Chapter 43.5 

“Harder!” She really loved to be pushed to her limits. “Go harder, Azahara.” The noise she exuded made it difficult to concentrate on his own rhythm. “That’s it, incredible.” Karver crooned, just as Azahara demolished the training dummy with one final kick. 

She swiped the back of her hand across her forehead before leaning to one side and resting her hand on her hip. “Thanks,” she said with bated breath. “What is that now, one hundred and twenty-six?” The Cheshire grin that appeared made his heart flutter. “The Coin Master must be pleased with that.”

“The Commander hasn’t commented, but I can inquire if you’d like,” Karver approached, completing his claps of approval.

Observing her eye roll and groan, she waved her hand dismissively. “No, that’s fine. I’ll just imagine the King being pissed.” 

Kaed chuckled, momentarily ignoring his task until, “Blackfyre, are you going to fire the arrow or...” A ranger interrupted his brief lapse. The arrow stayed taut for an unknown duration, his shoulders protesting, urging him to release. Pointing at the target, the red circle calling, he exhaled and let the arrow go, which hissed through the air and thumped into the target.

Hitting its mark, he lowered the bow. His gaze returned to Azahara, now attended to by Illyan, who was enamored with Karver. They praised her progress, and although Kaed acknowledged Karver’s substantial help, he believed most of her strength came from training with Zhal. He was sure that Illyan knew that to be the case, but given their infatuation with Karver, the effusive praise didn’t surprise him.

“Civilians are starting to flood in,” his attention returned to his brethren, resting their bows and quivers down. The Ossodian, Axel, rubbed the back of her neck. “I understand we need the help, especially with as many enemies as your mate says there are. However, untrained soldiers will only be a buffer. They’ll be slaughtered.” 

He sighed heavily as a human male joined them while the others retreated for the lunch hour. “You know that this is the way. All able-bodied men and women—” 

“Have to answer the call, I understand that.” She cut in, “All I’m saying is there will be senseless death. Why can’t we ambush them in Helgum? Gather all Magic users and have them torch the place?”

Kaed shrugged, “It’s the King’s decision. You’ve seen how Helgum is laid out, and with the Magic of an Elder in Thall’s hands, being in such a confined location could mean immediate death for everyone. Being out in an open field serves us much better than fighting in what is essentially an underground canyon.”

The human male nodded, “Plus if I were Thall, I would assume that was what was coming. It’s plausible he thinks you and your mate are too scared to say anything—the fear of his retaliation.” 

That notion had crossed Kaed’s mind. Azahara’s words echoed, “Tell me something that, if I betrayed you and spoke of it, you would kill me for it.” Thall would come for her, and he had to be strong enough to protect her. He was prepared to sacrifice everything to ensure nothing would happen to her.

He did not believe Thall was unaware of their movements but refrained from expressing that to the rangers. “You could be right. Let’s continue training and assist the civilians in preparing as best we can. Many prefer wielding a sword over a bow, but let’s offer our skills for those who choose the latter.”

They both saluted and stepped away. 

“You’re sexy when you take charge,” her silky tone sent a chill up his back, “Okay, you are sexy all the time, but even more so when you issue commands like that.” 

With a throaty chuckle, he turned to welcome her as she approached. “Red,” he placed his hand behind her neck, pulling her flush against his body. “Is that a not-so-subtle hint of need I hear?” The blush blossoming across her cheeks filled his stomach with elation.

Her hands rested against his chest. “Well,” her fingers tugged at his tunic, “you know how I am after training.”

The rumble in his chest prompted him to wrap an arm around her shoulder, pulling her tight and eliciting a cute laugh. She threw her head back and encircled her arms around his torso. 

His hand began snaking down her back, and a sudden gasp slipped from her lips as he grabbed hold of her ass and squeezed it with need, “Kaed, there are so many people!” 

“So?” He leaned in, kissing her neck. “I’m not doing anything particularly bad right now.” Playfully growling against her skin, he added, “Plus, it’s your own fault. Why did you wear these pants? They wedged between your cheeks, and by the gods, they bounce nicely when you kick.”

