24. Chapter Twenty-Four

ROSE

Iturn towards the door, yanking as hard as I can on it, but it doesn't budge. I beat against it, throwing as much of my weight and magic as I can at it. Just as I make to swing my fist again, Chaos captures my wrist, spinning me to face him.

"I can do it from in here." His eyes, such a beautiful golden green, hold so much pain and regret in them, but I can't bring myself to feel sorry for him. Not when I almost lost Jax forever because of this.

"No tricks," I warn him. "Or I swear to you?—"

"I'll return his soul right now." He nods rapidly, releasing my wrist to step back. Drawing a deep breath, he moves towards the bed, stripping until he's only left in a pair of tight black boxer briefs.

I watch him warily, crossing my arms over my chest as he lays down on the bed. His eyes meet mine, and there's a profound sadness there that almost makes me falter.

"Close your eyes," he instructs, his voice softer than I've ever heard it.

I comply, listening to the sounds he's making as his magic starts to build.

Ethereal whispers dance around, too fast to discern the actual words, but the feeling they leave behind weaves a melody of promises and regrets. The air thickens with magic, bristling with powerful energy that prickles my skin. I bite my lip, keeping my eyes shut tight as the magic washes over me in waves.

"Chaos," I murmur, a tremor in my voice despite my best efforts to remain stoic. I can't help but feel anxious, my heart pounding in my chest as I wait for what comes next. Dread fills me.

"It's okay," he whispers back, his words sounding strained as though he's being torn to shreds.

The shift in his tone is enough to make me open my eyes. He's glistening with sweat, his body taut as a bowstring, eyes glowing with potent energy. He's fighting against the push and pull of magic, a war that's being waged within him.

His back bows at an unnatural angle, and I hear the distinct cracking sound of bones breaking as he roars out in agony.

"Chaos!" I shout, vaulting myself towards him. He extends a hand in my direction and the air connecting us solidifies, a barrier that reeks of raw magic.

"Stay back," he manages between gritted teeth, his normally vibrant eyes dimming. The whole cabin shakes, knocking me off my feet.

His entire body is trembling, writhing, muscles straining as though he's carrying a weight far heavier than the realm itself.

"Chaos!" I cry again, my heart breaking as I pound against the invisible barrier keeping me from him. My hands sting with every hit, charged magic searing my skin as I desperately try to reach him.

"Keep away." He grimaces, swallowing hard as he fights to keep control. "I can do this. This is what I was made for."

Just as I'm gearing up to blast the barrier with my magic, a blinding light explodes around him, plunging the room into an intense brightness that forces me to shield my eyes.

"Chaos?" I call out into the whiteness of our surroundings, my voice barely a whisper. No reply. Panic seizes me. The air vibrates heavily around me, pulsing in sync with my hammering heart before it gets sucked out of the room, leaving a cold void in its wake. I drop to my knees, gasping.

It's quiet.

The steady thump of his heart is missing. So is the feeling of his immense power, the comforting surge of it through our bond.

"No!" The denial rips from my throat, raw and ragged. I don't know how long I desperately claw at the barrier, calling out his name, my voice hoarse and broken.

He's not on the bed.

Nowhere in this room.

"Chaos!" I scream.

He didn't tell me it would be like this. That it would cost him to return Jax's soul.

My fingers claw at the barrier, and the air rushes back in a sharp gust, whipping my hair around me and stinging my eyes with its force.

Through the tears, I see a figure rise from the bed. Tall and mighty, gleaming with a radiance that refracts the light around him. The figure is unmistakable.

"Chaos," I breathe out, relief washing over me like a glorious wave. "I thought you were dead." I'm sobbing, my entire body trembling now.

He stands before me, his eyes glowing more gold than green, his onyx hair wild against his tanned face. The power emanating from him feels like a physical force, pushing against me even through the barrier.

And I feel him again. Our tentative bond, right where it should be.

With a wave of his hand, the wall of magic disappears, sending me stumbling towards him.

