better, as far as he was concerned. But their mating had been on a rock floor in a dank cavern. He’d be damned if their first time together was anything but perfect.
He strode across the glossy wood floor to the large bed that had been hand-carved from teak. There was a matching armoire and a heavy trunk where he kept his weapons. Above them, a muted light spilled from a bronze and crystal chandelier.
With gentle care, he lowered her onto the mattress and straightened to simply appreciate the sight of her. Damn. Nothing had ever been so beautiful as the shocking contrast of her golden hair spilling across the black duvet and the pale limbs that appeared to have been carved from the finest marble.
She was a work of art…
And his. All his.
A growl rumbled in his throat as he moved to lay beside her. Then, pulling her into his arms, he pressed her against his body.
“Terra.” Hunger clawed through him at the feel of her satin-soft skin and delicate curves.
“Oh,” she breathed as if in shock.
Javad instantly froze, lifting his head to gaze down at her. “Is something wrong?”
She hesitantly brushed her hands over his chest. “I can feel what you do.”
Ah. From the moment of their mating, they’d started to share a bond. It began with being able to sense what the other was feeling. But the longer they were mated, the more intense the connection would become, allowing them to physically share the sensation of each other’s touch.
He combed his fingers through the golden silk of her hair. “Does that bother you?”
A soft sigh fell from her parted lips. “It’s astonishing.”
“Astonishing,” he muttered, absorbing the echo of her pleasure as it reverberated inside him. “Yes. That’s exactly what it is.” He kissed a path down her jaw. “And glorious.” He paused at the base of her throat, directly over her racing pulse. “And exciting.” Using the tip of his fang, he pricked the delicate skin, lapping the droplet of blood. Another blast of hunger wrenched a groan from his lips. “And delicious.”
“Delicious?”
“Mmm.” He pressed the hard length of his cock against her lower stomach. “Like the finest champagne.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck, tangling her fingers in his hair. “I spent so many centuries fantasizing about being in your arms. This doesn’t seem real.”
“I had the same fantasies.” He pulled back a bit to study her bewitching beauty. “I dreamed of how the torchlight would shimmer in your golden hair.” His fingers teased the sensitive tips of her nipples until she gasped in pleasure. “And the soft perfection of your skin.” He lowered himself to brush a light kiss to her lips. “And your sweet scent that drives me crazy.”
She arched toward him in invitation. “How crazy?”
He chuckled, then used the tip of his fang to trace the curve of her neck. Terra groaned, her hands lifting to thread her fingers in his hair.
“Hang on tight,” he warned.
“That sounds dangerous,” she breathed.
“Nothing but pleasure, I promise.”
“I trust you.”
Her words were as intoxicating as her enticing heat that wrapped around him like a caress.
This female was so tiny and vulnerable beneath him. He could crush her with one blow. Or drain her dry before she could stop him. But as he lifted his head to study her, there was nothing in her eyes beyond a smoldering lavender desire.
Holding her gaze, he brushed his fingers over the ugly brand on her shoulder. Vynom’s mark.
“Nothing will ever hurt you again.”
She nodded. “As long as we’re together, I’ll never be afraid.”
Unable to resist temptation, Javad sank his aching fangs into the pillowy softness of her breast. Terra hissed at the combination of pleasure and pain. Javad ran his hands down her body in a soothing motion as he sipped her blood.
Her taste hit his tongue with a heady warmth. She’s more addictive than any drug, he silently acknowledged.
Feeling her tremble as her passion threatened to overwhelm her, Javad reluctantly pulled his fangs out and gently licked closed the tiny wounds.
Eventually, he would drink from her while their bodies were entwined. But for their first time together, he wanted to concentrate on ensuring that she was drowning in heart-stopping, bone-melting, unforgettable joy.
“Javad,” she murmured with breathless anticipation, gliding her fingers down his back.
He turned his attention to her puckered nipples. The scent of aloe vera drenched the air, but he wanted more. Using his tongue and the sharp tips of his fangs, he teased the sensitive nubs until she squirmed in