The Descent
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 07
"The Patient"
~ By Tool ~
A groan of tedium escapes me,
Startling the fearful.
Is this a test? It has to be,
Otherwise I can't go on.
Draining patience, drained vitality.
This paranoid, paralyzed vampire act's a little old.
But I'm still right here
Giving blood, keeping faith,
And I'm still right here.
Wait it out.
Gonna wait it out.
Be patient (wait it out).
If there were no reward to reap,
No loving embrace to see me through,
This tedious path I've chosen here,
I certainly would've walked away by now.
Gonna wait it out.
If there were no desire to heal
A damaged and broken man along
This tedious path I've chosen here
I certainly would've walked away by now.
And I still may ... [sigh] ... I still may.
Be patient.
I must keep reminding myself of this.
And if there were no rewards to heal,
No loving embrace to see me through
This tedious path I've chosen here,
I certainly would've walked away by now.
And I still may.
Gonna wait it out.
~o0o~
As soon as we entered the castle proper, we were met by a guard whose name I would learn was Demetri. He greeted Jasper warmly, much to my surprise. "Major Whitlock! A pleasure to see you again."
"Likewise Demetri," Jasper said while the two grasped forearms firmly in what looked to be a warrior greeting of old.
"How have you fared these past years my friend?"
Jasper grinned and it was chilling. There was a hard edge to it and a feral glint in his eyes. "You know me Demetri," he drawled, his tone bordering on bitter. "…always the survivor. That's how I've fared."
Demetri chuckled ruefully as he studied Jasper with narrowed eyes. "Indeed my old friend, you speak truth," he murmured thoughtfully. Seemingly shaking himself from his thoughts after a beat, he turned to me and gave a crisp half-bow. "My Lady, I am to escort you to Lord Caius' chambers without delay." He turned back to Jasper. "Major, Lady Athenadora awaits your presence in the royal receiving room adjacent to her chambers, do you recall the location?"
Jasper inclined his head. "I do indeed."
Demetri grinned and gestured down the hall with a flourish. "Very well then, My Lady, this way if you please?"
"Yeah, sure," I murmured and followed as he began walking at a brisk pace. I glanced back in time to see Jasper take a quick left and disappear.
Two halls down, Demetri finally looked back and must have realized I was nearly jogging to keep up with his long strides because he stopped and looked apologetic. "Forgive me My Lady."
"It's okay," I told him with a shrug. Still, I pointed at my legs. "Unfortunately, the change didn't add anything to my height or the length of my stride," I finished with a smile, trying and failing to add levity to the atmosphere.
He merely made a noncommittal noise at the back of his throat and began walking again, more slowly this time. Seems he didn't want to be friendly… I glanced up at him, deciding to appease my curiosity. "Why do you call me that; my Lady? My name's Bella, please use it."
He glanced askance quickly before responding, his tone cordial but flat. "I could not possibly. You are the mate of Lord Caius, a position which demands respect. I would be showing great disrespect to My Lord and King were I to address you in any other manner."
I felt my brows inch up. "Even if I give you permission?"
He inclined his head, his demeanor cooling noticeably. "With all due respect My Lady, it is not your place to give me such a leave. He is my Lord and King."
I scowled at his implication. "Why do I feel as though I've time-traveled?"
He refrained from any comment and soon we arrived at a familiar set of double doors which he rapped on sharply and opened when bid. He immediately stepped in and bowed low. "My Lord, Lady Isabella has arrived."
Stepping past him and into the room, I watched as Caius glanced up from the arm chair he regally occupied. I say this because the male could never do something as plebeian as sit. "Yes, I see that Demetri, thank you," he said as he closed his book and laid it aside. "Leave us and see that we're not disturbed."
Demetri bowed deeply once more. "My Lord," he said as he stepped out and closed the door with a finality that left me feeling at odds.
Caius smirked and rose gracefully to prowl toward me. When he reached me, I could actually feel my blood thrum through my veins at the mere scent of him and my breath hitched. His eyes were hooded and he breathed deeply, his blood-blushed lips now parted the barest amount. "Isabella," he purred lowly as the backs of his fingers trailed lightly down the side of my face. "My beautiful Isabella…how good of you to return to me my lovely."
