Kun Neh Oblaan: Malingren Kalah

by RedWolfGirl

Malingren Kalah is a collection of short stories set in the Kun Neh Oblaan storyline. If you have not read the main story, be warned these shorts have spoilers. More details on the individual stories are in my profile.

1. Cyrodiil

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skyrim or it's characters. This story is based on the game storyline, but does on occasion fall victim to my creative liberties. Some things may be out of order, non existent, or go off on a completely new path. Hope you will forgive me, and enjoy.

WARNING: This story is rated M for language, violence, and sexual situations.

Cyrodiil

Serana

It had been a few months since Serana first returned to her mate's side after Harkon's fall. She'd spent a majority of that time after the final battle helping her mother straighten out the clan's future in Skyrim. Lady Valerica, now Matriarch of Clan Volkihar, kept in contact for the most part; a letter or two detailing the summits progress. After they'd found the solution to immortal Serana's marriage problem with a moral female, the clan leader had sent her away. For her own safety and protection, of course. Their ancestral home had been full of the other clan leaders at the time, most of which held zero qualms about forcefully feeding on an unwilling victim. So, Serana left to return to her own family. Only after Solstice, what Alessia had named their new manor home, received word that the summit at Volkihar Castle had ended, it's Matriarch safe and sound, had Alessia and Serana set off on their long awaited honeymoon in Cyrodiil.

They'd stopped in Riverwood first, spent the night in the tavern there. Though, truthfully, they'd spent most of the night intertwined together on a small patch of soft grass on the riverbank. It was a sentimental place for the pair, a spot where they'd once lain together under the glowing lights of hundreds of Luna Moths. At the time, their romantic relationship had been fairly new. Serana had been afraid. Fully aware that their future trials would likely claim one or both their lives. Alessia had just nearly been taken from her, surviving a severely bad reaction to sanguinare vampiris at Serana's own hands. Or… fangs rather. They'd saved Alessia's life and sanity in time, returning her to her former lycanthropic self. On their recent visit to that patch of earth, neither the fear or the anxiety were present under the glow of the Luna Moths. And, unlike their first night spent there, neither one really gave a damn if they were seen or overhead making love on the riverbank.

The next stop had been Bruma in the Jerall Mountains of Cyrodiil; the place of Alessia's birth. While her mate remembered next to nothing about her parents or her birthplace, Alessia seemed quite pleased to see it again. Many did not know her, or recognize her face, but most of the Nords saw that she was one of their own. They'd spent quite the number of hours in the tavern drinking ale and telling tales of the homeland. Serana listened as her mate exchanged stories and adventures. Most knew who she was, their fabled Dovahkiin, and were respectful if not outright awe filled. They sang and danced together, enjoying one hell of a party before turning in for the night.

Bruma was cold at night, despite the coming of spring. Serana snuggled close to her wife under the thick woolen blankets. She'd lost her natural resistant to cold in her transition, but that wasn't a big loss. Alessia's natural feverish body temperature compensated. And it only gave Serana another reason to press in close. Her wolf thrummed happily in her sleep, turning to pull her wife closer to her. Rare was the undisturbed sleep of a werewolf. Nightmares often held sway over her mate's dreaming. Lesser of late, but there were nights when her mate awoke panicked and straining against unseen shackles and chains.

Those nights were the worst. Those nights only Serana could pull her beloved out of that long ago dungeon she often found herself returning to in dreams. Those nights, when at last light returned to Alessia's blue eyes, Serana reminded her mate that her abuser was dead. As were his Sons. The people they hurt laid to rest. Their souls safely at peace. Then Serana would make love to her wife, burning away the long ago horrors with her heart and soul. Taking the time to place a loving kiss on each and every one of her mate's many, many scars from that long ago lash. That often took hours, but time Serana wholeheartedly believed well, well spent.

They stayed a few days in the Imperial City, most of which they spent exploring the market and sightseeing. They visited Dexion in his White Gold Tower. The old man had returned only a short time ago after aiding the Dawnguard in their campaign against Harkon and his prophecy. He received them with joyous hugs and fervent hospitality. Much to both Alessia and Serana's relief, the old Moth Priest was slowly regaining his sight after recklessly reading one of the Elder Scrolls without the necessary preparations. His order had disciplined him harshly for his behavior, but also congratulated him on his role in stopping a vampire apocalypse. Most of his fellow Priests were eager to meet Alessia and Serana, also congratulating them for their part. Especially Alessia for reading not just two, but three, Elder Scrolls in her lifetime.

After the visit, Alessia and Serana returned to the tavern for the night. The next morning they continued shopping in the market. They purchased a few souvenirs, gifts for Lucia and Sofie and a few select others, and arraigned for the months supplies they would need in the near future. While that was being seen to, they took the opportunity to see a few bouts in the famous Imperial Arena. Alessia was even given the opportunity to participate in one of the battles. Of course she easily won the match against the brute of a man, much to the crowds surprised cheering. Serana even won a hefty sum of coin in bets on the fight. After that, they toured the mage guild there. Rare that visitors were allowed, but Alessia somehow either bribed or sweet talked her way into a tour. From there, they'd set out into the Great Forest west of the city where they would be spending the bulk of their time together.

"We're almost there, Love." Alessia said, pulling Serana out of her recent memories.

The lands south of Skyrim were beautiful in the spring morning sunlight. Though much of northern Cyrodiil near Bruma was still covered in light snow, it was a far cry from home. The lands a little further south were much the same, though spring was beginning to gain ground here. Serana's head swiveled back and forth to either side of the well traveled road. A chill wind blew from the northern mountains, playing with the strands of her long dark hair. She'd grown it out for the first time in a very, very long time over the past few months. Only now as a living, breathing, mortal was she even capable of doing so.

