10. Serena

" M m. Perfect."

The scent of fresh-baked bread wafts through the kitchen as I pull another loaf from the oven. My hands, once calloused and dry, are now soft and delicate. I smile, remembering how far I've come.

Three years ago, I was running for my life. Now? I'm the lady of this manor, cherished beyond measure.

Kael. My savior. My lover. My everything.

A warmth spreads through me, and it's not from the oven's heat. Every night, he fills me with his seed and claims me. His touch ignites a fire I never knew existed. I crave him constantly, like an addict seeking her next fix.

The heavy oak door creaks open. Kael's massive frame fills the doorway, streaked with dirt and sweat from working in my garden. My breath catches. Even covered in grime, he's breathtaking.

"Something smells delicious," he rumbles, amber eyes gleaming.

"Fresh bread. But you look like you could use a bath first."

He grins wickedly. "Care to join me?"

"Tempting, but I have more baking to do." I try to sound stern, but my body betrays me, leaning towards him instinctively.

Kael crosses the room in two strides. His strong arms encircle my waist, pulling me flush against his chest. "The bread can wait," he growls.

I melt into his embrace, desire coursing through my veins. "You're filthy," I protest weakly.

"And you aren't nearly filthy enough, little mate." His lips brush my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

I stand on tiptoe, pressing my lips to his. The kiss deepens, hungry and passionate. When we finally break apart, we're both breathless.

"Bath?" Kael asks, a mischievous glint in his eye.

I laugh, taking his hand. "Bath."

His fingers trace the contours of my dress, a wicked grin playing on his lips as he undresses me. Each piece of clothing he removes is another layer of armor stripped away, leaving me more exposed, more vulnerable, more his. Kael's touch is light, teasing, the barest whisper against my skin, yet it sends electric jolts straight to my core.

"Patience, little mate," he murmurs, sensing my growing impatience. His voice is a low rumble, vibrating through me and stoking the fire he's so adept at igniting.

I'm standing before him in nothing but my undergarments when he lifts me effortlessly, cradling me against his chest. His strength is both comforting and thrilling, a reminder of the power he holds, the protection he offers. He carries me to the bathroom, where the basin awaits, filled with steaming water that smells of the wildflowers he knows I love.

He sets me down gently, his eyes never leaving mine. Kael turns me around, and with a firm but gentle hand on the small of my back, guides me to bend over the basin. The warm water beckons just inches away, but his intentions are clear. My breasts skim the surface, sending ripples across the water as he positions himself behind me.

The broad head of his cock nudges at my entrance, and I inhale sharply, bracing myself. He enters me slowly, deliberately, filling me inch by tantalizing inch. My body stretches to accommodate him, a delicious, burning fullness that has me biting my lip to stifle a moan.

"You're so tight, Serena," he groans, his hands gripping my hips. "So perfect."

His thrusts are shallow, a torturous rhythm that promises more, so much more. He's teasing me, building the tension to an almost unbearable peak. I know this game; he's preparing me for the onslaught that's to come, making sure I'm ready to take all of him.

I push back against him, craving the intensity of his possession. "More," I beg, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Greedy girl," he chuckles, the sound rich with approval. "I'll give you more. But not yet."

He pulls out almost completely before plunging back in, each stroke deliberate and maddening. I'm aching for him, desperate for the release only he can give me.

His cock withdraws completely, leaving me aching, empty. I can feel the evidence of my desire slick on my thighs, a testament to the intense pleasure he wields over me. I pout, the absence of him inside me a frustration I can't quite hide.

Kael chuckles, the sound a deep rumble that resonates through my core. "Patience, my fierce little mate," he teases, lifting me with ease. His strength is intoxicating, a potent reminder of the power that courses through his veins.

He steps into the basin, the water warm and fragrant with the scent of wildflowers. I'm seated on the edge, my legs parted, his gaze locked on mine as he lowers us both into the water. The liquid embraces us, a silken caress against my flushed skin.

With a swift motion, he impales me upon his length, the sudden fullness drawing a sharp gasp from my lips. The water around us churns, bubbles rising to the surface as we find our rhythm. His hands grip my hips, guiding me, controlling the depth and speed of our union.

"Such a good girl, always taking my cock so well," Kael growls, his voice a blend of reverence and raw hunger. His words send a jolt of pleasure through me, a heady mix of degradation and praise that stokes the fire within.

I moan, the sound echoing off the tiled walls. My fingers clutch at his shoulders, my nails digging into his skin. "Kael, please," I beg, not entirely sure what I'm asking for, only knowing that I need more.

His lips crash into mine, a savage kiss that steals my breath away. His tongue invades my mouth, claiming me with the same fervor as his cock below. I yield to him, surrendering to the overwhelming sensation of being utterly possessed.

His hand moves from my hip, finding its way to my throat. His fingers encircle it gently, yet with an undeniable promise of dominance. The pressure is light at first, a subtle reminder of his control.

"Such a filthy human, aren't you?" he spits, his cock swelling. "Getting fucked once a day just isn't enough for you, is it?"

As my orgasm builds, he tightens his grip, cutting off my air supply just enough to send me spiraling into ecstasy. The world around me dims, my vision tunneling as every nerve in my body ignites with pleasure.

I cry out, the sound muffled by his kiss, as wave after wave of bliss washes over me. My inner walls clench around him, a vice-like grip that triggers his own release. He thrusts deep, his cock pulsing within me as he fills me with his seed.

"Fuck! Oh, yes…"

The sensation of him coming inside me, the heat of his essence mingling with the water, is enough to prolong my orgasm. I shudder against him, my body a quivering mess of satisfaction and lingering desire.

Kael's grip on my throat relaxes, allowing me to draw in a shuddering breath. His other hand strokes my cheek, a tender gesture that contrasts with the fierceness of our fucking.

I collapse against his chest, still shuddering with lingering pleasure.

"Mine," he whispers, the word a possessive growl that sends a thrill down my spine.

I turn in his arms, meeting his gaze. "Do you remember that first night? When you found me in the forest?"

Kael's expression softens. "How could I forget? You awakened something in me I thought long dead."

"I never imagined I could feel this way," I whisper. "That I could love someone so completely."

His fingers trace my cheek. "You are my heart, Serena. My reason for existing."

"Here soon…" I start, pausing to lick my lips anxiously, "you may have a second reason to exist."

His gaze immediately drops to my stomach and he grins. "I heard humans are incorrigibly horny when they are pregnant."

"Well," I muse, rolling my eyes at his obvious excitement, "we have quite a few months to find out how true that is."

Kael kisses me suddenly, deeply, repeatedly. Then he whispers against my lips. "I love you, my little Serena. And my child you carry."

I sigh in content. "I love you, too, Kael."

Despite everything, and forever.