He dipped his head and brushed his lips over his mark and my head tilted as I stifled a moan, my every nerve ending alive to his presence and touch. "So responsive," he whispered with a smile and my lips parted to allow my rapid breaths free rein.
'What is this?' I thought with alarm somewhere deep in my consciousness. 'How can he possibly affect me this way? What is wrong with me that I want him so completely, so undeniably and all from such seemingly chaste contact?'
He offered his arm and I took it as he led me to the sofa. "Please," he gestured, "sit and make yourself comfortable."
I took the offered seat and he walked to a sideboard where he poured two glasses of wine from an open bottle. Walking back to me, he handed me one as he took the seat next to me. He reclined back, his arm stretching along the back of the sofa as his fingers found and toyed with a lock of my hair. Taking a slow sip of wine, he simply watched me from under his lashes. He unnerved me and I was sure he was aware of that fact as I watched his smirk grow into a knowing smile. "Please," he entreated just when I thought I'd crack from the tension. "…won't you try the wine? It's my favorite and I'd like your opinion."
I arched a brow. "My opinion matters, why?"
He blinked lazily at me as he smiled, sharp fangs making an appearance as he did so. Viciously, I stifled a delicious shiver as my traitorous eyes roamed his face and body.
Dangerous and gorgeous didn't even begin to encompass how he looked at that moment and my body rebelled against my mind entirely: It wanted him—more than ever. "You are my mate Isabella. Everything about you matters to me."
I stared him down and tried to act unaffected. "I'm hardly a sommelier," I muttered as my hands trembled around the fragile glass. "I never even drink wine."
He smiled and gestured toward the glass. "Please, humor me."
I looked down at the glass and swirled it before giving it a taste and was pleasantly surprised. I allowed myself a small smile as I looked back at him. "It's lovely," I said and it really was. He looked pleased.
"Good, I'm glad you like it. Now, perhaps you'll even drink it?" he asked with a raised brow and I laughed lightly.
"Yes, perhaps I will."
He set his glass on the table next to him before relaxing back to look at me again. "It would go far to relax you my lovely," he drawled. "I can feel your tension and I must say, it's most disconcerting."
If he'd been trying to relax me, his words had the exact opposite effect and I felt myself close off as our brief discussion from the previous evening flooded my thoughts. It was like an ice bath.
"I find many things about you disconcerting Caius, chiefly among them your marital status."
"Pfft," he scoffed, "I find such topics tiresome Isabella especially as they have no bearing on your status as my mate."
I tensed and set my glass to the side with a scowl.
"Come, come my dear, this changes nothing," he placated while rubbing my shoulder. "You must simply learn to accept the fact that you are no longer human and certain customs and standards of human society no longer apply. For instance, you will never find the equivalent of a mate bond in the human race." He smirked. "A shame, wouldn't you say?"
I studied his haughty countenance and smirked. "Then why, dear Caius, do you insist on keeping your wife, with whom you share no such vampire bond? Your tie with her is merely a flimsy human marriage bond, is it not?"
He smiled and I felt a chill at the calculating look in his eyes. "Clever girl, aren't you my dear? Still, all the wit and cunning in the world will not change the fact that we are mates and should you try to ignore that fact, as the younger vampire in this pairing, you will suffer far more than I, rest assured."
His words, combined with the pain I'd already felt during our short separation brought me up short. Certainly, it was easy to sit not six inches from him and tell myself I could rebel if needs be, but that's because the pain was absent for the moment with him so near. I knew it to be an entirely different story when we were parted and the longer we remained so, the greater the severity. In short, I was still screwed, yet here I was, still arguing.
I looked away from him and out the window as I regained focus. I had a goal in coming here and I meant to achieve it. Doing so would require submission, at least for the time being. It would behoove me not to lose sight of that again.