That morning before getting on the road, Serana had asked her mate to braid it for her. Alessia had lovingly obliged, even going so far as to interweave a small dark green ribbon into the strands. Her wolf had taken her sweet time, sliding her fingertips gently across the soft skin on Serana's long, thin neck. Alessia's fingers were warm despite the cool morning. The light brushes made goosebumps rise on Serana's entire body. The touch of her mate did that almost every time they touched now. Serana's skin seemed… extra sensitive now that she was "alive".

It had been an interesting transition from a vampire, the pure blooded Daughter of Coldharbour directly changed by Molag Bal himself, to a relative half-breed, done so by the God Auri-El for good deeds done. She referred to herself as a "relative half-breed" because that was the easiest way to explain it. She was not the offspring of an immortal vampire and a mortal human, as the term half-breed implied. Serana was simply neither, but both. A mortal vampire with the appearance of a human woman. The immortality had been the asking price for the change. One she willingly paid in order to stay with Alessia; a long mortal life together, then together again in the After.

It had not been an easy choice to make, but also as easy as breathing. Serana had literally gone through Hell to obtain the power she, as well as her mother and father, desired. The ritual was… degrading. Horrible. Not even Alessia knew what the Daedric Prince of Domination had done to her mate's mortal body. Not in exact terms or details anyway, but enough to know that Serana did not want to recall the memories. It was the one thing Serana had never spoken of and likely never would. If she ever did, she fully expected her wolf would make it her mission in life to utterly and completely destroy Molag Bal.

Being mortal again was extremely… stimulating. She'd forgotten just how good being alive was. As a vampire, she didn't require nourishment beyond blood. Alessia had always been eager to provide her own vein. Even now that Serana's hunger was significantly lessened. She took only small amount at a time. Nothing more than a sip or two, then she was sated. Mortal food was a requirement now, as was hydration. Sunlight was far less of an issue, though Serana had taken to wearing clothes that generally covered the most skin. A cloak was no longer necessary save for when it was cold. Her heart had lost the sluggish glugging and returned to a strong, solid beat.

Serana sweat now that her body generated it's own heat again. To her, that was far less of an exciting discovery than it was to Alessia. Odd to anyone else, yes, but as a werewolf, Alessia's nose was her greatest source of sensory input. More often than not, her wolf claimed Serana's scent only grew stronger, more intoxicating, as she sweat. "Earth and flowers" her wolf described it as, though Serana only ever smelt… sweat.

Best of all, in Serana's opinion, was that she retained all the power and strength her previous pure blooded vampire body provided. Somehow though, she suspected that it was now Auri-El who gave her such power as opposed to Molag Bal. The God hadn't given any indication of that fact, but Serana simply knew. What Alessia found best of all in her mate's transition was her eyes. Serana found that odd and her mate had never really explained her reason. As a vampire, red was more often the color of one's eyes. Once she'd been… changed, Serana's eyes had returned to their natural emerald coloring. Alessia's "new favorite color" she claimed, and said often.

At the thought, Serana's arms instinctively tightened around her mate's waist. They'd been on the road all morning, Jasa happily carrying the two females while the nephew of the man who owned the small cottage drove the wagon of supplies ahead of them. The man was an old friend of Alessia's and had been happy to lend them the rarely used cottage for a month. The property was used as a summer home; a country seasonal getaway from his flat in the Imperial City. He and his wife had been kind enough to tidy up the place and offer their nephew as a guide to the location. Alessia said she'd been to the cottage before in her youth, but didn't quite remember the way herself.

"Here you are, Ladies." The young man said, Sten his name was, as he pulled his wagon horses to a stop.

Humble would be the best term for the cottage. It was situated in the center of a small clearing, huge trees surrounding the brick and mortar. Ivy and various other plant life already grew along the lattice panels leaning against the cottage. A small barn and paddock sat separate from the house, along with a shed and a number of farming equipment. A path led further back into the forest, probably leading to the waterfall Alessia spoke of. All in all, a quiet, peaceful place to spend the next few weeks.

Alessia dismounted and helped Serana down. The two shared a quick kiss before her wolf went to help their guide unload the wagon. As for herself, Serana guided Jasa to the barn and set to the mare's needs. The saddle, blanket and bridle came off quickly. She was brushed, fed and watered quickly. Most of what she needed was already provided by the cottage owner: brush, hay and oats, water and so on. As she left, Serana left the gate to the paddock open so Jasa could come and go from the stall as she pleased.

By the time Serana reached the cottage door, Alessia and Sten had already unloaded the wagon and were chatting just inside the door. The interior was clean and tidy. Simple. It was one big room with a single set of stairs to the open loft. A small corner of the room was taken up by a tiny kitchen and table, a larder next to that, and another door leading out back of the cottage. The rest of the room was hearth and comfortable looking chairs. Already the heart fire was going, no doubt because Alessia wanted the place warm and cozy before nightfall.

"Well if that's all you need from me, Harbinger, I'll just be on my way." The young man was saying as Serana entered. At a glance, the larder was already stocked and the trunks holding their belongings were already upstairs. Quick work. The young man nodded to Serana as he walked by. "I'll be back in a few weeks to check on you. Remember to to keep an eye out for those bears. They've been active of late."

"We will. Thank you for the help." Alessia said with a smile. "And thank your uncle again for me. I owe him one."

"Of course. Take care."

The two watched from the window as Sten drove away. Jasa called her own farewell, receiving one in kind from the pair of horses pulling the empty wagon. They watched a minute longer, listening until they could no longer hear the sounds of the wagon or the horses, and blissful forest silence rose up around them. Serana took in a deep breath, smelling woodsmoke on the air. Past that, fresh air. It was soothing.

"So, what do you think of the place?" Alessia asked, looking to her with a raised brow.

"It's… beautiful. Peaceful. I love it." Serana smiled up at her mate. "Quite a lot of exploring to do. I can't wait to see the waterfall."

