Everything that was happening was a turn on, and I was acutely aware of our surroundings. I’d never had sex in nature before. His muscular body fucking me, our scent in the air, my own panting breath. Even the minor details, like the rough bark scratching my skin, and his coarse tail twitching to tickle my feet, were arousing.
Soon, I lost myself in the bliss. My thoughts were no longer coherent. All the details blurred together into one big moment of ecstasy that I would not have been able to articulate or define. Everything was just so perfect, and every nerve in my body cried out for more. I never wanted it to stop, wanting to ride that wave of pure pleasure forever.
My body was inflamed with passion. Even out in the fresh, crisp outdoors, I felt so hot. My back bowed against the tree trunk, feeling its strength holding me up. I was glad for the support, as my legs turned to jelly beneath me.
My muscles began to clench, tightening around his cock. They gripped and held him eagerly, making him groan. I could feel everything stiffening as my orgasm hit, and I cried out when the highest wave left me thunderstruck.
He climaxed with me, his cock expanding inside me. Once more, I felt his hot seed flood into me.
As he pulled out, some dripped onto my thighs. Reaching a hand out, he assisted me, pulling me squarely onto my feet, away from the slant of the tree.
Once I was steady, he scooped me into his arms. Turning to carry me back into the hut, he held me tight to his chest. I gazed up at his gentle face, running a hand over his cheek.
He returned my gaze, his warm golden eyes twinkling with affection. He looked the way that I felt – happy, pleased, satisfied, and content.
It was hard to wrap my head around how delightful every part of our adventure together had been. It wasn’t just the sex, although that was mind-blowing on its own. It was the moments like this when he held me in his arms. It was the concern and care in his eyes. It was every thoughtful thing that he did, trying to be helpful and kind.
Even when our lovemaking was over, I enjoyed being around him. There was always something new, something that excited me or made me feel good. I was beginning to wonder if I’d ever get enough.
“I think I might be addicted to you,” I admitted, giving voice to my thoughts. He didn’t seem troubled by my confession.
“Good. Because I’m addicted to you. You’re my mate.”
Chapter Ten
Athos
The rest of the day stretched on lazily. We remained in the hut, filling the hours by making love, eating, and talking. Time passed without notice, the two of us so wrapped up in each other that the darkening hut caught us by surprise. Could it really be nightfall so soon?
We made love again and fell asleep in each other’s arms. I woke up a few hours later, enjoying the warmth of Claire’s sleeping body. But I was disoriented, trying to understand what had roused me. A quick glance toward the window confirmed that it was the middle of the night, and too early to wake.
I cocked my head, listening intently. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something had woken me – it wasn’t a coincidence. After a few moments, I heard it.
The noise was subtle, barely enough to warrant concern. I tried to dismiss it, not wanting to leave our cozy bed. It was a light, hardly noticeable scratching that I chalked up to the wind rustling through the trees.
But as I continued to listen, I had to admit that it didn’t sound like the wind at all. That was a noise I heard all the time. As much as I wanted an easy explanation, I couldn’t be satisfied with my conclusion.
Well, then, it’s an animal shuffling outside,I thought to myself. I turned my head, nuzzling Claire’s neck. With her in my arms, I found myself unperturbed. Whatever was outside, it couldn’t shatter my paradise.
I was just starting to doze back to sleep when the noise became more insistent, demanding my attention. It was no animal. I could have sworn that I heard voices.
I jumped out of the bed, galled into action. The sudden forcefulness of my movement woke Claire, who sat up. She wiped her tired eyes, trying to gather her bearings.
“Stay here,” I ordered, trying to sound firm. I knew that she was a brave woman, but the last thing I wanted was for her to follow me. I stared into her eyes, hoping that I could convey the seriousness of my words.
She blinked, her pretty face still etched with confusion. But then she nodded slowly. Her eyes were as grave as my own, and I knew that she would keep her promise.
The noise seemed to be coming from all around us now. I realized with dismay that my one weapon, my spear, was not even in the hut. I hadn’t wanted it to be accessible, where Claire could get her hands on it. It’d seemed like a perfectly logical decision less than twenty-four hours ago, and yet, in this moment, there were few things I regretted more.
Lifting my head with resolve, I marched out the door of the hut. Whatever was out there, I needed to face it head on. If I gave it the chance to corner us inside, there’d be no chance for escape. And what if it got Claire?
I had only made it a few steps when everything happened in a whirl. A team of men flooded out from what seemed to be every direction, encircling me. I shifted in an uneasy circle, watching myself fall into their trap and knowing there was nothing I could do about it.
They were humans, heavily armed and wearing armor. They wore uniforms, making it clear that this was a strategic, coordinated attack. The uniforms matched the ones I had seen earlier on the men I killed, and the one that Claire wore. Apparently, when their first attack didn’t work, they decided to return.
My heart sank in my chest as they surrounded me. I couldn’t believe, in retrospect, that I hadn’t prepared for this better. If they’d tried to ambush me once, why wouldn’t they try again? My misery was made a little better only by the thought that at least Claire wasn’t here.
But it was only a matter of time before they got into the hut and found her, I realized. That thought was enough to motivate me. Reckless and futile as it might have been, I was going to fight. I had to, to keep them from Claire.