Page 67 of Echoes From the Void

His lips break away to blaze a path down my neck, hovering over my thundering pulse point. The scrape of fangs against sensitive skin promises the eternal bond we’re about to forge. My heart slams against my ribs, my entire body trembling with anticipation.

“Frankie,” he breathes against my throat, his voice a primal rumble that makes my shadows dance. “You’re mine. And I’m yours. Until the void takes everything.”

His fangs pierce my flesh, and I gasp—not from pain, but from the overwhelming rush of our bond snapping into place. Power surges through me like lightning, raw and electric, resonating through every fiber of my being. Our shadows merge and twist together, becoming an intricate dance of darkness until I can no longer distinguish his essence from mine.

My nails dig into his back as emotions crash over me in relentless waves. The euphoria is unprecedented, more intoxicating than any shadow-high. His love floods my senses, followed by his bone-deep devotion and primal need to protect. His fears and hopes and dreams cascade through our connection until I know him, truly know him, in ways mere words could never express.

Matteo shudders against me, his breath hitching as our bond solidifies. When he pulls back, his eyes are glassy, his pupils blown wide. A trickle of my blood stains his lips, and he licks it away, a low hum of satisfaction rumbling in his chest.

“Your turn,” he whispers, tilting his head to expose his neck. My eyes lock onto his pulsing artery, and my canines ache with the need to mark him. While his bite initiated our connection, only my mark as alpha can anchor and complete our bond—a power unique to female pack leaders that males can’t replicate.

I rise up, wrapping my legs around his waist and flipping us over so I’m straddling him. He lets out a surprised huff, then grins, his hands resting on my hips. I lean down, my hair curtaining our faces as I brush my lips against his neck.

“Mine,” I growl softly, echoing his earlier sentiment. Then, I bite down, claiming him as fiercely as he claimed me.

Matteo’s body arches beneath mine, a guttural groan ripping from his throat. His fingers dig into my hips, anchoring me tohim as our bond strengthens, becoming an unbreakable tether between our souls. I feel his pleasure, his pain, his everything. It’s overwhelming, exhilarating, utterly consuming.

When I finally release him, I’m panting, my body slick with sweat. Matteo looks up at me, his eyes filled with such raw emotion that it steals my breath. We stay like that for a moment, caught in each other’s gaze, reveling in this shared moment before he surges forward.

All restraint slips away as he rips my shirt off my body and tosses it across the room.

His eyes roam over me, hungry and appreciative, making my skin flush with heat. I reach for his shirt, my fingers trembling with urgency.

But he stops me with a gentle hand on my wrist. “Let me,” he whispers, his gaze never leaving mine.

He slowly unbuttons his shirt, revealing the broad expanse of his chest, the ridges of muscle that flex with each movement. I watch, captivated, my breath catching in my throat as he shrugs the garment off his shoulders, letting it fall to the floor.

His hands rise to my face, his thumbs tracing the curve of my jaw as he leans in closer. “Frankie,” he murmurs, his voice full of emotion. “I love you. I’ll always love you, no matter what the future holds.”

The sincerity in his words makes my heart swell, a tear slipping down my cheek. I brush it away, smiling up at him. “I love you too, Matteo,” I whisper, my voice barely audible. “And I trust you to protect our pack, to protect me, no matter what.”

He nods solemnly, his eyes burning into mine, the weight of our bond filling the room. Then, with a deep breath, he leans in, pressing his lips to mine in a tender, loving kiss.

As our lips meet, the world around us fades away. It’s just Matteo and me, lost in our own private universe, the shadows swirling around us like a cocoon. His hands explore my body,gentle yet firm, tracing lines of fire across my skin. I mirror his actions, committing every inch of him to memory, every scar and plane of muscle.

The urgency between us builds, our breaths growing ragged, our hearts pounding in sync. Matteo’s hand cups my cheek, his thumb brushing away a tear I hadn’t realized had fallen. He pulls back slightly, his eyes searching mine.

“Are you sure, Frankie?” he asks again, his voice hoarse with desire and restraint. “We don’t have to rush this.”

I smile, my heart fluttering at his consideration. But I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. I take his hand, entwining our fingers, and guide it to my chest, letting him feel the pounding of my heart.

“This is what I want, Matteo,” I say, my voice steady and sure. “I want you. I want us. And I want it now, before tomorrow comes and steals our chance away.”

His eyes darken, a mix of desire and determination swirling within them. He leans in, capturing my lips in another searing kiss, this one filled with promise and resolve. I melt into it, wrapping my arms around his neck, ready to lose myself in him completely.

Matteo’s hands move to my hips, holding me firmly as he flips us over, pinning me beneath him. I gasp at the sudden movement, my pulse spiking with excitement. His lips never leave mine, his tongue sweeping in to dance with mine, claiming me, possessing me.

Our shadows merge, responding to our combined desires, creating a dark haven around us. They pulse and shift, reflecting our emotions, our needs, our love. As Matteo trails kisses down my neck, my collarbone, my chest, I watch the shadows around us grow wilder, more erratic, mirroring the storm raging inside me.

When he reaches the waistband of my pants, he pauses, looking up at me, seeking permission. I nod, my breath hitching with desire.

He smiles, a slow, sensual grin that sends a shiver of anticipation down my spine. His fingers deftly unbutton my pants, sliding them down my hips, his touch leaving a trail of fire in its wake. I lift my hips, helping him, eager to feel his skin against mine.

As the last of my clothing is discarded, Matteo pauses, his eyes roaming over me appreciatively. I feel a blush rise to my cheeks under his intense gaze, but I don’t look away. I want him to see me, all of me, just as I want to see all of him.

He seems to understand, and with a soft smile, he stands up, his hands going to his belt. I watch, my heart pounding, as he slowly undresses, revealing himself to me completely. He’s beautiful, every inch of him, and I reach out a hand, beckoning him back to me.

Matteo takes my hand, entwining our fingers, and climbs back onto the bed, his body covering mine. The feel of his skin against mine is electric, sending sparks of pleasure coursing through me. I wrap my legs around his hips, pulling him closer, needing to feel all of him.

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