"I thought we could hike up there after lunch. Are you hungry?"

Chuckling, Serana looked to the open door of the larder. "Not right this moment. We had a big breakfast, if you remember."

"Vaguely. I was focus on something else."

Because her eyes were focus away from her mate, Serana didn't see the female move. Before she could react, Alessia had her bodily pinned against the closed front door, arms held up high over her head. Her gasp was cut off as her mate pressed their mouths together, tongue darting in between her teeth. Serana was strong, strong enough to escape if she wanted, but… damn if she didn't want to be anywhere else right then. Her lips melted against her mate's claiming kiss. The stroking tongue an intense reminder of what Alessia had been so focused on earlier that morning. It made her core bloom with heat and desire.

Panting, Alessia let her breathe and moved to her ear, her throat. At the sharp prick of teeth on her pulse, Serana arched into her mate. Alessia chuckled darkly. "I beg to differ. You are very hungry."

Serana's answer was a gentle nip on her mate's exposed skin. That drew a snarl out of her wolf, a savage sound that was just as hungry as she was. Her mate slid one of her hands slowly down the length of Serana's arms and beneath her shirt. She gasped as Alessia squeezed one of her breasts roughly, her thumb absently circling the hardened nipple. Her responding moan wasn't anything short of desperate. Her mate simply tore the shirt down the front, undergarments and all. Later Serana would be glad she'd brought extra, but right now she didn't give a damn.

Alessia's lips left her mate's neck, probably leaving a red mark, and latched onto her breast. Despite her best effort to free her hands, Serana could not. Her wolf's grip refused to budge as she suckled. After what felt like hours she switched to the other breast, biting and sucking just as roughly. Though she couldn't be certain, Serana thought she started begging. Pleading. Her wolf ignored her for a time, simply continuing on and glancing up to watch her reactions periodically.

"Where?" Alessia growled after an indeterminate amount of time, muscles tense with barely controlled restraint. "Bed? Table? Right the bloody hell here?"

Serana answered something guttural, but her wolf heard. Alessia let her arms loose and picked her up. Free at last, Serana claimed her wolf's mouth with her own as she was carried to the nearby table. Cups and platters scattered as she was plopped down on it. More cloth tore, more snarling, then she was pushed back. Alessia tugged her slightly forward, shoved her knees apart to open her wide, then dove in.

The first touch of hot tongue made her buck violently. Even if they'd been in the middle of a busy city, people all around, Serana couldn't have stopped herself from crying out. In the middle of the Great Forest though, she let loose and repeatedly cried her wolf's name. Again, and again, and again. She grabbed the edge of the table, Alessia's hair, whatever she possibly could to hold herself in place. Her wolf held Serana's squirming body steady for the most part, gripping her hip and thigh.

Alessia pushed her to the edge, making her beg again. Serana growled when her wolf's mouth moved from her sex to her belly, biting and kissing its way back up to her breasts. Her mate suckled at her again, long, clever fingers continuing her work downstairs. Bright, blue eyes watched Serana closely as her body coiled for release. That damned, beautiful wolfish grin spread across Alessia's lips as she repeatedly brought her to the breaking point, slowed, then stoked the fire again. Playing. Her wolf was playing.

"Tell me." Alessia growled, pausing to flick Serana's nipple with her tongue.

"Evil dog…" Serana muttered. Her reward was a deliciously slow drag of her mate's fingers across the most sensitive part of her.

Alessia thrummed at the sound she made. "True, but incorrect. Tell me."

She knew what Alessia wanted. It was a game they played sometimes while between the sheets. Wolf was the Alpha of her pack, the dominant. In command. In charge. Also in life outside the pack, Alessia was often looked to for leadership. Most would follow her to Oblivion and back again. Wolf relished the power of it. Alessia, however, lived for the rare times she was not in control. Her beast did not allow for this at any time other than when the commands came from her mate. From Serana. Anything she commanded of her wolf would be obeyed. Alessia was offering her dominance to Serana. Her trust.

Serana rose up a little, her fingers running through her mate's damp hair. Her green eyes met Alessia's blue. There was love in those eyes. Trust and love. Devotion. Strength. Passion. All the things Alessia was down to the very core of her being. And… such a female was hers. Freely given, just as Serana had given herself freely. It made her heart and spirit soar.

With a purr Serana asked, "Is it done?"

Her wolf blinked, but nodded. All the teasing gone, replaced by seriousness, she asked. "Are you sure?"

Instantly Serana smiled, pulling her always protective wolf into a gentle kiss. After it was well and done, she whispered against her mate's lips, "So long as it's you. Only you."

With that, Alessia's warmth slid away from her. To Serana's surprise, her wolf picked her up and carried her up the stairs. At her questioning look, Alessia smiled. "If we're doing this, it will not be on the kitchen table. We do it properly."

Upstairs, the loft was barely high enough for Alessia's tall frame. She crossed to the bed and gently laid Serana upon it, kissing her quickly once before padding over to their trunks. While her wolf retrieved what she'd asked for, Serana flicked her fingers towards the candles in the room. Fire spells had been risky when she was a full vampire, but now as… something in between, fire was safer. The candles lit with a soft pop and rush of flame, bringing light to the small room. It was a simple space. Wide bed with two nightstands, a chest of drawers, a full length mirror in the corner, and a single chair. Simple but tidy.

Alessia returned, glaring down at herself with a dubious expression. Serana crooked a finger and her mate obeyed. Her wolf slid atop her, kissing bare skin as she went. When they were at eye level, Serana chuckled at her wolf's expression. "Second thoughts?"

"No." Alessia said instantly, though Serana knew that to be untrue. Her wolf growled. "I just don't want to hurt you."

Serana glanced down at the weight on her lower belly. Alessia had constructed the length out of treated leather then carefully wrapped it in layers of cleaned animal intestines. A large animal by the look of it. A cow or a horse maybe. It was… thick from all the layers.

