The Paranormal Council: Complete Series

Chapter 8

BJORN

Bjorn stood in front of Ari in complete shock, before snapping into action and pulling her into his arms. He didn’t think he’d ever seen her cry before. Hell, he didn’t think anyone had seen Ari cry, at least not since she’d been a child.

“Ari?” he asked tentatively, not wanting to upset her anymore if he could help it.

“Sorry.” She sniffed and lifted one hand to his cheek, returning his earlier touch.

“There’s no need to be sorry, love.” He brushed a soft kiss on the top of her head and she snuggled into his chest, a warm feeling spread through him. As much as he’d wanted them to, the two of them had never had a chance to be close like this. There’d always been an air of caution between them, making sure that they weren’t caught in a compromising position.

“I don’t know why I’m crying.” She sobbed, grabbing a handful of his shirt as she did. Bjorn tightened his arms around her. He’d hoped that his announcement would end with Ari in his arms, but not in tears.

“Probably because you’re stuck with me now,” he tried to joke, but the shocked look on Ari’s face told him that he’d missed the mark.

“Don’t ever say that.” A serious look overtook her and her pale eyes met his. “I want you Bjorn.”

“Good,” he grunted, smoothing back a stray lock of her auburn hair.

“I love you.” Despite her whisper, the words sounded loud and clear around the room. They were bound to, considering he’d waited six months to hear them.

“I love you too.” The tears had dried and a smile crept over her face as he closed the tiny gap between them. Their mouths touched and sparks flew, as they tended to whenever they were together. Bjorn gently pushed Ari to the floor, neither of them caring that they were in the middle of the Council chamber, or that the floor was cold; not when it was about to be one of the most important nights of their lives. “I’m going to claim you Arabella,” he growled and his teeth lengthened in his mouth, an almost involuntary reaction to being near her. It was testament to his previous control that he’d only nearly claimed her once before; there was no chance of controlling himself now.

“Not if I claim you first.” Fire burned in her eyes and any trace of the emotional woman of just moments ago was burned away by l**t. In a surprising feat of strength, along with Bjorn’s cooperation, she switched their position so that his back was lying on the hard floor with her straddling him. In one swift motion, she had her shirt off; the sight of her in only a black lace b*a and with her skirt pushed up to her hips, made Bjorn breathless.

Bjorn ran his hands up the outside of her legs, enjoying the small whimpering sounds she was making. She leaned down and kissed him, being careful of his lengthened teeth. Her hands moved swiftly over the buttons of his shirt, baring his chest to her. She trailed her hands over his n***d skin, sending spikes of pleasure through him and causing him to thrust up to meet her; despite the fact they were both still wearing clothes.

“Ari,” he grunted as she nipped along his neck. He felt her smile against his skin and flipped the two of them over once more. “Bite me,” he added through shallow breaths.

“You too,” she panted back, and he chuckled. He wasn’t sure that he could bite her at the same time, it would probably involve a little more flexibility than he had. Seconds later, he felt her teeth sink into his skin as she claimed him. Except that she hadn’t really needed to; they’d started the claim the moment they’d met, this only confirmed the bond they’d both already known was in place; even if it had taken them a while to accept it. Ari pulled back, a satisfied grin on her face.

Bjorn smiled down at her, before repeating the process, and sinking his teeth into the flesh at the base of her throat. He felt her hands on his fly, but knew that he wouldn’t last. Even if that was the case, nothing could ruin this moment for him. Ari was his, and now everyone would know it.