Selene

My heart is a hummingbird ready to burst from its cage and fly free. After a measured count, I let go of my hold and my breath flows out slowly, taking all the anxious nerves with it. Resolved, I gaze at the worn ground beneath my feet for a fleeting beat of my spasmodic heart. Flicking my eyes to his, I’m startled to find them brighter than I have ever seen.

Pools of molten amber burn like sunlight, halting my racing thoughts, my breath, my everything, holding me captive in this single moment in time. Just as my lips part to speak, Kyran collapses to the ground before me and my body jolts with surprise from the sudden movement. What the—is he okay? What’s wrong? Uncertain what I should do, my brow knits and I press my fingers to my mouth as I inhale sharply.

“Ky? Are you—”

“Selene,” he rasps, haggard and muffled.

I can’t see his face as he’s bowed into the ground but his voice freezes me solid. He sounds agonized, my name a knife slicing through him and cleaving straight into my heart. Kyran, no. No no no. I’ve caused him immense pain, I abruptly realize as tears well in my eyes and blur the sight of him hunched broken on the ground.

“Kyran,” I croak through a sob as I reach a hand out toward him.

He lifts his head heavily with tears falling like rain, his beautiful face twisted in anguish and ever so gently takes my outstretched hand in his. With the faintest pressure, Kyran draws me closer and I stagger forward, my legs about to buckle with grief. He reaches up with his other hand while rising to his knees, pulling my hand farther and releases it to wrap his arms around my waist and legs. I twine my fingers in his hair as he presses his head against my belly, holding me tightly and curling his fingers into my clothes. Tremors vibrate from him and I can both see and feel his muscles rippling throughout his body. He’s fighting himself from shifting, I realize morosely and I curl myself over him, wrapping my arms around his head and shoulders.

“Kyran,” I softly speak in his ear, turning away for a moment to sniffle and wipe a tear.

“I will let go, I promise,” he murmurs, his voice thick and coarse. “This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, I don’t want—I can’t lose you,” he whispers hoarsely on a breath as he squeezes me closer.

His words detonate inside me, my gut roils with sudden nausea as I harshly register why he is distraught. I didn’t get to say what I intended the right way and I’ve hurt him, so deeply, something I would’ve never done intentionally. My legs give out on me as my body cannot physically hold the turmoil rolling through me. I am grateful for Kyran’s strength around me when I barely drop an inch and my hands scrabble over his head, blindly searching through my tears for his face. The rough prickle of his jaw grazes my palms and I latch on, blinking fiercely to clear my sight and my gaze meets his broken one. I stroke my thumbs lightly over his burning eyes, wiping away fresh tears as I push forward with my feet, forcing Kyran to sit on the ground. Without letting go of each other, I lower myself onto his lap and wrap my legs around his waist.

His brow pinches while his gaze never leaves mine, silent confusion replacing his distress and I offer him a watery smile. Swallowing thickly, I breathe slow and deep as my racing heart threatens to suffocate me completely.

“Kyran, I am so sorry,” I give a slight shake of my head and bite my lip. “I was beyond nervous coming here and I needed to calm myself to speak properly with you, to be able to tell you how I feel. I know—I can feel how much I’ve hurt you, and it’s not what you think,” I murmur soothingly, rubbing small circles at the nape of his neck with my fingers.

“You don’t understand, Ky, what I was trying to say. Though your reaction more than shows me just how much you truly feel for me, I knew a while ago. Little by little I could feel it, I didn’t want to believe it at first because trust isn’t something I can give easily, but with you, I could give you all of me without fear. I found myself relaxing in your presence, you bring me peace like I could never have imagined, and with you I am safe, in all ways possible. That alone I never thought I’d find,” I whisper as I slide my hands to cup his face.