Other than the interesting design of the thing now strapped to Alessia's hips, there were… other issues on her wolf's mind. Her mate had been abused before by males. Some of those long ago memories no doubt made what they were about to try difficult. When Serana had asked, made the request, it had been a surprise. Despite her own demons, Alessia had agreed immediately and set to work. Her wolf always eager to please.

"You won't. I'll tell you if I want to stop." Serana promised, kissing her wolf's lips. Her jaw. Her brow, right along the thin scar Alessia had received from Serana's father in that last battle. A scar that was only visible in certain light and up close. "Thank you, Love. I know this isn't easy. I love you for it."

That did it. Alessia kissed her, thrumming happily as Serana's tongue met her own. They kissed for a time while her wolf slowly worked her up again. Building the fire in her core into a blazing inferno. Panting, Alessia growled, "Tell me again."

"I love you." Serana whispered over and over again as her wolf's hand gripped her thigh and hooked it around her hip. She kept repeating the words as Alessia positioned herself and slowly, and oh so gently, slid inside.

A short time later when she came back to herself, Serana was laying atop her wolf. Alessia was holding her close, thrumming loudly as she gently, absentmindedly stroked her hand up and down Serana's spine. Her stirring drew her mate's attention back to her. "You back?"

Serana purred her response, stretching like a cat sleeping in the afternoon sun. The sensation of sweaty skin on skin made her wolf's thrumming increase in volume. She kissed Alessia softly, tasting herself still on the female's lips. It made her hungry again. Alessia thrummed impossibly louder, scenting her arousal.

"If I'd known I could make you sound like that…" Alessia growled, gripping Serana by the ass and sliding her up and down the length between them. It made her make a very, very erotic sound. "I would have done this ages ago."

"We won't make it to the waterfall today." Serana rose up, straddling her wolf's hips. Alessia helped her find the right angle, then readied herself. Before lowering herself down, Serana purred, "Once you've had me again, I'm having you. Repeatedly."

In answer, Alessia grinned and thrust her hips up.

---

"I just don't understand it. How can you hate fish and yet love to fish?" Serana asked the next day beside the river.

They'd spent the majority of the day before in bed. In bed, against the wall, on the floor, on the chest of drawers, back in bed, and so on. Serana had kept her promise. Though Alessia hadn't wanted their new toy used on her, only on Serana, she'd had her wolf repeatedly and in many different ways still. They'd taken a meal in bed, Alessia lovingly feeding her by hand before they simply laid side by side until sleep took them both. They'd awaken repeatedly, made love again, then fell asleep again. That morning Serana had awakened very, very sore, but deeply satisfied.

Her wolf huffed. "It's relaxing."

"And you never eat what you catch?"

"No. It's just for sport." Alessia paused, tugging on the line a bit, then turned back to Serana. "Unless you want me to cook you a few. I don't mind."

Serana thought about it, then grinned wickedly. "Won't I be less… appetizing?"

Wolf thrummed. "Not possible. You're always good enough to eat."

Chuckling, Serana chucked a small chunk of toast, all that remained of their breakfast, at her mate then returned to her sketch book. She'd mentioned that she'd liked to draw when she was younger, a passing comment to the merchant who'd shown her the items, but had fallen out of practice. It had been a little surprise from Alessia, purchased along with a few high priced charcoal sticks in the Imperial City. Currently, Serana was working on a sketch of Alessia while she fiddled with her fishing pole and line. A peaceful scene. Serene. Her wolf truly was at her most relaxed when surrounded by nature.

The morning was cool, but promised a warm afternoon and evening. The sun was covered by small puffs of fluffy clouds. Enough that Serana could remain comfortably out in it without the sunlight being too much of a bother. Still, Alessia had chosen a spot further downstream from the waterfall that was heavily shaded. The blanket Serana was laying on was soft, the grass underneath it providing more layers of comfort. If she wanted, Serana could lean back and probably fall right to sleep. The sounds of the surrounding forest and rushing river were like music to her hears. A decidedly perfect day by the riverbank.

And perhaps she did fall asleep for a time. Splashing jarred her fully awake and upright. Alessia was struggling against a taut line, the splashing coming from a fish on the other end. A big one by the look of it. Her wolf was laughing and practically dancing with glee. "Got your fish, Love!"

"I see that." Serana laughed, trying to keep her sketch pad from the splashing water. Eventually she just put it away. Even with Alessia's considerable lycanthropic strength, the fish was putting up one hell of a fight. She shouted words of encouragement, cheering her mate on.

When it appeared as though Alessia was about to win the battle, the bank beneath her foot gave way. She yelped in surprise then tumbled into the near waist deep water with a resounding splash. Serana bellowed in laughter, trying to avoid being drenched herself. When her wolf came up spluttering and cursing up a storm, Serana lost it again. Falling into near incapacitating, raucous laughter.

She was splashed instantly. When the laughter didn't subside, Serana watched helplessly as her mate stalked towards her. Still chuckling, but in slightly better control of herself, she tried squirming away. It did little good. Alessia snatched her by the ankle and dragged her into the water as well. It was a cold shock to the system and she shivered and sputtered as she came to the surface. Now Alessia was laughing uncontrollably. Serana hit her with a face full of water, turned ice cold by her frost magic. Her wolf let out a satisfying yelp. Then the two descended into splashing and dunking each other mercilessly.

Finally they pulled themselves from the water, both still laughing and jostling playfully. Though Alessia, as a werewolf, could stand the chill, Serana couldn't for long. The laughing and roughhousing slowly changed into something far more sensual. Alessia gently undressed her mate, using a spare blanket to dry her skin. Serana did the same with Alessia, placing light kisses on her goosepimply bare skin. For the next hour or so Alessia made her warm again with her own body, filling the surrounding forest with cries of ecstasy and pleased purring or thrumming. When they were done, her wolf rose only long enough to lay out their drenched clothes to dry, then returned to her side beneath another blanket.

