Chapter 28

KEL

Back at Swyn's room, the nervous energy is coming off her in waves. Her hands are fidgeting, fingers tracing over the strap of her bag as we stand just inside the door.

The silence between us feels charged—different from before. Maybe it's because of what happened at the bar, or maybe it's the shift in our relationship tonight. Either way, I know she's feeling it too.

"Why don't you go grab a shower?" I suggest, keeping my tone easy, casual. I don't want her to feel any pressure right now. "Get ready for bed, and I'll pick out something for us to watch."

She glances up at me, those wide violet eyes searching mine for a moment. I can tell she's torn—part of her wants to relax, to just go with the flow, but there's that other part still holding back.

I don't blame her. Hell, this situation is a lot for anyone to handle.

"Yeah, okay," she finally says, giving me a small smile, though it doesn't quite reach her eyes. "I'll be quick."

"No rush," I tell her easily. My goal here is to keep her safe and make sure she's relaxed and comfortable. That's all. I'm good at making people laugh, but I don't have that reassuring presence like Sol. He always puts people at ease without even trying.

She heads to the bathroom and the door clicks shut behind her.

I move over to the TV, flipping through the options on her remote. I want to find something light—something that'll distract her, help her unwind. No heavy drama or complicated storylines. She's had enough of that for one night.

As I scroll through, I can hear the shower running, and I picture her in there, letting the water wash away the tension. My thoughts drift back to the bar, the way she laughed, the way she relaxed into me, the way she almost kissed me.

Almost. But then she'd seen something, or thought she had, and that fear had snapped her right out of the moment.

Her husband. I hate him, hate the way he makes her tense up, like she's waiting for him to jump out of the shadows at any second. I'd do anything to keep him away from her now.

My eyes flick to the bathroom door as the water shuts off. I want her to feel safe, not just because of me, but because she deserves it. She's been through enough with her overbearing family. She needs to know that being here, with me—with all of us—is different. We'd never let anything hurt her.

I settle on a rom-com. Something funny with a happy ending. The kind of movie you don't have to think too hard about. Just sit back, relax, and let it make you feel good.

She comes out of the bathroom a few minutes later, hair damp and skin flushed from the hot water. She's wearing an oversized T-shirt and a pair of shorts, and she looks more relaxed than before.

But there's still a hint of uncertainty in her eyes.

"Feel better?" I ask, tossing her a smile as I sit on the edge of the bed.

"Yeah," she replies softly, towelling off her hair as she glances at the TV. "What'd you pick?"

"Something light. Figured we could both use a laugh," I say, patting the space next to me. "Come on, get comfortable."

She hesitates for a second before joining me, sitting close, but not quite touching. I can feel the warmth of her body next to mine, the subtle tension in the air between us. It's like we're on the edge of something, teetering, but not quite ready to take the leap.

Have to say, I'm kind of surprised that Sol did. I never expected my more reserved brother to be the first of us to make a move on Swyn. Though I guess I did kiss her first.

As the movie starts, she leans back against the pillows, her eyes fixed on the screen. I steal a glance at her, watching the way her features soften, the way she finally starts to relax.

She's beautiful.

That's nothing new, but there's something different about seeing her like this—vulnerable, real, and here with me.

"You're safe, you know," I say softly, not looking directly at her. "With me. With all of us. We'll make sure of it."

She doesn't say anything at first, just turns her head slightly, catching my eye. There's a vulnerability there, something raw that she's not used to showing. And for a second, I wonder if maybe I've overstepped, said too much.

But then she nods, a small, almost imperceptible motion, and her hand moves, ever so slightly, closer to mine on the bed.

"I know," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the sound of the movie.

It's enough. For now, it's enough. I lean back beside her, my arm resting casually behind her on the pillows, giving her space but letting her know I'm here.

We sit like that for a while, the sounds of the movie filling the room, the tension between us easing bit by bit.

She leans into me as the movie goes on, her head resting on my shoulder. I let my hand fall gently to her back, tracing lazy circles with my thumb, and she relaxes into me even more.

As the movie winds down, I notice Swyn's breathing has changed, slowing into the steady rhythm of sleep. Her head is still resting on my shoulder, her body warm and soft against mine.

I glance down and see her eyes are closed, her features peaceful in a way I haven't seen before. It's like all the tension she carries has finally melted away.