She squealed and swatted him, causing him to let out a coughed breath. Gods, he released her and rubbed his chest, eyeing her playfully. She’s getting so much stronger. 

“Listen, mister,” her feigned attempt at acting surprised by his flirting filled his heart with love. “I need to shower before anything is touched. I’ve been up before the sun this morning, and Karver is relentless. I swear it’s that Commander telling him to push me as if he wants me to suffer.” She rolled her shoulders and groaned.

He grinned. It was obvious she wasn’t a fan of Commander Latimer. “I appreciate what he’s doing for you. Karver, that is.” He ran his fingers gently across her jaw, cupping tenderly at her cheek. “You want to be challenged; I can tell.”

Her gaze held his. “Yeah, sure,” her lips pierced. “Maybe we can train? I know you’ve been busy with your brethren, but even just a little a day would be nice.”

The way his heart thrust against his chest nearly sent him to his knees. “Of course, Red. All you ever have to do is ask, and it’s yours.” He wrapped both arms around her head and smothered kisses across her face. “We can start tomorrow, how’s that?”

Tilting her head and lifting onto her tiptoes, she whispered against his lips before stealing them for herself. “Sounds perfect.”

After releasing her to shower, Kaed sought lunch and checked in on Zhal. There had been no change, and although that did not surprise him, he held hope that one day they’d walk in with her sitting upright, ready to kill Illyan. It still affected Azahara, but hope seeped further daily into her that Zhal would recover. Her heart still pumped, and even with no brain function, it was promising that she fought to return to them. He knew if anyone could do it, it was that Væragi. She’d battle Death itself to return to Azahara if she had to, and there was no question about that.

As the sky blanketed in orange hues, he found Azahara finishing dinner with Karver and Illyan. “See you two tomorrow!” Her voice rang over the loud chatter of the camp. When she stood to take her plate, Karver took it from her grasp.

“I’ve got it. Have a good night.”

“You sure?” 

“Yes, see you tomorrow, Aza.” 

Although there was no jealousy, it did strike a strange chord how attentively Karver cared for Azahara. He had explained that his orders were to watch over her, and that was precisely what he was doing.

But still… 

“Ready?” she stole his attention, her beautiful smile captivating him. “What is that look for?” 

“Nothing, I think your overthinking has rubbed off on me,” his arm wrapped around her shoulder, pulling her close. “How was dinner?” 

“Good, feels too casual with a war looming ahead, but I’ve never fought in one, so I’m not the greatest judge of these feelings.” 

He chuckled, “When we are about ready to go into battle, things will shift. You’ll be able to tell. Most will drink and be merry to try and dismiss the nerves.” She slipped her fingers into his and rested her head between his arm and chest crook. “Then there will be some that will stand in silence, knowing what is about to come.” 

“That will be me,” she snaked her arm around his waist. 

“I’ll keep you safe, Red.” He could tell that wasn’t what concerned her, and as he opened the tent flap, he continued. “Let’s not worry about it right now. How does a massage sound? You have been working so hard, and I can tell you are tense.”

A sheepish expression crossed her face, “Can I give you one first?” 

“Oh?” He let her go as she moved across the room, pulling her shirt over her head. By the Goddess, if you could see yourself through my eyes, the admiration in his gaze as she pulled her skin-tight pants off made her blush. “Take it all off, and you can, yes.” The command in his tone made her eyes round. “What? You liked it earlier. Is there a problem now?” 

She shook her head, placing her arms behind her back. His head tilted, observing her closely. He saw the bumps rolling down her arm as he paid careful attention. The bra came undone and was released to the floor without hesitation. Her peeked nipples begging for him to take them between his teeth. They were delicate, just like the rest of her body was. While she was soft, with no harsh lines and all curves, she was strong. Her powerful legs, which he was excited to have wrapped around him soon, flexed as she brought her panties down, kicking them to the side. 

“Perfection,” he praised. Regardless of her self-perception, she found pleasure in the affirmation.

“Now you,” she said breathlessly, her hands shifting awkwardly, trying to find the best placement. The thought of tying them behind her back made his already stiffened cock twitch in his pants. 