“You don’t walk before me, paving my path. You don’t walk behind me, following my lead. You don’t hold me down from below or pull me up for support. You stand beside me, an ever-present strength to catch me when I fall, to take my hand when I need courage, to hold me when I need solace, and most importantly to just let me be me, as I am. You’ve become my best friend, Kyran, and I truly cannot imagine living the rest of my life without you beside me,” my voice catches as emotion threatens to overwhelm me.

Swallowing again, I take a measured breath and smile warmly. One of his hands releases my waist and his warm palm smooths my hair away from my face, his thumb trailing delicately over my brow and down my wet cheek. He returns my smile gingerly, his brow still locked in a deep furrow as he listens to me speak.

With another breath, I continue my quiet declaration, “Kyran, I reject any other who is not you. I could not ask for a better man to be my soulmate and am forever grateful for him to be you. I trust you with not only my heart, but also my soul. I will hold your heart with the utmost care, protection, and devotion. I am eager for our life together, excited for the journeys we will experience and dream of the family we will one day share,” I grin at the flash in his wet eyes.

“I know you and I both have things that need work, but with each other’s help we can heal, grow, and flourish together,” I grip his face tighter as fresh tears pour from both our eyes. “I accept you, Kyran, now and forever, I accept you as my mate. I love you, Ky, always. Don’t ever forget that,” I whisper, leaning forward to press my forehead to his with the tips of our nose brushing lightly.

We stay immobile for a few heartbeats, the weight of my words settling between us as we breathe together. Kyran’s hands mimic mine, caressing my face with feather soft gentleness and he pulls himself back to gaze deeply into my eyes. His warm breath puffs around me from a hollow laugh of disbelief, his eyes close and open gradually, as if he can’t quite process what I have said. Blinking once, twice, his eyebrows pull together and up as a toothy grin grows on another breathy laugh. I can’t help but chuckle, my tears still falling away and I nod my head in encouragement.

The moment I kiss his forehead, Kyran wraps me in his arms once more and launches to his feet with my legs still tightly wound around him. His laughter bubbles out, flying through the night air as we spin wildly and his palpable joy fills me with glee. I join him, throwing my head back and release my elation, feeling entirely free.

He winds us to a stop with a heaving chest and I lift my head to be met with the brightest smile I have ever seen. Holding me one handed, he brushes his fingers over my forehead and through my hair to clasp my head and neck tenderly. I trail my fingers along the top of his spine, a warm smile melting on my face as I raise my eyes to his and he grins widely back at me again.

“Selene,” he breathes, affectionately resting his forehead on mine once more, “I…you…that,” his breath whooshes out of him and I press my fingers to his lips.

“Shh, I know. I know,” I whisper, nodding slightly. “I truly did not mean for you to think I was denying you, Ky. I am so, so sorry.”

He shakes his head, our noses rubbing gently. “It’s alright, I don’t want you to apologize. It’s just that,” he lets out a heavy sigh, “the thought of you leaving nearly severed me. I even thought I’d let you go, too, though that almost killed me to even consider it,” he murmurs, closing his eyes.

“I will never leave you, Kyran. Not willingly, at least. I’d rather die than be apart from you in that way. You don’t have to fear that,” I assure him, caressing his cheekbone lightly.

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“I am yours, Selene, entirely yours. I’ve known this for a while, wanted to tell you but I…I guess I was afraid of scaring you away,” he softly speaks as his hand slides up into my hair, holding me tightly against him. “You chose me, you actually chose me,” his voice is distant, as if not entirely intending to speak aloud.

I scoff lightly, “Of cour—”

“Ég elska þig, engillinn minn. Ég hef alltaf gert. Ég mun alltaf, sama hvað,” his husky voice murmurs quickly, his language sending a shiver down my spine and raising the hairs along my arms.

“Whatever you just said sounded really sexy,” I whisper on a laugh with heat flashing over my cheeks.

His breath rushes out as his eyes widen a fraction when he repeats, “I love you, my angel. I always have. I always will, no matter what,” and I can hear him swallow thickly as a stray tear drips from his eye.

“I—mmph,” I sigh as his lips consume mine.