Careful not to wake her, I shift slightly, easing her down against the pillows. She stirs a little, murmuring something unintelligible, but doesn't wake.

I pull the blankets up over her, tucking her in as gently as I can.

She fits so perfectly here, in my arms, like she was made for this—made for me. I know she's just as perfect for my brothers too. As soon as Ri declared she was his mate, I knew she was destined to be all of ours.

To me, it makes perfect sense. We're triplets, we shared a womb. When we shift into Cerberus, we share a body. Of course we'd share a mate. And Swyn is the perfect mate for all of us.

I lie down beside her, pulling her close without thinking twice about it, wrapping my arm around her waist and feeling the warmth of her body through the thin fabric of her shirt.

She sighs in her sleep, nestling into me, her face pressed against my chest.

I close my eyes, the sound of her breathing lulling me into a peaceful daze. Everything feels right, like this is exactly where I'm supposed to be. With her. Protecting her. Holding her close.

The last thought that crosses my mind once more as I drift off is how damn perfect she feels in my arms—like she was made for this, for me.

When I wake up, it's still early. A faint glow of light filters through the curtains, casting soft shadows around the room. I feel her before I see her, her fingers under my shirt, lightly tracing the lines of my abs, almost tentative, like she's not sure if she's dreaming or awake.

I glance down, catching the sight of her face so close to mine, her eyes half-lidded, lost in thought. There's something about the way her touch sends a shiver through me that makes it almost impossible to stay still, but I don't move.

I let her explore, let her linger.

Her fingers pause when she notices I'm awake, her gaze flicking up to meet mine. For a second, neither of us says anything, just locked in this quiet moment, her hand still pressed to my skin.

"Morning," I say, my voice rough from sleep.

She blinks, realising what she's been doing, and quickly pulls her hand away.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…"

I catch her wrist before she can fully retreat, a lazy grin tugging at my lips. "I don't mind. In fact, I want you to touch me. Explore. Have at it. I'm your playground."

Her eyes widen a fraction, and for a split second, I think she's going to say something, maybe make a joke about it, but instead, she just looks at me. Really looks at me. And I can't help but wonder if she feels it too—that connection, that pull, like there's something more between us, something we haven't fully explored yet.

"Did you sleep well?" I ask, my hand still wrapped loosely around her wrist.

She hesitates for a moment, then nods. "Yeah. I did." Her voice is soft, almost like she's surprised by it.

"Good," I murmur, pulling her a little closer, letting my thumb brush lightly over the inside of her wrist. "Me too. I guess we both needed it."

She doesn't respond, just lets herself relax back into the bed, her body still close to mine. And for a moment, everything feels quiet, peaceful, like the world outside doesn't matter. Just the two of us, in this room, tangled up together. Perfection.

Her eyes flicker back to mine and something shifts. The air between us tightens, thick with something unspoken. Every breath she takes seems to echo in my chest, her warmth so close that it's almost unbearable.

She's right there, inches away, her body radiating heat that draws me in, making it hard to focus on anything but her.

I let my hand drift down her arm, fingers brushing over her skin so lightly it's barely a touch, but her lips still part at the contact.

"What are you thinking about?" I murmur, keeping my voice low, careful not to break this fragile moment we're suspended in.

She hesitates, eyes dropping for just a beat before they find mine again.

"I don't know," she whispers, but the look in her eyes betrays her. She knows exactly what she's thinking. And so do I.

My fingers find hers, our palms meeting, and I gently pull her closer, feeling her hand tremble slightly in mine.

"Feels like you do," I say softly, my eyes searching her face. I can see her pulse quicken, her chest rising and falling with each breath, and I know she feels this too—this pull between us that's impossible to ignore.

"I...I guess I'm just thinking about us." Her voice is quiet, almost hesitant, like she's unsure of where this will lead.

A slow smile tugs at the corner of my mouth. "Us, huh?"

She lets out a small laugh, shaking her head, but there's no retreat. If anything, she's moving closer. Her eyes, wide and searching, lock onto mine, like she's trying to figure out exactly what ‘us' means.

"Yeah. Us."

It's the way she says it—soft, but sure—that hits me. Like this is real, something solid, something worth chasing. The realisation settles over me like a warm wave, and it's as clear as day—I want her.