Still, I knew instinctively the bond we shared required more; more than simply going through the motions. I wanted to feel. I needed to feel real emotion from him. Was there a real Caius under the cocky mask? I had to know, and so I faced him and took his hand, our bond flaring at the contact. "Why, Caius?" I questioned while meeting his gaze.
His brows drew together in bemusement. "Why what, Isabella?"
"Why do you cling to her? Why do you insist on dishonoring our mating?"
He snatched his hand back with a quiet growl and I rushed on. "Do you love her? Is that it? Does she mean that much to you that you can't bring yourself to love and honor me properly?"
My eyes followed him as he stood and stalked away to stare out the window, my heart growing heavy with dread as moments of silence ticked by. "You can never love me, can you Caius?" I whispered, now feeling very dead inside where moments before I'd felt our bond thrumming with life.
His shoulders tensed impossibly more as he answered, his voice tense but quiet. "That is not the case at all, Isabella." He turned to me and the naked emotion in his eyes took my breath away. They were filled with regret and…longing. "Athenadora and I have been together for centuries, Isabella and while I understand your misgivings, I must ask you to listen and try to understand mine."
He fell silent and we gazed at each other for moments before I blew out a breath and nodded.
He smiled sadly. "I was very lonely when Aro turned her and gifted her to me and though she isn't my mate, she has always been a very loyal and warm companion. We have a great regard for each other. I would even go so far as to say she has always been my dearest friend." He reached over and took my hand as he continued in quiet tones. "Just over a century ago, we had a certain coven visit here, and while that's not an unusual event, it turned out to be monumental for her, or rather, would have been…" He tilted his head and met my gaze, that wan smile still in place as he spoke. "You see, in that visiting coven, she found her mate."
I felt my eyes go wide as my lips parted in shock. "Well then, why is all—" I trailed off as he held up a hand.
"I was away at the time," he murmured, seemingly lost once again in the memories. "There were more skirmishes in those days you see and I always led our battles." He paused for a sip of wine and stared into the ruby liquid as he continued. "As instincts demand, they bonded fully," he stated while meeting my eyes. I bit my lip and nodded for him to continue.
"After bonding, she sent him away and made Aro and Marcus vow on their honor that they would not reveal his identity to me; not because she feared for his safety from me, but she feared I would dissolve our marriage and be alone once again. And I would have, for her." He raised his head and stared into my eyes. "She has never revealed his identity to me and has never shown an affinity toward anyone that would have me guessing either. She has refused to leave me alone and will not even speak of it. By mutual agreement through these many years, we've both taken other lovers; a day here, a night there, but our loyalty and friendship remains constant." He pulled my hand to his lips and kissed it. "How can I cast her away after such a sacrifice?"
I pulled my hand back to my lap. "Have you told her of me?"
He looked away and shook his head. "I have not. Not yet."
I growled in frustration. "Why not? Has it not occurred to you that you both could now be happy?"
He scowled. "To my knowledge, she hasn't seen him in decades. She's even told me she's not sure of his continued existence. I know her Isabella; she would sacrifice herself and leave here if she knew about you, even if it cost her her life. We have many enemies, just waiting for such an opportunity." He pinned me with a hard stare. "Would you have me subject her to that?"
I studied his earnest expression and felt my heart drop. I had desired real emotion from him and he hadn't disappointed, but the level of care and commitment he'd shown toward his wife hadn't been what I'd been looking for. 'Be careful what you wish for, indeed,' I thought with bitter resignation as I reached for his hand and stood.
Looking up into his eyes, I pulled him close and kissed him, once again losing myself in the feel and taste of him. It was easy to do, especially as I surrendered to my instincts.
He growled low in his chest as his velvet tongue delved past my parted lips to tangle and taste while pulling me close against his hardness. I moaned and pulled away while grabbing his hand. "Take me to bed Caius," I said without meeting his eyes. I needed to get this done while my body hummed and instincts raged. It was the only way…
He led me to his room and to the most luxurious bed I'd ever seen, but I paid it no mind as I rid myself of my clothes as quickly as possible.
I peeled back the covers and climbed in before looking at him. He looked…sad, as if he knew what I was thinking, and perhaps he did. "Join me," I said as I watched him watch me.
