Page 160 of A Soul to Steal

Even more so when Gideon let out a loud, deep, and satisfied groan. “Fuckyeah. That feels so good.”

He’d said those very words to Aleron before, while his cock was deep inside him! He squeezed the end of his snout to stifle his groan as best he could with his hand, more afraid of his desire for the human than crushing his skull.

“You better be ready to save me.” Water splashed, as if he lay on his back and was floating. “This pool is pretty deep and I’ve never swum before. I might drown if we’re not careful.”

A harrowing crawl of dread slithered up his spine. It puffed his feathers and fur, and now his heart accelerated with worry.

“Then get out of the water!” Aleron growled. “Mavka sink. We cannot swim.”

“Eh, don’t worry.” The shrug in his voice only made irritation ruffle his feathers. “The deep end only looks like it’ll come toyour head height. Too tall for me, obviously, but you should be okay.”

That did not make him feel any better whatsoever!Why would someone go into the water if they cannot swim?He and Ingram had avoided deep lakes for such a reason.

“You should join me, Aleron,” Gideon stated firmly. Then his tone became almost aloof as he cooed, “You know, just in case. To keep me safe.”

He ached to. Aleron longed to be near him, to keep Gideon in his sights, to watch him flit around doing any task.

He shook his head. “I cannot.”

My bride is almost naked, wanting me near.And he was too busy shaking, resisting, because he wanted to fucking touch! Just knowing Gideon was there, barely clothed, teased his thoughts more than he could handle.

Last night, as they’d cuddled torso to torso, Aleron had needed to hold back every urge to stop himself from touching Gideon then. Inch by inch, his hand had uncontrollably slipped down his back until he grabbed his bride’s backside, and his cock had nearly extruded in utter delight. It’d been so soft and round in his large palm, perfect for him to knead and hold.

Even just the bulge of his softened shaft and balls nestled against him had his pulse racing with want.

It’d felt wrong grasping his bride in that manner while he slept unaware – even more so when he had to shove Gideon against his seam to keep his shaft at bay. Aleron’s control was slipping.

He is not ready.At least, he didn’t think so. Not that he truly understood when it was appropriate to fucking try.

The more Gideon smiled, the more life that shined in his eyes, the more Aleron felt himself falling under some kind of spell.

I wish I had more humanity.It’d be easier without the blank spaces in his mind. The way his thoughts unravelled made himeven more uncertain than their past already made him.I wish I was... smarter.

He wanted to be able to recognise when the right time would be. He’d like to be able to... communicate what he wanted, what he needed, but just like in Tenebris, his body demanded actions rather than words. To use his instincts because it was easier.

But I do not trust myself, my instincts.The few times he’d let them be in control, he’d made matters worse.

Aleron hated how he felt that way about himself.

Quick, noisy splashes interrupted his stressful musings, just as gurgling bubbled.

“Shit! Help!”

His feathers puffed, his claws ready to maim the water as if it was an enemy. With his heart about to come up through his maw, Aleron turned, ready to jump in. He’d subjugate himself to drowning just to save him from harm.

He halted.

There Gideon lay, on his back, while he gently floated. A giant, evil grin curled his lips, and his piercing green eyes glinted with humour.

“Got you,” Gideon playfully hummed.

Aleron’s sight flared bright crimson, and he let out an explosive snarl. He stomped a foot forward with his lethal claws bared. “That was not funny!”

Gideon rolled his eyes. “I got you to turn around, didn’t I?” Then he knelt on the stone, showing the depth of the water only came to the bottom of his chest, as Gideon reached his hand out tohim. “Join me, Aleron. I promise it feels good.”

A small, quiet whimper tickled his chest at Gideon beckoning him closer. The sun shining down made the water sparkle around him, causing his bride to look more mystical and tantalising than usual.

He was the most mesmerising creature Aleron had ever seen.

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