Strong arms catch me before I can fall, pulling me up and into a warm and comforting embrace. His scent—of earth and sky, of wild winds and ancient strength—fills my senses. My heart pounds a rhythm of relief in my chest as I bury my face into the crook of his neck.

"I told you to stay back," he mutters, although the tight hold he keeps on me is anything but scolding.

"You were hurting."

His gaze softens at my words, the force of his aura slightly lessening around me. "And you were scared," he murmurs, his voice carrying a note of remorse.

"I was terrified," I admit truthfully, my fingers digging into the fabric of his boxers as I hold him closer.

His fingertips trace down my spine, creating a trail of warmth that seeps into every pore of my being. "I didn't mean to frighten you, soul bond. I'm sorry."

"I know," I whisper, my breath hitching as his touch sparks a blue hue to spread across my skin. Looking up, I meet his intense gaze, now softened with concern and affection.

"Soul bond," he murmurs, his voice heavy with something more than just relief.

His hands wander from the small of my back upward, tracing the curve of my hips, the dip of my waist, and finally coming to rest on the column of my throat. His touch causes a shiver that's not at all due to cold. I can feel the heat of his fingertips seeping through the fabric of my shirt, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. He leans down, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead, his lips lingering there, as if he's savoring the moment.

Pulling back, our eyes lock, and for a moment, we are the only two in this vast universe. The connection between us hums with an intensity that I've never experienced before. It wraps around my heart like a safety rope, anchoring me to him in a way that I've never felt with anyone before. Not because our bond is stronger than the ones I already have, but because of them.

"Chaos," I murmur, my voice barely above a whisper. His name lingers in the air like sacred ritual, vibrating in the space between us.

"Yes, my soul?"

The vulnerability in his eyes is startling. The powerful deity who's capable of tearing worlds apart, standing before me with such raw emotion written into his every line and curve, is a sight that makes my heart ache with the intensity of our bond. His gaze is almost pleading, silently asking for the reassurance that he isn't alone in this. That he doesn't have to bear the burden of his power without me by his side.

And gods, do I want this.

"I need you," I whisper, my admission echoing through the silence like a pebble tossed into a still pond, sending ripples of emotion across both our faces.

The desperate need aches inside me like an empty hearth yearning for the crackle of fire, a longing that becomes more insatiable every second I spend near him. I need him more than I need air. More than sun. More than heat.

Carve me open and see that I am made for him.

Crazy for him.

Ready to give my all to him.

His breath hitches and his eyes soften further. The vulnerability he shows me–it's terrifyingly beautiful and humbly raw. Chaos, the bringer of disorder and disruption, stands before me showing the precise opposite–an open honesty that touches me more deeply than any physical proximity ever could.

His palm lifts to cup my cheek, his thumb tracing the curve until it brushes against the corner of my mouth. It pulls a soft smile from me, one that has him mirroring the expression almost instantly.

"Say it again, Rose," he urges quietly.

"I need you."

His eyes search mine for a moment before he nods, relief and desire flooding his features. Slowly, he helps me lift my shirt over my head, his fingertips electrified and ever so careful. As the fabric lifts over my eyes, I feel the cool air kiss my skin, sending a quake down my spine. He steps closer, enveloping me in his warmth as his body aligns with mine.

He studies me with an intensity that sends a flutter through my stomach. "I see you, Rose. It's always been you."

As I stand there under his gaze, my skin tingling where his hands have just been, I watch him discard my shirt. His eyes never leaving mine, he unbuttons my jeans, sliding them down my hips with a reverence that sends a shiver up my spine. His hands linger on my thighs, his thumbs tracing slow circles that leave a trail of goosebumps in their wake.

"Chaos," I breathe out again, the edges of my vision starting to blur as his touch lights a fire deep within me.

"Soul bond." He takes a step back, dropping his boxers and stepping out of them. His cock, large and proud, sways between his thighs as he moves back towards me.

His naked form is a sight to behold, skin glowing under the soft lighting, muscles etched out in sharp relief. I reach out to touch him, and he lets out a low groan, his hands immediately covering mine. He guides me, whispers sweet nothings into my ear while my fingers trace the hard planes and valleys of his tattooed body. Each caress elicits a sound from him, a growl here, a gasp there.