He nodded and disrobed and my breath caught as I looked on. He was beautifully sculpted and I could see that he had been trained and fit when turned. He had the body of a warrior; broad shoulders, defined chest and abs tapering into powerful hips and legs. He was masculine beauty at its finest; lithe, lethal lines and cut muscle.
He climbed onto the bed and I wasted no time pulling him into a kiss as he settled over me, perfectly fitting into the cradle of my thighs.
"Isabella, my mate," he murmured against my lips as I guided him to my entrance and arched up. His hips surged forward and our kiss swallowed my moans as he rocked into me slowly, forcefully.
I don't know what it was about him—perhaps it was because we were mates—but this felt very different than my times with Jasper. That's not to say Jasper wasn't good; quite the contrary. But there was a connection I felt with Caius that was missing with Jasper and it seemed to make all the difference. It turned a purely physical act into what I can only describe as a spiritual one and I found my heart aching with the profundity of it as he held me close and mastered my body while placing feather-light kisses along the column of my throat. "Isa, lovely Isa," he whispered as he took me higher and higher, every slow, deliberate stroke of his cock fulfilling the raw hunger within me.
Finally he drew back, just enough to stare into my eyes as he stroked my cheek. "You are so precious to me," he said as he filled me over and over while I moaned and panted. "Come for me my sweet Isa," he growled and I did, just as he swallowed my cries of pleasure with a kiss, his last thrust and pulsing release prolonging my peak as he tensed and groaned above me.
It was then that I sank my fangs into his neck, placing my mark there on his unmarred flesh for all the world to see as he tensed and hissed.
As soon as I let go of the bite, I urged him off of me and slid off the bed to retrieve my clothes. We remained silent as I dressed and when I was done, I turned to him where he sat, propped against the pillows.
I leaned over and kissed him slowly…softly…my eyes closed, my heart breaking as I whispered…
"Farewell, my beautiful King."
With those words, I left without a look back.
"The Patient"
~ By Tool ~
A groan of tedium escapes me,
Startling the fearful.
Is this a test? It has to be,
Otherwise I can't go on.
Draining patience, drained vitality.
This paranoid, paralyzed vampire act's a little old.
But I'm still right here
Giving blood, keeping faith,
And I'm still right here.
Wait it out.
Gonna wait it out.
Be patient (wait it out).
If there were no reward to reap,
No loving embrace to see me through,
This tedious path I've chosen here,
I certainly would've walked away by now.
Gonna wait it out.
If there were no desire to heal
A damaged and broken man along
This tedious path I've chosen here
I certainly would've walked away by now.
And I still may ... [sigh] ... I still may.
Be patient.
I must keep reminding myself of this.
And if there were no rewards to heal,
No loving embrace to see me through
This tedious path I've chosen here,
I certainly would've walked away by now.
And I still may.
Gonna wait it out.
~o0o~
As soon as we entered the castle proper, we were met by a guard whose name I would learn was Demetri. He greeted Jasper warmly, much to my surprise. "Major Whitlock! A pleasure to see you again."
"Likewise Demetri," Jasper said while the two grasped forearms firmly in what looked to be a warrior greeting of old.
"How have you fared these past years my friend?"
Jasper grinned and it was chilling. There was a hard edge to it and a feral glint in his eyes. "You know me Demetri," he drawled, his tone bordering on bitter. "…always the survivor. That's how I've fared."
Demetri chuckled ruefully as he studied Jasper with narrowed eyes. "Indeed my old friend, you speak truth," he murmured thoughtfully. Seemingly shaking himself from his thoughts after a beat, he turned to me and gave a crisp half-bow. "My Lady, I am to escort you to Lord Caius' chambers without delay." He turned back to Jasper. "Major, Lady Athenadora awaits your presence in the royal receiving room adjacent to her chambers, do you recall the location?"
Jasper inclined his head. "I do indeed."
Demetri grinned and gestured down the hall with a flourish. "Very well then, My Lady, this way if you please?"
"Yeah, sure," I murmured and followed as he began walking at a brisk pace. I glanced back in time to see Jasper take a quick left and disappear.