Not just now, not just in this moment, but all of her. Her laughter, her fire, her everything. I want it all. And not because of some damn curse or fated mate bond. I want Swyn. I'm entranced by her.

I lean in, my forehead brushing hers, the softest touch, but it feels like electricity sparking between us. "Are you sure you're ready for that?" I ask, my voice low.

There's a heartbeat of hesitation, her breath hitching, but then she nods, her eyes flickering closed as I press a kiss to her forehead, lingering just long enough for her to feel the weight of it, the promise in it.

My hand trails up her arm, sliding along the curve of her shoulder, until my fingers trace the line of her neck. When I cup her cheek, she leans into it, her eyes fluttering open, and what I see there makes my pulse jump.

The desire, the want—it's all mirrored in her gaze, just as intense as what's burning inside me.

"I'm sure," she whispers, and that's all the confirmation I need.

I close the distance between us, my lips finding hers, soft at first, hesitant. It's like we're testing the waters, both of us cautious - even though it isn't our first kiss - unsure if this is too much too soon.

But the second her lips respond, parting just slightly, something inside me breaks loose. The need I've been holding back surges forward, and I kiss her deeper, pulling her against me as her body melts into mine.

She lets out a quiet sound, almost a whimper, and it drives me wild. My hand slips to the back of her neck, fingers tangling in her hair, and I pull her closer, kissing her harder, more urgently.

It's like I've been waiting for this moment forever, and now that it's here, I don't want it to end.

Her hands slide up my chest over my shirt, fingertips brushing over the muscles, tracing the lines of my body, until they settle on my shoulders. She pulls me down to her, matching my intensity, and the kiss deepens, our tongues sliding against each other, each movement drawing us closer, blurring the lines between where she ends and I begin.

Her body shifts beneath me, her legs tangling with mine as her hands trail lower, slipping under my shirt, her fingers warm against my skin. I let out a low groan at the sensation, and the sound seems to spur her on, her touch becoming more urgent, more certain.

I break the kiss just long enough to tug my shirt over my head, her eyes raking over me with a hunger that matches my own. She reaches for me again, her hands sliding over the bare skin of my back, pulling me down until there's nothing between us but heat and want.

Her breath hitches as I trail kisses along her jaw, down her neck, my hands exploring every inch of her soft, warm skin. The sound of her soft gasps and her fingers gripping me tightly only fuels the fire inside me.

I reach for the hem of her shirt, pausing just long enough to meet her eyes, searching for any sign of hesitation. But there's none. She arches into me, her silent answer, and I pull her shirt over her head, tossing it aside.

For a moment, I just take her in, her body, her beauty, the way she looks at me with a mix of desire and trust that makes my heart race. And then I'm on her again, my lips meeting hers in a kiss that's all heat and passion, my hands roaming her body as hers do the same to me, exploring, discovering.

Everything is a blur of skin and breath, her soft moans against my ear, the feel of her beneath me, responding to every touch, every kiss. We move together, the tension building between us like a storm about to break, the air thick with the need to finally close the distance, to finally make this real.

"You sure, Swyn?" I whisper, dragging my lips across her clavicles.

"Fuck, yes," she pants. "I'll kill you if you stop now."

I chuckle, then lean in, my lips just inches away from hers, and whisper, "Will you be mine, Swyn?"

Her eyes search mine, the desire and trust I've seen before clearer than ever. She nods, her eyes sparkling with the promise of forever. "Yes," she whispers back, her hand tracing the line of my jaw, fingers gentle but sure.

And with that, I let out a low growl, my hands gripping her hips as I pull her closer. The heat of her body, the beat of her heart…it's like a siren call, drawing me in, making me crave more.

"Fuck!" I bark, freezing.

She stiffens beneath me. "What is it?"

"I wasn't expecting this. I don't have a condom."

A gorgeous rosy hue taints her porcelain skin as she blushes. "Oh, I have a contraceptive spell in place, and umm…I've only slept with…well, your brother."

I take a moment to process her words, the weight of them settling in the air between us. Then I remember that comment she made about being a virgin and Ri slut shaming her.

I guess it didn't sink in at the time.

My heart races, and my breath hitches as I register what she just admitted. Just me and him? A rush of possessiveness floods my veins, igniting a fire within me.

"Just my brother?" I murmur, my lips hovering just above hers, teasing her with my breath. "Is that supposed to make me feel better?"