"Soul bond …" His voice is rough as he guides my hand lower, wrapping it around his swollen length. An involuntary moan leaves my lips as my fingers close around him, and his eyes darken with desire. "Can you feel it?" His voice is a mere whisper, husky with lust and power. His hand tightens around mine, squeezing his shaft in tandem with my actions.

"Yes," I groan, my hips twitching against him. My entire body is aflame with desire, every nerve ending screaming out for the exquisite touch of his body intertwined with mine. I watch, entranced as a bead of pre-cum beads at the tip of his hardened length. I swipe my thumb over it, spreading the slick fluid around, and Chaos' eyes flutter shut, a low groan escaping his lips.

"Eternity I've waited for this," he breathes before opening his eyes again.

And when I sink to my knees in front of him, he gasps sharply, his hands instinctively reaching out to fumble with my hair. His fingers tangle around the strands, his gaze locked onto mine as I grip his length more firmly.

"You don't have to do this," he whispers.

My tongue darts out, tasting the salty-sweet tang of him, and his muscles tense. "I want to," I assure him, my gaze locked onto his. He swallows visibly, his grip in my hair tightening slightly.

A slow exhale leaves his lips as I take him gently into my mouth, one hand steadying him at the base while the other travels upwards, caressing the taut lines of his abdomen. His body shudders at the contact, a low growl rumbling in his chest. He grits his teeth, fighting to keep control as I continue my ministrations.

"Mmm," I mumble against him, sending vibrations down his length that make him groan, his grasp in my hair tightening even more. The sounds he makes spur me on, fueling my hunger for him. I pull back slightly to take a breath before sinking back on him again, faster this time. His hands move to my shoulders, holding onto them for support.

"You'd better stop before I come down your throat."

A wicked grin takes over my face as I release him from my mouth. "Is that a promise?" I tease, my eyes twinkling with laughter and desire.

His response is a choked laugh before he pulls me up to his level. "The first time you make me come isn't going to be down your throat, soul bond."

My heart flutters at the term of endearment. I can feel his warmth encompassing me, the bond between our souls pulling at my very core.

"Then where will it be?" I ask, my lips moving against his. My blue skin shimmers under his touch, our connection enhancing the sensation.

I undo my bra for him, and he slides the straps down my shoulders before it drops to our feet.

"It will be inside you," he hums, his fingers tracing the swell of my breasts before cupping them reverently. A moan escapes from me as his thumbs ghost over my nipples. His gaze is dark with desire, and I can feel him throbbing against my thigh. "I want to feel you around me, gripping me with your pussy. But first, I've been dying to do this." He drops to his knees, burying his face between my thighs and inhaling.

Heat flames my cheeks at him being down there, especially as we've only used cleaning charms and haven't had proper showers in a week. Not to mention the fact each of my mates have come in me several times each night.

His response is a low groan, muffled against my skin. "You smell so good," he murmurs, his hands on my hips guiding me closer. His hot breath fans over my sensitive flesh, making me shudder in anticipation. His finger hooks through the fabric and tears it off me.

"Chaos." I gasp, my fingers threading through his hair at the first touch of his tongue to my center.

Hitching both of my legs over his shoulders, he rises to his feet, backing until I'm against the wall, hanging on for dear life as his mouth devours my pussy.

He listens for my cues, discovering I go wild when he curls his tongue around my clit in a steady rhythm, pushing me further to the brink. My moans fill the room, my hands fisting in his hair as he eats me like I'm his last meal. Every nip, every lick sends jolts of pleasure coursing through my veins, lighting up all my senses. I feel every single one of my nerves singing with pleasure as he continues to devour me.

With one hand bracing me against the wall, his other joins his tongue. Using magic, he runs a current through his thumb as it circles my clit, shoving me right over the edge. The sensation clips my vision, my back arches off the wall as I'm hit with wave after wave. My bones liquefy under my skin, but he doesn't slacken his pace even for a second as he carries me over to the bed, magic aiding him.

