Elijah gazed at Aria's serene face, her chest rising and falling in a gentle rhythm. The morning's intense passion had left her exhausted, and she slept deeply. His wolf's hypersensitive ears picked up the melodic beat of her heart, a soothing lullaby.
As he watched her, Elijah's thoughts unraveled:
"Aria is my haven, my completion. I'm lost to her."
Possessiveness flared, urging him to claim her, make her his mate. The Alpha's bite, a sacred bond, would unite them forever.
Elijah's eyes locked onto the vulnerable curve of Aria's neck, the perfect spot for the bite. His wolf surged, instincts taking over.
With a gentle yet firm grip, Elijah's teeth sank into her skin. Aria didn't cry out in pain; instead, a sensual moan escaped her lips.
The sound ignited Elijah's passion anew. He withdrew his teeth, and his lips claimed hers in a fierce kiss.
Aria's eyes fluttered open, her gaze meeting Elijah's. She wrapped her arms around him, urging him closer.
Their bodies merged, moving in perfect sync. Elijah's thrusts grew faster, deeper, as Aria's moans intensified.
"More," she whispered, her voice husky.
Elijah's wolf howled in triumph, his heart pounding in rhythm with Aria's.
Their second round of lovemaking was a frenzy of passion, their bond strengthening with each passing moment.
As they reached climax, Elijah's teeth lengthened, and he bit into her neck once more, sealing their mate bond.
Aria's cry of pleasure mingled with Elijah's growl of possession.
In that instant, they became one.
As they lay entwined, Elijah's teeth still lodged in Aria's neck, their hearts beating as one. The mate bond hummed to life, a vibrant energy coursing through their veins.
Aria's eyes sparkled with delight, her voice barely above a whisper. "Elijah... I feel it. Our connection."
Elijah's gaze locked onto hers, his eyes burning with possession. "You're mine now, Aria. Forever."
With a tender kiss, Elijah released his bite, his tongue tracing the mark. Aria shivered, her body still trembling from their passion.
Their fingers intertwined, Elijah pulled Aria closer. "My mate," he whispered, his voice filled with reverence.
As they basked in the afterglow, the room filled with an intense, pulsating energy. The mate bond strengthened, forging an unbreakable link between them.
Aria's thoughts merged with Elijah's, their emotions entwining like the threads of a tapestry.
"I love you," Elijah telepaths , his heart overflowing.
"I love you too," Aria replied, her voice barely audible.
Their lips met in a soft, gentle kiss, sealing their love forever.
.
.
.
Aria settled into her cozy cottage, relieved to have convinced Alpha Elijah she'd be fine alone. Their telepathic bond reassured him of her safety.
As Aria settled into her cozy cottage, the warmth of the fire crackled in the hearth, soothing her soul. Alpha Elijah's presence lingered, their telepathic bond a constant reminder of his love.
"My love, are you certain you're alright?" Elijah's mental voice whispered.
Aria smiled, feeling his concern. "I'm fine, Elijah. I need some time to myself. Your pack's concerns are alleviated, and I'm safe here."
Elijah's presence lingered, his emotions bleeding into hers. She sensed his lingering worry, tempered by trust. Their bond granted them extraordinary insight – emotional resonance, telepathic communication, and empathic awareness.
As Alpha's mate, Aria shared Elijah's burdens and strengths. His connection fortified her, reminding her she wasn't alone. When he was near, her senses sharpened, and her strength increased. Their bond sped up her healing, and she felt his power coursing through her.
But their connection went beyond the physical. It was soul-deep, intertwining their destinies. Aria gained glimpses of Elijah's plans and intentions, and their shared thoughts fostered mutual understanding.
As she gazed into the flames, Elijah's voice echoed in her mind once more.
"I love you, Aria."
"I love you too, Elijah," she replied silently.
In that moment, their bond felt unbreakable.
THE NEXT MORNING...
As she gazed out the window, a fluttering bird caught her attention. The bird perched on the sill, a small cloth tied to its leg.
Curious, Aria gently removed the cloth and unrolled it.
Aria unfolded the parchment tied to the bird's leg, revealing an encrypted message.
Only a witch or wizard could decipher the message.
Aria's eyes widened as the words revealed themselves:
`Moon of Ash, Night of Elders, Seek wisdom's sacred holders. Nine gather, five bear gifts, Seventh son's lore, fourth rift. Raven's Peak, Castle Waal.`
Aria recognized the ancient script, used by the Netherlands coven.
She will meet up with the left of her people tomorrow night. She's been invited to a meeting by the remains of Netherlands, her people.
A knock on the door broke the silence, announcing Elijah's arrival. Aria's bond to the Alpha alerted her to his proximity. She opened the door, and Elijah's piercing gaze locked onto hers.
"I sense your worries, my lady," Elijah said, his deep voice laced with concern. "What has you troubled?"
Aria couldn't hide the truth from him. Their bond made deception impossible.
"My people," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Elijah's eyes narrowed. "What about them? I've freed them, just as you requested."
Aria's gaze dropped, her voice laced with desperation. "But they're still not free. It's not enough."
Elijah understood her unspoken meaning. The weight of his pack's expectations and the delicate balance of power hung in the air.
"I cannot release our captives," Elijah said, his tone firm but laced with regret. "Not now. It would undermine my leadership and destabilize the pack."
Aria knew this, but her people's plight took precedence.
"Fine," she said, her voice cold. "But don't expect me to share anything about my people. I don't owe you that."
Elijah's expression darkened, his wolfish instincts surfacing. He closed the distance between them in a flash, his massive frame looming over Aria.
"You are mine," he growled, his hot breath against her ear. "You owe me everything. Accept that."
Aria's breath caught as Elijah's claws encircled her neck, his grip tightening. Panic set in as she struggled to breathe.
Desperation fueled her magic. A blazing ball of fire erupted from her hands, striking Elijah with incredible force. His hold released, and he crumpled to the floor, clutching his stomach.
Aria gasped, recovering from the strangling. She rushed to Elijah's side, her hands glowing with healing energy.
As Elijah's wounds closed, a sly smile spread across his face.
"You're stronger than I thought," he said, his eyes gleaming with admiration.
In a swift motion, Elijah pinned Aria to the floor, his body weight pressing down on hers.
"You're mine," he whispered, his lips tracing her jawline.
Aria's resistance melted under Elijah's gentle, persuasive touch. Their passion ignited, and they lost themselves in each other.
Their love was a tumultuous storm, fueled by raw emotion and unyielding devotion.