I can barely contain myself as I lay there as he climbs on the bed, moving between my legs. The silk sheets stick to my skin like a second skin, amplifying every sensation and emotion between us until it becomes almost too much to bear.
Xandros slowly leans forward until his lips hover agonizingly close to mine.
I pull back slightly, panting, our foreheads resting against each other. “You have no idea,” I gasp, trying to catch my breath, “How long I've wanted this.”
His eyes lock onto mine, a flicker of vulnerability showing. “I was afraid,” he admits hoarsely, “Afraid that when we finally reached this point, you'd pull away.”
I chuckle, the sound shaky, tinged with emotion. “Xandros, right now, pulling away is the last thing on my mind.”
His grin is almost feral, the predatory glint back in his eyes. “Good,” he growls, capturing my mouth once again.
Breaking away momentarily, I run my fingers through his damp hair, guiding his face to mine. “We've waited long enough,” I whisper against his lips.
He nods, a brief hesitation crossing his features. “Sienna, I need to hear you say it. That you're sure about this.”
With determination, I lock eyes with him. “I've never been more sure of anything in my life. I want you, all of you, now.”
A sound somewhere between a groan and a roar escapes his throat. “Then you shall have me,” Xandros purrs, his voice thick with emotion.
Finally, he crashes into me, his kiss searing my soul and consuming everything in its path. My hands desperately explore every inch of his body, feeling the power in his muscles and the heat radiating from him with every touch. His hands move masterfully over me, rediscovering all of my secret places and sending electricity through me with every caress.
Xandros' hardened length moves inside me, every stroke sending pleasure coursing through my veins. I feel the world spinning around us as we move together in a perfect harmony of desire and passion, our hungry kisses never ceasing until finally, his muscles tense with each thrust, and I'm catapulted into blissful oblivion beneath him. Wrapping my arms tightly around him, Xandros collapses against me, panting heavily from exertion but still holding on like neither one of us ever wants to let go.
As we come down from our high, all that's left is pure peace and contentment, enveloping us both in a comforting embrace. Gently tracing patterns over his back with my fingertips, I smile sleepily up at Xandros before bringing his lips to mine for one final languid kiss.
“I love you, Sienna,” he whispers, his lips gently nipping at my neck, I turn my head, giving him better access as his tongue laps at my neck with open mouth kisses. “I love you too,” I groan, eager to feel his teeth sink into me.
His voice lowers to a gentle caress, causing shivers to cascade down my spine. “Sienna, once I mark you, there is no going back” he whispers, his breath warm against my ear.
I nod my head. “I know, I want this, Xandros.”
“Good because once I mark you, you won't be just Sienna, you'll be my Queen, and I couldn't imagine a better person to rule my heart,” he whispers before sinking his teeth into me. The pain is sharp but also bliss as he marks me as his, retying our souls together, putting all the broken pieces together, the fractured parts of us melding together and forming something magnificent, solidifying our bond.
42
Anna’s 1st birthday
The palace's huge ballroom glows brightly, crystal chandeliers casting a radiant light over guests who are here to honor Anna's first birthday. The air is alive with color, streamers, and flowers cascading down, appearing like vibrant waterfalls paused mid-descent.
“Xandros, just look at her,” I breathe out, holding our daughter, her eyes shimmering with the marvel of it all.
“She's growing so quickly,” Xandros replies with a gentle touch to her raven curls. “It feels like she was just born.”
“The wonders of raising our Lycan princess,” I muse, laughter tinting my voice.
He presents a delicate circlet, placing it atop Anna’s hair. “My beautiful girl,” he whispers. She reaches for him, their bond evident in every giggle, every touch as she tugs at the beard he's growing.
“Are you excited about today?” I ask Anna, pressing a soft kiss on her cheek. Her babble only adds to my joy.
The soft fairy lights make them look ethereal, reminding me of stars as they twinkle, though Anna seems to like them too. She thrusts her hands in the air, forcing Xandros to repeatedly lift her, so she can grab them.
The moment has arrived for the highlight of the evening, as our guests gathered around a table adorned with an elaborate cake, decked with colorful frosting and a single candle. Anna's eyes dance with excitement, her little hands reaching out towards the flickering flame. Xandros holds her securely on his lap, while I stand beside them.
After dinner, the cake draws everyone's attention. Our guests move around the exquisite cake. “Ready everyone?” I call out, and the room fell silent in anticipation. “One, two, three!” A chorus of voices rang out in harmony, singing “Happy Birthday” to our daughter.
“Make your wish,” Xandros coaxes. With his guidance, Anna blows out the candle or more slobbers on it, as spit goes flying when she blows a raspberry.
Laughter and applause erupt as we cut the cake, serving up generous slices to our eager guests. Friends and family members approach us, their arms laden with beautifully wrapped gifts for our little girl.