Chapter Thirty-One

Ellie

Seth’s arms enveloped me, a comforting cocoon. A shiver of sensation danced across my skin where his touch met mine.

Once my tears had dried up, he had drawn me into his chest, holding me like a fragile, wounded creature. Because that’s what I was.

His touch eased the pain, a soothing balm only a mate could provide.

When my memories surged through the mark, it felt like I was watching someone else’s life.

I couldn’t remember any of it. Yet, a gut feeling told me they were mine. That these horrifying events had happened to me.

When Seth told me what Nix had done, I was initially upset. She had stolen my memories without telling me why. If we hadn’t found our mate, they would have been lost forever.

Then it hit me. She had probably saved my sanity. Dealing with the memories I had was hard enough.

The darker ones would have likely shattered me. She had given up a part of herself to shield me.

All those times I thought she had abandoned me, she was just regaining her strength to continue protecting me. A weight she struggled to carry.

No wonder Elijah’s rejection had hit her so hard. If she had bonded with Elijah’s wolf, they could have shared the burden. But why had the memories suddenly resurfaced?

My thoughts were a tangled mess. Part of me wanted to know. Another part craved the comfort of my mate...of Seth, which he was more than willing to provide.

He had given me so much, saved my life more than once, and now he was sharing my darkness. Comforting me when I needed it the most.

It was a terrible thought, but I realized we were fortunate.

Fortunate that we had found each other, fortunate that our first mates had rejected us, and fortunate that the moon goddess had given us a second chance.

Neither Nix nor I would have survived without Seth. I truly believed that. I trusted him completely.

I let our bond comfort me. I realized it wasn’t just Nix who needed to share the memories, I did too.

Those thoughts and the comfort I found in Seth’s arms pushed the negative thoughts away. But I needed more, Nix needed more.

Seth’s fingers traced a path across my skin, following the curve of my spine.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured.

I felt his nose nuzzle the side of my neck, his breath causing goosebumps to rise as he inhaled my scent.

“You smell so good,” he rumbled, as his lips found his mark.

A gasp escaped my lips at the contact, followed by a moan. A wave of sensation swept through my body and my back arched. How could the slightest touch make me lose control?

“Just tell me to stop and I will,” he rumbled.

His voice vibrated across my mark, sending another surge of pleasure through me.

Of course, I didn’t want him to stop. When we’d stopped outside the bedroom, I’d been so nervous. Worried about what he would expect of me.

I had no idea that I would feel like this. Feel this need for him. I knew he was feeling the same. I could feel my arousal building; I was sure he could smell it.

Even if I’d wanted him to stop, something deep inside of me was urging me to let him continue. Not Nix. No, this was something more primal.

That didn’t mean I wasn’t nervous as well, but I easily pushed that feeling aside.

I swallowed nervously and gently shook my head.

“N...No, don’t sto…”

My voice faded into a moan as Seth gently nipped at my mark.

It should have hurt, given the wound was so fresh, but it didn’t. Instead, a wave of pleasure shot straight through me, right to my core.

I didn’t even notice when my bra clasp released, only realizing it when Seth gently laid me back on the bed.

Seth smirked as he tossed the garment carelessly over his shoulder.

Then he leaned in and claimed my lips with his.

He gently tugged my bottom lip with his teeth, before his tongue darted inside, exploring my mouth. Tasting me.

I kissed him back eagerly but he was the one in control, and surprisingly, I didn’t mind one bit.

I was about to wrap my arms around his neck, but he pulled away. He gently held my wrists, keeping them in place on the bed.

“What did I say before,” he gently scolded.

I licked my lips, savoring the taste.

“We do it your way?” I asked.

He smiled and nodded, but he didn’t release my hands. Instead, his lips and tongue explored my mark.

I moaned again and gripped the sheets in my hands.

Normally, I would have noticed how soft they were. Silk or Satin, but now all I could think about was Seth. How I wanted him, needed him.

Seth chuckled, then he began leaving a trail of kisses down my body.

I threw my head back and gripped the sheet a little tighter, as his tongue flicked over my nipple. First one then the other.

They hardened almost immediately which elicited a growl of approval from him.

He nipped each one lightly, making me wonder whether he’d let his wolf take control. I doubted it somehow, he was being too gentle.

His hands released my wrists, but I didn’t move them. I just gripped the sheets a bit tighter, not knowing what he was going to do next. But I trusted him. Trusted him enough to let him take charge.

Let him take control.

I wondered if this was what happened with all mates. If this was what happened between Olivia and Murdoch.

I didn’t have time to think too much, as I felt Seth’s fingers trailing across my stomach, then gently grip my hips.

