Chapter 16

AURORA

“Rin, what do you think would happen if your brother found us here?” I asked softly.

It was well past midnight, and we were still tucked away in the cave by the ocean.

The air was cool, but not uncomfortably so, and we were nestled together against one of the cave walls.

Rin held me close, and I was snuggled up against him.

His breath was slow and steady, a sign that he was probably half-asleep, but he still answered me.

“I’m not sure. I try not to think about it too much,” he confessed.

“Does it worry you?” I asked, pushing a little further.

“Sometimes.” Rin sighed deeply.

“I know I’m only able to be here because our father allows it. If he wanted to find me, he could. He’d just have to send Emelio. That Mage could find anyone, anywhere.”

“A Mage? Is that like a magician?”

“Something like that,” Rin replied.

“From what I’ve heard, Mages are incredibly rare. Emelio once said they were created for specific purposes. His purpose is to serve the ruler of the Northern Lands and to deliver messages between the ruler and the Higher Ones who oversee him. The other three rulers have Mages too, but they all look a bit different.”

“Who are these Higher Ones? Are they angels or maybe even the Holy Trinity?” I asked, curious.

“I don’t really know. We haven’t learned much about that yet. Rayne and I are still considered young for heirs, even with our superior alpha bloodlines, so some things are being kept from us for now.” Rin admitted.

I studied his face, his golden eyes quiet and thoughtful. He didn’t look tired, more like he was lost in thought.

“You’re not really okay with just fading into the background while Rayne takes over one day, are you?” I guessed.

Rin sighed. “I’m not sure how I feel about all of that. I meant it when I said I don’t hold anything against my brother or my family. I don’t even hold anything against the people who talked about me behind my back. Maybe they had a right to. I guess, in the end, I don’t know what I want for myself. The only thing I’ve ever been sure of is wanting you.”

“I don’t think we’re supposed to know exactly where we’re going in life right away. We’re probably meant to figure that out as we grow and become who we are.” I suggested.

“I’m surprised to hear you say that, considering your upbringing,” Rin commented.

I sat up to face him. “I know, and I can’t deny it. It is what it is,” I said, a hint of sadness in my voice.

“But I don’t want to dwell on it forever. I’m free from all of that now, and I’m here with you. That’s what matters to me.”

Rin chuckled. “It’s still surprising to think about where you came from. There’s nothing dark about you. You’re as sweet and innocent as they come.”

“I don’t think I’m that innocent. I found things I wasn’t supposed to and wondered about them,” I countered.

“I wouldn’t say that reading fairytales and thinking about them makes you less innocent,” Rin disagreed.

I decided to be honest with him about other things I’d found. We’d been sleeping together for over a month now, and I wasn’t as embarrassed to talk about these things anymore.

“It wasn’t just fairytales,” I confessed, shifting a bit where I sat.

“I used to explore the attic a lot, especially after I found that book of fairytales. I wanted to find more things like that, things my parents said were forbidden. I knew they were hypocrites, and I found out just how right I was. That’s when I found a small box hidden behind some boards in the attic. It had books in it; books I think belonged to my mother.”

“What kind of books?” Rin asked, his curiosity piqued.

“Adult novels. I’d never seen anything like them before, and the covers really caught my eye. I figured out pretty quickly that they had something to do with what my parents called the evils of sex and lust. But I was too curious, especially after I’d matured and no one would talk about it, so I kept them hidden and read them,” I explained.

“So, you’re saying you’re not that innocent because you were always interested in sex, despite what your parents tried to tell you,” Rin concluded.

I tried not to blush. “I don’t know why I was always so drawn to it. Maybe it was because my parents had forbidden it. But I couldn’t stop myself from getting so involved with those books. I’d never imagined that people did those things with each other.”

“But you never thought you’d experience it with a man, did you?” Rin guessed.

He leaned in a little closer. “I bet they filled your head with terrible ideas about yourself after they found out what you were doing. A supposedly pure and pious young woman being tempted by sexual desires must’ve been horrifying to them.”

“I’m not pure or pious, and I never have been. I hate those words,” I responded.

