Page 79 of The Dragon's Gambit
“No. Let me do this for you.” He held up the loofa and gently swirled it over her delicate skin. He took his time as he scrubbed every inch of her in slow, circular motions. Chelsie tried to pull him to her, wanting to kiss him, but he chuckled, stopping her advances. “Not yet, Chels.” He smirked at her eagerness and continued his tantalizingly slow washing, warming her up for the main event.
He trickled warm water over her body, rivulets cascading down her curves like liquid silk, washing away the iridescent bubbles that clung stubbornly to her skin. His hands glided over the front of her body, fingertips tracing the delicate contours around her breasts, where his touch lingered until his own breathing grew ragged. He reluctantly withdrew, his desire for her threatening to overwhelm his restraint.
Rising from the marble tub, water streaming down his muscled form, he wrapped himself in a plush crimson towel before unfurling another for her. The Egyptian cotton enveloped her like a cloud as he tenderly patted her flushed skin dry, his touch reverent. A melodic giggle escaped her lips when his fingers danced across her sensitive feet.
When he was satisfied she was dry enough, he swept her up against his chest, her body weightless in his powerful arms as he carried her to his bed—no, their bed. He laid her down with barely restrained hunger in his eyes and commanded her to roll onto her stomach. She complied instantly, a shiver racing down her spine at his tone. His hands claimed her skin, fingers digging into the tense muscles of her shoulders before trailing fire down her back. His lips scorched a path along her neck, each kissdeeper than the last, teeth grazing sensitive skin as his hands worked relentlessly, drawing a soft moan from her lips.
He wanted to take his time, to appreciate her, and he needed her to feel his appreciation. He wanted her to know how special this moment was for him. A guardian had never taken a mate. It was never done because of all the complications that could arise. At least, that’s what he’d been told. So, he grew up thinking he would never have a family or a relationship. He had planned on completely dedicating his life to Reiya.
He’d always been attracted to Chelsie. She was beautiful, and a spitfire, which secretly made his insides burn for her. Just seeing her reactions gave him a thrill, so he set out to tease her constantly, annoying her so he could see her attitude. It was always just for fun. He never planned for it to become more than it was, but little by little, things had shifted for him. He found himself thinking about her often, even wondering if it could ever be a possibility. The fact that she was also protective of Reiya was a huge plus for him.
That day Reiya left them in the kitchen, they’d gotten into a heated argument about something. Hell, he couldn’t even remember what it was, but he was glad that it happened. One minute they were yelling, inches away from each other, and then the next, he had crushed his lips onto hers. To his surprise, she immediately responded to his kiss. The heat intensified, which led to a steamy encounter on the kitchen table.
After that, there was no denying the attraction they felt for one another. Brody just wasn’t sure how it could work out. He almost cut it off immediately after Abaas had shown up. He wasn’t with Reiya then because he was with Chelsie. If it wasn’t for his wonderful sister, he would have made the greatest mistake of his life. Finding out that Reiya knew and approved was the blessing he needed.
Chelsie was the person he never thought he would have. She would be his life partner … his mate. It might seem fast, but it wasn’t. He just had his feelings for her buried and hidden. She had been the same way. She said she never told him how she felt because she didn’t want to be rejected by him. She knew guardians didn’t take mates, so she was trying to spare herself the humiliation.
He was anxious and scared earlier today, but he had to ask her what was in his heart. They’d wasted so much time already, and he didn’t want to waste anymore. He asked her if she would bear his mark and agree to be his mate. She was so excited, and that led to a heavy make-out session that his sister walked in on. That was becoming a trend that he would need to make sure didn’t continue. It was a bit embarrassing.
After Reiya left them alone, he decided he was going to take his time with Chelsie. He wanted to pamper her and let her know how much he appreciated her. So, when she turned to him to continue where they left off, he stopped her and took her to the bath.