His fingers gripped the top of my pants as he slowly pulled them down.

I trembled as he placed gentle kisses down the inside of my thighs.

A loud squeal escaped my lips, when I felt his tongue dart inside my folds. It was like a bolt of electricity, lighting up my whole body.

The pleasure I felt when his tongue had caressed my mark was nothing compared to this. Every time his tongue flicked the bundle of nerves inside, he growled, sending vibrations through my whole body.

Disappointment blossomed within me when he moved away. My eyes flashed open.

“Seth... Please... I need…” I gasped needily.

“I’ve got just what you need, sweetheart,” he murmured, his voice a seductive growl.

My eyes darted down. When had he taken off his boxers? I swallowed hard. I’d seen Seth in the nude before, when we’d shifted, but never like this.

He was straddling me now, his arousal teasing my folds. He was so large, I should’ve been worried. But that primal urge, that primal need, washed away my fear.

I wanted one thing, needed one thing. I needed Seth inside me.

He gave me a soft smile.

“I love you, Ellie,” he whispered.

His lips found the mark on my neck, and I felt his canines pierce my skin once more. Simultaneously, he entered me.

A groan escaped my lips as waves of pleasure surged through me, pushing me higher with each of his thrusts.

Whether he liked it or not, this time my arms wrapped around him, and I felt my own canines extend as I marked him, just as he had marked me.

This time, though, I was fully aware. Last time, I’d let Nix take over. This time, I was in control, deriving as much pleasure from marking him as I was receiving from his marking me again.

An electric shock of pleasure coursed through my body as I climaxed. Moments later, I felt him follow suit, his release filling me.

Seth rolled onto his side, propping himself up on his elbow. I turned to face him. His fingers gently stroked my cheek before he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me against his chest.

We didn’t speak; there was no need. We both knew what the other was feeling through the mate bond, which was now sealed.

I felt drained, both mentally and physically, but in a good way. Nothing could wipe the smile off my face right now.

Seth’s lips brushed against my forehead.

“You should try to sleep,” he whispered. “Even if it’s just for show, we have a big day tomorrow.”

I nodded and snuggled into his chest. I hoped Clayton wouldn’t be too upset. I knew he wanted us to have the ceremony before we mated, but there wasn’t much he could do about it now.

With that thought in my mind, I closed my eyes and quickly drifted off to sleep.

***

Thoughts of what my father planned to do had almost slipped from my mind... Almost. My dreams were filled with images of him. Him and Joel, squaring off.

I tried to call out to him, but he wasn’t listening. Or maybe he was just ignoring me.

I was roused from my sleep by Seth’s deep voice and his gentle shaking.

“Wake up, Ellie. We have to go.”

I groaned as I opened my eyes, but I couldn’t help but smile, seeing Seth’s face and remembering what we’d done.

I glanced at the window; the sky was a deep blue, signaling that sunrise was near. The sun hadn’t risen yet, but the pitch-black night was starting to fade.

I frowned.

“Why? What’s going on?” I mumbled.

Seth sat on the edge of the bed; he was already half dressed, though his chest was still bare. I couldn’t help but stare at him. Those rock-hard abs, and that v-line.

Features that had always been there, but I’d never noticed before.

He smirked and handed me my clothes, but then his expression turned serious.

“It’s your dad. I had someone keep an eye on the house last night. He’s on the move, with his former beta...Jason.”

I could tell by the way he said the name, he still didn’t trust him. But that wasn’t important right now.

“I…I thought you said he was going to wait. Until after our ceremony?”

Seth narrowed his eyes and nodded.

“That’s what he said, but maybe he sensed something...when we mated.”

I looked at the clothes in my lap.

“We should shift. We can get there faster that way.”

Seth shook his head.

“As far as Joel knows, you’re still without a wolf. I’m sure Elijah would’ve told him that before…”

His voice trailed off; we both knew what he meant.

“Joel fights dirty. I doubt he’ll come alone. At least this way, we’ll have the element of surprise.”

I nodded and started to dress. Halfway through, I stopped and looked at Seth.

“You’re going to let me fight?” I asked.

Seth turned to me and cupped my cheek in his hand.

“After everything you’ve been through, Ellie, I would never deny you this. Besides, you’re one of the best warriors in the pack. But you have to promise me one thing?”

I swallowed the lump that had formed in my throat. Now was not the time for tears, and these wouldn’t have been tears of sadness.

Just the realization that Seth understood what I had endured and was willing to let me fight the bastards who had hurt me.

“Anything,” I quickly replied.

“When the time comes, whatever happens...”

He hesitated. I could feel his tension, as if it were my own.

“Dante’s mine,” he growled.