“Every living creature is made up of equal parts light and darkness, with their own desires and needs. They might not get it, but sexuality is a part of being alive. All creatures need it to reproduce, and most need it to express love and satisfy their bodies’ cravings,” Rin said.

I wasn’t sure how we ended up on this topic, but I had to admit, he made some solid points.

Sex was a natural part of life for most living things. To deny it was, in a way, to deny life itself.

I smiled, accepting his words. “You’re right, and I’m not ashamed to admit my own needs anymore. I was a bit uncomfortable at first, but it feels so natural with you.”

“I hate to sound selfish, but it’s a relief to hear that. Sometimes I worry that I’m pushing you too fast, even if it’s how things are on this side,” Rin confessed.

“You never forced me into anything. If I didn’t want to have sex with you that first night, I would’ve fought you, not gone along with it. I might’ve been recovering, but I’m not so weak-minded that I wouldn’t fight back if I had to,” I told him.

Rin laughed. “I’ve always believed that. You might not have been able to speak, but that didn’t mean you weren’t a survivor. If not, you probably wouldn’t have been able to escape like you did.”

“Probably not,” I agreed.

I decided to change the subject a bit. “But you’re one to talk. Even as one of the strongest, Alpha, it must’ve taken a lot for you to leave your family and come all the way out here on your own. That couldn’t have been easy.”

“No, I won’t lie, it wasn’t.” Rin leaned back, a resigned smile on his face.

“I was clueless when I first came out here. I’d spent my life in that palace, protected and carefree. Even though I knew a lot about being a fox, I’d never really had to rely on my instincts until I ran away. I’d never tell anyone but you this, but I felt like I was getting my ass kicked at first.”

“But you figured things out, or you wouldn’t be where you are now,” I pointed out.

“That’s true, but I didn’t do it alone. Shortly after I came out here, I ran into my birth father’s only remaining brother, Musket. He’s a Nine-Tail Fox, and considered one of the most powerful of us, just like my birth father was. I’ve always known him, although I don’t see him often. But when we ran into each other, he listened to why I’d come out here and decided to help me learn how to survive on my own,” Rin explained.

This was interesting. Rin’s father still had family around, and they knew about Rin.

“Do foxes have certain survival methods compared to other creatures?” I asked him.

Rin shrugged. “That’s a yes and no answer. Every creature has its own ways and habits. You’ve seen a bit of it since you’ve been here with me. Some live in more specialized places while some have more specialized practices. Humans are probably the same.”

“And you’re half human. Is it really different for you and Rayne, and I guess also your sister because of that?”

“Not really. We’ve been in this world our entire lives, and the alpha bloodlines tend to override the human one. Not that Mom’s ever complained. She loves saying that we’re like our fathers,” Rin answered, a cocky smile crossing his face.

I smiled back, about to ask him about his mother, when a strange sound interrupted me. It was a beautiful, melodic hum that ebbed and flowed with the ocean breeze. A strange sensation coursed through my body as I heard it, like a gentle electric current.

“What is that?” I whispered.

Rin sat up with me, his ears twitching as he listened, his expression serious.

“Damn. They came back sooner than I thought they would,” he muttered.

“What?”

“The Sirens.”

“Sirens?”

“What you’re hearing is the Sirens’ song. They do this at night, hoping to lure in male creatures foolish enough to be near these cliffs. I personally don’t get affected by them because of what I am. Alphas can’t be lured in like that. But it would be better for you not to be too exposed to their song. Even as my beta, it might still affect you,” Rin admitted.

He was right. This strange, beautiful song was affecting me. My entire body felt like it was heating up, and a tingling sensation raced through my nerves.

“Y-you’re right. Let’s go home,” I managed, trying my best to hide how affected I was.

Rin helped me up, and I wrapped my arms around his shoulders as he carried me to the mouth of the cave. I glanced down as we reached it, seeing the dark, churning waters below. But within that darkness were glowing eyes, looking up at us. I could also see something shimmering in the water around those eyes, reflecting the moonlight.

Fishtails?

I didn’t have much time to process it all as Rin began to climb the rocks to the top of the cliff. It didn’t take him long to get there, but I could still hear the Sirens singing in the woods. I closed my eyes and held onto Rin tighter, my body feeling hot and my heart pounding.

