Page 38 of Ocean's Whisper

She turned to face him, her heart skipping a beat at the intensity in his gaze. "Private, huh? What exactly are you planning?"

His hands slid up her sides, sending a shiver through her. "I think you know."

She laughed, a soft, breathy sound. "You're impossible."

"And yet, you're here with me." He leaned down, his lips brushing her ear. "Take off your clothes, Isolde."

Her breath hitched, but she didn't hesitate. There was something about the way he commanded her that made her want to obey and to give herself over to him completely. She reached for the hem of her shirt, pulling it over her head, and then stepped out of her shorts. He watched her with a predatorygaze, his eyes darkening as she stood before him in nothing but her bra and panties.

"All of it," he said, his voice rough with need.

She unhooked her bra and let it fall to the ground, then slid her panties down her legs. The air was warm against her skin, but it was nothing compared to the heat of his stare. He stepped closer, his hands skimming over her curves, and her body responded instantly, a flush of desire spreading through her.

"You're so beautiful," he murmured, his fingers tracing the curve of her hips. "Every single inch of you."

She reached for the hem of his shirt, tugging it up. "Your turn."

He let her strip him, his muscles flexing as she pulled his shirt over his head and undid his pants. When he stood before her, completely bare, she couldn't help but admire him—the broad shoulders, the defined chest, the powerful legs, the… large throbbing member. He was every bit the alpha male, and it made her pulse race.

He took her hand and led her to the edge of the hot spring. "Ready?"

She nodded, and he stepped into the water, pulling her in after him. The heat enveloped her, soothing and invigorating at the same time. She sank into the water, letting it lap at her skin. He soon pulled her close, his hands roaming over her body.

"You're mine, Isolde," he said, his voice low and possessive. "Mine to protect, mine to cherish, and mine to pleasure."

She shivered at his words, her body leaning into his touch. "Nereus…"

He kissed her then, deep and demanding, his tongue sliding against hers. She moaned into his mouth, her hands gripping his shoulders as he pressed her against the edge of the pool. His hands were everywhere, exploring her, teasing her, until she was trembling with need.

"Please," she whispered, her voice breaking.

He didn't make her wait. He lifted her, positioning her so she could wrap her legs around his waist, and then he was inside her, filling her completely. She cried out with pleasure, her nails digging into him as he began to move. His thrusts were slow and deliberate at first, drawing out her pleasure. But as her moans grew louder and her breathing more ragged, his thrusts became faster and harder.

The water rippled around them, responding to the intensity of their connection. She clung to him, her body trembling as pleasure built inside her, sharp and sweet. His breath was hot against her neck, his growls sending shivers down her spine.

"That's it," he murmured. "Come for me, Isolde."

Her climax soon hit her like a freight train, her body convulsing around him as wave after wave of pure ecstasy washed over her. He soon followed her, his own release shuddering through him as he held her close. For a moment, they stayed like that, their bodies pressed tightly together and their breaths mingling like one.

When he finally pulled back, his eyes were soft, a rare vulnerability in his gaze. "You're everything, Isolde. Everything I've waited for all this time."

She smiled, her heart swelling with emotion. "And you're everything I never knew I needed."

SIXTEEN

NEREUS

Nereus watched Isolde emerge from the hot spring. Water cascaded down her bare curves, every droplet accentuating her beautiful body. He fought the urge to pull her back into his arms, knowing they needed to leave soon.

As they dressed in silence, Nereus sensed the tension building between them. He had known all week something was bothering Isolde, her frustration growing palpable with each passing day. It's why he had brought her here today - hoping to ease whatever troubled her.

Isolde turned to face him, her sea-blue eyes stormy. "Nereus, we need to talk."

He nodded, bracing himself. "What's on your mind?"

"Why haven't you made the formal announcement to the pack that I'm the Luna?" she asked, her voice steady but tinged with hurt. "Or claimed me properly as your mate?"

He inhaled sharply, caught off guard by her directness. His wolf howled inside, eager to claim what was rightfully theirs. But the man in him knew better than to rush.

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