He eases me down onto the bed and ensures that I've recovered from each aftershock before he sits back, a satisfied grin on his face as he wipes his hand across his mouth. And then, using his tongue, he licks all over the back of his hand multiple times until he's certain there's no trace left.

"Now I know why they were so fond of doing this to you," he muses.

I prop myself on my elbows to look down my body at him. "Who?"

"Your mates."

"When the hell did you see them doing that?" I chuckle.

He shrugs. "Most nights."

My mouth drops open. "You peeping Tom!"

He smirks. "Sooner or later, I knew it'd be me doing this to you, and I wanted to know what you liked. They do have excellent technique," he admits, a wicked twinkle in his eyes.

A laughter bubbles up from my throat. "Indeed, they do." I pull on his shoulders, so he joins me on the bed, and he chooses to rest between my thighs. "You've never …?" My words trail off.

"Not once. Nor have I thought about it until you. It was always you."

His words hit me straight in the heart, ringing with all the sentiments I've felt for him. His gaze pierces into mine, two brilliant stars shining brightly in all their raw intensity, and I feel a pang of longing. Not just the physical one, but a yearning to be eternally entwined with his soul.

An intrusive thought tries to wiggle its way into my head, insistent, like an alarm. A warning that there's something important I've forgotten. But I can only grasp its edges before it's chased away by the all-consuming lust and love I feel for this god.

I place my hands on either side of his face, tracing the lines of his exquisite features. His eyes reflect a universe that is entirely ours—chaotic, intense, and overwhelmingly beautiful. "You should have seen the way you looked," I murmur. "When I took you in my mouth." Like it was me who put the stars in the sky and not him.

His giant palms cup my cheeks, his lips finding mine in the sweetest of kisses, a meeting of souls yet to be completely united. His taste fills my mouth, rich and intoxicating, while his hands glide down my body, tracing the curves with an eagerness that sets my skin ablaze.

"Are you sure?" he murmurs against my lips, his eyes locked with mine, searching for any sign of uncertainty. His body is tense, held in careful restraint despite the barely concealed fire in his eyes.

It's there again, the nagging alarm. But my hesitation drifts away at the raw vulnerability in his eyes.

"Absolutely," I whisper back, my hands reaching down to claim him once more, assuring him of my desire and readiness. He groans against my lips as I line him up with my entrance, both of us holding our breath as we anticipate the imminent connection. A moment hangs in the air, stretched thin by the energy buzzing between us.

His gaze never leaves mine as he slowly starts to push inside, inch by agonizing inch, until he's fully seated within me. Stars burst behind my eyes, skitters through my chest, spreading through each nerve ending in my body. This is a coming home, a feeling so right I weep, tears staining the pillow beneath me.

His hands skim up my sides, brushing lightly against my breasts before returning to the planes of my face. Our eyes meet again, and he smiles softly, a small sigh escaping him as he begins to move.

The world contracts to the rhythm of our bodies, each stroke of his hips against mine the one my soul has called for.

Leaning back, he sits me in his lap, grinding me against him with a startling intensity. His eyes are hooded, glinting with pleasure, watching my every reaction, every hitch in my breath, every soft moan that escapes from my lips. The new angle makes me gasp as I feel him deeper within me, reaching new spaces and stroking my inner walls.

I'm tiny in his lap, and his hands cover both full globes of my ass as he draws me into him deeper still.

"So fucking perfect," he grunts. "Never knew," he breathes, "it would feel like this."

I lean into him, my body arching to meet his every push. His breath hitches as he continues to plunge into me, seemingly unable to stop. He swallows hard, one hand moving up to cup my face, and the other winding around my waist for better leverage.

I feel my fangs push through my gums, and the look on Chaos' face is one of pure awe as he takes them in. He angles his neck, growling, "Mark me, soul bond. I want everyone to know who I belong to."

The buzzing alarm in my head blares louder now, but my growing desire to claim him fully as mine overrides it.

