Chapter 16

Moonlight bathed the gazebo in an ethereal glow as Monte carried Kiri inside, his powerful arms cradling her body with tender strength. Her heart raced, pounding against her ribs as a surge of desire coursed through her veins. Her breath hitched with anticipation as his touch felt electric against her flushed skin.

Monte lowered Kiri onto the plush cushions, his dark eyes smoldering with barely restrained passion. His large, fur-covered hand reached out to caress her face, callused fingers trailing across her cheek with surprising gentleness. Shivers raced down Kiri's spine at his touch, igniting sparks of need deep within her core.

"Kiri," he rumbled, his voice rough with emotion. "You are so beautiful."

"Monte," she replied breathlessly, drawn in by the intensity of his gaze. Her fingers reached up to trace the curve of his horns, marveling at the raw power they represented. He leaned in closer as her fingers found his thick mane, reveling in its coarse softness, his hot breath tickling her ear as he nuzzled against her. "I want you, Monte. All of you."

"Are you sure about this?" A low growl vibrated through his chest as he leaned down, nuzzling her neck. His warm breath caressed her skin, sending tingles rippling across her flesh. "You already have me, my little flower. Body, heart and soul."

Kiri felt her chest swell with affection for this tender, loving beast who was so worried about her wellbeing.

"Never been more sure of anything in my life. "Kiri's eyes fluttered closed as Monte's lips found the sensitive spot just below her ear. Each brush of his mouth stoked the flames building inside her. His solid weight pressed her into the cushions as his hands began to roam her curves, leaving trails of tingling heat in their wake.

"By the Moon Goddess, you drive me wild," Monte rumbled, his hands roaming over her body as if trying to commit every inch of her to memory. His touch was gentle yet possessive, igniting a fire within her.

She arched into his touch, craving more. More of his hands on her body, more of his lips worshiping her skin. The sheer magnitude of her desire both thrilled and frightened her. Never before had she felt such all-consuming need for another being.

"Then take me, worship me," she whispered into his ear, nibbling lightly on the lobe. Monte's low growl vibrated against her skin, and she felt her excitement building, pooling at the core of her being.

As if sensing her thoughts, Monte pulled back slightly to meet her gaze. In the moonlight, his eyes glowed with primal hunger, tempered by pure, unwavering love.

"Have mercy on me, female," he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

"Never," she replied with a wicked grin, her hands slipping to stroke his growing arousal. Monte's breath caught in his throat, his eyes darkening.

"Kiri..." he warned half-heartedly, but she silenced him with another heated kiss.

"Monte, I want you... all of you," Kiri breathed, her voice trembling with need. She saw the raw hunger in his eyes and knew she had him where she wanted him.

"Are you sure?" he asked one last time, his voice thick with barely restrained passion.

"Completely."

Monte claimed her mouth in a sizzling kiss, pouring all his passion and devotion into the molten slide of his lips and tongue against hers. Kiri surrendered to the maelstrom of sensation, giving herself over to the wild, untamed male before her, knowing full well she was in good hands. His.

Monte's lips met hers with a hunger she had never experienced before, causing her heart to race even faster. It was a passionate kiss, filled with unspoken promises and desires that threatened to consume them both.

"Monte..." Kiri murmured against his mouth, her voice barely audible. His response was a low growl that vibrated deep within her chest, sending shivers down her spine. She could feel his powerful arms encircling her, pulling her closer until there was no space between their bodies. Their desire for each other intensified with every touch, every caress, every stolen breath.

"Kiri," Monte whispered into her ear, his voice husky with need. "I can't hold back any longer."

"Then don't," she replied, her own voice trembling with anticipation. "Show me what it means to be loved by you."

As if on cue, Monte scooped Kiri up into his strong arms and gently lowered her onto the large outside couch, their bodies still pressed together.

She could feel every inch of Monte's muscular body against her own, the heat radiating from his skin as he leaned propped on his side with his stav fully erect.

Holding her gaze, Monte slowly trailed one hand up her inner thigh, his callused fingers leaving goosebumps in their wake. Higher and higher he went, until he reached her most sensitive flesh. Kiri held her breath, quivering with anticipation as he stroked her thighs, the pressure maddeningly light.

"So wet for me already," he rumbled approvingly. "My beautiful mate..."

Slowly, reverently, he trailed one thick finger through her slick folds, circling her throbbing clit. Kiri cried out sharply, her hips jerking at the burst of pleasure.