Her gaze locks onto mine, a mix of vulnerability and mischief in her eyes.

"Well, he's definitely not you," she counters softly, her voice lilting with sincerity. "Even if I thought he was at the time."

My grip on her hips tightens, an animalistic instinct surging through me.

"Damn right," I reply, the teasing lilt fading as I lose myself in the heat of the moment. "I'm not him…Wait, you thought he was me?"

"Duh."

"You liked me enough to gift me your virginity?" I ask, awe-struck.

She shrugs, avoiding my gaze.

With that, I crush my mouth against hers, the kiss deepening as I pour all my unspoken thoughts into it—my need, my desire, my promise. She responds in kind, her fingers threading through my hair, pulling me closer as if she's trying to meld our bodies together.

"Every part of you," I whisper against her skin, trailing kisses along her collarbone, mapping the delicate landscape of her body. "I want to know you completely. I'm clean. I know my brothers are too. But if you'd rather we wait and get protection…"

"Don't you dare!"

Her fingers clutch at my shoulders, urging me on, and I oblige, capturing her mouth again as I sink into the warmth of her embrace. She pulls me closer, her body arching against mine, urging me to lose myself in her.

Her breath hitches as I nip at her neck, her fingers digging into my back, urging me on. And then I move lower, my lips trailing kisses down her stomach, each one eliciting a small moan from her.

She arches into me, her hips rising to meet mine with each pass.

The tension between us is so thick I could cut it with a knife, but I don't want to break this moment. This feeling of complete connection with Swyn - it's something I've never experienced before. And it scares me and exhilarates me all at the same time.

But I know we can't hold back forever. The pull between us is too strong to ignore.

Slowly, I move lower still, my lips reaching the edge of her sleep shorts. Her breathing hitches, and for a moment she freezes. But then she relaxes underneath me, her fingers stroking through my hair as she lets out a sigh of surrender.

"Good girl," I murmur as I slide her shorts down her legs, tugging them off along with her underwear until she's lying beneath me in nothing but skin and desire.

So fucking beautiful.

As I descend, my hands firmly grip her, tracing her skin with a fierce hunger that contradicts the intense heat simmering between us. I observe her response to each touch, her pleasured expressions urging me to push further.

This moment is raw - a primal connection between two bodies, a craving sealed by lust and need. And then I arrive at my destination - the apex of her thighs, already slick, pulsating and hungry for more.

I plant a bold kiss on her inner thigh before delving in to taste her completely, her intoxicating essence beckoning me. My tongue darts out eagerly, savouring the first hint of her arousal, knowing that what follows will be even more delicious.

Swyn's breath catches as I start to explore her sensually, her hips moving beneath me in a wordless invitation. I tantalise her outer lips initially, my tongue flicking out to tease her with purposeful intent.

She moans softly and arches into me, gripping my hair tightly as she guides me closer to where she craves me most. The rhythm of her heartbeat pounds beneath my touch as I descend further, parting her lips with fervour and plunging into the core of her with an insatiable hunger that has been building since our eyes first locked.

The room fills with the sounds of our desire - her moans of ecstasy intermingled with my guttural groans as I devour every inch of her passionately.

Soon she's squirming beneath me, panting and uttering indiscernible pleas. Her nails dig into my back as she thrusts her hips upward, urging me on.

The taste of her arousal is overpowering, intoxicating. I can't get enough of it – I want more, need more.

My tongue moves in sync with the rise and fall of her breaths, licking and exploring every inch of her, drawing her pleasure out as long as possible. I trace the most sensitive spots with care, revelling in the way her body reacts to each touch, before plunging my fingers deep inside.

Her hips buck wildly now, unable to contain the pleasure building within her.

"Kel, please!" she begs.

Swyn's breathing becomes erratic as she nears the edge. Her moans become louder, more desperate, pleading for release. Her whole body is trembling beneath me now, every muscle taut and ready to explode.

And then it happens – a shudder runs through her entire body as she arches off the bed, her back arching into a perfect curve as she lets out an ecstatic cry that echoes through the room.

Her muscles clench around my fingers, the warmth and tightness of her pulsating in rhythm with her gasps for breath. She's finally found her release, and the sight of her lost in pure pleasure is the most exhilarating sight I've ever witnessed.

