"It felt right. This felt right. I could trust him. I knew that for a fact, but could I trust myself around him?"
A Carnelian damsel
My lips were forceful and hungry.
I didn't bother to resist the urges anymore; I wanted her.
It was a deadly combination of too much wine, her mouth-watering, bare leg sticking out from under the fur blanket and all the repressed sexual tension building up inside of me since the first night I'd laid my eyes on her.
I had no self-control left to hold me back as I devoured her mouth and pushed myself onto her. Aurora, dazed and slightly surprised by the sudden change in events, mumbled my name, which only fuelled me on more.
This was dangerous- I couldn't remember how to stop.
I quickly grabbed her glass of sherry and my whiskey from her hands and placed them on the table behind her. Some sherry trickled onto her chest, but she was too tipsy to notice. I leaned my head down and opened my mouth. My tongue instinctively moved across her luscious chest, licking up the spilt liquor. I couldn't help myself as I trailed my tongue over the rise of her breasts.
I could feel myself harden.
Aurora moaned and clutched a fist into my hair. She threw her head back over the armrest and tugged me closer. There was no stopping now. I would never be able to...
"Moan for me again..." I said while I bit onto her collar bone and continued my assault on the swell of her breasts; leaving bite marks and bruises.
Aurora sucked in a breath and did as I asked; her moan was loud and full of pleasure- we were past the point of caring. I pressed myself against her and brought her bare leg up from over the edge of the couch. Roughly, I gripped her thigh in my hand and pushed it aside so I could position myself in between her legs.
A soft bell went off at the back of my mind- this wasn't right.
She was barely able to think straight, and I was going to let my first time with the women I've been chasing after for so long be on a couch?
No, this wasn't how I wanted it, but I just could bring myself to stop. The craving, the hunger, the lust- it was all too much!
"Say my name."
I groaned in rapture from her sultry voice. She was the devil in disguise!
"Aurora..."
How many times, while I was with those other women, did I think about this exact moment? How many times did I wish that they could just be her? How many times did I say her name, hoping it could make me forget that she was a thousand miles away from me?
Our hands moved with determination and our kissing became deep and possessive. I thrust my hips into hers, which sent waves of pleasure through my stomach and a racing shiver straight across my body. My hand dipped down from her thick hair to rest on the swell of her breast. She pushed her chest out, begging me to do what I so badly wanted to.
My palm cupped her breast over the tight dress and I squeezed hard; it felt glorious and my other hand began to move towards her chest with the same idea in mind.
Good gods, why haven't I done this sooner?
My hands continued to caress her chest and I could feel her hands stoke down my back towards my rear. She grabbed a handful of my plump rear; I moaned in approval and pushed my hips further into hers.
Finally, after a yearning struggle, I managed to get my one hand away from her breast and tried to lift up her dress. I groaned as my hand slid across her smooth, long leg. I let it travel all the way up until I reached the edge of her hip.
I hastily griped the end of her underwear and tried to yank it down, but as soon as my wrist moved- Aurora began to protest.
Her hands left my behind and pushed against my shoulders to get off. With wide eyes and swollen lips she looked up at me, fear written across her face. That quickly caused me to stop moving; "No! I don't want that now!"
The panic in her eyes made my heart ache. The last thing I wanted was for her to be repulsed by me, or to be scared of me. I quickly sat up and pulled my hands away from her body.
I wanted her more than I've ever wanted anything- but I wasn't about to take her like some miscreant. She deserved better. Besides, I wanted her to want it. To want me...
"My apologies..."
I stood up from the couch- my head spinning from the sudden buzz of adrenaline and lust. I rested my hands on my hips and turned my back to her to hide the stiffness in my pants.
I don't think I've ever been this hard.
Aurora's voice was soft and apologetic; "No, I'm sorry, I should've- I shouldn't have led you on like that."
I smiled and shook my head. I tried to press down the bulge as best I could.
"It's alright, Aurora. No harm, no foul. I should've stopped at a certain point." I turned around to give her a genuine smile. "Forgive me?"
She looked so vulnerable and confused. All I wanted to do was suffocate her with my hands.
"Of course..." She said softly.
I eyed the hickey's forming on her chest; they looked half-done. I needed to fix that.