He turned toward the bed, discarding his clothes. “As you wish, but I doubt I’ll have the restraint to lie still for long.” Once his pants and boxers came off, he crawled onto the bed and rested on his stomach. Although he retained a bit of self-consciousness regarding his back and the scars that adorned it, she, on the other hand, loved them.

The bed shifted beside him, “Can I use the oil?” 

He hummed in approval and turned to observe her stretching toward the small table at the side of the bed. Every part of her was perfect, and it still baffled him how fortunate he was to call her his.

She positioned herself on top of him, straddling his rear, and he couldn’t help but chuckle. “I haven’t even touched you, and you’re already so warm. Does my gaze have that much power?” He crossed his arms under his head as she vibrated on top of him.

“You just love calling me out, don’t you?” The slight embarrassment in her tone caused his heart to skip. “Yes, it does.” The cold oil drip on his back made him twitch, but it quickly warmed as her hands moved the liquid around, with her thumbs applying pressure. The scent of roses immediately overpowered the dust and parchment aroma in the tent.

A grumbling hum emanated from him. “Tell me how it makes you feel.” Her hands landed on his lower back, and she leaned in, applying pressure up his spine all the way to the nape of his neck. She wasn’t gentle, which was precisely what he needed, and as she gripped his shoulders, a groan escaped him. 

“They make me feel more than a want, but a need. As though I am needed in your life. Like I’m your Queen, and you would do anything to keep me pleased,” her hands moved to his shoulder blades, pressing outward as if spreading dough. “That your eyes were made to look at me, and me only.” She gestured for his arms to extend, and when he did, she leaned back. With lathered hands, she drew up his back and across his shoulders, down his arms, and to the back of his hands. Her breasts pressed against his back, and if she weren’t careful, the bed would soon have a hole in it from the need his cock was having. “They tell me that you would kill anyone that touched me without my consent.” Her fingers interlocked with his as she whispered against his ear, “That you would tear down a Kingdom for this pussy without question.”

“Then my gaze does not lie,” he crooned, and he felt her shiver. She sat back up and rolled her thumbs across his shoulders. “Thank you.”

She whispered softly, “Anything for you.” He knew that to be true, and that feeling of both lust and love came over him. 

“My turn,” he began to shift, and while he could have had her touch him all night, the need to please his woman outweighed it. 

There was a slight moan of protest that came from her, but she slipped from on top of him and swapped places with him. He was at full attention looking at her, and he hummed, “To straddle, or to not straddle… hmm…” She kicked her feet and laughed into the sheets; her skin started to turn pink as she blushed.

He straddled. 

Sitting across her thighs, he dispensed some oil into his hands and lathered them together. The warmth of it settled, and as he leaned forward to press his hands against her back, she moaned instantly. He wondered if it were from the elicited pleasure of the massage or the head of his cock pressing against her slit. 

“You are to blame,” he cooed, moving up to her shoulders, and as he leaned forward, he slipped between her lips. “So wet already, my love.” His hands glided across her shoulders, her face buried into the bed as soft calls of need escaped her lips.

Moving back down, which inevitably pulled away from her, he watched bumps cross her arms resting at her sides. Her head turned, and the flickering candlelight showcased her illuminated cheeks and begging lips, making his desire for her nearly impossible to ignore.

He moved to her ass, his hands taking the cheeks and kneading at them. His cock was throbbing, and as he spread her, she gasped. “Kaed!” She called out, her hips raising, “What are you doing?!” 

“I have to massage everything,” he purred while slipping his thumb down between her slit, the warmth that enveloped it made him groan. He found her hardened clit, “continuing right here.” Her knees attempted to lift her from the mattress, but she wasn’t going anywhere with him on top of her. She gripped at the sheets, and her calls of pure pleasure made him thrive. 

Rolling his thumb in a circle, he gently spanked her. She threw her head back and looked over her shoulder, “Please…” when she begged, it was difficult not to give her everything because she truly deserved it. Pushing harder against her soaked bud, he moved in a back-and-forth motion, watching her writhe with rapture. 

