magical abilities, but I know she hasn’t disclosed to me fully what her powers are. I always sense a little melancholy in her voice whenever her abilities are mentioned; and I wonder if her history with her parents has played a part in that. I know she’s hinted that she feels her abilities have pushed away most of the people she’s grown close to, and she struggles to trust, which is understandable.
I recall her sharing with me the story of how she fled from her parents’ home at age ten and was raised in a temple by priestesses who taught ways of the ancient religion of Helv, after sensing the ill intention of the priest of their village. I recall the shiver that up down my spine as she recited the memory. To be only ten years of age and not believed, *knowing* that someone was hell bent on hurting you… it’s the stuff of nightmares, truly. This coupled with Kel’s abandonment has no doubt caused inner turmoil that I’m not qualified to understand or attempt to unpack. Either way, I know my friend is a strong and capable woman and I wish the best for her – whether that includes Kellian or not.
I remain in my bedroll, thoughts filtering through my mind as tiredness still pulls at the corners of my eyes. We have all been through so much and yet there’s still so much more work to be done… My body is feeling the effects, not to mention the power I expended yesterday has left me more weary than normal. My eye flickers open and I see the fire to my right is burning low, merely embers. A thoughts pops into my head and a wry smile frames my face as I turn and point a finger at the campfire, focusing my attention on the embers.
Nothing. At first. Then a burst of purple sparks launches toward the smouldering logs, igniting the flames once more, warming my bedroll as the flames begin to dance and coil.
“If you needed warming up, all you had to do was ask” I roll my eyes, unable to stifle the smile that curls at my lips as Ayris takes a seat beside me, enveloping me in his arms as he places me effortlessly onto his lap. I swat him playfully and he nips my neck in response, forcing a coiling heat to flutter in my belly.
Ayris grunts as he pulls his mouth from the mark that sits proudly upon my neck, running my hair through his hand as he breathes in deeply, taking in my scent. I know he finds the action calming; and to my surprise I actually find it calming too. If anyone back home had told me, I’d enjoy being repeatedly sniffed by a burly Lycan I’d have laughed. But honestly the more I think on my life back home, I realise that I already *am* home. I never truly belonged there. Everything I want is right here. And I’ll do everything I can to help keep my newfound family safe. To keep my new *home* safe.
“You are wrapped up in thoughts, my little velatha?”
I nod, curling against Ayris, enjoying the feel of his arms wrapped tightly around me.
“I was thinking about home” I feel a flutter of panic filter through the bond, his arms tensing slightly.
“Do you miss it?” He asks. His voice is calm and does not betray the feelings of anxiety I sense radiating though him.
I sigh, taking his face in my hands and placing a kiss on his lip.
“No” I whisper softly “Because I already *am* home. With you”
Ayris pauses, his eyes widening; and I wonder if he’s checking that my words align with the feelings, he can sense through our mating bond.
His lips press firmly against mine, devouring me hungrily as his hand grips firmly the hair firmly at the nape of my neck.
“You are my home, my everything, little velatha” I shuck off the bedroll and turn in his lap, straddling his knee to face him properly. My hands wrap around his shoulders and run through his hair, as I take in the sight of him. Gorgeous male, icy blue eyes regarding me reverently as his hand runs down my back.
“I may need to take you somewhere more secluded if you continue to rile me, little mate” he groans as I wiggle playfully in his lap. I can’t help but smirk at the effect I have on this man as I kiss him once more.
Ayris begins to work his way down my collarbones and the swell of my breasts as I tilt my head to allow him access. We’re alone for the moment, many of the man patrolling or doing duties, so I allow him this. I know his Lycan instincts have been riding him hard since the mating. His need to claim me and to surround me in his scent. His primal need to mark me out to others as his; and *only* his.
I notice Ayris pause, his nostrils flaring as he breathes me in. His eyes widen for the briefest of moments before his gaze tips up to meet mine. I cock my head to one side, ready to ask him what’s wrong when an overly exaggerated cough diverts our attention.