Serana rested her head against her wolf's chest, listening to the strong heartbeat there. One still slightly elevated from their lovemaking. She kissed the skin above that heart, loving it so. Her mate chuffed at the touch, "I guess you'll have to wait for the fish. Sorry, Love."

Serana nipped gently at the nearby breast, one still slightly red from her mouth upon it a short while ago. Her wolf thrummed. "I'm not."

Chucking, Alessia flicked her nose. "No, I guess not."

"How long do you think it will be like this between us?" She asked suddenly.

After a short pause, her wolf asked, "Like what?"

Feeling the blush on her cheeks, Serana motioned to their intertwined legs. "You know… Like this?"

"Oh, you mean us tearing each other's clothes off at every opportunity?"

Serana chuckled softly. "Yes. Exactly that."

"I'm going to guess you mean beyond our honeymoon." Another pause, then a thoughtful, "As long as you'll have me, I guess. Truth be told, being with you an entire night simply isn't enough. If there wasn't anything else demanding my time, I'd never want to leave the bedroom."

"One hell of a libido, huh?" Serana joked.

"No, it's not just that." Alessia sat up a little, meeting her mate's eyes with her own. "It's you. It's always you. I've had lovers before- Don't growl at me. That all stopped when I met you."

Serana kissed her wolf, hard, until she could pretend she'd never heard Alessia say she'd been with anyone else.

A little breathlessly, Alessia continued. "None of them are you. None of them made me feel the way you do. I can barely function when you look at me the way you do. I can't be without you now. In any way, shape or form. You broke me when we met, and them made me new when you came back."

A little lost for words, Serana said softly, "You make me sound so… crucial."

"Aside from our girls, you are. Serana, you gave up immortality for me. Do you not understand how important that is?" Alessia fingered the soul gem hanging on a cord between Serana's breasts. "Since that day, I've been trying to be worth that sacrifice. Show you how… grateful I am. How much I adore you for choosing me."

Serana hadn't realized exactly the impact her choice had made on Alessia. It was a bit of a surprise to see how much it affected them both.

Her wolf kissed her softly, expressing just how grateful she was. "So, to answer your question. What we have will last as long as you wish it. If you want me to take you as a male would every day for the rest of our lives, I will. If you prefer not at all. Done. I will be whatever, whoever you wish. I am yours. Body and soul until you decide otherwise, or the world ends. I don't care which."

Serana gulped, a little short of breath. "And if I want you right here, right now again?"

Her wolf sat up fully, pulling Serana onto her lap with an eager growl. "Whatever you want, wherever you want. Why else do you think I have us out in the middle of nowhere?"

"For the scenery mostly." Serana said feigning innocence, but her grin gave her away. "And so you could hear me screaming without reservation."

"Yes." Alessia grinned back. "Exactly that."

---

The days passed with relative swiftness. The two would venture about the forest around the cottage during the day, then spend the evenings together by the warm firelight. They lounged by the river. Strolled through the nearby woods. Swam in the pool beneath the waterfall. Rode bareback on Jasa to give the mare her excise. A week to the day, the cottage owner's nephew returned to check in on them. They prepared the young man a hearty breakfast, glad to have a visitor, but eager to be alone once more. Mere moments after the sound of his horse faded into the distance, Alessia was eating something other than eggs and bacon on the kitchen table.

Later that day, Alessia returned from a quick hunting trip looking a bit concerned. Serana instantly raised an eyebrow, "Something wrong?"

"I found the den of that bear we've been worried about." Alessia set aside her bow and took off her leather hunting jacket. Serana thought her mate looked good in it and considered having her wear it later on that night when they… "We'll need to be careful. It's a female with cubs. She'll be extremely aggressive if we get too close."

"Is she coming close to the cottage?" Serana asked, suddenly understanding the seriousness of the problem.

"No. I scented her down by the river a few miles down from where we usually go. From the look of it, she seemed to stay on that side of the river. We'll just need to keep an eye out." Her wolf settled into the wide chair next to her, sighing with relief as she kicked off her boots. Alessia eyed the book in her hands. "Anything good?"

"Something I picked up on our way here. A romance that… I predict is going to end badly." Serana answered. "Want me to read out loud?"

Alessia kissed her quickly then rested her head in Serana's lap, her long legs dangling off the edge of the bench. While reading aloud, Serana ran her fingers through her mate's hair like she knew she liked. Her wolf thrummed happily, closing her eyes and listening to the story. It was a long tale, filled with heroism and romance, but ended exactly as Serana predicted. Entirely over dramatic though it was, it was entertaining enough to last until supper. Or rather until Alessia's usual growling stomach signaled that it was mealtime.

"Keep going. I'll start our dinner." Her wolf rose with a groan and starting making a racket in the kitchen. There was little of the story remaining, so Serana obeyed. Both lovers ended up sacrificing themselves for the other, both pronouncing their love in one final daring act.

Out of the blue, Serana asked, "Have you ever considered writing all your adventures down?"

"Writing a book?"

"Or two. You have enough stories."

Her wolf thought on it a moment. "Not really, no. I mean I've written quite a few journals, but not with the intent to publish any of them. Too many things that could put myself or our family in danger. Not many people will like what I am despite all I've done. The Vigilant would hunt me on principal alone."

Serana started, turning in her chair to look at her mate. "You honestly think they would? Why would they hunt you and not me?"

Alessia suddenly looked a little guilty, averting her gaze to focus entirely too hard on chopping potatoes. Serana just stared, letting the weight of her glare say far more than words would. Her wolf's shoulders slumped. "I… might have received a few letters from the Vigilant. I might have sent the order a detailed warning should they try anything. As well as a huge sum of coin…"

"You bribed the Vigilant of Stendarr?" She asked in total surprise.

