Niam

NIAM

T haron gathered me closer, a growl rumbling through his chest. Such power in his hands, yet he handled me with exquisite care - as if I were something precious, something to be cherished.

“Say the words,” he commanded, fangs grazing sensitive skin. “Let me hear you.”

Heat bloomed everywhere his fingers traced. No more hesitation, no more fear - just pure need burning through my veins. I arched into his touch, showing him exactly what I wanted.

“More,” I demanded, threading my fingers through his hair. “Everything. You.”

His purr deepened at my boldness. One hand slid down my side while the other supported my back. When his mouth found my breast, stars exploded behind my eyes. Each careful stroke of his tongue sent lightning racing through me.

“Beautiful,” he breathed onto my flesh. “The sounds you make. The way you respond. Perfect.”

I was floating, drowning in sensation. His beast’s rumble vibrated through every point of contact, marking me as his. When his fingers found more sensitive places, my world narrowed to pure feeling.

“That’s it,” he encouraged as I rocked against his hand. “Show me. Let me see you fall apart.”

The first peak caught me by surprise, pleasure crashing through me in waves. But he didn’t stop, drawing out every sensation until I was trembling in his arms.

“Please,” I begged, though I hardly knew what I was asking for. “Tharon, I need...”

“What do you need?” His voice had gone rough with desire. “Tell me.”

“You. Inside me. Now.”

His control snapped. In one fluid motion, he flipped me astride his hips. His hands spanned my waist, steadying me as I sank down onto him. The stretch burned sweetly, my body welcoming him like coming home.

The sensation of him filling me sent sparks racing through every nerve. I braced my hands on his chest, his skin burning hot beneath my palms.

“Perfect,” he growled, his eyes darkening with desire. “You feel perfect.”

I rolled my hips experimentally, drawing a deep rumble from his chest. His fingers flexed on my hips, encouraging the movement without controlling it. Letting me set the pace.

Something fierce and possessive filled me at the way he watched - like I was the most precious thing he'd ever seen. Like he'd tear apart anyone who tried to take me from him. A rush of heat spread through my core at the thought. “Mine,” I whispered, dragging my nails down his chest.

His beast’s purr deepened. “Yes. Always yours.”

I moved faster, chasing the building pleasure. His hands slid to my hips, supporting but not directing. Letting me take what I needed. One thumb traced circles against sensitive skin, making me gasp.

“That’s it,” he encouraged. “Take your pleasure. Show me how much you want this.”

Stars burst behind my eyes as another peak crashed through me. But this time he moved with me, his own release following close behind. His eyes blazed as he pulled me down for a searing kiss.

I collapsed against his chest, boneless and sated. His arms came around me, holding me close as our breathing slowly steadied. His heart thundered under my ear, gradually returning to its normal rhythm.

“Are you alright?” he murmured against my hair.

“Mmm.” I kissed his chest, right over his racing heart. “Perfect.”

His chuckle vibrated through me. “You’re going to be the death of me, little mate.”

“You love it.” I propped my chin on his chest to look at him.

His expression softened. One hand came up to trace my cheek. “I do. More than anything.”

The raw honesty in his voice made my chest tight. I turned my face into his palm, pressing a kiss there. “I love you too.”

His beast's purr deepened at the words. Without warning, he moved swiftly, pinning me beneath him. “Show me again?”

Warmth grew inside me at his tone. “Yes.”

Dawn found us tangled in the sheets, my body pleasantly sore. Tharon’s arm was a warm weight across my waist, his breath steady against my neck. Outside our window, birdsong heralded the approaching day.

I stretched carefully, not wanting to wake him yet. His grip tightened automatically, drawing me closer against his chest. Even in sleep, he was protective.

Memories of the night before sent heat rushing to my cheeks. We’d barely made it to the bed after the bath, unable to keep our hands off each other. Every touch had felt like coming home, like pieces clicking into place.

His breathing changed subtly, telling me he was waking. His nose pressed against my throat, inhaling deeply.

“Good morning,” I murmured.

His answering growl vibrated through my back. “Very good morning.” He nuzzled my neck. “How do you feel?”

“Wonderful.” I turned in his arms to face him. “Though I might need help getting down the stairs.”

His laugh rumbled through his chest. “Worth it?”

“Definitely worth it.” I nuzzled into his chest. “Though we should probably get up soon. Denna and Korrin will be leaving...”

He silenced me with a kiss that quickly grew heated. “They won’t leave without saying goodbye.” His mouth moved to my throat. “We have time.”

“Tharon...” But my protest dissolved into a gasp as his hand slid lower.

“Yes?” His voice held wicked amusement. “Did you want something?”

Two could play at that game. I shifted deliberately against him, drawing a growl. “I can think of a few things.”

His eyes darkened. “Show me.”

The sun was well up by the time we finally made it downstairs. Denna took one look at us and grinned knowingly. Even Korrin’s usually stoic expression held a hint of amusement.

“Sleep well?” Denna asked innocently.

Heat crept up my neck. “Very well, thank you.”

Tharon’s arm settled possessively around my waist.

The innkeeper approached with his usual quiet efficiency, setting out plates of fresh bread and fruit. “Will you be requiring the room another night, my lord?”

Tharon’s hand tightened slightly on my waist. “Yes. We’ll leave for Zashi tomorrow.”

My heart skipped at the reminder. Tomorrow we’d start the journey to my new home. To our future together. The thought should have been terrifying, but with Tharon beside me, it felt right.

Denna caught my hand across the table. “You’ll do wonderfully, you know. The court won’t know what hit them.”

“They better not give her any trouble,” Tharon growled. “Or they’ll answer to me.”

“To all of us,” Korrin added quietly. “The Wanderers stand with our friends.”

Warmth filled my chest at their support. Such a change from the isolation of the Temple - now I had people willing to fight for me, to stand beside me. Family.

After breakfast, we gathered in the courtyard for goodbyes. Denna wrapped her arms around me, squeezing tight.

“Take care of yourself,” she whispered. “And him too. He needs you more than he’ll admit.”

“I will.” I squeezed her tight. “Visit soon? Before the baby comes?”

“Try to stop me.” She stepped back, wiping her eyes. “Besides, someone needs to make sure this one knows how to properly spoil their aunt.”

Korrin clasped arms with Tharon, speaking too quietly for me to hear. Whatever he said made Tharon nod seriously. Then they were mounting up, waving final goodbyes as they rode east.

I watched until they disappeared around the bend in the road. Tharon’s arms came around me from behind, pulling me back against his chest.

“They’ll visit soon,” he promised. “And we have work to do before then.”

I turned in his embrace. “Oh?”

His eyes caught me, drawing me in. “Making sure my mate is properly pampered before we face court politics.”

“And how do you plan to do that?”

His smile sent heat racing through my veins. “Come upstairs and find out.”

I laughed as he swept me into his arms, carrying me toward the stairs. But as I snaked my arms around his neck, I caught a glimpse of our reflection in a window - his powerful frame cradling my smaller one, both of us transformed by love into something stronger together than apart.

Our path forward gleamed like sunlight cresting distant peaks. We'd never dreamed of this road, yet it beckoned with brilliant promise.

Unbound.

Complete.