6. Lorna

Chapter 6

Lorna

I gladly followed Elliott back to Damon's wing in the tower. Pretending that I wasn't affected by Nathan had been exhausting. As soon as his hand slid around my waist, an army of butterflies erupted in my stomach. His touch was feathery soft, but it burned right through my clothes. I wanted so much more from him. It took every ounce of self-control I possessed to stand still and keep a straight face.

Mir had retreated into her box and closed the lid. I didn't blame her. The temptation was overwhelming. Maybe because I was already under so much stress from the hundreds of eyes watching me. Maybe it was the dozens of vampires who were too close for comfort. Or maybe it was just Nathan.

Regardless, I was now grateful for the solitude of Damon's space. My space. I sucked in a deep breath and held it for several seconds while I visualized my stress disappearing. I wouldn't meditate with Elliott in the room, but I could do some stress relief exercises.

"Breathing is normally a good thing," Elliott teased from right behind me.

I nearly choked on my burst of laughter. "Thanks for making sure I didn't pass out from lack of oxygen."

As I turned and looked up, Elliott's deep blue eyes met mine, but they didn't stay blue. The color darkened, and his shifter magic swelled around us. I loved the feel of his magic. It was almost tangible, like a pair of arms wrapping around me and pulling me close.

I closed the space between us and leaned my forehead against his shoulder. We stood there for a moment. Elliott was always careful about initiating contact with me. He was still sticking to his plan to ‘woo' me.

We're definitely wooed, Mir quipped.

I smiled, grateful that she'd come out of her box.

"Lorna?" Elliott whispered.

I lifted my head and once again met his eyes. "Elliott?"

He grinned. "I love hearing my name on your beautiful lips."

I blushed and tried to erase my smile. I shouldn't be falling for his silly comments, but I was. I couldn't seem to help myself. I wanted him. Knowing that it was fate pushing us together mattered less and less with every moment.

"Is it too soon to move forward in our courtship?" he asked.

I gave up the fight with my smile. Did people really still call it courtship ?

"No, it's not too soon."

Elliott's eyes darkened again, and the magic around us thickened. He lifted one hand and slid his fingers around the back of my neck. I stepped closer and ran my hands over his chiseled abs. I loved the way his muscles twitched with my touch.

We love it more when he's naked, Mir said.

My face flushed again, but I refused to be embarrassed. She was right—sort of. I hadn't seen him completely naked. His bare chest was impressive, though. The memory of his smooth skin and defined muscles sent a jolt of heat straight to my core.

"Can I kiss you?" Elliott whispered, his mouth only a breath away.

"Yes," I replied immediately.

His lips brushed against mine, but even I wouldn't have called it a kiss. It barely would have fallen into the chaste category. I wanted so much more, but Elliott pulled back and gave me a mischievous grin.

He's evil, Mir hissed. He knows we want more, and he's holding back. That teasing bastard.

He wants this just as much as we do, I argued. He won't hold out forever.

She growled, and Elliott laughed.

"It's not funny," I said without thinking.

"Yes, it is," he countered. "I love seeing you argue with your dhampir."

I'll show him an argument, Mir snarled.

No, you won't!

"I'd love to know what she thinks." Elliott released my neck and looked down at me with that same amused grin.

I wasn't smiling, though. A flicker of uncertainty made me uneasy. Was he making fun of me and Mir? I was still getting used to having her, but I wasn't about to let anyone insult her. It didn't really feel like an insult, though, so why did it make me uncomfortable?

"What do you mean?" I asked.

Elliott's smile softened and he reached out to rub his thumb along my jaw.

"Your eyes turn almost black when she's on the surface," he explained. "Obviously she's feisty, but she keeps you on your toes and makes you smile more than all the rest of us put together. And I love seeing you smile."

"Oh."

Yes, it was a lame response, but there was so much to unpack in those few sentences. I didn't know my eyes changed colors. I also hadn't realized that Mir made me smile so often. Now that I thought about it, Elliott was right. Even though most of her antics were completely inappropriate, she did make me happy.

