Chapter Thirty-Five

When I entered the patio to the pool, I knew something was off. Uriel looked guilty, Ember and Mariah snorted in laughter when I entered. That was when I saw Juniper, leaning against the stone wall speaking with a demon and twirling her hair.

I was glad I intervened when I did.

“This all could have been avoided if you had just given her some flowers,” Ember rolled her eyes.

“What?” I snapped my head to her.

“Juniper was mumbling to herself about how you gave Hecate flowers out of your garden and how you haven’t given her any.” Ember waved her hand in front of her face before she started giggled again.

I couldn’t understand how all this could be about flowers. Worthless plants? Sure, they may look pleasing to the eye, but they wither and die. I grew them because I enjoy watching them grow and tending to them and giving them purpose for Hecate and her spells, but why would Juniper find that upsetting?

“His skull is thicker than I thought.” Mariah miffed. “Girls like flowers, it’s romantic.”

Uriel sighed. “Yes, flowers are nice. I’ve seen many humans go on dates and males give the females large bouquets of flowers.”

“And Juniper was so jealous when she realized that you give Hecate flowers all the time and you haven’t given her any.” Ember added. “And then you ran off with Hecate, alone. All alone.”

Then it occurred to me it wasn’t over a damn flower; it was because I spent time with Hecate: it was Juniper’s jealousy.

The stupid fucking bond and all this jealousy shit.

Yet here I was, covering her body after I realized that she was wearing nothing after that damn demon touched her.

“I’m wearing a swimsuit!” My mate’s body twisted to turn around to face me but I’ll be damned if she wins.

“We’re leaving now. Close your eyes,” I commanded.

“You haven’t told me where we are going!” She argued back, wrestling against my hold.

My shadows intertwined around her, casting a blinding veil over her, obscuring her vision and guarding her form. With a graceful movement, I unfurled my wings, the rush of air propelled me upwards. Amidst the chaos, Juniper’s piercing screams echoed around us, her fingers gripping my robes with an iron grip. Her body stilled beneath me, embracing me tightly, fearing the imminent fall.

Not that I would ever let her fall. She was safe and would always be in my arms and within my grasp.

We ascended high above the majestic palace, the wind rushed through our hair as we swiftly traversed the haunting landscape of the Underworld. We spiraled through the vast expanse, her gasps and screams reverberated in my ear and mingled with the exhilarating sensation of the air swirling around us. A mischievous chuckle escaped my lips, while I relished in the fleeting moments of fear that bring me joy, knowing there is nothing to be afraid of in our daring flight.

“Thanatos! Put me down! Gods what are you doing?!”

“Taking you somewhere, now hold on.”

The heat of the Underworld threaded between my feathers. I relished the flight, and fought away the anger of the demon, of other eyes seeing my mate’s body. Juniper may be used to baring her body to others because of her previous life, but she is now mine and I will not have her showing it to anyone else but me.

My shadows kept her blindfolded, and we soared higher on the mountain of our home. I had one spot in mind as I flapped my wings to land. It was the perfect spot to show her, the perfect place to gift her after the Hecate fiasco.

As foolish as it sounded, I was quite prideful that she would be jealous of another woman.

I smirked as we land and wrap my wings around her. She shuffled her feet, her anticipation growing by the minute.

“Can I move now?” she asked and her body glowed brighter now that we bask in the darkest corner of the Underworld.

“In a moment.” I cupped the back of her head and pulled her to my chest. I concentrated and willed the light that my mate radiated through her soul and pushed it into the sky. As I held her, I felt the warmth of her body around me. With her hands placed on my chest, I felt something that can only be describe as–maybe joy? It felt like it could be so much more than that. Having her here in my arms was far more contentment that I have ever felt.

When I finally released her, the bikini she once wore was long gone. She now wore a gold gown that sparkled as the stars. She waved the shadows from her eyes and she blinked, adjusting to the sudden burst of light from her skin. Her gaze followed the path of her radiant energy as it danced among the stars I have, mirroring her soul that now illuminated the night sky. Juniper’s breath caught in her throat, a mixture of awe and wonder painted across her face.