As her body slowly starts to relax, I gently pull away from her, my heart pounding as fast as hers. I crawl up her body, my eyes finding hers. For a moment we're both frozen - our bodies yearning for each other, but our souls yearning for something more.

Connection.

Seal the bond.

I kiss her once more and our bodies melt into each other as our passion reaches its peak. Swyn's breaths are still shallow and erratic, so I trace gentle kisses down her neck, allowing her to catch her breath as I savour the taste of her.

I position myself above, notching myself at her entrance. The anticipation is bottled up within me like a wild animal caged for too long. I gaze deeply into Swyn's eyes - a kaleidoscope of emotions reflected in them - fear, desire, and the nagging question I know she's about to voice.

"Are you sure about this?" she whispers softly, her voice barely audible against the crash of waves outside our room. Her hesitance makes my heart ache, but I understand it. "Is any of this real?"

This moment is far more than just physical union; it will be a sealing of our souls, a merging of two beings that have been unknowingly searching for each other for lifetimes.

This is love and commitment and partnership in its most raw form — but she's not ready to hear that yet.

"Yes, it's real," I answer firmly, my voice rumbles with assurance and determination. "And I am more sure about this than anything else in my life."

With that, I thrust into her, feeling her body tighten and then relax as she submits to me fully. "Fuck, you're perfect, Swyn."

"Fuck! Make me yours Kel!" She cries.

Her plea sends a surge of possessiveness through me. She gasps, her fingers tightening on my shoulders, her eyes locked on mine, and for a moment, everything else disappears.

It's just us, here in this moment, connected in every way possible.

Her skin is so warm, and she's completely open beneath me, her body arching up, inviting me in. Her breath hitches as I barely manage to hold back the urge to take her hard and fast.

I press in, slowly at first, savouring how tight and hot she is around me, feeling her stretch to take every inch.

"God, Swyn," I groan, gripping her hips as I push deeper, her body clenching around me. She moans, her nails digging into my shoulders, her legs wrapping tight around me as I start to move, each thrust sending jolts through both of us.

Our bodies move together, fast and intense, the heat building with every stroke. Her hands wander over my back, gripping, urging me deeper, harder. She gasps my name, her head tilting back, exposing her neck.

I can't resist—I dip my head, dragging my teeth along her throat, feeling her shiver beneath me. Every gasp, every moan fuels me, drives me harder.

I thrust deeper, feeling her body shudder beneath mine, her hips meeting mine, pulling me in as if she can't get enough. She clutches at me, her body writhing beneath me, her breathing quickening as she nears the edge.

I reach down, gripping her thigh, pulling her leg higher, letting me sink even deeper.

"Yes... Kel," she gasps, her voice ragged, breathless, her body trembling as I thrust into her with everything I've got. "I'm so close again." I watch her face as her pleasure builds, her eyes closing, her lips parting with each breathless moan.

She's starting to shake, her breaths coming fast and shallow, and I lean down, murmuring against her ear.

"Come for me, Swyn. Come on pretty girl, shatter for me. Give me another orgasm, violet eyes, and I'll make you feel so good." The second I say it, she cries out, her body clenching tight around me, pulling me over the edge with her.

I thrust one last time, hard and deep, feeling myself pulse inside her as I let go, both of us lost in the pure, raw sensation of it.

For a long moment, we stay there, bodies entwined, my forehead resting against hers, her breaths mingling with mine as the world fades back in. I brush a hand over her cheek, feeling the warmth of her skin, the softness of her smile as she looks up at me.

Her lips are swollen and pink from the kiss, and there's this dazed, breathless look in her eyes that makes my chest tighten in the best possible way.

She gives me a soft, breathless smile, and I grin back, knowing damn well I'm not letting her go anytime soon.

"Wow," she whispers, her voice soft, filled with wonder. I can't help but smile, feeling a deep, intense satisfaction settle over me.

This is where I belong, right here with her, and I know I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe, to make her mine in every way.

"Still thinking about ‘us'?" I tease, brushing my thumb over the curve of her cheek, watching the way she leans into my touch.

She laughs, the sound soft and breathy, her lips still so close to mine.

"Yeah," she says, her voice light but certain. "Definitely still thinking about us."

The way she looks at me says it all. This is something real. Something worth fighting for.

And I'm all in.