"That's it, love," Monte coaxed, his deep voice seeming to stroke over her skin like raw silk and flame. "Let me hear you."

He began to rub quick, tight circles around the swollen bud, sending lightning streaking through her, coiling tighter and tighter in her core. Kiri writhed mindlessly against him, her head thrown back as broken moans spilled from her lips. She was so close already, strung out on sensation, ready to shatter apart.

And then Monte pushed one long, blunt finger inside her, curling it just so, and Kiri flew apart with a keen wail. Wave after wave of ecstasy crashed over her as he worked her through her release, his heated gaze never leaving her face, drinking in every expression of rapture.

Boneless and sated, Kiri collapsed against Monte's broad chest, her heart hammering wildly against her ribs. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as he nuzzled her hair, a deep, contented rumble sounding in his chest.

Kiri's fingers traced the contours of Monte's muscular back, feeling the heat radiating from his skin. His dark brown fur was soft and silky beneath her hands.

With a growl that sent shivers down her spine, Monte leaned over and captured her lips once more, his hands roaming over her body.

Monte's lips trailed down Kiri's neck, leaving a fiery trail of kisses that ignited her senses once again and drove her wild with need. She tilted her head back, giving him better access as a low moan escaped her lips. His tongue flicked out, tasting her skin and making her quiver.

"You drive me crazy," Kiri breathed, digging her nails into his broad shoulders. "I've never wanted anyone this much."

Monte lifted his head, amber eyes smoldering with desire as they met hers. "I feel the same, my love. You've awakened a hunger in me I didn't know existed."

He captured her mouth in a searing kiss, plundering her depths with his tongue. Kiri returned the kiss with equal fervor, craving his touch, his taste. Her body was on fire, aching to be touched by him again.

Monte's large hands roamed over her curves, caressing and kneading her flesh. Kiri arched into him, silently begging for more. She couldn't get enough, addicted to the feel of his fur against her bare skin, his solid muscles rippling beneath her fingers.

Breaking the kiss, Monte gazed down at her with a tender expression. "I love you, Kiri. More than anything."

Her heart swelled and tears pricked her eyes. "I love you too, Monte. So much it scares me sometimes, how swift and free that I fell for you."

He brushed a lock of hair from her face. "Don't be scared. I'm not going anywhere. I'll always protect you and cherish you until the Moon Goddess claims me."

Kiri smiled up at him, her fears melting away. This minotaur, who she once feared, had captured her heart so completely. In his arms, she finally knew what it meant to be loved unconditionally.

Kiri lost herself to the seductive dance of Monte's lips and tongue against hers, passion flaring white-hot in her veins. She buried her fingers in his thick fur, hauling him impossibly closer, desperate to feel every hard inch of him pressed against her aching body.

Monte's large hands slid down to grip her hips, his claws lightly grazing her skin.

Kiri gasped as Monte's exploring hands found the sensitive spot at the small of her back, sending electric shivers up her spine. His touch was simultaneously gentle and demanding. She clung to his broad shoulders, fingers digging into his dark fur as the heat between them intensified.

"Monte," she moaned breathlessly against his neck. "I need you... all of you."

His deep rumbling growl reverberated through her body in response.

"Are you sure?" he asked, concern bleeding into his tone despite the lust that filled his eyes. His heated gaze roamed over her naked body with unrestrained hunger, as if he wanted to engrave the image in his mind.

"More than anything," she whispered, reaching up to cup his cheek. "Just promise me we'll take it slow."

"I promise," he vowed, his voice thick with emotion. "I would never hurt you, Kiri."

A possessive snarl tore from Monte's throat before his mouth crashed down on hers. Kiri welcomed his bold exploration, parting her lips to invite the sensual slide of his tongue against hers.

He mapped the curves and valleys of her body with his large, warm hands, igniting trails of liquid fire in their wake. He skimmed them over the swell of her breasts, tweaking the sensitive peaks until Kiri was writhing beneath him, silently begging for more.

Monte broke the kiss to blaze a path down the column of her throat, teeth and tongue and lips driving her to sweet madness. Kiri lost herself to the exquisite sensations, fingers tangling in his mane, holding him close.

Kiri pulled back, her chest heaving. She gazed up at Monte through desire-glazed eyes. "Sit down," she ordered breathlessly.

Obediently, he moved to sit on the large, cushioned bench, his desire evident in the way his stav stood proudly between them, swollen and glistening with precum. His heavy, fur-covered balls rested against the cushion, full and ready to burst with his seed. The thick shaft pulsed with each beat of his heart.