“Thanatos,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the soft hum of the Underworld. “It’s beautiful.”

A surge of pride swelled within me, knowing that I have brought her to a place that holds such significance and beauty. This hidden spot, nestled high above the realm of darkness, is my sanctuary, my refuge from the burdens of my duties as the god of death. And now it is a place I shared with Juniper.

Before us, a breathtaking wild meadow bloomed in vibrant colors, contrasting against the eternal darkness of the Underworld. Flowers of all kinds stretched as far as the eye can see, their petals glistening with a soft, ethereal glow from the light my mate protrudes.

Juniper stepped forward, her fingers grazed the petals delicately. “Oh, Thanatos-- It’s stunning,” she whispered, her voice filled with wonder.

“These flowers are not like any other,” I explained, a hint of excitement in my voice. “Each flower represents a soul that has passed through the Underworld. Their essence lingers here, forever memorialized in the beauty of these blooms.”

She looked at me, her eyes wide with amazement. “You created this?”

“A part of a person’s soul has, I just materialized it.” a soft smile played at my lips. “I didn’t know why, but I knew it would be important one day. And now I understand that it was intended for you. To show you that even in the realm of death, there is beauty and life.” I took her hand in mine and led her further into the meadow and guided her through the sea of flowers.

As we walked, I can see the weight of the world lifting off her shoulders. The worries and doubts that had plagued her just moments ago seem to fade away in this enchanting place. She breathed in the sweet scent of the blossoms, her eyes filled with gratitude and adoration.

“Were they always in the dark, these flowers?” she asked.

I nodded solemnly and squeezed her hand. “That is until your soul has lit the way. Now they can be seen and appreciated.”

We found ourselves in a small clearing, surrounded by a small grove towering trees that whisper secrets to the wind. The starlight filters through their branches, casting an ethereal glow upon us.

She turned to face me, her eyes sparkled with countless stars mirrored in their depths. In this moment, I see her vulnerability laid bare before me. Neither of us no longer consumed by jealousy.

“Are these enough flowers for you, my treasure? Better than the weeds I grew for Hecate?” I pulled off my hood and bury my face in her neck.

Her body stiffened, but her arms did not let go of my body. “Y-you know about that?”

I chuckled. “Yes, Ember told me you were upset I haven’t given you flowers yet. All you need is to ask for things, and I will give them to you.”

“Oh, hmm,” she gripped me tighter. “That’s embarrassing.”

“Now you have a field of them, more flowers than I have ever given Hecate. And you must know— “I pulled away from her. “I have never been in a relationship with her. I only grow them for her witchcraft.” I swiped my thumb across her cheek. “You are the first and last female I will ever give flowers to that hold any meaning.”

Not unless we have a daughter one day, but I think she will forgive me then.

My treasure’s lips parted, and I immediately placed my mouth on hers. Our kiss exuded a mixture of passion and tenderness, creating a connection that transcended the physical. In this moment, amidst the blooming flowers and starlit sky, we became intertwined in a connection that knew no bounds. I felt her melt against me, her body responding to my touch with an intensity that matched my own.

Could Ilove her?

As our lips parted, we remained locked in an embrace, our foreheads resting against each other. Juniper’s eyes brimmed with unshed tears, and I brushed them away.

“I never knew it was possible to feel this way,” she whispered, her voice filled with awe and vulnerability.

A surge of emotion swelled within me, threatening to spill over. “Nor did I,” I admitted softly. “You have brought light into my existence, Juniper. With you by my side, the darkness of the Underworld no longer feels so bleak.”

Her eyes twinkled a radiant beam that reached deep into my soul.

“But we do have a transgression that needs to be paid for.” My voice grew deep.

Juniper blinked several times, and her nipples hardened at my words, showing blatantly through her dress.

“W-what are you talking about?” She laughed nervously and backed up into the dark bark of the tree.