Don't get all sappy, Mir said, but I could tell she didn't mean it.

"I'd like to meet her," Elliott whispered, gently nudging my chin so I had to look up at him.

"You would?" I asked, not even trying to hide my surprise. Why was I surprised, though? He'd been the one to help us after the episode at Conrad's.

"Yes." He dropped his hand to his side and waited for me to make up my mind.

Mir? I'm leaving it up to you, I said.

I don't know. Maybe?

I mentally took a step back. I wasn't sure how to let her take over. It'd always been something she initiated. This really needed to be her decision though, not mine.

Thanks for being supportive, she said, but I could hear the uncertainty in her words. There was a little too much sarcasm for it to be gratitude.

A moment later, I could almost feel her consciousness slide around mine, like silk slipping between my fingers. It was a weird sensation, kind of like sitting in the back seat, too far away to grab hold of the steering wheel, but close enough to see all the action. With a huff, she took over.

"Hello, beautiful," my wolf said, his smile widening. "I'm Elliott."

"Hi," my dhampir responded. "I'm Mir."

I would've sucked in a sharp breath at her admission if I'd been in control. Ever since we'd picked her name, she was insistent that she didn't want the guys to know.

"Before I worship my mate like the goddess she is, I need to know that you're in agreement," he said, making it sound more like a question .

My heart melted. He cared about Mir's consent just as much as mine. Why wouldn't he, though? He and his wolf also had to be on the same page for this to work.

Mir propped her hand on her hip and lifted an eyebrow at Elliott. "That depends," she answered. "How does your wolf feel about all this?"

Elliott chuckled and shook his head. "He does not want to share, but we can't bear the thought of not having you in our life."

Mir smiled, but I could tell it was nothing like mine. It felt seductive and very naughty, just like all the inappropriate images in my head.

"Then I guess we'll make sure we set aside special time just for you," she cooed, stepping into Elliott's space. Her fingers—my fingers—walked a path from his pectoral down those amazing abs and stopped at his belt. "I have all kinds of fantasies to play out if you're up to the challenge."

Elliott's smile vanished, and a low growl rumbled from his chest. His eyes darkened dramatically, but he didn't move.

"Is that consent?" Mir asked. "I really need to hear the words."

"Seeing this assertive side of you is hot as fuck," Elliott said. "But this wolf doesn't submit. As long as your fantasies have me in charge, I'm completely onboard."

Mir's smile grew, and I could feel her rising to his challenge. She loved it, and I couldn't say I didn't enjoy the thrill. It was a little bit intoxicating and a huge turn on. My entire body tingled with desire, and I was pretty sure my panties were torched.

"I thought you liked it when I told you what I wanted? Could you pretend to be submissive?" Mir asked, sliding the fingertips of her other hand along the edge of his waistband. "Not for long, just long enough for me to torture you with a little pleasure."

Elliott grabbed my wrists, but he didn't pull them away. His pupils were completely dilated, and his chest heaved with each of his breaths. Mir slid my fingers along his waistband until they met at the button in the center. The tips of my fingers brushed against the soft skin on the head of his cock. Elliott groaned and snatched my hands away from his pants.

I smiled, loving that he was already hard and reaching for my touch. He wasn't the only one, though. The anticipation was killing me. I wanted to strip him naked and do all the things Mir was fantasizing about.

"Let me ease some of that discomfort for you," Mir purred, trying to reach for Elliott's dick. "Seeing you naked is first on my list of fantasies. You could check that box for me, and I'd be happy to return the favor."

Elliott groaned again, then took a deep breath. A second later, he wrapped his arms around me, pinning my hands behind my back. I wasn't complaining. The length of his body pressed against mine. He smelled amazing, like soft leather and whatever soap he'd used in the shower.

I loved his scent, maybe even more than Damon's. Probably because Elliott was safe from me. I had no desire to drain the blood from his body. I just wanted to claim him in every way possible.

"I'll think about it," Elliott said with a harsh edge to his voice. "Next time."