"I had the Thieves Guild work up the contract. Karliah handled everything for me. As far as the Vigilant is concerned, the Guild is protecting you through an unknown benefactor. So long as the coin keeps flowing, your name remains off their hit list." Her wolf's spine straightened. "They needed someone to help them rebuild their home base and I needed them to back off my mate. Win, win."

Though she didn't much like the idea, Serana understood. "How much was their price?"

Alessia told her.

"Sweet Breath of Arkay…" Serana's jaw hung open. "We can afford that?"

Her wolf smiled over her shoulder at her. "Remember, Love, you married into serious coin."

"But… that's…"

"We're not paying that much for the rest of our lives. It's only until their base is rebuilt. Once that's paid, and they no doubt try to negotiate again, they need only take one look at you to see you are no longer a vampire."

"Yes, I am."

"They don't know that. They will see your eyes and your skin and think you cured."

"And if they still decide I'm a threat?"

The knife Alessia was using to chop suddenly slammed into the cutting board… and stuck. Her wolf growled, "Then I will threaten, bribe… call for aid from the Queen if I must. They cannot have you."

Slowly Serana stood, making absolutely sure her wolf could see and hear her approach. Alessia's back and shoulders were tense, hackles raised. They instantly relaxed at Serana's touch as she slid her palms across the thin fabric there. She slid underneath Alessia's arm and stood directly between her and the counter. Her mate's expression remained tense, telling Serana exactly how much the Vigilant of Stendarr's threats bothered her. Her wolf hated bigotry. Hated those who immediately judged others for what they were rather than who they were. It was hard to watch the anger and frustration in those blue eyes.

Serana pulled her mate down, lightly pressing her lips to Alessia's brow. Her eyes. Her cheeks. Then eventually her lips. Her wolf parted for her, deepening the kiss until both were short of breath. Both hearts pounding. Serana smiled up at her wolf. "My protective, big hearted wolf. You work so hard to keep me safe."

Alessia thrummed, "Worth it."

Dinner preparations forgotten, Alessia stepped back as Serana stepped forward. She backed her wolf until the backs of her calves hit the bench at the kitchen table. She sat heavily, a little surprised sound of air escaping her lips as she plopped down. Serana crawled onto her wolf's lap, drawing their mouths together again. They kissed for a very long time, Serana curling her fingers in Alessia's hair. Her wolf growled hungrily, confident and eager hands making small circles up and down Serana's back. The growl drew a pleased purr from Serana, fangs nipping at her wolf's lip.

"Your hungry." Alessia said in a husky voice. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Indeed Serana was. Though her blood lust wasn't nearly as loud or instant as it once was, every once in awhile it surprised her. Now that her wolf was beneath her, prone and obviously willing, her predator instincts whispered in the back of her mind. Whispered to take. Whispered to claim. Despite her body's obvious desire to feed, despite Alessia's fully exposed throat, Serana resisted for the time being. Instead, she kissed the pulse on her mate's neck then pulled back and looked down into her eyes.

"Later, I promise."

Alessia swallowed hard. "Are you sure?"

Serana chuckled. "You are asking me that a lot lately."

"Call it an aim to please."

With a slight roll of her hips, earning her a surprised snarl, Serana purred. "You can please me later on tonight. For now… I want actual food."

After a long moment, her wolf chuckled. "You have to let me up, Love. I can't cook with you in my lap."

"Right."

Slowly, Serana pulled herself up and took over chopping the vegetables while Alessia started water to boil for the stew. Roasted fowl meat went into the pot, followed by the vegetables and a few favored spices. That done, the two returned to their spot by the fire and began another book. Another romance, but one Serana hoped would end better than the first.

---

The two entertained a visitor the next morning. Sten had told them he would be visiting, but neither female had remembered. At the pounding on the cottage door, the two leapt out of bed and hastily threw on clothes. Later on when the young man had finally left, they noticed that they'd accidentally put on the others garments. Though the young man couldn't have known, the two spent a few hours after laughing up a storm.

When next the young man visited, it was unscheduled; only two days after his last check in. Though Serana was surprised, she noticed her wolf's surprise was put on. Had she known the young man would visit again so soon? The reason became clear when he produced a tightly wrapped parcel from his jacket.

"This came in just yesterday afternoon." He said. "It's from a placed called Solstice."

That surprised Alessia, who nearly snatched the package out of the man's hands. "From home."

"Are the girls alright?"

Alessia tore open the package and quickly read it over. A slow smile appeared on her previously worried face as she handed the letter to Serana. It was from Lucia and Sofie. She recognized the girls' handwriting; Lucia's neat and tidy, and Sofie's a bit harder to read with a few words misspelled. Their youngest was still learning her letters, but was making good progress. Further down was Lydia's handwriting, solid and blocky as the woman herself. Below that was a handwriting Serana didn't recognize. After a quick read through she realized it was Aela the Huntress, Alessia's second in command and Sofie's hunting tutor. The female… was not pleased.

"I guess Aela refused." Serana said handing the paper back to Alessia.

"Yes, but I knew she would. The others had every right to the title after Kodlak died, but allowed me to take his place instead." Her wolf sighed. "If Aela won't take over as Harbinger, I guess this means I'll be traveling back and forth to Whiterun on Companion business."

"We half expected this remember?" Serana kissed her wolf's cheek quickly. "Looks like you're still the boss, Love."

"We'll just have to come up with an arrangement when we get back to Solstice."

"Um… Harbinger, might I have a moment of your time?" Sten asked a little sheepishly. "I think one of the wheels on the wagon is broken. Would you mind?"

"Of course. Let's go take a look." Before she and the man went outside, Alessia turned to Serana. "Would you mind writing a letter to send back to Solstice? I think the girls might enjoy a response."

"Did you bring your stationary?"

