Chapter 10

CHAPTER 10

I LOVE YOU WITH EVERY BIT OF MY SOUL.

T he warmth of Rhiot's body against mine sent shivers down my spine. His strong arms encircled me, holding me close as I laid on his chest. I wanted to claim him and finish our bond, but the moment he pulled me close, I realized I needed the peace and comfort that came with cuddling.

My life turned into constant chaos, even before they saved me from the mountain of books and trash... Taking five minutes to cuddle my Tsigo wasn't too much to ask. I fingered the small ring with the yellow stone that held the soul of a human woman... so much chaos and confusion.

"Your hair is so soft." His warm breath brushed against my ear, sending a tingling sensation through my body. "I love the way it feels between my fingers."

A small smile spread along my lips, my heart swelling at his words. For someone who looked terrifying and had the build of a mountain, his gentle side left me surprised every time it showed.

"Thank you." I was quiet for a moment, trying to figure out how to say what I wanted, but eventually gave up. "You're all so accepting of me when I don't deserve it."

"It's because you do deserve it, Parker." He kissed my forehead gently before pulling me closer. "You're a part of us and we never turn away our family. We might not be blood related, but we've chosen each other. Each one of us has a broken past and we make a conscious decision to stay together every morning."

I wanted to ask him what was in his past, but wasn't sure how to ask.

"We all have our own journey in life... some of us have more obstacles to overcome than others." Rhiot tucked my head under his chin as he hugged me.

"Heh, I feel that." I muttered against his chest.

His thumb traced my cheek. "Now you have us to walk beside you as you overcome everything."

While his words could be easily brushed away as a sweet sentiment, I felt there was more to them because of the mating bond. This wasn't some human who could change their mind and walk away. No, we were bonded for life.

"Push the self doubt away. The shifter gods weren't wrong when they intertwined our souls. Things will work out with all of us, including Ryker." A warm feeling spread through me, and I nuzzled against the underside of Rhiot's chin, loving how his beard felt against my skin.

I'd been so afraid that he wouldn't accept me, or any of them, but none of them went back on their word. I still wasn't sure what happened with Ryker, but I trusted Rhiot that we'd figure it out.

My heart swelled with love as I realized just how special each and every one of my Tsigos made me feel. "I love you, Rhiot," I said softly against his chest. He squeezed me tighter, pressing another kiss to my forehead.

"I love you with every bit of my soul. Being with you like this... it's incredible... better than anything I could have imagined." Rhiot confessed, his fingertips tracing the outline of my face, the curve of my cheekbone.

"Rhiot..." I began, unsure of how to express my gratitude, but also my fears.

"Shh," he hushed me, his thumb brushing over my lips. "Just let yourself feel, Parker. We don't need to talk right now."

The tenderness in his voice calmed the raging storm inside me. He was right... sometimes words were unnecessary. Instead, I focused on the soothing sensation of his hand stroking my hair, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my ear. The intimacy of the moment reminded me that I'd never be alone again. It didn't bother me... more a comfort I'd never felt before.

"Rhiot." I breathed his name, my voice barely audible. "Thank you... for accepting me as I am."

"Always." He promised, his lips brushing against my forehead in the softest of kisses. "You're perfect just the way you are, Parker. Demon and all."

His words wrapped around me like a protective shield, easing the weight of my fears and insecurities. Never again would I fight alone, whether against an enemy or life in general. I wanted to thank each and every one of them for taking a chance on me. Then again, maybe they didn't see it that way. They were fated to be mine, and me for them.

The mating call rose up in me, demanding that I couldn't wait any longer. I met Rhiot's gaze and the desire in his eyes matched mine. I pressed my lips against his, soft and intimate at first. It intensified as I deepened the kiss, intent on memorizing the taste of him.

My hands roamed over his muscular arms and broad shoulders, appreciating the strength that would always protect and never harm me.

Rhiot let out a soft growl, his fingers digging into my hips as he pulled me closer. The heat between us flamed into a white-hot inferno. Rhiot's kisses evolved into a desperate frenzy, spurred on by each time I ground my hips against him. Unable to stand it anymore, I broke our kiss as I rose up. When I settled on his hips, my breath caught in my throat. Rhiot's sparkled with raw desire as they roamed over my body.

My heart raced, a wild drumbeat echoing through my chest. I gripped the hem of my shirt, pulling it over my head and letting it drop forgotten to the floor. The air chilled my skin, the coolness prickling my flesh.

"Gods, Parker." Rhiot breathed, his voice laced with awe. His gaze never wavered which sent shivers down my spine. He didn't touch or even reach for me... waiting for permission, the perfect gentleman even in the throes of mating.

"Touch me." I murmured, my voice shaking with need. A boldness took hold of me, fueled by the intensity of our connection and the demonic power surging within my veins. I grabbed Rhiot's large hands and guided him to cup my breasts.

His thumbs brushed over my sensitive nipples. "Beautiful." He growled, eyes locked on mine as his fingers teased and played with me. The sensation of his calloused hands on my skin sent tendrils of pleasure spiraling through me like a livewire of need.

"Rhiot." I gasped, unable to hold back the moan that escaped my lips. He leaned in, capturing my mouth with his. Our tongues danced together in a heated frenzy while our breaths mingled as the taste of each became intoxicating.

"Tell me what you want, Parker." Rhiot growled against my lips, his voice a low rumble that reverberated through me, making me quiver with anticipation.

"More," I begged, my nails digging into his muscled arms as I pulled him closer. "I want all of you."

"Anything for you. If you wanted me to give you the world, we'd find a way to deliver it." Rhiot promised, his eyes darkened with lust and something deeper... a fierce protectiveness, as if he would do anything to keep me safe. The mating bond surged between us, demanding we stop delaying.

Taking a deep breath, I rose up and peeled off my jeans. My skin burned as Rhiot's heated gaze consumed every bit of my flesh.

My skin prickled with awareness under his intense stare, and I can't help but feel self-conscious as he takes me in.

"Breathtaking." Rhiot growled as his gaze finished sweeping over my body.

He tugged his shirt off, revealing taut flesh over bulging muscles. The scrolling tribal tattoo on his arm called to me. My fingers trailed along the dark lines, wondering if there was more to his tattoos.

"It's just ink. Tattoos like your Cerberus are rare. It requires a unique bond between a demon and a non-demon... or half non-demon in your case, for them to bond like that."

On his pec was a minimalistic racoon face staring at me. A racoon. My mouth opened and closed as it tried to process a hypothesis that my subconscious tried to piece together. Before I could say anything, I noticed long scars criss crossing his chest and stomach.

Rhiot's finger hooked under my chin, guiding me up to look him in the eyes. "Like I said, we all were broken at one point or another."

"I'm sorry you went through that." I whispered, swallowing hard as his golden eyes danced as he met mine.

"Now we all have each other." Rhiot replied, his voice thick with desire and emotion. He kissed me hard. It was all consuming, leaving me breathless.

As our kiss became frenzied, I fumbled with the button and zipper on his pants, desperate to feel all of him pressed against mine. He took over, making quick work of the material.

Slowly, I lowered myself onto him, the sensation of him filling me completely sending waves of pleasure coursing through my body. His big hand cradled the back of my neck as his thumb caressed the tender flesh behind my ear.