Two halls down, Demetri finally looked back and must have realized I was nearly jogging to keep up with his long strides because he stopped and looked apologetic. "Forgive me My Lady."
"It's okay," I told him with a shrug. Still, I pointed at my legs. "Unfortunately, the change didn't add anything to my height or the length of my stride," I finished with a smile, trying and failing to add levity to the atmosphere.
He merely made a noncommittal noise at the back of his throat and began walking again, more slowly this time. Seems he didn't want to be friendly… I glanced up at him, deciding to appease my curiosity. "Why do you call me that; my Lady? My name's Bella, please use it."
He glanced askance quickly before responding, his tone cordial but flat. "I could not possibly. You are the mate of Lord Caius, a position which demands respect. I would be showing great disrespect to My Lord and King were I to address you in any other manner."
I felt my brows inch up. "Even if I give you permission?"
He inclined his head, his demeanor cooling noticeably. "With all due respect My Lady, it is not your place to give me such a leave. He is my Lord and King."
I scowled at his implication. "Why do I feel as though I've time-traveled?"
He refrained from any comment and soon we arrived at a familiar set of double doors which he rapped on sharply and opened when bid. He immediately stepped in and bowed low. "My Lord, Lady Isabella has arrived."
Stepping past him and into the room, I watched as Caius glanced up from the arm chair he regally occupied. I say this because the male could never do something as plebeian as sit. "Yes, I see that Demetri, thank you," he said as he closed his book and laid it aside. "Leave us and see that we're not disturbed."
Demetri bowed deeply once more. "My Lord," he said as he stepped out and closed the door with a finality that left me feeling at odds.
Caius smirked and rose gracefully to prowl toward me. When he reached me, I could actually feel my blood thrum through my veins at the mere scent of him and my breath hitched. His eyes were hooded and he breathed deeply, his blood-blushed lips now parted the barest amount. "Isabella," he purred lowly as the backs of his fingers trailed lightly down the side of my face. "My beautiful Isabella…how good of you to return to me my lovely."
He dipped his head and brushed his lips over his mark and my head tilted as I stifled a moan, my every nerve ending alive to his presence and touch. "So responsive," he whispered with a smile and my lips parted to allow my rapid breaths free rein.
'What is this?' I thought with alarm somewhere deep in my consciousness. 'How can he possibly affect me this way? What is wrong with me that I want him so completely, so undeniably and all from such seemingly chaste contact?'
He offered his arm and I took it as he led me to the sofa. "Please," he gestured, "sit and make yourself comfortable."
I took the offered seat and he walked to a sideboard where he poured two glasses of wine from an open bottle. Walking back to me, he handed me one as he took the seat next to me. He reclined back, his arm stretching along the back of the sofa as his fingers found and toyed with a lock of my hair. Taking a slow sip of wine, he simply watched me from under his lashes. He unnerved me and I was sure he was aware of that fact as I watched his smirk grow into a knowing smile. "Please," he entreated just when I thought I'd crack from the tension. "…won't you try the wine? It's my favorite and I'd like your opinion."
I arched a brow. "My opinion matters, why?"
He blinked lazily at me as he smiled, sharp fangs making an appearance as he did so. Viciously, I stifled a delicious shiver as my traitorous eyes roamed his face and body.
Dangerous and gorgeous didn't even begin to encompass how he looked at that moment and my body rebelled against my mind entirely: It wanted him—more than ever. "You are my mate Isabella. Everything about you matters to me."
I stared him down and tried to act unaffected. "I'm hardly a sommelier," I muttered as my hands trembled around the fragile glass. "I never even drink wine."
He smiled and gestured toward the glass. "Please, humor me."
I looked down at the glass and swirled it before giving it a taste and was pleasantly surprised. I allowed myself a small smile as I looked back at him. "It's lovely," I said and it really was. He looked pleased.
"Good, I'm glad you like it. Now, perhaps you'll even drink it?" he asked with a raised brow and I laughed lightly.
"Yes, perhaps I will."
