6. Serena

6

SERENA

Chapter 6 - Rodeo

Serena

W armth envelops me as I stir, my body nestled against something solid yet surprisingly comfortable. I blink away the last vestiges of sleep, memories of last night flooding back. Kael's massive form cradles me, his wings draped over us like a protective cocoon.

A smile tugs at my lips. Who would have thought being kidnapped by a gargoyle would turn out to be the best thing to happen to me?

Kael's amber eyes flicker open, meeting mine with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine.

"Good morning, little mate," he rumbles, his voice still thick with sleep.

"Morning," I murmur, suddenly shy under his gaze.

He sits up, scanning the room before turning back to me. "Your clothes are in tatters. I'll fetch you something suitable."

I watch as he moves across the room, his powerful form captivating. He returns with a bundle of fabric, holding it out to me.

"Thank you," I say, running my fingers over the soft material. "I've... I've never received a gift before."

Kael freezes, his eyes narrowing. "What do you mean?"

I shrug, avoiding his gaze. "Just never had anyone care enough to give me anything."

A low growl rumbles from his chest. "That boyfriend of yours - he'll pay for his transgressions. And not just him. Anyone who's wronged you will face my wrath."

His words spark something in me - a mix of fear and excitement. "Can I help?"

Kael's eyebrows shoot up. "You want to assist in their punishment?"

I nod, a newfound determination coursing through me. "They deserve it. All of them."

A slow, predatory grin spreads across Kael's face. "Oh, little mate. We're going to have so much fun together."

The smile that spreads across my face feels as natural as the stone beneath us, the warmth in my chest blooming like a rare flower in the midst of a desolate winter.

Kael's gaze locks onto mine, his amber eyes burning with an intensity that I've come to crave. "You please me, little mate," he growls, his voice a thunderous melody that resonates deep within me.

Before I can respond, his lips crash against mine, his kiss fierce and demanding, a possession in its own right. His hand, strong and sure, slips between my thighs, the heat of his touch searing through the thin fabric of my tattered dress. A moan escapes my throat as he pushes the material aside, his fingers finding my core with an ease that speaks of intimacy and ownership.

"Your bloodlust is fucking sexy," he murmurs against my lips, his words sending a thrill coursing through my veins. His fingers stroke me with a rhythm that mirrors the pounding of my heart, each movement stoking the fire he's ignited within me.

I arch into his touch, my body betraying just how much I've come to desire this primal, unyielding force that is Kael. His lips trail Along my jaw, his fangs grazing my skin, a reminder of the wild, untamed creature he is.

"Kael," I gasp, my voice barely a whisper as I teeter on the edge of something immense and overwhelming.

His mouth descends upon me with a hunger that borders on savagery, yet his touch is surprisingly tender. Kael's lips close around my nipple, his tongue swirling, teeth grazing with just enough pressure to make my back arch off the bed of furs he's laid me upon. His fingers don't relent, curling and thrusting within me with a maddening rhythm that has my hips bucking, seeking more of him.

"Kael," I breathe out, my voice trembling with need. My fingers tangle in his stone-like hair, gripping tightly as he devours me, worships me with his mouth.

He growls in response, the vibration sending shockwaves through my senses. I'm teetering on the edge, every nerve in my body alive and screaming for release. But just as I'm about to plunge into the abyss, he slows his movements, drawing out the exquisite torture.

"Please," I find myself pleading, my voice desperate and needy. "Please, Kael, I can't... I need to..."

He releases my nipple with a wet pop, his amber eyes meeting mine, gleaming with dark amusement. "You need to what, little mate?" he taunts, his fingers resuming their relentless dance, deliberately avoiding the spot that would send me over the edge.

"I need to come," I admit shamelessly, my cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and frustration.

He chuckles, the sound low and wicked. "Say it again," he commands, his fingers slowing once more, teasing me, taunting me.

"I need to come, Kael," I repeat, my voice stronger now, my need overriding any lingering modesty. "Please, let me come."

His eyes flare with triumph, and without warning, he captures my mouth in a searing kiss, his fingers thrusting deep as his thumb finds my clit, applying just the right amount of pressure to send me spiraling into oblivion. My world explodes into a cascade of colors, my body convulsing as wave after wave of pleasure crashes over me.

As I slowly float back down to reality, Kael's arms are there to catch me, holding me close as the aftershocks ripple through my body. I bury my face in his chest, his skin cool against my overheated cheeks.

"You are magnificent when you surrender to me," he murmurs, his voice a deep rumble that resonates within my chest.

I can't find the words to respond, so I simply nod, my body still humming with the intensity of my release. Kael's fingers trace lazy patterns on my skin, and I realize with a start that I'm already craving more of him, of this wild, untamed connection that binds us together.

"Hm," he muses, slowly taking the dress he'd gifted me and dressing me in it. "What do you say we go find that pathetic bastard and show him show him what happens when he dares to wrong my sweet Serena."

I nod, still completely breathless. Something tells me that Kael is far from done with what just happened.

And I couldn't be more thrilled to finish it.