He released my arms and gripped my ass cheeks, lifting me easily. I wrapped my arms and legs around him with a soft cry of alarm and let him carry me to the bedroom.

We finally get to see him naked! Mir exclaimed. I want to taste him. Promise me we can taste him.

I'm not drinking Elliott's blood, I argued.

No, we're sucking other things, stupid.

Of course I blushed with her insinuation, and my entire body felt like it would burst into flames with the visuals she gave me. With those visuals came the realization that she'd relinquished control back to me. I was no longer sitting the back seat watching her seduce my wolf.

I think we should let Elliott be in charge today, I said. I'm pretty sure there'll be a next time .

Elliott tossed me on the bed before Mir could reply—or more likely argue. A stupid, girly squeal escaped me as I bounced on the mattress. Elliott crawled toward me in full predator mode, but he didn't scare me. I could almost see his magic swirling around us. Just like his scent, I loved it. It made me feel safe and treasured.

"She's not allowed to hide from me," Elliott said, hovering over me. "I want all of you."

He wanted all of me. All of my quirkiness. All my baggage. And my dhampir. Damon and Kenrid had accepted all of me, but not like this. Elliott deliberately asked for Mir's consent. He made sure she knew how he felt. I quickly blinked away the tears suddenly stinging my eyes. I didn't want to ruin this moment by crying.

"You can have all of me." I reached up and slid my hands around the back of his neck, threading my fingers into his hair. "Now kiss me like you mean it."

There was no hesitation this time. Elliott's lips met mine with a fervor I didn't expect from him. He'd been a tease for the last few weeks, but he'd also been a gentleman. All of that went out the window, and I didn't mind one bit.

I matched his passion, kissing him like I was afraid he'd change his mind. His calloused palm found the bare skin on my stomach and burned a trail up to my breast. He easily held himself above me with his other arm.

I want to see those muscles , Mir pleaded. Why is he not naked?

I grinned against Elliott's mouth, and he pulled back just far enough so I could see his face without being cross-eyed. My fingers slid from his hair and started making a trail down his chest. Yes, I did want to see him naked.

"What's so funny?" he asked.

Did I see uncertainty in his eyes?

"Mir wants to know why you're not naked. "

He lifted his head and laughed. The genuineness of his amusement had me laughing with him.

"You're not in charge today," he replied, leaning down to kiss my jaw. "I might let you pretend to be the boss later, but not today." He pushed my shirt up, exposing my belly. "I'm going to worship your body like I promised I would. Then I'm going to make you mine ."

His gaze captured mine and seemed to hold me there. Even if I'd wanted to look away, I wasn't sure I could. I didn't want to lose this moment. I'd already decided to claim him, so it wasn't like I'd argue about it. But the way he looked at me made me feel like I was the only person in the world who mattered to him.

"What are you waiting for?" I asked, letting my fingers continue their exploration of his amazing abs.

He didn't answer with words. Both of his hands slid under my shirt and pulled it over my head. My bra disappeared next. He paused with his eyes fixed on Damon and Kenrid's marks. As he slowly traced their outlines, I couldn't decipher the look on his face. I didn't say anything, though. If he asked, I'd definitely tell him, but I wasn't about to talk about the other guys.

A few moments later, he left a trail of kisses down my body while his hands deftly removed the rest of my clothes.

I made the stupidest little sounds each time he found another sensitive spot. Like on the swell of my breasts, each side of my ribs, right above my hip bones, and of course the insides of my thighs. When his breath caressed my bare lady bits, I sucked in a sharp breath.

Elliott growled, then licked me. My body spasmed with his hot tongue on my most sensitive parts, but it didn't stop him from continuing to torture me. His oh-so-talented tongue explored every part of me, pushing me closer and closer to an orgasm. My thighs trembled, and I threaded my fingers into Elliott's hair, trying really hard not to grind myself on his face. I was so close. I just needed…

"You're not in charge," Elliott whispered.

"Elliott!" I pleaded, tugging his hair.