Kiri climbed atop him, straddling his muscular thighs. "I'm claiming my Mountain," she declared with a seductive smile.

Kiri wrapped both hands around his engorged length, marveling at the heat and hardness. She began to stroke him firmly, working her way up and down his impressive cock. Monte's cloven hooves stomped against the floor as his tail lashed the air, overcome by her sensual touch.

"I want to try to take you," Kiri murmured, her voice husky with desire. She met his intense gaze. "I trust the enchanted bracelet. I want us to experience this pleasure together, as one."

Her admission stirred something deep within her, igniting a fire that threatened to consume them both. She wanted him—all of him—and she refused to let fear stand in their way.

Monte's breath came in harsh pants, his control rapidly unraveling beneath her ministrations. "Kiri..." He groaned, the single word laced with desperate longing. "Are you sure?"

As Kiri continued to stroke Monte's stav, she marveled at the raw power contained within his muscular form, the sheer size of him both thrilling and intimidating.

She squeezed his pulsing shaft, relishing the scorching silk hardness in her hands and how scarily impressive it was. Gathering some of his precum in his hand, she brought it to her mouth and flicked her tongue across his essence, savoring the salty-sweet taste of his arousal. Monte let out a guttural moan, his fingers digging into the cushions.

Holding his fevered gaze, Kiri continued to pump her hands along his thick stav, stroking his desire to a fever pitch. "Let me love you," she breathed against his parted lips. "Let me show you how much I need you too..." she whispered, her hazel eyes locking onto his. "Promise me, that if I say stop or if it hurts too much, you'll listen."

With a fierce growl, Monte vowed, "I swear it, Kiri. Your pleasure and safety have always been my priority." Monte's eyes blazed with desire as he gazed up at Kiri; their sincerity matched his voice, leaving her breathless. "Please, I need to feel you wrapped around me."

Kiri continued stroking his thick shaft, spreading the glistening precum over his velvety skin as it poured freely over his soaked balls and onto the couch cushions. His needy display only added to her pleasure.

"Do you promise to let me take the lead?" she purred.

Monte nodded eagerly, trembling under her touch. "I swear, you're in control. I'm all yours."

Excitement fluttered through Kiri. Arching her back, she climbed onto Monte's lap, straddling his muscular thighs. His large hands cupped her ass, supporting her weight as she positioned herself above his throbbing length.

Kiri pressed her forehead to Monte's, her breath hitching as she felt his thick, wide head probing her entrance. There was great resistance, a tightness that made her tense. Suddenly, her bracelet began to tingle, the sensation almost burning as it traveled up her arm, down her spine, and settled between her legs.

She gasped as she felt herself open up, stretching to accommodate him with surprising ease.

"The bracelet... it's working," Kiri panted, amazed at the magic that allowed her to take his angry bulb head.

Monte's brow furrowed with concern. "Do you feel any pain?" He shifted, moving her body up and down his length ever so slightly.

"No." She moaned, eyes fluttering closed in ecstasy. She clung to his broad shoulders, savoring the delicious stretch and fullness. "It feels...unbelievably good."

"Good." His powerful arms enveloped her as he held her close. "Because I can't hold back any longer."

"Neither can I," Kiri admitted, her voice barely more than a breathy whisper as she surrendered herself to him.

Her inner muscles rippled around him as he began to move with slow, deep strokes. Each withdrawal left her aching for more before he surged back in, hitting depths she didn't know she had.

"My flower," Monte growled, his voice ragged with restrained passion. "I've waited so long for you..."

She understood now why he'd been so hesitant, so gentle—he was huge and she was small. But together, aided by magic, they fit perfectly, two puzzle pieces interlocking. There was no more pain, only pleasure that built with each thrust, each ragged breath shared between them.

Kiri lost herself to pure sensation—the rock hard muscles flexing beneath her hands, the slide of his silky fur against her bare skin, the intensity shining in his dark eyes as he watched her unravel...

Suddenly, a low rumble emanated from Monte's throat. He gripped her hips, his large hands nearly spanning her waist, and lifted her effortlessly. Kiri gasped as he impaled her on his thick shaft, the delicious stretch and fullness making her toes curl. He used her body like an extension of him, bobbing her up and down his impressive length with primal abandon.

"Oh god, Monte, yes!" Kiri cried out, digging her nails into his broad shoulders as jolts of electric pleasure shot through her core with each powerful thrust. She clung to him, wrapping her legs around him as he pistoned into her relentlessly.

