New Beginnings: Savage Desire
1240 Words
Neris raised her voice. “Parley's trial concluded. Talia Graves wins by yield.”
And then—
“You are my fated mate. I accept you.”
His voice held heat and certainty.
Not a request.
A vow.
Talia had stood there, bruised and breathless, blood drying on her skin, wondering how one sentence could change the shape of her life.
She’d shaken her head in amazement, dizzy from it all.
How had everything changed so fast?
So irrevocably?
So perfectly?
Those words replayed through the night, looping like a heartbeat: I accept you.
They were still replaying when she drifted to sleep in Lucian’s arms—his warmth heavy and protective around her, Moonfire humming faint beneath her skin.
His words were still echoing when she woke.
His heart beneath her ear.
His arm around her waist.
His wolf tangled with hers in the quiet.
She stretched like a cat waking in a patch of sunlight, her muscles humming, her wounds nearly gone. His body had been her shield, his touch her healer; the close contact had mended her in more ways than one.
Lucian’s chest rumbled beneath her cheek, his voice rough with sleep. “How do you feel this morning?”
Talia didn’t answer at once.
Kaela rose inside her, sharp-eyed, prowling forward to take in the sight of him more closely. By the Goddess, he’s scrumptious. Let’s climb him right now and make him howl.
Talia smothered a laugh, rolling onto her back, crimson curls tumbling. No, Kaela.
Why not? The wolf whined. You’re no innocent, Talia. You and that fool before him—mutts in heat, rutting every chance you got.
Talia choked. Shut up, Kaela!
Of course, I told his wolf, Kaela said blithely. Savage needed to know everything about us.
Talia groaned inwardly, palm to forehead. Kaela!
Her silence stretched too long. Lucian tipped his head, watching her, those blue eyes keen even in half-light. She managed to croak out, face hot, “Good morning, Lucian. I feel… pretty damn good. Thanks to you.”
His deep laugh vibrated through her. “I’m glad. But as much as I’d love to keep you in this bed, duty calls. We’re summoned. The council has redrafted the terms, and you and Alina must sign. You’ll also pledge to the pack today. And then—”
“Please,” she groaned, flopping dramatically against his chest. “You’re exhausting me already. Can’t we stay here?”
He turned his head, finally catching her eyes full-on. The intensity of his gaze stole her breath. “I’d love nothing better than to hold you all morning and make love to that beautiful body. But duty calls.”
He kissed her, slow and lingering. Talia took the moment to slide her palms down his bare chest, then shift, rising above him with deliberate grace. Her hair fell around her face like a veil as she pressed her body flush against his, nestling her hips between his legs to feel the unmistakable proof of his arousal.
He groaned, low and feral.
She feigned innocence, rocking her hips in slow suggestion. His blue eyes sharpened, Savage, pushing close enough that the wolf bled into his expression.
“Careful, Red,” he murmured.
Her answering smile was wicked. “Careful of what?”
In a blur, he rolled her beneath him. She yelped, half giggling, half dizzy from the speed. His weight pressed her into the mattress, his gaze a searing command.
“Look at me.” The growl rumbled through her; Savage's presence was unmistakable.
Kaela pranced with glee in her head. Oh yes. Wolf’s here. Finally, let's play!
Talia’s eyes snapped open, almost afraid—but only almost.
Lucian dipped his head, brushing his mouth against hers before pulling back to watch her reaction. She parted her thighs unconsciously, inviting him closer. The scent of her arousal filled the air, impossible to deny.
Savage surged, and Lucian stopped asking for permission. His hand fisted the collar of her shirt and tore it open in one vicious pull. Her breath hitched as the fabric gave way.
His voice was velvet and steel. “Is this what you want, Red?”
“Yes,” she whispered without hesitation.
He growled with approval, then his mouth was on her—devouring her breasts, trailing fire down her belly, before sinking lower. Fisting her panties, he pulled them until the fabric gave way. His grip tightened, knuckles white against the delicate lace. A sharp, sudden tear ripped through the quiet air as the fabric surrendered. He wasted no time, his mouth finding the slick, sensitive heat of her. His tongue moved with a practiced, deliberate rhythm, a masterful exploration that built a relentless, coiling tension deep within her. He circled and teased, pushing her higher, her breath catching in ragged gasps, until she was poised on a razor's edge of anticipation. Then, with a final, expert flick and pressure, he sent her crashing over, a wave of pleasure so intense it stole her breath and shattered her completely. His tongue moved over her most sensitive parts, with deliberate mastery, coaxing her to the edge, then shoving her straight over.
Talia cried out, muffling herself with the back of her hand as her release tore through her like lightning. The intensity bordered on pain, raw and overwhelming, her body bowing off the bed as Lucian anchored her, lapping up every shudder.
By the time she collapsed, trembling, he was already moving again, stripping off his last barrier. Huge. Hard. Kaela all but drooled. Finally. Home.
Lucian gave her one long look, the warning clear. “Don’t tease me, Talia. I don’t play games well.”
She reached for him, anyway, guiding his tip to her entrance with trembling fingers. “I'm not playing games. Please don't make me wait, Lucian. Please.”
He pressed inside slowly, deliberately, until he filled her to the hilt. Her cry broke against his shoulder, her nails carving his back. He stilled, giving her time to adjust, his chest heaving as Savage rumbled with his approval.
Then he began to move.
The rhythm built, ancient and primal, until she was gasping, crying out his name, biting his shoulder to hold herself together. They could not seal the mate's bond yet—not until her trials were complete—but every thrust, every kiss, every ragged breath drew them closer to the inevitable.
When it ended, they lay tangled, her head on his chest, his hand stroking her hair. Silence settled, but it was not empty—it was full.
She whispered, “No regrets?”
His laugh was low, almost shy. “Not one. Savage and I were merely discussing whether your guards should all be women. He thinks it's safer for the male wolves.”
Talia barked out a laugh. “He’s only second to you in his possessiveness.”
Lucian cupped her face, eyes soft. “Thank you for giving me a second chance, Red.”
She kissed his palm. “Likewise.”
He smacked her ass—harder than playful, just enough to make her squeak. “Now up. We’re late.”
They showered together, finding yet another excuse to strengthen their bond, slower this time, but no less intense. Where the first had been wildfire, the second time was something steadier, softer. A rhythm that spoke not just of hunger—but of home.
- Writer