He chuckled. The bastard was enjoying pushing me to the edge and then denying me.

"What do you need, Lorna?" he asked, propping himself on one elbow and trailing his finger along my folds.

"Like you don't know," I growled.

"I need to hear the words," he said, throwing Mir's words back at me.

I wanted to smack that silly grin off his face.

I'll give him words, Mir offered.

Go get him, girl!

A seductive little laugh escaped my throat, and a full smile spread across Elliott's face.

"There you are," he purred.

"You better fuck me, Elliott," Mir demanded.

I wanted to cringe at her foul language, but I could only smile as Elliot laughed. I loved hearing that heartfelt joy that seemed to bubble from his soul—because of me. Yes, I was stupidly horny, but I knew he wouldn't leave me hanging. I knew it like I knew the sky was blue and the grass was green.

"Oh, I fully intend to," Elliott said. "After you tell me what you need."

"I need your tongue on my pussy and your fingers filling me," Mir said while I blushed. "Now!"

I half expected Elliott to tell me I was not in charge. A startled cry escaped me when his finger plunged inside me and his mouth wrapped around my clit. Within seconds, my orgasm exploded. Elliott didn't wait for me to come down from my orgasmic high, either .

He jumped off the bed and pulled his shirt over his head. His blue jeans slid off his hips a moment later, revealing his glorious body. I nearly went over the edge again at the sight of him.

He's just as pretty as I knew he would be, Mir said.

I could almost see her drooling, but she was right. His perfectly formed pecs and abs were the perfect precursor to the swollen cock standing proud between his muscular thighs. I could have stared at him for hours.

Of course, he had other things in mind.

He grabbed my ankles and pulled me to the edge of the bed, then rolled me over. I suppressed a giggle that my wolf would want it doggy-style. I'd never had sex this way, but Damon and Kenrid had introduced me to quite a few exciting new things that I totally enjoyed, so I wasn't arguing.

My sex life had been boring as shit before I met the guys, most of it self-imposed. I had no idea what I'd been missing.

I braced myself on my hands and knees, then pressed back against Elliott's hard dick. But he wasn't about to let me be in charge. He smacked my ass, but not even hard enough to sting.

"We've already talked about this. Now be still," Elliott commanded.

He caressed my butt cheek for several seconds but didn't otherwise move. I looked back at him, to find his eyes trailing my body.

"You're amazing," he whispered.

I couldn't stop the blush consuming my face and neck. The sincerity in his voice would have had me melting into a puddle of goo if he hadn't picked that moment to press the tip of his cock against my entrance. God, I wanted him. I didn't want this slow and torturous pace he was setting.

Ever so slowly, he slid into me. I moaned with pleasure. He felt so incredible. Maybe I did want it slow. Or not. Elliott grabbed my hips, pulled all the way out, then slammed back into me. With each thrust, he hit that ever-elusive spot that promised another orgasm. Just when I reached the precipice, he stopped .

"Elliott," I grumbled.

"Lorna." He leaned over me and kissed the back of my neck.

The heat from his chest warmed my sweaty skin. I wiggled my butt, trying to get him back in action.

"Stop," he growled. "When I claim you, we will be tethered."

"Isn't that the point," I whined. "You've seen my mark; it's not exactly temporary."

Elliott chuckled. "That's not what I meant. Do you know what knotting is?"

I blushed. How was I still blushing? "If it's anything like the fantasy romance novels I've read, then yes," I replied.

"Good. I didn't want to scare you."

I almost argued that I'd had sex with a demon , but I caught myself.

"You don't scare me," I teased. "But you'll piss me off if you don't get moving."

He chuckled again, and I imagined the silly grin on his face. He didn't keep me waiting, thrusting into me like a man desperate for his own release. Unlike a selfish man, he slid one hand between my legs and found the perfect spot to make me cum. How had he learned my body so quickly?

I cried out, and my head slumped onto the mattress with my orgasm. A rumbling growl preceded his last thrust. His cock swelled inside me, pulsing once, twice, three times before the room fell away.