25. The Warrior

Hearing Wren command me to start fucking her is possibly the most arousing thing I’ve ever heard. While I enjoy controlling and bending her to my will, the ferocity with which she delivers her order is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I am more than happy to oblige and will never deny her anything.

It takes everything in my power to hold on as she comes unglued. I just want one more moment of pure unadulterated bliss for the woman who is my everything. When she calls me ‘sir’ as she obeys my direction to grasp the headboard… It had almost been enough to get me to erupt right then.

Her hands grasp the metal bar and the sight drives within me, a primal need. Groaning as I fill her, I pound myself deep within her, giving her my entire length without hesitation. I know it won’t be long before her tight cunt ripples around me again, and that thought has me slamming into her with reckless abandon.

Tangling my hand in her hair, I pull her head back. Her throaty cry when I do, releases a growl from me. Christ, she is intoxicating as she writhes for me.

The warmth of her pussy enveloping me is addicting. The bond we share is exhilarating, and I’ll be damned if I don’t think she is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Her sexy mewls of pleasure are enough to drive me insane. I feel my sack grow heavy, and I grunt into her.

Fuck.

With each thrust, it’s getting more and more challenging to hold on. But I want her to come for me one more time, just once more, before I can let go. Her cries are growing more desperate, and she tightens around me. This is it. I fuck her rough and fast like she likes, tapping into my vampire strength and speed. God, I’m so hard that I’m about to burst.

Releasing my grip on her hair, I instead bring my hand to her neck, squeezing her, and groaning her name. As her climax peaks, I shudder and feel my body pump my seed inside her, bucking my hips until she milks every last drop from me. My hand on her neck blocking her breath, she tries to pant, but I don’t let her until I pull myself from her.

A deep gasp of air and quiet whimpers meet me when I release her. Sliding from her, I notice the twisted metal and smirk—unashamed of the pride that I feel for making her so thoroughly lose control of herself. I lay beside her, turning her so she lay flat on her back, and place my head in the valley of her breasts.

Heaven.

Nothing is better than the feeling of satisfaction that intimacy with Wren brings me. She is mine. Just as I am hers.

We lay there resting and she plays with my hair. Everything outside of this room, outside of us, fades away, unimportant.

The day passes, and the sun sets before we stir again. I have such a strong desire to stay like this forever, but unfortunately, it isn’t possible. I kiss Wren’s temple, trying to rouse her from sleep. She’s grumpy, mumbling and muttering about ripping my arms off. I laugh. My little bird has talons, and I like it. “I’m sorry, gorgeous, but I want to meet with everyone and discuss what’s next.”

Wren’s expression darkens as the total weight of everything that happened returns to her. Leland is gone, and we’d had one hell of a fight.

Reluctantly, she dresses alongside me, and we walk out to the landing.

Everyone is scattered, still somber. Rolando and the rest made it back, and it looks like everyone had the chance to clean up and rest a bit. Good, we have a lot to do.

Covens aren’t monarchies. I don’t have the automatic right to take Leland’s place. While I am the official second in command, I won’t stop anyone who wants to go off alone. If they stay, I will do my best to carry on our maker’s legacy.

I won’t preach to them from the top of the stairs. No, I go into the kitchen and fix everyone a blood cup.

We still have plenty of donated blood on hand, and I heat it on the stovetop. Warm is best. Wren helps me distribute the cups to our family, and I raise mine in a toast. “To Taka, his loyalty and sacrifice were not in vain.”

“To Taka,” everyone says together—a sad chorus of pain.

I raise my cup again, “To Leland, his kindness and honor will not be forgotten.”

“To Leland,” they mutter in unison. Their sadness washes over the entire house, and there is no room for anything else.

Drinking deeply, I look at my family. They seem so broken, desolate, and filled with an insurmountable grief. I know we all had dared to think that we could save our entire family, but we lost two instead.

I raise my voice to be clear and do my best to channel my father’s wisdom. I am leaning on the strength cultivated by years of watching him create a group of people who care for one another. A family that cares so deeply that all felt the pain of losing one of our number. “We lost very important and very dear members of our coven. Including our leader and the vampire, without whom, none of us would be standing here. Our revenge has been dealt, and let it serve as a warning to anyone trying to take over our city.”

I spare a fleeting glance to Wren, I haven’t discussed this next part with her, and I hope she doesn’t mind. “I plan on moving back into the city as soon as possible.” Surprise colors the whispers that are traded around the room. Wren frowns but says nothing and thinks nothing at me.

At least I get to keep my limbs.

“I would like to take up the mantle left by our father, but I propose we make it an official vote. Speak now if anyone else wants to throw their name in the ring.” Nobody even looks around. Their choice is me, and it was always going to be me. “All in favor of me becoming the new coven leader?”

“Aye,” I heard in unison.

“If any of our family would like to remain here, in the mountains, you are welcome to. I want a larger presence in the city to prevent any other covens from trying to move in and take over. Naritaka told us Emerson was coming, and we won’t be so lucky next time. Knowing he was coming didn’t stop him from planning ahead for years.”

Confusion surrounds my family.

“The basement add-on wasn’t in the city blueprints, which means it was built after the building. I don’t know how he pulled this off, but he did. Right under our noses.” I down the rest of the blood in my glass. “I won’t let something like that happen again. I want to be there, protecting what’s ours and keeping our humans from harm as best as we can. We owe it to Taka, to Leland, and ourselves.”

Taking a deep breath, I prepare for the moment of truth.

“All in favor of returning to the city?”

“Aye.” A chorus rang out, and while I can still hear the sadness, it seems lighter somehow.

Wren’s voice is notably absent this time. Turning to my mate I take her hand in mine, brushing it to my lips before leading her outside with me. Curious to know what is going on in her big beautiful mind.

“Are you angry?”

“No.” Her voice is soft.

I don’t think she’s lying, but something seems wrong. I want her to tell me, but I don’t want to pry it out if she isn’t ready to share.

“I’m, of course, going with you,” she said, leaning against the deck’s railing. “That’s a given. But I’m worried. Worried I’ll get recognized, worried I’ll lose control again. Worried that I’m causing more harm to our family by being here than if I wasn’t.”

“Of course, you’re not-” she didn’t let me finish.

“I am your weakness, Oz. You’re not so great and powerful if they can grab me and drag you into a war.” Her voice is strained with guilt.

“Wren,” I wrap my arms around her and lay my cheek on her head. “You didn’t have control before, but you finally merged your consciousness. That’s not going to be a problem again. I will make certain of it.” I see doubt flicker in her eyes, and I refuse to let her do this to herself anymore. She is perfect. She is a vampire, and a little setback that caused an unforeseen issue with the change won’t destroy the future we could have together.

“We will deal with recognition if it comes. And as far as people using you against me… You seem perfectly capable of holding your own. You’re new but not incapable, and my love, I guarantee you will be a fearsome creature to behold before long.”

Her arms entwine around my waist as she holds me close. I can feel the warmth of her body through her clothes. And as she presses her lips to mine, my muscles relax beneath her touch.

Soft.

Familiar.

Mine.