Monte groaned, his voice rough with lust and adoration. "You feel so fucking good, Kiri. So perfect. I love you so much." He buried his face against her neck, inhaling her sweet scent deeply. "I want to take you all over my lands, claim you again and again, so everywhere you go, you'll remember how good I make you feel, how much you mean to me."

Kiri whimpered and rolled her hips, meeting his thrusts as best she could while he moved her body at will. Her head fell back as she surrendered to the overwhelming sensations, his passionate words stoking the fire building within her.

"Monte, yes... please, claim me everywhere," she whimpered, her body quivering on the edge of ecstasy. "I want to be yours, completely."

His powerful thighs flexed as he bounced her faster, his red-hot length striking her secret spot deep inside with every plunge, sending sparks skittering across her nerves. The wet sounds of their joining flesh and labored breaths filled the moonlit air...

Kiri's body convulsed and shuddered in ecstasy, wave after wave of intense pleasure flooding her senses as she climaxed in Monte's powerful embrace. Her cries of rapture echoed through the night, mingling with his deep, rumbling groans of satisfaction. She clung to him desperately, nails digging into his thick fur, as the force of her orgasm threatened to sweep her away.

Monte held her tight against his muscular chest, his strong arms enveloping her trembling form as he found his own release deep inside her. She felt the heat of his seed filling her—utterly completely—prolonging her bliss as their bodies moved together in perfect unison.

Kiri gasped and whimpered, so overwhelmed by the sensation of repeatedly being filled she could barely think straight.

As the crest of passion gradually subsided, leaving them both spent and satisfied, Monte gently lowered Kiri onto the couch cushion. She lay limp and panting in his arms, her sweat-slicked skin pressed against his, relishing the feeling of closeness and connection. He nuzzled her hair tenderly, placing soft kisses along her neck and shoulder.

"My love," he murmured, his deep voice resonating through her. "That was...incredible."

"Mmm." Kiri sighed contentedly, still catching her breath. "You can say that again. I've never felt anything like it."

She shifted slightly to gaze up at him, taking in his striking features—the strong line of his jaw, his proud horns, his soulful eyes that held such warmth and devotion. In that moment, basking in the afterglow of their lovemaking, Kiri felt a swell of emotion, an almost overwhelming surge of love and belonging.

"I need to thank Lyra for this bracelet," she mumbled, barely able to lift her wrist. "Because I was protected."

Monte huffed and brushed her cheek with a gentle hand. "I didn't hurt you?"

"No, no, I'm wonderful," Kiri reassured him with a glowing smile. "I told you that I trusted you to not hurt me."

"I'm glad," he rumbled, pulling her closer.

Kiri shifted slightly against Monte and suddenly became aware that his stav was still very much awake and eager, pressing insistently against her thigh.

"Mmm, Monte?" She wiggled her hips slightly into his stav.

"Did I wear you out?" Monte let out a low growl that reverberated through his chest. He moved her gently to the side, spanning her waist with his large hands. "Because I need to take you again. I can't help myself, I just..."

"Shhh." She pressed her lips to his. "I take it the full moon puts you in a mating heat all night?"

"Yes." He nodded, tracing her leg with his tail.

"Then take me again, Monte. I'm yours, always."

He rolled her smoothly onto her back, the weight of him settling over her, heavy and thrilling and full of delicious promise. Kiri reached up to stroke his jaw, to trace the curve of his horns, her eyes luminous with love and rekindled wanting.

Monte captured her lips in a searing kiss and Kiri opened for him eagerly, welcoming the thrust of his tongue, the nip of his teeth. He continued to roam his hands over her body, leaving trails of tingling awareness in their wake as he mapped her curves and hollows anew.

He dragged his mouth hotly down the column of her throat, painting her skin with licks and kisses and gentle bites that had her arching into him with a needy whimper. "You taste so good." He groaned against her collar bone. "I could feast on you for hours."

When Monte finally settled between her thighs, hot and hard and pulsing against her slick folds, they were both more than ready. He notched himself at her entrance and paused, his glittering black eyes meeting hers in a moment heavy with unspoken emotion.

"I love you, Kiri," he breathed reverently.

"I love you too," she whispered back. "Now please, I need you inside me..."

With a flex of his hips, Monte granted her wish, filling her exquisitely in one deep, smooth glide. They moaned in unison as he buried himself to the hilt, fitting together as Kiri's body welcomed him eagerly.

They made love all throughout the night, until the sun crested in the early morning light.