Fated: The Belted Series

Chapter 8:

I hesitantly agree, and accept Hunters' hand. I slide onto the Griffins back, grabbing onto Hunters muscular arms. Hunter turns to look at me.

"Do you trust me, Princess?" His voice hinting with mischief.

I nod quickly. Hunter flashes me a smile one last time before grabbing onto Storms fur, and giving it a little tug. Storm stops both feet a few times before lowering his torso and lifting his hind into the air. Storm runs at full speed for a few feet, and takes off into the wind. He lets out a screeching roar as we fly into the thick clouds. Storm flies higher than the eye can see, the sky filled with the most beautiful orange, red and pink hues. I relax my grip on Hunters arms, allowing the air to wave through me. My smile was one of true excitement. The bond I see between Storm and Hunter is something I have not yet experienced or even heard about. They trust each other completely. Hunters' laugh is that of a child, pure happiness, and for a second, I almost forgot the tragedy that awaits me. Storm starts to slowly make his way down to the land, following a stream close to our town. Hunter reassures Storm as he starts to pull away from land, and hover over the river. There is no cries, no screams, not a single sound coming from a once joyous place. No birds singing, no children playing, no laughter. Hunter ushers Storm to a nearby Willow tree covered with an overgrown bush, and jumps off. I follow closely, even at the concern of Storm. The griffin seems anxious, which made me feel almost frightened of what we may discover. Hunter calms Storm, rubbing his mane and then slowly pressing his head against the magnificent beasts'. Hunter whispers and Storm bows, ghen taking off within a second, making his way back to the heavens. Hunter watched him make his way safely to his home, before turning to me.

"I think we should camp here for the night. Valkaries don't like water, this will be the last place they would want to search." His voice soothing the visible concern on my face. I smile and nod.

"I'll get some wood for a fire." Again, I listen and nod. I make my way to a softer spot, and find a berry bush. After a couple of minutes I have harvested quite a bit, and go back the camping spot. I watch the water flow peacefully, the darkness settling in for the evening, and I'm hit with an immense amount of guilt. I had no idea what was happening to my people, or if we could even get to the council members. I trusted Sebastian and allowed him entrance into Calfai, I was supposed to marry him. What if my reaction to his proposal was the reason he gave the Valkaries access to Calfai? If I had just said yes like I was supposed to, maybe he wouldn't have betrayed me. Tears start rolling down my face, my lips quivering.

"... Insignia?" Hunters' voice pulls me back into reality, but only opens the floodgates and I start bawling. Hunter quickly drops the fire wood and rushes over, holding me tightly in his arms. I sob loudly against his chest, his hands rubbing me softly.

"This is all my fault." I whimper.

"It's not your fault. You didn't know what was going to happen." His voice sounding reassuring.

"If I had just said yes to Sebastians proposal, he wouldn't have let the Valkarie invade Calfai." I wipe the tears away.

Hunter pushes me away his hands on both my cheeks, staring into my eyes.

"You didn't say yes?" Hunters' voice sounded confused, and maybe even a hint of relief?

"No, I don't know what I'm going to do yet. My parents chose love and Calfai has lost its way after it was seen as weak. I want to lead by example, how can I preach about love and trust when I have the choice and don't take it?" A moment of silence befalls us. Hunter, still holding my face wipes the last of my tears away, smiles the brightest grin I have ever seen. I look at him, confused at his reaction, when all of a sudden, he pulls me in closer. He leans is slowly, and kisses me with more passion I ever imagined possible. I melt into his touch, his hands curled in my hair, his lips as soft as the first fall of snow on a delicate flower petal. He tastes as sweet as honey dripping from a hive. A perfect, delicate kiss. Hunter pulls away slowly, his head resting against mine, his breathe heavy. I watch him closely, his eyes tightly shut. My hands follow the path of his arms, one entwined with his, the other resting on his chest. His heart pounding. My smile uncontrollable at this point.

"I've wanted to do that since the first day I saw you." Hunter whispers, as his eyes open, and stare into mine. He slowly starts to pull away, but I quickly move closer.

"Who says we're done?" I fall into him, kissing him once more, fireworks surrounding us. I push up against him, his hands moving over my sides and onto my ass, gripping tightly. His tongue softly entering. I smile against his warm lips, feeling how hot I'm getting. Hunter smiles, grabbing my ass once more before picking me up, and wrapping my legs around him. I feel him getting hard under me, and the thought drives me crazy. My hands twirling his hair between my fingers, our kissing becoming a little rougher. Hunter pushes me against the Willow tree, kissing my neck, his hand exploring my breast. I moan softly, becoming more aroused every second. Hunter kisses my neck one last time, before pulling back, still holding me up against the tree.

"I'm sorry, Insignia." I look at him confused.

"You deserve this to be better." I smile at his remark.

"I have wanted you every day for the last 17 years. I ache for you, Hunter. I want you, I need you." The words come tumbling out. The words I have wanted to say to Hunter for years, finally I could.