He set his glass on the table next to him before relaxing back to look at me again. "It would go far to relax you my lovely," he drawled. "I can feel your tension and I must say, it's most disconcerting."
If he'd been trying to relax me, his words had the exact opposite effect and I felt myself close off as our brief discussion from the previous evening flooded my thoughts. It was like an ice bath.
"I find many things about you disconcerting Caius, chiefly among them your marital status."
"Pfft," he scoffed, "I find such topics tiresome Isabella especially as they have no bearing on your status as my mate."
I tensed and set my glass to the side with a scowl.
"Come, come my dear, this changes nothing," he placated while rubbing my shoulder. "You must simply learn to accept the fact that you are no longer human and certain customs and standards of human society no longer apply. For instance, you will never find the equivalent of a mate bond in the human race." He smirked. "A shame, wouldn't you say?"
I studied his haughty countenance and smirked. "Then why, dear Caius, do you insist on keeping your wife, with whom you share no such vampire bond? Your tie with her is merely a flimsy human marriage bond, is it not?"
He smiled and I felt a chill at the calculating look in his eyes. "Clever girl, aren't you my dear? Still, all the wit and cunning in the world will not change the fact that we are mates and should you try to ignore that fact, as the younger vampire in this pairing, you will suffer far more than I, rest assured."
His words, combined with the pain I'd already felt during our short separation brought me up short. Certainly, it was easy to sit not six inches from him and tell myself I could rebel if needs be, but that's because the pain was absent for the moment with him so near. I knew it to be an entirely different story when we were parted and the longer we remained so, the greater the severity. In short, I was still screwed, yet here I was, still arguing.
I looked away from him and out the window as I regained focus. I had a goal in coming here and I meant to achieve it. Doing so would require submission, at least for the time being. It would behoove me not to lose sight of that again.
Still, I knew instinctively the bond we shared required more; more than simply going through the motions. I wanted to feel. I needed to feel real emotion from him. Was there a real Caius under the cocky mask? I had to know, and so I faced him and took his hand, our bond flaring at the contact. "Why, Caius?" I questioned while meeting his gaze.
His brows drew together in bemusement. "Why what, Isabella?"
"Why do you cling to her? Why do you insist on dishonoring our mating?"
He snatched his hand back with a quiet growl and I rushed on. "Do you love her? Is that it? Does she mean that much to you that you can't bring yourself to love and honor me properly?"
My eyes followed him as he stood and stalked away to stare out the window, my heart growing heavy with dread as moments of silence ticked by. "You can never love me, can you Caius?" I whispered, now feeling very dead inside where moments before I'd felt our bond thrumming with life.
His shoulders tensed impossibly more as he answered, his voice tense but quiet. "That is not the case at all, Isabella." He turned to me and the naked emotion in his eyes took my breath away. They were filled with regret and…longing. "Athenadora and I have been together for centuries, Isabella and while I understand your misgivings, I must ask you to listen and try to understand mine."
He fell silent and we gazed at each other for moments before I blew out a breath and nodded.
He smiled sadly. "I was very lonely when Aro turned her and gifted her to me and though she isn't my mate, she has always been a very loyal and warm companion. We have a great regard for each other. I would even go so far as to say she has always been my dearest friend." He reached over and took my hand as he continued in quiet tones. "Just over a century ago, we had a certain coven visit here, and while that's not an unusual event, it turned out to be monumental for her, or rather, would have been…" He tilted his head and met my gaze, that wan smile still in place as he spoke. "You see, in that visiting coven, she found her mate."
I felt my eyes go wide as my lips parted in shock. "Well then, why is all—" I trailed off as he held up a hand.
"I was away at the time," he murmured, seemingly lost once again in the memories. "There were more skirmishes in those days you see and I always led our battles." He paused for a sip of wine and stared into the ruby liquid as he continued. "As instincts demand, they bonded fully," he stated while meeting my eyes. I bit my lip and nodded for him to continue.
