Chapter 41

For the first time in forever, I am truly enjoying the trip across the sands. My mind is no longer weighed down by the weight of the world, and my mate's arms are wrapped tightly around my waist.

Weslide into the hidden area and Tessa hops off the back of the speeder before I can reach around for her. Sliding her goggles over the top of her head, she shakes the sand off her cloak. When she lowers her hood, I examine her face to make sure none of the sands got through.

"I'm fine, ZoD, but thank you for worrying about me."

"Your welfare is, and will, always be a top concern for me. I brought some sustenance and things to make our stay here a little more comfortable, as I plan on staying until next rising."

"Sounds good to me. I can't believe this place held the answer to all your problems all along. Just so you know, I would have never thought about salt destroying the Waldrins. I am still not sure how you guys managed to figure that out. But if things hadn't worked out the way they did, it's hard to tell how any of this would have ended."

"One of the other females suggested it. OnceSCOUT ran a test … well you know the rest of that story. You are proof Amori, that the Lord of Light always has a plan."

"Ok, that's it. You are going to tell me what Mori means?"

"AmI now? MaybeI keep that knowledge to myself because I am scared to share that with you?"

"I am calling bullshit on that. You ain't scared of anything."

"That's not true, the power you hold over me is all-consuming, and for a male who is used to controlling others, that is worrisome. Come here, I believe you are overdressed for this area."

"Nope, no touchy … not until you come clean. I am only going to ask you this once more. What does Amori mean."

Ihesitate to tell her, but then I just blurt it out. "My love." I stand there waiting for her reaction.

"ZoD, you have been calling me that since the moment you threw me over your shoulder."

Nodding, I turn away, gathering all of our stuff off to the side where I plan on making our bed.

"ZoD, look at me. Do you love me?"

"You know I do."

"And it's not just because of these marks and that Soulkin thing?"

"I don't have the words to explain what happened to me the instant I saw you running towards me in that research center, Amori. But the moment I had you in my arms, there was nothing in this universe strong enough to take you from me for long. I crave you like I need my next breath.

"I can't explain it, and yes, I know this is all rather quick, but my life didn't start until that rising. I have been more alive since that moment than any risings before. The stars gave me a gift that I am humbled by. I love you Amori, more than I know how to say."

Iwatch as she shimmies out of that cloak. Then one by one she throws the rest of her garments into a pile. I can't tell by the look on her face what is going through her mind, but I can feel her happiness through our link, which seems to be getting stronger by the minute. I throw the covers over the bed of moss and turn back towards her. She stands before me naked, wearing the marks of my people proudly. I find myself stalking her slowly as I also start stripping my garments off. My body instantly knows what it needs to finish the bond we started, but have never fully fulfilled. Pulling her into my arms, I whisper.

"Give me your love Amori. I'm not willing to settle for anything less. I want your love, your physical presence, and your deepest essence. I long to fill you with younglings and spend our lives growing old together."

"I thought we couldn't have kids?"

"There are no rules for a SoulkinBond, Amori."

Pullingus down together upon the blankets, I stare at her bright green eyes. My soul aching for the words I can feel, but have not left her lips. Lips that now have my complete attention. Slowly, I rub mine against hers as I hold my body just above hers. Hersmall hands grip my waist as she tries to pull me closer, but I resist until she opens her mouth for me. When our tongues begin to dance, I lose what small amount of control I have.

Myfingers trace down her chest, stroking her nipples. Moans and gasps leave her throat, and I feel like a feral male devouring his prey. Releasing her mouth, a tortured sound escapes her lips when my mouth latches onto her nipple. My hands seek out her damp folds, and I no more roll that sweet little nub that she explodes under me.

"You like that, Amori? That's just the beginning. I promise you."

Slidingdown, I kiss her quivering belly, parting her thighs with my own body as I make my way down her luscious frame. While tugging on her nipples, I lick on her pleasure button. Her hands sink into my hair as her legs clasp me tightly. I look up, entranced at the emotions on her face as she bites her bottom lip. WhenI stab my tongue inside of her. She presses harder against my face, withering on the bed while fisting the covers under her.

"Damn it ZoD, I need you inside of me, now! Quit punishing us both."

Grabbingher hips tightly, I lavish that swollen nub until she is trembling and screaming out my name. Without another thought, I rise above her and with a single thrust sink into her tight wet entrance. We both groan out as her body once again peeks. I refuse to give her time to adjust to my size as I pull out and trust again.

Thereisn't a single thought in my head but her and the feelings of her small body grasping mine. I thrust harder, moving my hips with intense desire as she wraps her legs around me, yearning to bring us even closer. As my own release surges, I can feel my knot enlarging.

Ireach down between our bodies and stroke her pleasure button, and she explodes for one last time. Her inner walls pull me in as they pulse around my shaft. I grit my teeth together as my whole body tightens up and when my knot locks us together. I roar out as I empty into her womb.

Ibarely catch myself before crushing her beneath me. Tucking my arm under her tiny frame, I roll her on top of me, as we are still locked together. We lay here, both out of breath. WhenI feel the coolness of the skin on her back, I reach over and pull a cover over us. She wiggles a few times, but my knot isn't ready to release her tight core. Tessa's body starts to relax and I can feel her starting to drift off to sleep, but not before I can feel the love she has for me in my soul. Our bond is fully bound now and will simply get stronger as the rotations continue.

Kissingthe top of her head, I allow myself this moment of peace, holding my mate in my arms. "I love you Amori," I whisper out.

"I love you too, big guy."

Rightbefore I fall asleep. I hear the words my mother whispered all those risings ago. Be happy, my son. With a smile on my face, I drift off only to dream about dancing on the stars with my Amori.