Page 27 of Stolen By the Reaper

A gentle creek babbled through the forested courtyard, its waters reflecting the warm candlelight. At the heart of the grovestood an enormous bed, the frame seamlessly woven from the surrounding trees.

“What is all this about?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

His eyes devoured me as he approached. His fingers found my wrists and ghosted up my arm. “A celebration,” he murmured. “Do you know what it means to take a mate, Josephine?”

The way he said my name, low and husky, sent a jolt of heat through my body. I shook my head, unable to form words as he began tracing intricate patterns on my skin.

“It’s a bond,” he explained, his voice taking on a reverent tone. He slipped behind me, fingers still burning me so deliciously. “Deeper than any mortal marriage. More binding than any demonic contract.”

I closed my eyes, overwhelmed by the sensations. His body pressed against mine, his breath hot against my ear.

“It means I am yours, completely and utterly. In life, in death, in whatever comes after.” A soft kiss along my neck and shoulders punctuated each word. “And you would be mine if you chose it. The perfect half to my imperfect existence.”

His hands continued their hypnotic dance, winding their way over my bare shoulders. His lips grazed the sensitive spot just below my ear, and I shivered.

The enormity of what he offered settled over me. This wasn’t just about ruling together or sharing a bed. It was an eternal promise. A vow of devotion and surrender.

And I wanted it.

“What does it entail?” My voice sounded breathless. I tilted my head to the side, giving him better access to my neck. “Taking a mate?”

His hand skimmed my waist, then brushed over my breasts. The gentle touch sent sparks of electricity through my body. Iarched my back, pushing closer to him. He answered with a groan and dropped a hand to my hip to pull my ass flush to his hard length.

“A night of pleasure,” he breathed in my ear. “When you’ve had your fill, when you can’t think beyond milking my cock with your tight cunt, after you’ve clawed my back to bits, I’ll sink my fangs into your neck and claim you as mine.”

“Azrael,” I whimpered, desperate for him.

“Would you like that?” His hips rocked, grinding into my ass. “Would you like my bite? My mark?”

“Yes,” I gasped, and it was almost a plea. I didn’t need to be claimed to be his. I was his, irrevocably. Forever.

I craned my head back to capture his lips. I’d gladly take his mark. His love. Everything.

His mouth moved over mine, demanding and possessive. He’d made his home in my heart. His tongue slid between my parted lips, stroking and teasing. A growl of need rumbled in his chest, vibrating against my back.

He spun me to face him, pinning me with that intense green fire in his eyes. His thumbs traced my collarbone, then dragged down to follow the swells of my breasts.

“You’re so beautiful,” he growled against my lips. “So perfect.”

His hand cupped my breast through the thin silk of my dress. I arched into the touch, craving more. He tugged the fabric aside and rolled my nipple between his fingers. Desire washed over me, settling as a pulsing need between my legs.

He smirked, clearly pleased by my reaction. “You like that, don’t you? You love it when I touch you.”

“Yes.” I whimpered as he continued the torment, rolling and flicking my sensitive peak.

“I could spend eternity like this and be happy, you know.”

“Don’t stop,” I begged, leaning into his touch.

“No?” His breath was a delicious rasp against my throat. His other hand moved to my other breast, pinching that nipple through the dress. “Not even if I do this?”

The rough friction of the fabric combined with the sensation of his fingers left me breathless.

“Or maybe this?” His hands found the straps of my dress, slowly sliding them down my arms.

The silk whispered against my skin as it pooled at my feet, leaving me bare before him. My skin tingled, aching for the touch of his mouth. His hands.

Azrael didn’t disappoint. His lips closed around a nipple, tongue swirling and flicking. I cried out, my fingers clenching in his hair. He lavished attention on my breasts, alternating between gentle kisses and sharp nips, stoking the fire building within me.

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