I took a step closer to the couch, but just then Aurora stood up; adjusting her dress around her hips. I furrowed my brows and gave her a wary look. She smiled sheepishly; "I think it's time I left."
No, I wanted her to stay. For as long as possible. I wouldn't touch her if it meant she could just stay...
"Don't." I said quickly. "I promise that won't happen again."
She smiled sadly; "I trust you, but I'm feeling a bit sick right now. I think all the alcohol is catching up to me..."
"Would you like some medicine? I could get Silas to quickly run down to the infirmary-"
"No, that's okay, Thanatos. I think I just need to sleep it off."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, thank you." She said as she walked towards me, her cheeks stained red from all the wine and kissing. She was beautiful. "And thank you for a wonderful evening. I really enjoyed it."
I smiled down at her, but my expression showed clear concern and I couldn't help but feel sad that she was leaving. Aurora leaned in and pecked my cheek with her swollen lips. A shiver ran down my spine.
"Goodnight."
"Sleep well." I replied in a husky tone as she moved her head back, but then I saw something flicker in her eyes.
Aurora's blue orbs landed on my lips and the burning sensation in my lower stomach returned.
Without warning, her lips pressed against mine. Her kiss wasn't hard or long, but it was filled with passion and tenderness. She pulled back and looked up at me from under her lashes; her cheeks flushed by her sudden confidence.
My eyes were slanted and half closed; "Dream of me..." I whispered to her; my voice husky.
She looked down and bit her lip. My breathing turned slow and shallow.
Aurora just kissed me- and there was no mind manipulation involved, nor did I have to seduce her. My mind raced with all kinds of fantasies and the perfect witty one-liners to say, but all I could think about was how she was heading to a cold bed. Instead of staying here with me, were I could keep her safe and warm.
Aurora stepped around me to head to the door. My hand lightly held hers until her small wrist slipped out from my palm. She turned to glance at me before she left through the door; a sad smile on her face. I only stared as the door clicked shut.
This evening I spent with her was by far one of the best and most interesting nights of my long existence. I loved hearing her speak about her childhood and her friends and family, I loved how she sometimes cupped her hand around her mouth when she laughed, and I loved how she made me feel.
Like I was her knight.
I could see the way she looked at me- I wasn't the only one who was infatuated.
Aurora was special, and I'd be damned if I ever screwed this up...
I woke up with a soft yelp escaping my dry lips.
The alcove was dark and cold from the chilly breeze blowing in from the open window. It took me a few minutes to realise that I wasn't in a field of lavender, but instead in the West wing. I was in my big bed- alone.
A nightmare, of course.
I sighed with relieve and dropped my shaky hands onto my lap. Small beads of sweat ran down my temple and my arms were clammy from perspiration. The soft, cold breeze was refreshing, but soon it became icy and I quickly stood up to close the large window.
The sudden silence was eerie and made me feel extremely exposed.
I moved back to the bed and sat down on the edge of the mattress. My head was still spinning slightly from the all the wine I'd drank a few hours ago, but the bulk of it I'd tried to drown out with water and aspirin. The ghost of a smile traced my lips as I thought back to last night- and how good Thanatos had made me feel.
He was so deep and complicated, but in a good way- like a puzzle. I wanted to figure him out, but the more time I spent in his company and the more we talked, the less I knew who he really was. I knew he wasn't hiding himself from me, but for some reason his mere presence caught me off guard. I couldn't quite pinpoint these emotions. They only kept growing, and I didn't know how to stop it.
The way he touched me, like I was a priceless work of art, and then other times he pushed and pulled me with such force I thought I might break. It was electrifying.
I could still feel the lingering sensation of his tongue grazing my neck and moving down towards my chest. Just thinking about his mouth and his hands on my breasts made my stomach knot and churn in anguish.
I'd gotten a massive fright when he tugged at my underwear. The action immediately snapped me back to reality and sobered me right up. I felt guilty for pushing him away- I could see how much he wanted me, and how disappointed he looked.
I too felt disappointed that the wonderful evening had ended so abruptly. I longed to just crawl into his arms and close my eyes. Last night at dinner I'd felt so safe with him close.