Alessia nodded. "It's in the trunk. You know where. Hopefully this won't take too long."

As the two went outside, Serana went upstairs. The travel sized quill and ink, plus a few scraps of folded parchment, were exactly where Alessia said they were. She sat on the bed, using one of her wolf's journals as a writing surface, then carefully scribbled out a reply. It mostly commented on their long trip from Skyrim into Cyrodiil, plus a quick description of the cottage and surrounding forests. She also wrote about most of what she and her mate had done during their stay. Fishing. Hiking. Swimming. All the fun they were having, but also how very much they both missed their daughters and how eager they were to see them again.

It was nearly half an hour before Serana heard Alessia come back inside and march upstairs. She'd just finished signing the letter. Her wolf glanced at it. "All done?"

"Yep. Just waiting for it to dry a little." Serana said, blowing on the ink. "You?"

"Busted wheel. We got it changed out with a spare. Should get him back to the Imperial City in one piece."

Absently, Serana asked, "Why in the world did he need to bring the wagon out so far? Did we order more supplies or something?"

They were only going to be at the cottage for another two weeks before beginning the long trek home. Odd he would come out again for no reason. Alessia grinned wolfishly, "We did. Or rather… I did."

Serana blinked. "Oh? What?"

Without a word, Alessia took the letter and strode downstairs. Serana called after her, but she was ignored. Before she could get downstairs, the young man was already out the door and on his way. No doubt, letter in hand. Serana glanced around the small cottage, not seeing anything new or out of place. Alessia growled at her, "Will you stop trying to ruin my surprise?"

"You used that response letter as a distraction, didn't you? What did he bring?" Giggling, Serana tried peeking around more. That earned her another playful growl in warning. "Awe, come on Alessia. Don't leave me in suspense."

"Hmm…" Alessia stalked towards her slowly, Wolf appearing in the way she moved. "I don't know…"

Serana remained perfectly still, watching only with her eyes as her mate hunted. Another game. A tease. Well, two could play at that game. Serana purred. "If you won't tell me… Then I guess I need to find out on my own."

Another growl. "Think you can reach the door before I catch you?"

"Is that a challenge?"

"I tell you what, Love…" Alessia stopped and leaned against the closest wall. "I'll give you a one minute head start. If you make it to our usual spot by the river, I will tell you. But if I catch you, you have to be a good girl and do as I say."

Before Alessia had even started counting, Serana was out the door and racing towards the trees. She was just as fast on her feet as her wolf, but it would be a real challenge to escape. Alessia was, after all, an expert hunter. Swift and nimble in the forest. Even without the added abilities of her lycanthropy. Sixty seconds wasn't a lot of time, but enough to put some distance between her and the cottage.

At Serana's own count of one minute, there was a howl from behind her. A hunting howl she knew all too well. It was the same howl she'd heard the night Alessia rescued Serana from her father. A sound that said, "I am coming!" Part of her knew that, under different circumstances, she should be terrified. Frightened like a rabbit caught in the sights of a predator. However, this was her predator. Her wolf chasing her. It made her heart pound with exhilaration. Her blood sang from the thrill, prey though she was.

How much time had passed? Two minutes? Three? She'd neglected to keep count in her excitement. Despite her best efforts, despite all the speed her vampiric side gave her, Serana felt her wolf closing in. She glanced back, seeing only a blur of motion diving towards her. Serana ducked, rolled, then darted back into the trees. There was a loud curse from her mate as she sailed overhead. Serana laughed, the echo of it melding with another of Alessia's howls.

Serana reached the river, though it was a few hundred yards further downstream than she'd hoped. Her little evasion had turned her around in the woods. She rushed up the bank, hurtling over small boulders and downed trees as she ran. As she bounded over a small patch of brush, Serana caught motion out of the corner of her eye paralleling her through the trees. Too late. Alessia pounced out of the shadows and tackled Serana to the soft sand on the riverbank. They rolled a few feet, splashing to a halt in the cool shallows. She made an attempt to slither away, but Alessia pinned her down and held her hands up over her head. Serana froze when sharp teeth locked onto her throat. A wolf's demand of surrender. Instinctively she tilted her head back, further exposing her vulnerable flesh.

"I give." Serana panted. Instantly Alessia let go, licking at the small marks her teeth made.

Panting, Serana glanced just a little further ahead and groaned when she saw their tree; the big one they often sat under on warm days. Alessia held herself up, grinning down at her mate with a smug expression. Droplets of water dripped from her hair and nose down onto Serana. "Close, but not close enough."

Serana purred, folding her now free hands beneath her head. "So, my Love, what do you command of me?"

"Time." Alessia said, smiling at Serana's responding confused face. "This afternoon, I need the cottage for a few hours. You are to make yourself scarce. Go for a walk. A swim. Sketch the waterfall. Anything you like, but just don't be at the cottage for a while."

"That's an odd request."

Alessia kissed her, lovingly. "I know. But I promise it will be well worth it."

"As you wish, but with one alteration." Serana hooked her leg around Alessia's hip, pulling her bodily close. "You warm me up first."

With a hungry snarl, Alessia obeyed.

---

As promised, Serana made herself scarce that afternoon. She took a small pack holding her sketchbook and charcoal with her. She'd drawn the waterfall numerous times these past weeks, many of them capturing a nude Alessia posing beneath its spray. Her wolf had been hesitant at first, but only agreed after Serana promised that her eyes would be the only ones who looked upon the drawings. That and a few… other promises she'd kept later on that night. Nothing that she wouldn't have done on her own anyway, but it got her what she wanted.