"After bonding, she sent him away and made Aro and Marcus vow on their honor that they would not reveal his identity to me; not because she feared for his safety from me, but she feared I would dissolve our marriage and be alone once again. And I would have, for her." He raised his head and stared into my eyes. "She has never revealed his identity to me and has never shown an affinity toward anyone that would have me guessing either. She has refused to leave me alone and will not even speak of it. By mutual agreement through these many years, we've both taken other lovers; a day here, a night there, but our loyalty and friendship remains constant." He pulled my hand to his lips and kissed it. "How can I cast her away after such a sacrifice?"
I pulled my hand back to my lap. "Have you told her of me?"
He looked away and shook his head. "I have not. Not yet."
I growled in frustration. "Why not? Has it not occurred to you that you both could now be happy?"
He scowled. "To my knowledge, she hasn't seen him in decades. She's even told me she's not sure of his continued existence. I know her Isabella; she would sacrifice herself and leave here if she knew about you, even if it cost her her life. We have many enemies, just waiting for such an opportunity." He pinned me with a hard stare. "Would you have me subject her to that?"
I studied his earnest expression and felt my heart drop. I had desired real emotion from him and he hadn't disappointed, but the level of care and commitment he'd shown toward his wife hadn't been what I'd been looking for. 'Be careful what you wish for, indeed,' I thought with bitter resignation as I reached for his hand and stood.
Looking up into his eyes, I pulled him close and kissed him, once again losing myself in the feel and taste of him. It was easy to do, especially as I surrendered to my instincts.
He growled low in his chest as his velvet tongue delved past my parted lips to tangle and taste while pulling me close against his hardness. I moaned and pulled away while grabbing his hand. "Take me to bed Caius," I said without meeting his eyes. I needed to get this done while my body hummed and instincts raged. It was the only way…
He led me to his room and to the most luxurious bed I'd ever seen, but I paid it no mind as I rid myself of my clothes as quickly as possible.
I peeled back the covers and climbed in before looking at him. He looked…sad, as if he knew what I was thinking, and perhaps he did. "Join me," I said as I watched him watch me.
He nodded and disrobed and my breath caught as I looked on. He was beautifully sculpted and I could see that he had been trained and fit when turned. He had the body of a warrior; broad shoulders, defined chest and abs tapering into powerful hips and legs. He was masculine beauty at its finest; lithe, lethal lines and cut muscle.
He climbed onto the bed and I wasted no time pulling him into a kiss as he settled over me, perfectly fitting into the cradle of my thighs.
"Isabella, my mate," he murmured against my lips as I guided him to my entrance and arched up. His hips surged forward and our kiss swallowed my moans as he rocked into me slowly, forcefully.
I don't know what it was about him—perhaps it was because we were mates—but this felt very different than my times with Jasper. That's not to say Jasper wasn't good; quite the contrary. But there was a connection I felt with Caius that was missing with Jasper and it seemed to make all the difference. It turned a purely physical act into what I can only describe as a spiritual one and I found my heart aching with the profundity of it as he held me close and mastered my body while placing feather-light kisses along the column of my throat. "Isa, lovely Isa," he whispered as he took me higher and higher, every slow, deliberate stroke of his cock fulfilling the raw hunger within me.
Finally he drew back, just enough to stare into my eyes as he stroked my cheek. "You are so precious to me," he said as he filled me over and over while I moaned and panted. "Come for me my sweet Isa," he growled and I did, just as he swallowed my cries of pleasure with a kiss, his last thrust and pulsing release prolonging my peak as he tensed and groaned above me.
It was then that I sank my fangs into his neck, placing my mark there on his unmarred flesh for all the world to see as he tensed and hissed.
As soon as I let go of the bite, I urged him off of me and slid off the bed to retrieve my clothes. We remained silent as I dressed and when I was done, I turned to him where he sat, propped against the pillows.
I leaned over and kissed him slowly…softly…my eyes closed, my heart breaking as I whispered…
"Farewell, my beautiful King."
With those words, I left without a look back.
DISCLAIMER: Twilight and its inclusive material is copyright to Stephenie Meyer. Original creation, including but not limited to plot and characters, is copyright to the respective authors of each story. No copyright infringement is intended.