“Hmm, please what, Red?” He whispered before moving his thumb and replacing the pleasure with two fingers inside of her. “Gods, so warm.” Slowly but rhythmically, he moved in and out, her muscles contracting around his fingers. His cock craved that attention. 

She kicked her feet up and squirmed under him. Her body trembled, and those needy whimpers got increasingly louder. 

“Baby,” she breathed through her moan, “I want you to fuck me.” 

“So eager… but I’m not done with your massage.” He slipped his fingers out of her and brought his hips forward, the head of his cock pushing between her slit. Bringing the oil over her, he trickled it across her back, and as she jumped from the sensation, he slid inside of her. She called out and immediately lifted her hips, trying to push him deeper. 

He groaned; having her wrapped around him was calling for him to lose control, but he wasn’t ready to ravage her yet. His hands grabbed at her hips and pushed her back down to the bed; her groans of need made him grin.

Holding her down on the bed, he massaged her hips. His slow, methodical hip roll made her arms shake. “How does that feel?” 

“Kaed—please—” she bit down on the blanket, “I beg of you!” 

He massaged down to her ass, once again taking both cheeks into his hand and spreading her to watch as he slid deeper. “Look how wet you are for me,” he slipped out, lathered with her arousal. With a needy groan, he moved his hands down to her hip bone and lifted her up. She was trembling under his hold, and he could no longer keep her waiting. 

Spreading his legs, he returned to being wrapped around her. The immediate release of pleasure echoed around the room, and as she threw her head back, she screamed, “Yes!” 

He pulled her to him, fighting against the back of her wall to fit all of him. She placed her hands down and lifted herself, but he was having none of that. Quickly releasing her hips, he grabbed onto her wrists and put them behind her back. The surprised gasp from her was muffled by the bed as she fell forward. She fought momentarily, but he held steady, and in perfect motion, he pulled her arms and equally thrust his hips forward. 

She convulsed around him, and he leaned his head back, feeling the warmth her pussy provided to his aching cock. It didn’t matter how many times he fucked her; it still surprised him how incredible she felt draped around him. 

A groan came from him as she rolled her hips in a circle and the twisting sensation it provided made him twitch. “That’s it—” he shifted his hold on her wrists to one hand and, with the other, grabbed hold of her ass before spanking her so hard that nearly immediately, a red mark lifted. 

“Again!” She screamed, and he nearly came from the demand. 

His hand lifted and slapped her ass again, leaving another mark on her opposite cheek. Her body rocked with a tremble, and she moaned out for more. He was prepared to give her everything she desired. 

Slipping from inside of her, he rolled her onto her back and crawled on top of her. His honey-golden hair falling over his shoulder, “Does my Queen want to sit on her throne?”

When she bit down on her lip and nodded, he growled and placed his hand behind her head. The grip on her hair elicited a gasp, and he leaned in to take that lip as his own, biting gently on it before roughly kissing her. His tongue was invited by her open mouth to find hers and dance it with. 

He lifted her from the bed, wrapping her around him to bring them to the opposite end of their tent. Thanks to their first entanglement there, a singular chair was the only piece of usable furniture. They hadn’t replaced the second chair they broke; likely, this one wouldn’t survive the same.

Sitting, he placed her on his lap and leaned back with a smile. He didn’t slip inside of her; instead, he just relaxed. “I want to watch my beautiful girl ride me,” he said, bringing up his hand to wrap around her neck and pulling her to him. His lips took hers, and one of her arms came around his neck, leaning into the embrace.

She adjusted, her fingers wrapping around the hilt of his cock, sending tendrils of pleasure straight through his abdomen. There was no hesitation, and as she lowered herself onto him, he was in Paradise. He closed his eyes momentarily, but not long enough to miss taking in her body adjusting to his length. The soft suck of air through her teeth was elicited by him hitting the back of her wall. 

He placed one hand on her thigh and the other on her breast. Her hardened nipple pinched between his fingers, causing her to jolt, and as she did, she bounced on him. 

