Page 52 of Surrendered to Mate

"Cassius," I manage to gasp, my voice barely recognizable as my own. It’s rough, raw, full of need.

He groans, a sound that rumbles through his chest and into mine. His lips trail down my neck, his teeth nipping lightly as he positions himself behind me. I moan, arching back against him, my body aching with need.

He doesn't waste time, thrusting into me with a force that steals the breath from my lungs. I cry out, gripping the tree for support as he fills me completely. The sensation is overwhelming, a mix of pleasure and pain that leaves me reeling.

"Holy First, Faye," he grinds out, his hips driving into me. Each thrust sends waves of pleasure cascading through me, building an intensity that threatens to consume me whole.

I can feel his need, his hunger, mirroring my own. He slams deep into me, a punishing pace that steals my breath. But I feel it for what it is — a claiming. And maybe it’s this new side of me, now that I am no longer human, but I want it.

I want the smell of him. I want him to claim me. I want him to pump me full of cum and make me his over and over.

His grip on my throat tightens, and I can feel the pressure building, the pleasure coiling tighter and tighter. My breath hitches, and I moan his name, a whispered plea for more.

"That's it, sweetheart," he growls, his voice ragged with desire. "Give me everything. Show me you're mine."

His words are a command, and my body obeys, shattering around him. The pleasure explodes, blinding and all-consuming. I cry out, my vision blurring as wave after wave crashes over me.

Cassius follows, his body tensing before releasing in a rush of heat. He groans, his hold on me tightening briefly before he collapses against me, his breath hot and heavy on my skin.

We stay like that, our bodies pressed together, our breaths coming in ragged gasps. The forest around us seems to hold its breath, the only sound the distant hum of night creatures and the whisper of leaves.

"Faye," he rasps.

I turn my head, my eyes meeting his. There’s something in his gaze, a warmth I’ve never seen before. It makes my heart ache in a way I can’t quite understand.

"Yeah?" I whisper, my voice barely audible.

He smiles, a slow, lazy grin that makes my stomach flutter. "You're incredible," he says, his thumb tracing circles on my hip.

I can’t help but smile back, the warmth in his eyes making me feel seen, understood in a way I never have before. "You're not so bad yourself, pretty boy."

His laughter echoes through the forest, a sound that seems to chase away the shadows. In this moment, it feels like nothing else exists—just us, just this.

And for now, that’s enough. That’s everything.

25

CASSIUS

Iguide Faye through the winding tunnels of the vrakken base, watching her face light up with wonder as she takes in the pulsing magic around us. The stone walls shimmer with veins of energy, casting an ethereal glow that dances across her features.

It's been so long since I've seen someone react to this place with such awe. Most of us have grown apathetic to its beauty, but seeing it through her eyes reminds me of my own first time here.

"This is incredible," she breathes, reaching out to touch the sparkling rock. "I guess I can forgive you for making me come here instead of taking me back to the beach and the gate."

I'm about to retort, reminding her that I can't fight those monsters again while I'm healing and she doesn't have a control on her magic, when a jolt of magic leaps from the stone to her fingertips, and she jerks back with a startled laugh. The sound echoes through the tunnel, light and carefree, so at odds with the usual somber atmosphere down here.

"Careful," I warn, but I can't help the smile that tugs at my lips. "The wildsponts are alive with magic. It responds to our kind." I feel a strange urge to reach out and touch her, to see ifher skin tingles with the same energy that courses through the stone.

Faye turns to me, her eyes wide with excitement. "Our kind," she repeats, savoring the words. "I still can't believe I'm one of you now."

There's a hint of wonder in her voice, mixed with something else. Pride, maybe? Or perhaps a touch of fear at the enormity of what she's become.

I nod, feeling an unexpected warmth spread through my chest at her enthusiasm. For a moment, I allow myself to see the magic-infused caverns as Faye does, marveling at the shimmering veins of energy that pulse through the stone walls.

"The tunnels go on for miles," I explain as we continue walking, my voice echoing softly in the vast space. "Each chamber holds its own unique properties. Some are used for training, where the magic enhances our abilities. Others are perfect for meditation or rituals, the energy amplifying our connection to Akeldama.

"And there are countless rooms, though most are empty now." I pause, running my hand along the cool, vibrating stone. "It's a shame, really. These halls used to bustle with life, but now..." I trail off, surprised by the hint of melancholy in my own voice. I never minded before, but now, I'm realizing how split our race has really become.

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