MINE

Malacar’s POV

I stood still, scared that I had hurt her, listening to her breathing. She was asleep, in my arms, mine all, mine.

Never felt more alive, I had someone who loved me, a bond that was getting stronger. But I always question things. I’ve learned not to be so happy, scared she might not accept me when her true form awakens. Zaria does not know what she is, not yet. If she discovers the depth of her own strength, will she see me as her companion, or something to be feared? The thought haunts me, a quiet terror beneath all this happiness.

I set her gently to the side, covered her with a soft, warm blanket, and threw another log on the fire. Inside the bedroom, I watched her sleep, and my thoughts drifted to hours earlier. I didn’t want to rush her; she wanted me. Zaria said the words. Took all my self-control not to keep her all night, making love to her like the beast that I am. Her sensuality pulled me like a magnet; it was almost like my body had its own mind.

Turned the bathroom light on; lit candles. Then turned it off as I filled the tub.

I took her virginity, and she screamed my name in pleasure. MINE, Zor said, as he came out. He went to her side and touched her face. MINE.

Yes, she’s ours, Zor. Let’s not scare her. I turned the water on as he went back inside of me. She stirred, her eyes opening and closing, smiled at me, and her hand reached out. I walked to the bed and lifted her.

My love, tell me, are you in pain?

No, just sore, but it was amazing, Malacar. I walked inside the tub and helped her in, her back on my chest, my hands caressing her under the water.

Malacar, I’m scared, she said. What…

We said we would enjoy our vacation, not talking about what if, and you lost your virginity…

She laughed. I am happy I did it this way with you…

Glad you chose me, Zaria. My heart is yours. Please don’t crush it…

Her hand reached for mine, lifted to her lips, and kissed it, then leaned her face into my palm.

God help me, I’m so in love with her; my brain is scrambled. Come on, the water is getting cold. I stood up and grabbed a towel, wrapped it around my waist. Then took one for her.

Hungry? She nodded. I grabbed some cold cuts, cheese, grapes, and strawberries.

Malacar, tell me more about the place you’re from. You never answered my question: were you with the king when Alexandra died?

I stood there quietly. It was a painful memory for me; I felt like a failure, and that’s when I left. Zaria…

Please, Malacar, tell me…

Fine, the kingdom of forgotten souls now lives in darkness. The air always feels cold, and the streets echo with silence. When Queen Alexandra was alive, everything was bright. Sunlight always seemed to linger a little longer over the marble courtyards, flowers bloomed even in winter, and laughter carried across the palace gardens.

Everyone was happy, and hope blossomed everywhere. She and King Abrax were expecting a child. I remember the way their faces glowed with joy. But the war broke out a few days after she delivered. No one knows what happened to the child. It disappeared without a trace, leaving only questions behind.

The king never spoke of it again, and the pain of her death spread through the kingdom like falling dominoes, darkening every corner of that once-glorious land. I left, feeling like a failure, the weight of guilt pressing on my chest every night, and there was nothing I could do.

She climbs into my lap. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up sad memories; forgive me.

I kissed her, and the more I did, the more I wanted her. Zaria, I said, pulling away, you need to recover.

Her face showed hurt and disappointment. Zaria…then I lifted her and took her to bed, my hands touching her soft skin, and my lips followed. Her moans spurred me, I cupped her breast, and my tongue played with her nipple, the arousal at her entrance, I slid in. I let out a groan. Tight and soft, I breathe on her mouth. She moved her hips gently. I haven’t pushed it all in yet. My body felt on fire with want, and I had to control myself to be gentle. I flipped on my back, needed to touch her, feel her sweetness. My hand touched her hips possessively. I pushed in a little more, and her back arched. Her body stiffened, then started to tremble as she screamed my name. I picked up the pace, releasing my seed deep inside her with a loud groan. Her body lay on top of me, my hand touching her back softly. I was waiting to go limp, and it wasn’t happening.

When I pulled out, she let out a groan. I lifted her head and kissed her.

You’re in pain…

She chuckled. I don’t care. I loved it, she mumbled on my chest. Your…is too big…

Well, I should take that as a compliment?

Yes, I guess, she said, sleepy. Next thing I knew, she was out, and I held her tight for a while, then moved her over and held her against me. I closed my eyes.

The dream took me back to that night, the war, the betrayal. Even the king didn’t foresee that they were surrounded in their own kingdom, the strongest. Someone betrayed them; they trusted the wrong people. My sword was killing everything in its path; I had no mercy. Zor came out to help; his deadly claws crushed enemies. Then I heard the king scream her name. I turned to see the magic arrow in her chest, piercing her heart. I knew this was planned by the factions that once promised to be allies.

I jumped, sitting up with a gasp. Zaria was not in bed. Blood stained the sheet, well, that was expected.

Zaria? I shouted. Walked naked to the window, saw her in the middle of the snow. Her eyes focused on something, and I followed the gaze to see a beast hound the size of a bear on hormones, its head bowed to her. She gestured for him to come, and I held my breath. The hound came closer, his head low, and she touched him.

Did she call Queen Alexandra’s hound beast, Jin?