FOREVER KNIGHTS: #15 Insatiable Beasts

ALAZAR

When Alazar returned to his chamber he found her curled under the coverlet. At first he thought she feigned slumber to escape him but on slightly moving her and tuning into her calm breaths and soft heartbeats he realized she’d been lulled to sleep by liberal drink, a stressful eve, and the ministrations of her maid.

Sighing, he shucked his clothes and crawled under the blanket with her.

She moaned softly and rolled over to huddle against him.

Seeking my warmth. He recognized. Slipping an arm under her to massage her shoulder reflexively. As he’d done hundreds of times before.

So much for lovemaking tonight.

Riaura awoke to find Alazar’s face hovering above her. Reaching to push him away, her palm encountered a very warm, very naked, male chest. “In Nightway?”

She recognized her chamber. Blinking at him in shock.

“Where did you think you’d be?” He opened his arms in question.

She thought I’d keep her in some cave?

“How’d I get here and why are you undressed?” She eyed his bare length quizzically?

He’d unclothed to warm her when she’d chilled when she passed out. I didn’t touch you.

Alazar’s astute gaze surveyed her face intently. He brushed loose tendrils that clung to her damp forehead, back.

She whetted her lips nervously and his eyes followed the small gesture hungrily.

“Did I-Did we?” She stuttered out.

Consummate our wedding night? Nope.

“Yes.” He affirmed.

She grimaced. Asking hesitantly. “So…”

Did we make love?

No.

“Yes”

“And you-” She queried in a small voice.

Made love to you?

Not in the least.

He grinned widely before emphasizing with a slow nod. “Yes.”

Riaura groaned and put her palm to her eyes. Alazar growled low in his throat and leaned close. Walking up the bed over her until she fell back. And he dropped over her. Sweeping her hand from her face. “Don’t you dare be ashamed now!”

She put a firm hand on his chest.

Telling me it won’t happen again.

She opened her mouth to speak.

He eyed her warily. Before she could utter a word he rolled from her, landing on the cold stone smoothly. Striding from the bed to fuel the meager fire in the grate.

Her eyes followed his lean body almost involuntarily. His skin rippling over his back and biceps as he built a formidable fire.

“You weren’t even going to listen to what I had to say?”

“Didn’t have to…I already know what you’ll say. I disagree. We made a deal and I expect you to come into my arms this evening, and the one after, and the one after, until we’re too old to enjoy the bliss of each other’s touch.” He spoke decisively.

“And if I don’t?”

When he turned towards her abruptly, his eyes glinted maliciously. “Good luck finding your beloved Danbury.”

He stood with his eyes burning rage.

She’d infuriated him. Tossing the furs back, she rose fearlessly.

A new light shone in his eyes as she approached him unabashedly. Poking him in the chest as she nearly shouted. “Your behavior is unbearable! Everything you do to or with me is a game for you. See what you can get from me! You care about no one but yourself, Alazar!”

Me? She’s persuaded and manipulated me at every turn!

She prodded him with her fingertip. Startled when he roared back.

“Listen well, Little Wife! It’s merely your feeling for the whelp that keeps him alive now! Should you continue provoking me I’ll surely behave as you accuse.” An animalistic snarl crept from his throat. He swept his breeches from the floor. Angrily yanking them on. Finally, turning on her as a predator on prey, he returned to crowd her.

She took a hasty step back.

“Do you hate me so much?” He demanded, lips tightening in obvious pain.

Her face softened instantly. “I don’t hate you, Alazareth.” She hesitated. “I’m simply not attracted to you.” She bit her lip.

Liar. His eyes narrowed. Why is she saying this now?

It’s the one thing I am sure of with her. She desires me, at the very least.

“I’d not thought you a liar, Ri.”

“How dare you!”

He yanked her into him. Eying her as she struggled futilely. “How dare you! Deny affection for me, deny me your heart, deny me many things, but never the effect I have on you.” He brushed her hair from her shoulder and tasted her collarbone and the delicate line of her neck. His hands flattening and splaying to caress her back.

Her body relaxed at his touch, despite her.

One hand fisted in her hair and she was rooted to the floor as his lips fell on hers. The kiss was both ferocious and simultaneously tender.

Riaura’s breathing quickened. Her body melted to him and her hands landed on his shoulders gripping him closer.

It was clear that he was aware as well, by the glitter in his eyes when he pulled away from her.

She met the arrogance in his face before roughly shoving him from her. Mortified by her reaction. Her confusion made him chuckle.

His mocking grin too much to bear.

Riaura stormed to the other side of the chamber.

His cold laughter was daunting as he exited. Pulling the door closed behind him.

She slumped to the edge of the grand four-poster.