9. Xavier

Chapter 9

Xavier

I hadn't planned on telling Amber so bluntly that she was my mate. Had feared that it might scare her away, especially given her experiences with dishonorable males. The mate bond demanded that I make Amber mine, that I claim her and tie her to me so closely that she can never leave, thus breaking my curse. Yet, I could not lie to her, could not claim her with a lie between us. She needed to know the truth, needed to accept me and my curse, to make an informed choice. I would not take that decision from her, force her to live a life of exile in Beastly Falls, watch her wither and die like my mother had simply for having chosen the wrong male.

Amber pulled away from me, wrapping her arms around her bent knees and staring off into the stacks of books, but I sensed she wasn't seeing the books. I remained silent, letting her work through her feelings and thoughts at her own pace, yet a part of me wanted to demand that she speak with me, tell me what she was thinking.

After several long minutes, during which I despaired of ever winning her, Amber turned to me. "How long have you known that I'm your mate?"

"I suspected when you first came to town, but I knew that first night when I met you."

"Is that why everyone kept coming in here, asking me out? They were hoping I was their mate, but they realized I was yours?"

"Yes. Everyone has been excited since there have been a few newcomers in recent weeks. It seems as if the curse is weakening," I admitted.

She fell silent and stared into the stacks again. I couldn't wait in this silence any longer. I had lived in a purgatory for many years waiting for my mate. Now she was sitting next to me and I had to know her thoughts.

"Amber, talk to me. Please," I steeled myself for her rejection, expected it really.

She faced me again. "I don't understand this curse. I don't even understand the whole fated mates thing, beyond what I've read in books. But I can't deny that I feel a connection with you. I'm just not sure I'm ready for that."

Disappointment stabbed me deep inside, but I expected it. No one had ever chosen me, not really. And Amber had only just come to town a couple of days ago. She barely knew me. She needed time to get to know me. Time we didn't have.

The lights dimmed in the library, and soft orchestral music played. Amber looked around. "Is someone in here with us?"

I laid a hand on her arm soothingly. "I would have heard if anyone had come in. I think the library did that."

"On its own? The library is a building, not a person," Amber protested .

"Is it?" I countered. "We may as well relax, since I don't think we're going anywhere soon."

I stood and held out a hand to her. "May I have this dance, milady?"

She blushed and took my hand, letting me help her to her feet. I pulled her close, and we moved into a slow dance, swaying gently to the beat of the music, letting the sound carry us away. Slowly, she relaxed in my arms, her muscles loosening, and she settled against me, her head on my shoulder. I held her close, my cheek against the softness of her hair, smelling the sweet fragrance of strawberries and vanilla and the scent of Amber. She was beautiful, curvy and luscious and all mine. She fit me perfectly, her curves against my hard angles, her head fitting just under my chin, her softness a contrast to my hardness. She was perfect, and I craved to pull her closer, claiming her as mine.

Yet I feared I would have to let her go. And I would, if she wanted it. I would never force Amber to stay if she didn't want to. She would have to make the choice willingly to stay, not because of guilt or threats.

Amber tilted her head, and I couldn't resist. I leaned down and brushed her lips with mine. Amber's lips were warm and soft against mine, the sensation sending a shiver down my spine. The connection between us was powerful, like two puzzle pieces finally clicking into place after waiting for so long.

I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her closer, my wings flaring to cocoon us in a shield of warmth and safety. She opened her mouth, her tongue darting out to tease mine, the taste of sweet wine combining with her own flavor exploding on my tongue. I groaned and crushed her closer, taking over the kiss in an instant .

As our kiss deepened, emotions flooded through me. My wings enveloped us, creating a sense of intimacy and protection that I had never experienced before. Her lips were insistent against mine, igniting a fire deep within me that I never knew existed. The taste of sweet wine lingered on my tongue, mixing with the heady sensation of desire that pulsed between us.

In that moment, hope flared again, and I believed that this bond of ours could have a chance of saving not only me but Amber, too. Her hands stroked over my body, the heat of her touch burning through my shirt, sending my heart racing. I desperately wanted to explore her soft skin, feel her tremble under me, but I held myself back, let her have this moment.

She paused, her hands hovering over my arms, and a low rumble escaped me, resonating through my body. Amber jerked back, her eyes wide.

"It's been so long since someone has touched me," I said roughly, gently taking her hand and bringing it back. "Please. Again."

I would have begged for her touch, fallen to my knees for another caress if she had stopped, but she didn't hesitate. She grew bolder with her explorations, her hands tracing the muscles on my chest and I longed to feel her soft skin over mine.

She reached up on tiptoes and brushed a lock of my dark hair from over my brow, then trailed her fingers over my face and down my neck until the place where my wings met my upper back. Her hands hesitated over the arch of one of my wings and she looked at me, hesitating.

"You can touch them, Amber. You can touch my anywhere." My voice was rough as if from disuse and her eyes flared with heat.

She settled her hand on a leathery wing and firm bone frame. I groaned as she stroked along the ridge, charting the upper edge of my wing, then down the side. As she brushed the surface, she asked. "How far can you fly?"

Visions of flying with Amber in my arms, kissing her, making love to her in the air made my cock painfully hard. "Pretty far, though I've never tested it since I can't leave the boundaries of Beastly Falls. I can take you flying some time, if you would like."

She sucked in a breath. "I'd like that."

I was dying for a taste of her, to bring her the same pleasure she was bringing me as she explored me, but this was for her, to gain her trust, to give her a chance to know me. But the night had to end. I sensed the sun on the rise and I would soon turn to stone. She needed time to think, time to decide her next steps. I would not force her into any decisions, not tonight, not any night. But we both needed space.

As if the library sensed the coming daylight, the music ended, and the lights brightened. Our time was drawing to a close. At least for this evening.

I cupped her cheek and stroked my thumb along her soft cheek one last time. "Our time tonight has ended. I hope you enjoyed your picnic."

A soft smile curved her lips. "I loved it, Xavier. Thank you so much."

She rose on her toes and brushed her lips with me, leaning in to deepen it, before pulling away with a regretful sigh. "I suppose we should clean this up before Anya or Evelyn see this."

"I'll take care of it. You check the desk and head for home. Good night, Amber. "

She turned, giving me an impish smile. "Good night, Xavier. Thank you for the best date ever."

"No, Amber. Thank you for the best memory," I whispered after her departing figure. I would treasure this night, long after I turned to stone forever.