I pulled my robe away, unveiling a spacious oasis of comfort. A plush, padded mattress dominated the area, adorned with an array of soft pillows, cozy blankets, and luxurious furs. Lanterns gently swayed from the branches above, casting a warm glow that danced across the scene. The flickering candles, perched upon stacks of books and scattered tables, added a touch of enchantment to the tranquil space.

“This doesn’t look like punishment.” Juniper tried to hide her smile.

I hummed darkly and stepped closer to her until I have her pinned against the tree. My eyes locked onto hers, a mischievous glint dancing in the depths. “Oh, my sweet Juniper, you will think it as punishment when I don’t let you come,” I murmured, the words dripping with seduction. “But if you beg hard enough… “

Her breath hitched in her throat as she pieced together my intentions. A blush spread across her cheeks, and she took a step back, her gaze flickering nervously to the inviting mattress.

She swallowed, a flicker of anticipation dancing in her eyes. “Thanatos, I… I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t need to say anything,” I murmured, my voice low and husky. “Just trust that I want nothing more than to worship every inch of your body tonight.”

A shiver ran down her spine, and she bit her lower lip with a charming mix of nerves and excitement. Her vulnerability only makes me want her more.

Slowly, I reached out and trail my fingertips along the curve of her jawline, savoring the softness of her skin beneath my touch.

I led her by the small of her back to the mattress, lowering her slowly onto her back. Her eyes were full of curiosity, her body’s arousal full of want. I grabbed a blindfold hidden beneath the pillows and let it trail over her chest.

“How do you feel about being blindfolded?”

“You covered my eyes with shadows earlier. I’m surprised you’re even asking.” She raised an eyebrow.

“With sexual encounters, I’ll make sure you are comfortable and wanting.” I placed a kiss between her breasts.

Why I even dressed her in a gown with more fabric, I wasn’t sure. I should have had her walk naked through the field.

“I trust you. You can do what you want with me,” she whispered.

I growled in approval and straddled her waist, letting my robes disappear in an instant. She gasped as she saw me completely naked, but in a moment, I had her completely blind.

I willed handcuffs into my hand, and they clinked next to her ear. “And hand cuffs?”

Juniper let out a needy whine and nodded. I let the cool metal run down her arm and watched the goosebumps appear on her skin.

“You like that, don’t you, my treasure?”

She bit her lip.

“I’m going to need some words, or I won’t continue.”

She lets out a frustrated breath. “Yes, it feels good.”

I hummed, satisfied, and raised her arms above her head. I put each cuff to her wrist and tightened it, rubbing her skin as I go to make sure they weren’t too tight.

My shadows danced around her body, removing the top half of her dress, my mouth instantly watering as her breast pooled out of her clothing.

I let out a low, guttural groan, and felt the pulsating ache in my cock. I longed to plunge deep into her wet, needy cunt. The promise I made to give her some form of punishment lingers in my mind, intensifying the desire. It’s a punishment that fuels the passion between us, a tantalizing dance of pleasure and pain.

Her cuffs clinked together. I sensed her impatience growing, so I leaned forward and sucked on her tight pink nipple. Juniper’s breath hitched as my lips gently tease the tightened point. Her body trembled beneath me. Her arousal was palpable, and I relished the feeling of her bound and under my control.

“Are you ready to be punished, sweetheart?” I whispered, my voice low and seductive.

“Mmph,” she moaned, her words muffled by desire.

I traced my fingertips down her chest, skimming her sensitive skin, causing a shudder to ripple through her body. I reached her waist and slid my fingers beneath her dress, silently thanking myself for my foresight in choosing something that wouldn’t get in the way.

As I peeled the fabric away from her body, her breath hitched, and she gasped when the cool air finds her skin.

Then I grabbed the thick soy candle beside me and smiled to myself as I bring it toward her breasts. The combination of the cool air and the warm wax will certainly make an interesting combination. First, I test it on my forearm and checked the temperature, then hovered over her breasts.

“You are in for a treat, Juniper. Now hold still.”