Page 25 of Shattered Veil
“Oh, Tiernan,” she cries out, her voice hoarse with pleasure.“Don’t stop.”
As if I could. My release is building, the pressure mounting with every thrust. But I hold on, wanting to draw out this moment for as long as possible.
Then Brigid tightens around me, her walls pulsing rhythmically. She screams my name, her climax triggering mine. With a groan, I empty myself inside her, filling her up.
We both collapse, spent and gasping for breath. My seed trickles out of her, evidence of our shared pleasure. Despite just having come, I feel myself stiffen again at the sight.
“Oh!” Brigid murmurs.
With a soft sigh, I pull out of her gently and lay down beside her. I cover her with my wool cloak, as I’m still clothed, shielding her from the cold. We remain silent for a while, unwilling to break the spell created by our coming together as we just have.
Yet, a sense of unease lingers. There are things left unsaid.
But for now, I just want to stay this moment, with her. Two souls connected by more than just lust. We are bound by fate, by magic, by a love that destiny tells us will transcend time and space.
And as the grove falls silent around us, I can’t help but wish we could stay here forever.
Chapter Eleven
Brigid
The hot water cascades over my skin, soothing my aching muscles. I close my eyes and let out a long breath, holding the tears back. I’d been so sure the ritual would work, that we’d have a shot at getting Rory back. The pain I felt when I failed was soul crushing. Knowing I’d failed Rory once again, when I was the reason he was even in the void, it was unbearable.
But then I remember how it felt to surrender control to Tiernan. For a precious moment, the weight on my shoulders lifted.
I hadn’t expected that from him. Tiernan always seemed so introverted. Reserved. A ripple of memory makes my belly clench as I remember him commanding me, taking all the painful thoughts away as he told me what he wanted me to do for him.
And I obeyed without hesitation, craving the release of giving in.
I shiver, despite the steam swirling around me. It should unsettle me more than it does. Instead, I find myself longing for it again - that blissful moment of letting go. His natural dominance.
Tiernan’s duality fascinates me. One minute he’s calm and serene, at one with the universe. The next he’s spreading me wide, telling me to beg for his cock. My mate is full of surprises.
I bite my lip, heat pooling between my legs as I lather the shampoo through my hair. Fuck, I shouldn’t want it this badly. But I do. I lust after the comfort of his control, even as part of me rebels against needing anyone that much.
But Tiernan made me feel like I was safe.
And for once in my life, I actually felt it.
My thoughts drift to Rory, his warm eyes and easy smile. God, I miss him. The grief in my chest feels like a physical injury.
I miss him. I miss his laugh, and seeing the way his eyes dance when he’s about to say something he thinks is hilarious. I miss the way he’d wrap his strong arms around me, making me feel protected. Safe. Maybe even loved.What would that be like? To feel loved?
“Fuck,” I whisper, pressing my forehead against the tiles.
The contrast between Rory and Tiernan is stark. Rory’s gentle strength versus Tiernan’s commanding presence. I want them both, for entirely different reasons.
I turn off the shower, goosebumps rising as cool air hits my wet skin, then towel off quickly, and pull on my robe.
As place my hands on the countertop and stare at my reflection, I think of being with Marius the other day. He’s made it no secret that he wants something more from me.
We need him. I need him. His shadow magic combining with mine is somehow the key to opening the rift, the way to saving Rory. I just wish I could trust him. He’s already made it clear that he’s got absolutely no interest in saving Rory. The only thing he’s interested in is me, or probably more likely, my shadow magic.
“Dammit,” I mutter, running a hand through my wet hair.“Why does it have to be him?”
Marius is a wild card, unpredictable and ruthless. Aligning with him is a risk, but one I might have to take. For Rory. For all of us.
What I don’t know, is how do I convince Marius to help? What will he demand in return?
