Page 34 of Orlando
Liam’s breath hitched, his mind racing.He knew about shifter bonds and the intensity of the connection that came with them.It was permanent and unbreakable—except by death.And yet, looking into Orlando’s eyes, he couldn’t find the words to say no.It didn’t matter that he had his doubts about whether or not he’d be able to deal with Orlando’s past.Hopefully, once all of this was over, he’d never have to think about it again.Besides, Orlando hadn’t become an assassin.He didn’t have it in him.
“I trust you,” he whispered.He was surprised to realize that it was the truth.He did trust Orlando, no matter how he felt about his mate’s past.
Orlando’s lips curved into a small smile.He leaned in, his lips brushing against Liam’s ear.“Good.”
In one swift motion, Orlando’s hands slid down to Liam’s hips, lifting him effortlessly and carrying him over to the blanket.Liam yelped, not having expected that.Orlando was a shifter, so he was stronger and sturdier than a human, but still.Liam was bigger than him.He’d never been carried like that by any of his exes.
Orlando stretched Liam out on the blanket and loomed over him, still looking unsure.“This is going to hurt a bit,” he warned.“But it’ll be worth it.I promise.I’ll be able to feel you, and you’ll be able to feel me.It can be a lot, but we’re meant to be together like that.”
Of course they were.They were mates.
Before Liam could respond, Orlando’s lips were on his neck, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin.Liam’s eyes fluttered closed, a soft moan escaping his lips.It had been so long since he’d been with someone this way.
With a sharp, sudden pressure, Orlando’s teeth sank into Liam’s flesh, drawing a cry of pain out of him.Liam jerked, but the pain was quickly replaced by a wave of warmth that spread through his body.He could feel the bond between him and Orlando strengthen almost instantly in a way that was both terrifying and exhilarating.
He was linking himself to Orlando for the rest of his life.Once this was done, there would be no backing out of it, not without hurting Orlando in a way Liam never wanted to do.
Orlando pulled back, but the bond didn’t feel complete yet.Liam still couldn’t feel Orlando in his mind, so he tried to pull him closer and get him to take more blood, but Orlando shook his head.He shifted one finger, a sharp claw extending from the tip, and dragged it across his own neck.Blood welled up.
“Drink,” he told Liam.“Seal the bond.”
Liam hesitated for only a moment before parting his lips and pressing his mouth to the wound.He licked the blood beading there, and while the thought of what it was strange, it was also intoxicating, especially after he felt the bond solidifying and fully closing.
That was it.They were bonded now, and whatever happened to either of them, the other would feel.It was kind of terrifying, but it also gave Liam peace.To know he’d never be alone again.His yearning for love was over.
Orlando’s hands slid down Liam’s body.“Now,” he murmured.“Let me show you what it means to be mine.”
It should have sounded corny, but instead, it made Liam shiver.Orlando’s arms tightened around him, pulling him closer.Liam’s breath hitched as Orlando’s hand slid into his hair, fingers tangling and gently pulling.
“We’ll face whatever comes next together,” Orlando whispered.
Liam nodded, his lips curving into a small smile.“Together,” he murmured back.Orlando would fix this.He’d stop the council and Cynthia, and everything would be okay.
Orlando’s hand moved from Liam’s hair to cup his face, his thumb brushing over Liam’s cheekbone.The touch was tender in a way Liam hadn’t expected, even though they’d bonded.He leaned into it, his eyes fluttering closed as he let himself bask in the moment.The tension that had been brewing between them for weeks seemed to melt away, replaced by something softer and infinitely more intimate.
“Liam,” Orlando said, his voice barely above a whisper.“Do you feel it?The bond?”
Liam opened his eyes, meeting Orlando’s gaze.“I feel it,” he admitted, his voice trembling slightly.“It’s...overwhelming.”He could feel that Orlando wanted him.There was lust there, but not only that.There was also fondness and affection that could easily turn into more—thatwouldeventually turn into love.
“It’ll get easier.”His hand trailed down Liam’s neck, stopping at the fresh bite mark that still pulsed with warmth.
Liam’s breath caught as Orlando’s fingers pressed lightly against the mark, sending a jolt of pleasure through him.His body reacted instinctively, arching into the touch, and he could feel the heat pooling low in his stomach.“Orlando,” he breathed.
“Tell me what you want,” Orlando murmured, his lips brushing against Liam’s ear.“I don’t want to do something you’re not ready for.”
Liam’s mind was a mess.He wasn’t sure he could articulate what he wanted, but he could try.“You,” he whispered.“I want you.”He might still be wary of Orlando’s past, but right now, it didn’t matter.
Orlando gripped Liam’s waist, pulling him closer even though they were already pressed together.Liam moaned into the kiss Orlando placed on his lips, his hands clutching at Orlando’s shoulders for support.
Liam felt breathless.Orlando’s tongue swept into his mouth, claiming him in an entirely different way.
When they finally pulled apart, both of them were panting.Orlando’s eyes were dark, and his gaze was fixed on Liam like he was the only thing that mattered.“Let me take care of you,” he said.
Liam nodded.His heart pounded in his chest.He trusted Orlando.
Orlando’s hands moved to the hem of Liam’s shirt, pulling it over his head in one swift motion.Liam shivered as the cool air hit his skin, but the sensation was quickly replaced by the warmth of Orlando’s hands as they roamed over his chest, teasing his nipples until they hardened under his touch.Liam’s breath hitched.Orlando could feel when Liam liked something, and he was clearly ready to take advantage of that.
“So beautiful,” Orlando murmured, his gaze raking over Liam’s body.“And mine.”