Lightning races through every nerve in my body and I feel as if my skin will catch fire. Gasping at the sensation, I break our kiss and he mirrors me, clearly feeling the way I do. I drag my hands to the back of his head, gripping my fingers into his hair and eliciting a soft groan from his sinful mouth. His hands match mine, though one is in my hair and the other slides down my waist and cups my ass with a pleasurable squeeze. I meet his heated gaze and he cocks a brow at me, making me breathe a laugh before I crash my mouth to his once more.

Kyran kisses me deeply without hesitation, taking my lead and carries me effortlessly through the trees until the sharp sting of bark bites delightfully into my back. A soft cry escapes me and he smiles against my mouth, a low rumble echoing from his chest. Nipping at his bottom lip, I pull it into my mouth and glide my tongue across slowly until he groans deeper and it’s my turn to grin. Widening his stance, he slides me gently down the tree until my thighs meet his and he presses himself flush with my body. I release a heavy breath against his chest and lift my head to lick the spot at the hollow of his throat.

Kyran tilts his head back, his rumbling louder now that I’m close to his chest and fuck is it sexy. He pushes me firmly into the tree and I can feel his hardness rub me deliciously, dragging a moan from my throat as I dig my nails into his solid biceps before I tenderly bite the crook of his neck. He moans deeply with that and I lightly scratch down his arms and glide my tongue up the side of his neck.

“Fuck, angel,” he groans, his voice heavy in my ear as his hand massages the side of my ass.

Kissing my way up his jaw, I reach his ear and purr, “Mmm, I like that, ‘angel’. Say it again,” I quietly demand, pinching his lobe between my teeth.

“Tell me what else you like, angel,” his dark chuckle resonates in my ear as he pushes against me sensually and I moan breathily in his.

Tilting my head back, I rest it against the tree and stroke my fingers gently down his chest, gliding them beneath his half-buttoned shirt while his hands continue to knead my ass. I lick my lips slowly, his eyes tracking my tongue intensely and I purse my mouth in a coy smile. Leaning forward, I ghost my lips over his and across his jaw, stopping once more at his ear to whisper, “I’d rather you find that out on your own,” and lick the soft spot behind it.

His growl is loud this time as he snakes a hand up behind my neck, gripping me tenderly and pulls my face close to his. The sinful smirk playing on his lips makes me bite mine and I grin at the game we’ve begun. Kyran glides his hand around my throat and across my jaw, delicately grasping my chin and kisses me softly. I melt around him, winding my arms around his neck and squeeze him against my body tightly as he passionately deepens our kiss. Cool air caresses my back as he pulls us away from the tree and lowers to his knees, sitting back on his heels.

His kiss is consuming, stoking the roaring flames beneath my skin to an inferno and I feel dizzy with the headiness it brings. Releasing my hold on him, I relax my legs and fold them beside his, straddling his lap. His tongue glides across mine and I moan into his mouth, slowly grinding myself against him as he pushes me down with his hands gripping my waist. After a tantalizing few moments, Kyran pulls back, panting slightly with flushed cheeks and kisses my nose.

“How do you feel, Selene? I know that the bond is driving our desires out of control at the moment, I want to be sure that you are comfortable with this,” he speaks softly, his molten amber eyes searching mine. “I completely understand if you’d want to wait, I am more than happy to just be able to hold you like this. I can’t promise I won’t stop kissing you, though. I just can’t believe you accepted me.” He smiles with so much warmth that it radiates within me.

His arms snake around my body, constricting my waist and shoulders affectionately as he envelopes me in a blissfully warm hug. I squeeze his neck just as hard and bury my face into his rounded shoulder, closing my eyes to bask in his comfort. Safe. He keeps me safe. The thought is answer enough and I nod my head silently against him, more than sure of what I want. I want him, in every way, and I want him now.

“I am sure, Kyran,” I murmur, pulling back to look him in the eyes. “I trust you, wholly, and I want to bond with you mind, body, and soul. I want to show you how you make me feel and…it pleases me to please you,” I blush, smiling shyly without looking away.