I laid back down on the mattress and rested my head against the pillow. My eyes stared up at the ceiling. I carefully closed them, trying to slow my heartbeat and shaky hands, but without warning, the terrifying images of three pairs of yellow eyes reappeared.
I sat up quickly and looked around the alcove.
Nothing, no movement.
My heart sped up. These nightmares were getting worse every time. At first, it was easy to recover and to forget. Just simple images of a city being swallowed up by the night sky, lavender fields that stretched as far as the eye could see and sometimes mazes full of twists and turns that I kept getting lost in.
But soon enough, it began getting worse.
She showed up; that strange woman and her confusing nature. Then the city disappeared and was replaced with an endless desert and those yellow eyes began to follow me.
I kept running away, but they kept coming faster. Some nights I escaped, and other nights, like tonight, they caught up to me. Wide fanged grins and big clawed paws tore and ripped at my dress and arms; staining the sand red with blood. I would always wake up with a cry right before a pair of steel jaws could clamp around my throat.
Tonight though, I saw her again- in the distance, standing on a high dune, looking down at me as these large wolf-like creatures raced towards me- hungry. She smiled.
It was an image I wanted to forget and erase, but I knew it would haunt me.
I shook my head.
One thing I never thought about until much later, when I finally had my magic was how this would affect these nightmares. Would it make them worse, or would they finally stop all together? I had a feeling it wasn't the latter.
I needed to go somewhere- do something. My heart rate was fast, and my hands shook with fear. Everything in the shadows of the dark room looked ominous and I couldn't help but imagine two yellow eyes staring at me from the corner.
I had to move.
I have to get out of here.
I grabbed my white, silk gown, threw it over my shoulders and ran.
I had no idea where I was going, but my feet kept moving and so I let them lead me.
Before I could register what I was doing, my hands gripped the gold handle of the double doors and swung it open. I rushed in and closed it softly. I turned around- momentarily stunned by my choice of shelter.
The foyer of Thanatos' room was dark- illuminated by the moonlight shinning through the glass panel. I stood frozen.
This was either a really good idea, or a really bad one.
I turned my head to the side to peer into his room. There was a soft light coming from around the corner. I moved my feet with caution.
It was quiet. No sound came from his room.
I reached the threshold and held my breath. I contemplated whether or not this was a good idea, but I had a feeling it was far too late now to retreat. I didn't want to see Alexus; I had a feeling she would only roll her eyes and tell me to suck it up. He was the only person I could go to here.
Frankly, he was the only person in the world I wanted to be with right now.
And that scared me more than the yellow eyes.
I took a step into the room. There he was- sitting in his brown armchair by the lulling fire, his feet up on the table in front of him and a thick book in his hand. His back was turned to me and I could only make out his side profile, but he looked as handsome as ever. His eyes were slanted; he looked tired as he read.
Thanatos' one hand was placed under his jaw. He sat still and for a moment I thought he didn't hear me as I slowly stalked towards him, but then he spoke; his voice soft and deep- "You're up early..."
He didn't bother to turn his head towards me. I gulped and pulled the gown tighter around my shoulders.
"It's two in the morning, Aurora."
He placed the book on the table next to him and stood up; his tall, dark figure casting a big shadow on the opposite wall. He turned his eyes to mine; they flickered like the flames.
"What's the matter?"
Upon seeing the concerned look in his eyes, I couldn't help but hastily walk towards him. Eventually, my pace quickened and I ran right into his hard chest and clamped my arms around his waist. My voice was raw and full of fear; "I'm scared."
Thanatos was momentarily taken back by my sudden actions, but wasted no time to comfort me. His arms enveloped me in a tight embrace and his mouth moved down to my ear to whisper; "Hush, you're safe."
Tears pricked at my eyes. I refused to cry, but I so badly wanted to. This constant fear of the unknown and this horrible feeling of not knowing who to trust- it was all building up inside of me, causing me pain. I wanted to tell Conrad, Alexus, anybody about the strange woman, but I couldn't know for sure if I could trust them. No matter how much I felt like I could. The only person I could trust for sure was currently busy whispering sweet nothings in my ear; "It's alright, I'm here..."
It felt right. This felt right. I could trust him. I knew that for a fact, but could I trust myself around him?
