187: Sweet ride back home (part 1)

Sweet ride back home (part 1)

Never in her life had she been more grateful to lean her weight against Arkin who never took his eyes off her as he guided her to the carriage and opened the door. Despite the darkness of the night, she could still make out Egon's figure, just a step behind.1

Adela cherished their mate bond, feeling its heightened magnetic pull. The palpable connection between them brought a profound sense of completeness, as if the void she had unknowingly carried within her was now fully filled. The bond that had occupied her thoughts and caused restless nights now served to reaffirm their closeness, it held a purpose that extended beyond measure.

"I will handle the carriage," Arkin spoke gently, his warm hazel eyes filled with concern as he assisted Adela into the carriage. She knew she should inquire about the coachman, but she had witnessed Arkin's firm grip on him, and she lacked the energy to do so.

"I'll take over from here," Egon's deep voice resonated from behind Arkin.

Her brother graciously stepped aside, granting Egon passage into the carriage. He entered and softly closed the door, intensifying her yearning for him to occupy the seat beside her. Each throb of her heart conveyed a bittersweet ache as he settled himself in the seat opposite her instead.

"I'll draw the curtain," he declared, his gaze fixed elsewhere with his red eyes. In an instant, the carriage was cloaked in complete darkness, leaving behind only the lingering sensation of their connection as evidence of his presence.

She resisted the urge to plead with him to sit next to her, her lip caught between her teeth as the carriage set into motion.

"Come here," Egon commanded, his voice carrying a raw, primal edge.

Those words were all she needed, and without hesitation, she moved to his side.

Blind as she was, she followed the path dictated by her heart towards her mate, her outstretched hands longing to touch him. It proved to be a miscalculation, for when he grasped her hand, she couldn't contain the sharp gasp of pain. The jolt from his touch coursed through her, intertwining with the ache from her relentless pounding on the metallic door.

She was met with a menacing, primal growl as he firmly grasped both of her wrists, pulling her towards him. As she settled sideways on his lap, she felt the softness of his shoulder-length hair brushing against her skin. With one hand, he secured her wrists behind his neck, keeping them restrained, while his other hand wrapped around her waist, pressing her closer to him and providing stability.

Her weary head gradually lowered, seeking refuge against the broad expanse of Egon's shoulder. She followed her instinct guiding her nose towards his neck and pressed it there, inhaling deeply to capture his comforting scent.

Pride... Right and wrong... They held no significance to her in that moment. Her mate was the one trying to console her, and she wasn't about to deny herself of his consolation.

"...I should have killed him," 

Adela who was immersed in the comforting scent of pine felt a slight unease at his words. The image of blood staining Egon's warm, calloused hands brought her pain.

"Shh,"

She only realized that silent tears were streaming down her face when Egon released her hands from behind his neck and tenderly wiped away her tears with his thumb. He then rested his hand against her cheek.

"Thank you," she whispered, appreciating the tender gesture.

"I don't deserve your gratitude. I arrived too late," 

"But you came..."

Though you said you don't have time for me...

She deeply inhaled his masculine scent, using it as a balm to dispel the bitter thought. Egon responded by embracing her more tightly, his body briefly tensing before finding relaxation once more.

"I had just arrived there and realized there was no way to ascend to his ship. If you hadn't immediately made your way out... If that metallic obstruction hadn't materialized at that exact moment... I would have revealed my true nature, Adela. Right under the nose of the entire Emorian navy... Is that what you desire?"

"No," she whispered.

"...How could you be so reckless as to venture alone without anyone by your side?"

She took three calming breaths scented with pine before responding, "I assumed you would be there."

"...I thought as much."

She sensed his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed, and in a moment of vulnerability, she gently tilted her head downward and pressed a deep, lingering kiss against it. The way he leaned his head back and swallowed once more only prolonged the intimate connection.

The initial kiss proved to be a catalyst, unleashing a floodgate of desire within her. She trailed a series of kisses up and down his broad neck, losing herself in the sensations. The simple act of tasting his skin became an intoxicating experience, igniting a primal hunger within her. Against all reason, she found herself sucking on the tender flesh, savoring the sensation and forgetting everything else.

It was just what she needed. 

He was just what she needed.

"I shouldn't," he slurred, though he made no move to deny her the forbidden joy. She couldn't help but wonder what exactly he believed he shouldn't do, her undergarments, just like when they kissed twice before, became increasingly damp as her kisses continued to trace along his neck.

"...You're not thinking straight," he added, finally leaning his head down. His arms stiffened as he gently pushed her away, a subtle sign of resistance.

Yet another rejection from him proved to be overwhelming for her. In a state of mental haze, perhaps fueled by the surrounding darkness, she found herself actually begging.

"Please..."

To her surprise, she felt his hand in her hair, guiding her head to press against his forehead.

"You ask for what is rightfully yours... I will grant it to you without causing you harm. And afterwards, you will talk to me. Do you consent?"

In her current state, as long as he allowed her to continue kissing his neck, there were very few things she wouldn't agree to.

"Yes,"

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