His exposed neck, throbbing under the pulse of his heartbeat, beckons me. I brace myself, my arms curling around his broad shoulders as I lean down to mark him. My fangs graze his skin lightly, making him shudder against me. Then with a fast jolt, they sink into the heated flesh, and his blood fills my mouth. Chaos gasps, gripping me even tighter as he bucks involuntarily beneath me. His fingers dig into my skin, leaving their own marks. A low moan escapes him, filling the cabin with its powerful timbre.

Bliss blooms in my chest, our connection blossoming as I drink in his life, his essence, solidifying our soul bond. His blood is electrifying, a sweet ambrosia that binds me closer to him with each swallow.

His hips roll against mine as his emotions, his desires, and even his silent fears seep into me, making my love for him grow even stronger, even deeper. I feel him, every part of him, in a way that's both overwhelming and profoundly beautiful. He's mine, wholly and unconditionally.

As his essence becomes part of me, I break away, my fangs retracting with an instinctive ease. His blood glistens on my lips as he takes them between his own, kissing me with a passion born from the depths of our souls. His fingers gently wipe away the remnants of blood, his eyes never leaving mine. He's panting heavily; a wild, primal look in his eyes that casts me adrift.

I gently pull away, tracing my fingers over the bite mark. A possessive kind of pleasure fills me at the sight. "I want one, too," I whisper.

His eyebrows shoot up in surprise, but soon the corners of his mouth curl into a grin that screams of victory. His hand slides up to cup my face as he coos, "Are you sure, my soul?"

A nod is all it takes for that wild glint in his eyes to spark afire. He presses me back against the bed, his eyes searching mine. His strong fingers gently tilt my chin, exposing the long stretch of my throat. He leans into me, his breath fanning over my heated skin as his lips ghost over my pulse. His fangs graze my skin, but he doesn't bite. Not yet.

He's teasing me, building the anticipation until I'm trembling beneath him.

"If you won't bite me, I'll go find a god who will," I growl at him.

He snarls, head whipping back to meet mine, predatory eyes flashing dangerously. "You wouldn't dare," he hisses, but there's a note of uncertainty underneath the bravado.

My heart beats wildly in my chest as I smirk up at him. "Test me and see."

Eyes blazing, nostrils flaring, his chest heaves with jealousy against mine. But then his features soften, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips.

"You lie. Lucky for the rest of the gods, or they would've met their demise in the morning." He grins at me with a familiar delight in his eyes, so sure in the knowledge that I would never. "You are mine."

"Prove it." I buck my hips against his, earning me a moan.

His fangs flash as he strikes for my throat, piercing the skin in one swift, surprisingly painless motion. I gasp out at the sudden contact, my fingers fisting in his dark hair as a warm sensation floods my veins. He groans against my throat, and the feel of it travels straight between my thighs.

His lips remain anchored at my throat, his breath puffing out in heated bursts against my skin as he carefully laps at the puncture wounds his fangs have created. The gentle suction creates a delicious pull deep within me, sending shock waves of pleasure coursing through my body, making me arch into him.

Chaos' hips drive into mine in time with the pull at my neck. His fingers come between us, circling against my clit as my nails score his back, the heavy scent of our lust mingling in the air.

His growls vibrate against my neck and into the core of my being, only spurring me on further. My senses are heightened to a blistering degree, the scent of him, the feeling of his fangs in my throat, and his fingers driving me to madness.

His magic current runs through me again, sending me in a free fall towards an impending climax that I desperately cling to. My muscles tighten around him, my body convulsing with spasms. My breath comes out in shallow gasps as I dig my nails deeper into his back, holding him close.

His growls soften into ragged whispers as his fangs dislodge from my neck, and his hips stutter against mine, releasing inside me on a roar.

He falls against me, his arms cradling me, his chest heaving with exertion. I feel the thump, thump of his heart against my own in a syncopated rhythm that lulls us both into a sense of peace. His breath is hot and sweet on my shoulder as he buries his face into my neck before his lips trace slow patterns over my skin.

"Soul bond," he whispers. Slow fingers skim my sides in lazy patterns, the afterglow softening my nerves into a blissful haze.

"Soul bond," I whisper back as sleep claims me.