Unfortunately, right now I was out of inner strength and all I wanted was to be held by him. So I lifted my tired head and looked up at him with a sense of helplessness; "Would you mind if I slept here tonight? I can't go back there... It's cold and... and so-"
"Shh... Of course. You're always more than welcome here."
He pulled me towards him and hugged me tightly against his chest. I buried my head into his neck and breathed in his sultry scent. Goosebumps travelled up along my arms and legs. My shoulders relaxed and my eyes closed with ease.
Thanatos swiftly picked me up in his arms. At first I protested, but I was too tired to stop him, so I just let him carry me to his bed. Thanatos gently put me down on the soft sheets and I quickly crawled under the warm duvet.
He chuckled as I pulled the thick duvet up to my face and snuggled into the soft pillows; "Comfortable?"
"You have no idea."
I couldn't tell whether or not it was from him standing next to me that I felt so relaxed or because the duvet smelt like him. Either way, I could get used to this.
Thanatos moved to the balcony and closed the glass door to keep the cold breeze out. He closed the curtains halfway; leaving them partially open for some moonlight to shine through.
"You can continue your reading, I'm just going to try and sleep."
"Nonsense. How could I possibly focus on anything but keeping you warm and comfortable right now?"
I blushed and hid my smile with the duvet. Luckily, the room was dark. I tried to sound as casual as I could; "Do what you want, but I'm going to sleep."
Translation; yes, please come and cuddle me right now! Forget the bloody book! I need you much more.
"Whatever I want?"
"Steady..." I rolled my eyes as he chuckled in the dark.
Suddenly, the fire in the hearth went out.
Oh, maybe this wasn't such a good idea. Us- alone in a bed.
It's happened before, so why do I feel so nervous suddenly. Never mind that, why do I feel so excited all of a sudden?
The bed dipped and I could feel his warmth on my back. Thanatos' arm reached over my waist and pulled me up against him. I could feel his hot breath on the back of my neck. Goosebumps travelled up my arms and down my back. The familiar electricity surged...
I closed my eyes and did something I never thought I'd have enough courage to ever do; I turned around.
His eyes were a deep red and his face was mere inches from mine. I just stared at him with big eyes. I could only imagine I looked like a lost, scared chipmunk.
"So, you want to tell me why you're afraid?"
"I suddenly thought about all the calories I consumed last night."
His laugh was angelic. How ironic.
"Aurora..."
I sighed and moved closer to him. His arm tightened around me and he gently placed his forehead against mine. I put my hand on his waist and pulled him closer. Thanatos let out a shaky breath.
"I've been having bad dreams ever since the first week we met. They started out small and meaningless. At first I wasn't worried, but now they've gotten... worse."
"What are they about?"
"Generally always the same. In the beginning it was just me walking through different landscapes and constantly turning around, or looking over my back for something, but lately things have started chasing me... And then there's this- woman."
Thanatos stirred. "Do you know her?"
"No. But- But at the same time I do. It's weird. I feel like we have a connection, but she scares me sometimes. She's erratic."
The room grew quiet.
Thanatos spoke up, his tone sleepy and concerned; "It's alright, angel. We'll figure this out; don't worry about it for now. Just close your eyes and get some sleep. You've been sleep deprived lately and it's not good for your health."
I smiled; he was so cute when he was worried.
"Okay."
I snuggled into him and he tucked his other arm under my neck. We stuck to each other like we were practically glued together. It was amazingly comfortable. I was wrapped up in his arms, his duvet covered us like a cocoon and my legs were trapped protectively under his.
His natural musk was everywhere. Thanatos buried his face into my hair. He let out a sigh and began to softly trace a pattern down my back. The action sent shivers down my spine and up my arms. I instantly relaxed and closed my eyes. Not before long I was fast asleep.
The nightmares didn't come running back as usual.
No, instead I dreamt of a pair of red eyes- and they weren't scary at all...
I apologise immensely for any heart failure I may have caused with that top photo...
How caring has Thanatos become towards her? (*.*)
It warms my cold, cold heart! My boy is finally growing up... *cue tears of joy
Thanks for all your lovely votes and comments! You guys are the best! Xx
Until next Sunday! (^.*)