~What in the world is happening to me~? I wondered. ~What is this song doing to me?~

The song eventually faded, but its effects lingered. I clung to Rin, scared of what might happen if I let go.

Rin slowed his pace as we reached the field where his den was. I barely noticed him extending his hand to open the entrance for us.

Once we were inside, he sealed the entrance again.

“Hey, are you okay?” His voice was soft, filled with concern.

“I… I don’t know… My body… it feels… weird…,” I managed to whisper.

Rin sighed, frustration evident in his voice. “Damn. We should’ve left earlier. I completely forgot about the possibility of those Sirens coming back.”

“Please, don’t let go of me!” I pleaded.

“I can’t hold you like this all night,” Rin said, gently reminding me of the reality. He walked us over to the bed, carefully laying me down and prying my arms from around him.

I shivered as I lay there. Without him, I felt so cold.

“Rin, please, I can’t…”

I didn’t even know what I was trying to say. All I knew was that I needed him. I needed to feel him against me.

Wait. The Sirens’ song was supposed to lure men, seducing them into the water. Was this intense sexual desire a result of hearing it?

Rin seemed to understand, sitting beside me on the bed and gently stroking my cheek.

“It’s okay, Amore. I know it’s hard, but it’ll pass soon,” he reassured me.

“It’s driving me crazy. I feel like I’m going to explode if I don’t do something,” I confessed.

Rin looked torn, unsure of what to do. I tried to stay still, my chest heaving as the heat inside me continued to build. I could feel the wetness between my legs. All I could think about was the growing desire to strip and let him have his way with me.

“This is hard for me too,” Rin admitted quietly. “If there was another Alpha’s Moon right now, I’d probably lose control. Your scent is almost too much.”

“My scent…?”

Rin leaned over me, planting a gentle kiss between my eyes. “We foxes have a keen sense of smell, and I can smell when you’re aroused. It’s just never been this strong before.”

I squirmed, the heat inside me unbearable. God, I never thought I’d want him this much. I wrapped my arms around him again, whispering in his ear.

“Please, Rin. Please take me.”

I was grateful that Rin had helped me regain my voice, not only so I could express my desires, but also because it seemed to be the push he needed to give in.

I moaned into our passionate kiss, hearing Rin echo my sentiment as his tongue slowly explored my mouth. My fingers dug into his back as his body pressed against mine, my heart pounding with anticipation.

After a few more slow, deep kisses, Rin propped himself up on his arms, looking into my eyes. I was taken aback by the love in his gaze. It was different this time, more intense.

“How could I ever deny you, my beautiful Amore?” he whispered. “Even if a Sirens’ song brought this on, we can still enjoy it.”

He kissed me again, then stood up to undress. I quickly followed suit, eager to feel more of him and to alleviate the heat that had built within me. The cool air of the den felt good on my sensitive skin as I laid back down on the bed.

Rin laid down beside me, and I immediately pressed against him, running my hands over his chest and sides as he kissed me again. I had expected him to rush into things, but it was turning out to be slow and romantic.

Not that I minded. I liked this tender, romantic feeling.

Every touch sent shivers down my spine as Rin’s fingers traced a path down my back to my hips and the tops of my thighs. I gasped as he squeezed my breast. My hand slipped between us to wrap around his erection, eliciting a sharp intake of breath from him.

“You’re as affected as me, aren’t you?” I asked, feeling how hard he already was.

“I hate to admit it, but those Sirens affect me too sometimes,” Rin confessed. A seductive smile crossed his face as he turned me onto my back. “But as I said, we can use it to our advantage. Maybe you can even think of it like those stories you read.”

He was right. This situation did remind me of those novels, at least in some ways. I returned his smile, sitting up with him and giving him another kiss as I held his erection and slowly pumped it. Rin moaned as I did, his hips arching forward a little.

“If I can do that,” I teased, “then we can have some extra fun.”

“I’m game,” Rin managed.

He sat back for me, and I continued pumping him. To say I’d lost a lot of my inhibitions in this last month would probably be an understatement. I no longer thought of myself as any kind of innocent. Not with the lust he brought out in me.