“This seat was made for you,” he crooned, her head leaning back as she placed her hands behind her onto his knees. Her hips rolled in a seamless rhythm akin to the gentle waves against the shore. “That’s it,” each word of affirmation sent her to moan louder. His fingers around her bead pinched harder, and her back pierced. Her blissed-out expression when their eyes met made his eyes roll back and a throaty groan escape. “You take all of me so good, Red.” He moved his hand, kneading at her breast to her hip, assisting in lifting her up and down on his pulsating cock.

Her body trembled, and he could feel it vibrate through him. She breathed, “I can’t get enough.” Every part of him was stimulated with her words, and she knew it for herself, so she continued. “Your cock feels so good, Kaed.” 

With a sharp intake of breath, he slammed her down. The mixture of pain and pleasure filtered through her gasp, and she leaned forward to wrap her arms around his neck. There was no part of her that wasn’t on fire; her skin lit ablaze against his own. She was so close to coming, the twitching in her legs and escalation in breathing was enough to tell him she was ready.

After pounding her down a few more times, he lifted her and immediately brought her legs over his shoulders. “Kaed!” She screamed, her fingers gripping at his hair as he slid down on the chair, giving her enough security that she wouldn’t fall. As both of her legs wrapped around his head, there was no hesitation for his tongue to slip between her petals and begin feasting on her delicious pussy. 

Wrapping his lips around her clit, he sucked and moved his head from side to side, using his tongue to brush back and forth, just how she liked it. Her entire body seized, and she called out to Paradise, “I’m coming! Please! Right there—don’t—ah!!” As her thighs tightened around his head, he didn’t care that air was limited because he was ready to die for the release that came. Her arousal lathered his lips and down his neck, making him groan. 

She let out a loud, unfiltered moan that the tent had no way of containing. 

After running his tongue along her core to attempt and clean the mess he made, he stood. Helping move her down to his waist, he witnessed her attempt at gathering her breath. “Such a good girl, coming all over my face.” Her breathy whimper made his stomach tighten, and he was ready to fill her once more. 

He brought her back to the bed and laid her on her back, before turning her onto her side. The glisten of sweat across her body made him hum in approval.

Straddling one of her legs, he crossed over her other and slammed back into her. Smacking her ass, he watched her throw her head back, calling out in pure rapture. His own groans filtered out by her escalating noises. 

“My gods,” he felt her tighten around him, and with how soaked she was, the drive in and out of her was as smooth as silk. She was taking him so well, and there was no holding back his neediness. His arm came around the leg that was crossed over, and he pulled her to him as he thrust forward. The protest her wall gave when he pounded against it made her scream and writhe. She was splitting open, and he loved to see it. 

There was no keeping from the pleasure she was providing him, and as he rocked her pussy, he tumbled. “Fuck, Azahara,” he leaned forward, and with a few rough thrusts, his cock released the tension that had been built and came deep inside of her. 

She tried to pull away, “Please—” her call out was followed by her squirming, “Too much!” It made him chuckle through his heavy breathing. 

“I’m too much, hmm?” He playfully asked, his arm coming from around her leg and lifting it so she was lying on her back.

Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she slipped her hands over her face with a groan. “I didn’t say that!” 

With a throaty chuckle, he slipped from inside of her, watching as his cum spilled from her beautiful slit. 

He gathered a towel and helped wipe her clean before doing the same to himself. She adjusted herself under the covers and lifted it, inviting him to join her. The only piece of clothing separating them was his boxers. 

Taking her leg in his grasp, he pulled her over and wrapped her around him. She let out a cute laugh and snuggled up to him. Her head rested at the crook of his neck while his legs hugged one of hers. 

He traced his nails across her back. “A few hundred years with you won’t be long enough, Red. I want eternity—and even then, I’m greedy and want more.”

The glaze over her eyes made his heart flutter as she looked at him. “I’ll be here for your forever.” She brought her fingers up and trailed them across his jawline, filling him with warmth. He pulled her closer as she continued, “I’ll come find you in the next life.”

A smile lined his lips. “Promise?”

“I promise.”