He continued rubbing his hands along her back and down to her waist, leaving delicate pecks along her neck. He could feel her shudder underneath him. She squirmed a bit and let out a little whimper.
“Mmmm, Brody. Please … now?” Chelsie breathed out. It felt good being pampered, but this was starting to become sensual torture. She needed him. She wanted him to claim her.
Suddenly, he flipped her over onto her back and stared down at her under hooded eyes. It seemed like she wasn’t the only one who was ready. His eyes held a primal gaze. His animal was emerging, excited about claiming a mate.
He straddled her and licked her neck, nipping at her delicate skin and tugging it between his teeth, preparing the area for hismark. He then returned to her mouth and gently suckled on her bottom lip.
“Chelsie, baby ... this may hurt a bit.” He looked down at her and she gave him a small nod to continue. He felt her breath hitch as he slid back down to her neck and adjusted himself between her legs. He licked her neck again and felt his fangs descend. He lightly grazed her neck with them before he sank them down into her. At the same time, he thrust himself inside her, creating a pool of bliss for her.
She gasped, as there was an immediate sharp pain, but she couldn’t concentrate on that. There was so much pleasure surging through her as he continued to ride her. She moaned loudly, unable to hold it in from the intensity of their mating. Swirling pools of heat mixed inside her as she was thrown into delicious ecstasy. Not only was she feeling intimate pleasure, but there was a new, sensual heat surging through her neck. When she felt him pull his fangs out of her neck, another course of pleasure hit her. She clung to his shoulders and gasped out his name as they both rode out their highs together.
It was incredible. The buildup, the moment ... it was overwhelmingly satisfying. A wave of contentment flooded over her body as it accepted its new role. She was now marked and mated. She felt him cradle her into him and gently kiss her forehead. “Are you okay?”
“Mm-hmm,” she managed to hum out quietly. She felt divine. Brody had made sure to make this moment special for both of them. Now that she belonged to him, she felt giddy inside. She was so independent, but she wanted to be his and for him to be hers. She was lucky that he was her mate. She might be a kelpie, but eh, kelpies were assholes. She could admit it. They were always dominating each other. Brody cared about her and made sure she knew it. Even in this moment, he tried to make it special for her. And he did.
As she melted beneath his touch, heat bloomed in her chest, radiating outward like wildfire through her veins. The sensation crested and broke over her in waves. Something shifted deep within her core, a puzzle piece clicking perfectly into place. Her eyes flew open with the realization. Brody. Their souls had intertwined, binding them together. The mating bond had sealed them together, irrevocable and perfect.
Chelsie.
Chelsie looked at Brody’s smiling face. “Are you able to mindlink me?”
His grin widened. “I guess I am. That’s awesome. I didn’t know we would be connected through a mindlink now.”
She concentrated on Brody’s presence in her mind and called out to him.Brody?
Yes, my love?
Her cheeks heated with embarrassment at his sweet words. She was going to do her best to try to be the mate he deserved. Being able to feel his presence in her mind brought a smile to her face. It was real. She was now mated to Brody.
Suddenly, Chelsie shot up and furrowed her brows.
Brody was immediately worried. He sat up beside her and drew her into his chest, concerned something was going wrong. Maybe he shouldn’t have marked her. He was afraid there might be some sort of reaction to a guardian choosing a mate. What if it was hurting her? Maybe that was why they really weren’t supposed to take mates. Maybe it was because their gift from the fairy queen left no room for mates.
“Chelsie, baby, what is it? Are you hurting? Is my mark hurting you? Tell me what I neemmmph—”
Chelsie shoved her hand over Brody’s mouth. “Shhhh.” She couldn’t concentrate with his panicked voice. She took in a breath as a new tingling sensation spread through her. It was as if a flower was blooming inside her, extending throughouther body. She could almost smell the fragrance. Wait … she recognized this fragrance. As she felt it come to completion, she sensed a new strength inside her. It wasn’t just that, though.