I laid in front of him, continuing to pump him and sucking on his head. I could hear him moaning louder as I did, and felt him becoming even more rigid and hard. I was getting more and more excited too. I loved knowing what I was doing to him, that I could excite him like I did.

I began running my tongue around his shaft, taking in the taste of him. He let out a cry of pleasure as ran my tongue under the head of his erection, his tip leaking more.

“You’re getting close, aren’t you?” I whispered.

“Too close,” Rin answered almost breathlessly. He gently made me pull away. “I want to enjoy you too before I do.”

I couldn’t argue with that. My body was already aching for the same pleasure I was giving him. So, I agreed and sat up with him.

Rin didn’t hesitate. He cupped my breasts, kissing my collarbone before trailing his tongue down to them. My head fell back, eyes closing, soft gasps escaping my lips as he flicked his tongue over my right nipple. He sucked on it while kneading my other breast. After lavishing attention on one, he moved to the other, repeating the same actions. I cried out as he twisted and pinched them, feeling the wetness between my legs intensify.

He noticed it too, his fingers trailing down my belly to my most intimate area.

“Rin!” I squealed.

“You’re so wet now,” he chuckled. He pinched my nipples again, making me cry out and the wetness to trickle down my thighs. I moaned as he kissed under my ear, whispering, “I can’t take anymore. I need to be inside of you. Get on your arms and knees for me.”

I quickly complied, turning around and leaning on my arms with my hips raised and legs spread. A fleeting thought crossed my mind about how I might have considered this slutty before. But that didn’t seem to fit if I thought of Rin as my husband. I supposed being my alpha could technically make him that.

All those silly thoughts vanished as he gripped my hips and pushed his erection deep inside of me. I was so wet that I could hear the sound of it, but I could also feel every inch of him as my walls tightened around him.

“Ah, yes,” he moaned.

He pulled almost all the way out before thrusting back inside of me, repeating this slow rhythm. I closed my eyes again, savoring every sensation as I pushed myself up and leaned my hips back for him. Rin took my cue, quickening his thrusts until he was gripping my hips and practically pounding into me. I never thought I’d love this balance of pleasure and pain. It was like I couldn’t get enough.

“More! Give me more!” I found myself begging.

I cried out in frustration as he suddenly pulled out of me, but just as quickly, he was turning me around. I understood his cue as he sat back against the wall, and I moved onto his lap, positioning him so that his erection slipped inside of me. He held my hips and began thrusting into me again, and I clung to his shoulders while I moved with him.

It felt like it lasted forever. My body moved in sync with his, speeding up and slowing down in rhythmic motions. I ended up leaning against him as our hips ground together and we shared passionate kisses. Everything felt so surreal. The feel of his tongue against mine, how my breasts slid against his firm chest, his hands roaming over my back and rear.

“It’s too much! I can’t…!” I managed to say as I clung to him.

“That’s it, Amore!” Rin encouraged me, sounding just as breathless. “I’m almost there!”

I moaned loudly as his thrusts became slow and deep, hitting that spot inside me that had me seeing stars. It was too much. I couldn’t hold back anymore, and my climax hit me so hard that my entire body convulsed with pure ecstasy.

Rin continued his thrusts as this happened, letting out rapid breaths before finally crying out as his climax hit him. My heart pounded as I felt his release inside of me.

So what if this was sinful? It felt so damned good that I didn’t care.

“That was…amazing…,” I sighed, resting against him, too exhausted to move.

“It always feels incredible. No other woman could ever compare to you,” Rin whispered, holding me and kissing my shoulder.

I snuggled against him, resting my forehead against his neck and running my hand over his chest. I could feel his heartbeat starting to slow down now, just like my own.

“You’ll never leave me, right? I can be your beta forever?” I asked.

“Of course you’ll always be mine,” Rin promised. He kissed my head as he held me a little tighter. “No matter what comes, you’re always going to be my treasure, and I’ll do anything and everything to keep you with me.”

They were beautiful promises, ones that might’ve even been what I’d read as pillow talk in some of those books, but I chose to believe him. Rin was the only one in my life who would never abandon me. He was the only one who would ever see me as someone to be treasured.

What I didn’t understand yet was that being treasured went far beyond just being lovers, and sometimes, you can become a treasure to those outside of that.