Page 7 of Stron & Lyra
Being woken up by a grumpy brother, a worried, Amazon-like sister, and a gleeful pseudo-father who seems thrilled to have interrupted my morning plans isn’t exactly how I’d intended to start the day.
Unfortunately, that’s what I get.
***
It takes me a little time to realise that what I thought were drum beats in my dream is actually someone hammering at the door like they want to break it down.
“Feck,” I mutter under my breath, exhaustion pulling at me. “Whoever it is has a death wish.”
I ease Lyra from my chest, tuck the covers around her, and storm to the door, ripping it open to see Vorn standing there, looking irritated, with his fist raised as if about to knock again.
“What the fecking hell do you think you’re doing?” I hiss angrily, shoving at his chest and stepping out into the corridor, closing my door behind me. “You’re going to wake my mate up.”
“Fecking hell, another one,” he grumbles under his breath, rubbing his hands over his face.
“What?” I demand, not hearing what he mumbles but wanting to know.
“Nothing,” he sighs, looking at me. “Your female’s sister and Kragor are demanding to see her. They’re in the common room.”
“Fucking Kragor,” I mutter. “Thanks, brother,” I tell Vorn, who nods, but I can tell something’s off. Grabbing his shoulder, I stop him from walking away. “Is everything okay, brother?”
Vorn hesitates, opening his mouth as if to say something, then closes it and nods. “It’s all good, Stron. Get your female to the common room, yeah?”
“I will,” I reassure him. My brow furrows with worry as I watch him walk away.
Deciding today isn’t the day to get into it with him, I re-enter my room and go to the sleeping beauty lying dead to the world in my bed.
I hate having to wake her knowing she’s exhausted, but I also don’t want a visit from her sister.
Lowering myself to my haunches next to our bed, I run my finger up and down her nose until she opens her gorgeous eyes and looks at me.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,milseán. Your sister and Kragor are here wanting to see you.”
“No,” she moans, burying her head under the pillow. I can barely make out her voice, but there’s a definite whine to it. “Tell them to come back later. I’m too tired.”
Chuckling, I tug the pillow from her head and throw it to the foot of the bed. Slipping my hands under her, I scoop her up. “I don’t think that will hold Vena,mo cuishle.She seems the type to walk into our room if we don’t hurry.”
“Sadly, you’re right.” Lyra pouts as I put her down. I wish I could take time to admire and love her this morning like I’d planned. Knowing that I’ll make us late if I stay in here with her, I leave her to her business and go back into the room, laying her folded clothes on the bed for her before getting myself dressed for the day.
I just start to slip my cut on when Lyra walks naked into the room. Completely focused on getting ready for the day, she doesn’t know how much she affects me as I pause and take a moment to admire her breathtaking beauty.
Every curve, every dip and glide is showcased to perfection in the early morning light streaming through the window. Everything that I didn’t get time to admire last night with the mating heat upon us.
I never want to forget this moment. Because while I’d known instantly that she was my mate, it suddenly hits me right in my chest that she’s MINE! All mine, and I love her from the depths of my soul. I love her. It changes something in me, and I know I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
Lyra’s soft voice breaks me from my reverie, and I realise I’m still standing there with my cut half on.
“What’s wrong?”
My cut settles on my shoulders, and I walk up to her, cupping her cheeks. I tilt her head up to mine. “Nothing,a ghrá. Nothing is wrong. Everything is perfect,” I assure her, taking her lips in a soft, reverent kiss.
“Mm,” she hums, wrapping her arms around my neck. Rolling up on her toes, she deepens our kiss.
“Love you,mo cuishle,” I whisper against her lips, not wanting to wait to tell her how I feel.
“Oh,” Lyra whispers, blinking her eyes rapidly, but not fast enough to stop a lone pink tear from running down her cheek. Catching it with my thumb, I gently swipe across her cheek, brushing it away. She smiles a blinding smile. “That’s good because I love you too. Plus, we probably made a baby last night so it’s good that you do.”