His eyes crinkle as he chuckles lightly, “I feel the same way, though to be honest, I want to be the one doing the pleasing. Just this time,” he whispers softly, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. “At any moment, you tell me to stop and I will without hesitation, okay? No questions asked, no explanation needed. Please promise me that,” he cups my face with one hand, his tone serious and his bright eyes burn into mine.

Grateful tears spring forth anew as I breathe a laugh, slightly nodding my head. I am immensely appreciative of his care, of how thoughtful he is with me and how I feel. His attentiveness is something out of a storybook, something I’ve only read and dreamed about and it is one of the things I love most about this man. My smile grows wide as I nod my head more assuredly.

“I love you,” I whisper, my awe holding me captive.

“I love you,” he whispers back with a lopsided smile.

Pulling my bottom lip between my teeth, I watch as he licks his and we both lean forward slowly. Just as our lips touch, raucous laughter bursts through the trees around us, startling us upright. Kyran’s head turns over his shoulder, a dry laugh escaping him before he looks back at me and raises an eyebrow.

Leaning in conspiratorially with his gaze averted, he murmurs, “What do you say we find somewhere more private,” flicking his gaze to mine with a smirk.

Squinting my eyes, I purse my lips and nod, our grins breaking out at the same time. He slides his hands under my arms and lifts me gently, shuffling out from beneath me to rise to his feet. Placing me on the ground, he discreetly adjusts himself before he offers me his hand and I take it with a smirk, his warmth flooding my arm immediately. Kyran laughs and takes off at a light jog, pulling me through the trees, rushing past the small group of people stumbling away from the celebration. Giggles escape me like a teenager sneaking out late, giddiness filling my veins with bubbles as we run through the dark woods. Fire light illuminates in pockets dotted around the trees, the numerous bonfires hosting hundreds of unmated men and women, dancing and laughing carelessly into the night.

I catch my foot on something along the ground and stumble, thankful for Kyran’s firm grip as I laugh and swing upward with his arm. Turning away from me and crouching low, he lets go of my hand and waves me behind him impatiently. “C’mon, get on,” he nods his head at an angle.

“You can’t be serious!” I laugh incredulously.

Shaking my head at his sidelong smirk, I climb onto his back, stringing my arms around his thick neck and lock my ankles over his waist. His warm palms stroke up and down the sides of my bare thighs, sending shivers skittering across my body. Hooking his elbows under my legs, he caresses the sensitive skin inside my knees and I squeeze his middle tightly in response. His deep chuckle echoes around us and I laugh with him, feeling almost drunk with joy. Kyran bounds forward, earning a squeak from me and I cling to him as he lithely weaves his way through the woods.

Confident of his hold on me, I loosen my stranglehold around his neck to slide my hands down the open collar of his shirt and skate my fingers across the large expanse of his hard chest. His skin is hot beneath my palms as I press my fingertips into the firm muscles, savoring the way they bunch at my touch. I can feel the vibration roll from him when I drag my hands upward and across his collarbone, scraping my nails as I go. Without pause, I snuggle my face into his neck and kiss the place where it meets his shoulder, deciding to give a little nibble as well.

Kyran’s growl deepens as his hands clench tighter around my knees and I swear I felt his gait falter for a moment. Smiling, I tilt my head higher and lightly bite his neck a second time, turning his rumbling into a groan. Grazing my nose along his jaw, I press my lips to his ear and murmur, “You’re growling is sexy, it turns me on,” clacking my teeth sharply and I giggle.

His ribs expand harshly as he takes a deep breath and sighs roughly, making me laugh again. Teasing Kyran is fun, especially when he’s not in a position to do much about it, so I continue running my tongue along the shell of his ear and just behind his jaw. My fingers trace patterns along the base of his throat as I drag my teeth over his neck and just as I’m about to bite down once more, I’m torn away from his back.