Instead, Serana walked a little ways in the opposite direction. The two had explored further downstream, finding a meadow of wildflowers. They'd spent an afternoon in the shade beneath a massive and ancient tree there, looking up at the cloud filled sky. The game they played was one Alessia had sometimes played as a child. They'd take turns trying to pick out shapes in the clouds. The bigger the imagination, the more fun it was. They'd laughed at each other when they claimed to see something ridiculous, Alessia insisting she saw a sabre dancing to a fiddler while Serana swore she saw a cow leaping over a moon. Serana had been so preoccupied with the game she hadn't thought to sketch the tree or even the wildflowers.

It was near on dusk when Serana caught Alessia's scent on the wind. When she stood and looked, her wolf was walking out of the tree line towards her. She quickly put away her sketchbook and waited. Alessia said nothing, simply walked right up to her and kissed her. It was a warm, tender kiss. One much like the many her mate had given her before and yet… This one held something more. Something so powerfully strong it stole Serana's breath. Still remaining silent, took her hand and led her back down the path. Though curious, Serana said nothing at all. Simply followed.

The cottage looked nothing out of the ordinary. Nothing changed or out of its usual place since they first arrived. Jasa came into the paddock to greet them with one of her happy horse sounds. Alessia paused only long enough to pat her beloved mare on the nose. Serana did the same in passing. Her wolf again paused outside the cottage door, taking Serana's pack from her and tugging out a piece of thin fabric from her belt. Without asking Alessia blindfolded her, giving a soft warning growl when Serana attempted to pull her head back. Resigned, she stood still and accepted the blindfold.

Alessia guided her inside carefully. The cottage smelt strongly of a freshly prepared meal. Herbs and spices mostly. And… something sweet. Serana felt her wolf move around behind, gently untying the blindfold. As it came off, Alessia said into her ear, "Happy anniversary."

Serana blinked at the sudden rush of firelight. What first caught her attention was their kitchen table. The table had been carefully set for a fine meal; polished steel dishes and utensils, actual wine glasses, candles, and flowers. Along with the elaborate setting, a variety of Serana's favorite foods littered the table. Everything from roasted pheasant to buttered and boil potatoes to delicious apple pastries. Alessia must have slaved all afternoon to prepare such a feast. The second thing she noticed was that the chairs by the hearth were missing, pushed over to one side of the room, and a large sheet covered object was in their place. An oddly shaped object.

"That's another surprise for after dinner." Alessia explained, a wide grin on her face as she walked over to the table and pulled out a chair. "For you, Zinaalkiim. I hope you're hungry."

Grinning like the fool in love that she was, Serana crossed to the table and kissed her mate softly before taking the offered seat. With a little apprehension, she said, "Not that I'm complaining, Love, but… we weren't married until Last Seed. It's barely spring now."

"I know. But I'm not talking about our wedding anniversary." Alessia explained, taking her own chair. She said nothing more, allowing Serana to think back on what day it was.

She counted back the months, thinking. When it came to her, Serana smiled. "The day you pulled me out of the tomb. This is the day we met."

Her wolf nodded, pouring Serana a glass of wine then one for herself. "Actually it was a week or so ago. More closer to Heart's Day."

Serana blinked at that. Had their first meeting really been near Heart's Day? Yes, the day was well known as a day of celebration but… That was not why it held such importance to either one of the females. Heart's Day was the day Alessia chose to become a werewolf rather than die in a pit filled with a mad werewolf's victims. Aela had saved Alessia that day, forever changing her into the wolf she was today. How could Serana have forgotten it?

"I'd hoped to surprise you sooner, but our young host only just now came through with your gift."

"I didn't get you anything." Serana said a bit sadly. Had she known…

Alessia smiled and shook her head. "You are my gift. Now, as well as on that day."

"Flatterer." Serana chuffed.

Her mate simply shrugged her shoulders. "Can't help it if it's true."

"I can't believe it's only been a year." Serana mused as they began to serve themselves. "It feels like it's been far longer than that. That and somehow like only yesterday."

Nodding in agreement, Alessia said, "A lot happened in a year. I still can't believe how much."

"We rescued a priest. Invaded a land of trapped spirits." Serana started listing. "I talked with my mother for the first time in thousands of years…"

"I became a vampire. Then a werewolf. Again. Went blind for a few hours."

"Married me." Serana purred, earning a pleased thrum from her wolf. "I got kidnapped. Twice."

Chuckling, Alessia continued. "Became a mother."

"To two daughters. Became the top bitch in a werewolf pack." Serana looked to Alessia. "Well… Second top."

Grinning, Alessia growled. "You can be on top anytime you want, Love."

Serana nearly choked on her wine at that. They both laughed heartily before continuing. "We got trapped in an underground labyrinth full of monsters."

"You knocked me out so I wouldn't freeze to death."

"Found the origins of that damned prophecy."

With a small voice, barely audible, Alessia said, "I lost you."

Serana saw the still healing hurt in her wolf's eyes. Though Alessia would never speak of what had happened after her abduction, Aela had. Her beloved wolf had gone mad with grief at the mere thought of never seeing Serana again. It broke her heart knowing she hadn't been there to do anything about it. That she had been the cause. Serana reached across the table and placed her hand on her mate's, a loving smile on her lips. "You found me again."

"Always." Alessia said without a moment's pause.

Serana raised her wine glass, Alessia following soon after. "Always."

The two toasted to the promise, both understanding the weight of it. They continued the conversation as they ate, reminiscing on the past year and making plans for the future. The Fighting Academy will be well on its way to completion by the time they returned home. Already Alessia had been receiving letters from prospective applicants wanting to learn from the legendary Dragonborn. Her wife was going to be very busy in the near future. When the conversation changed to what Serana wanted to do, she focused more on her meal rather than talking.

"Come now, Love, have you no ideas? Wishes?" Alessia asked, putting down her fork.

Serana smiled at her. "Well, I got my one big wish."

"Yes. I am quite the catch." Alessia chuckled. "Still, you surely have something aside from me that you want to do."

Thinking on it, that new and extremely perfect garden Alessia had had made for her seemed promising. With all the room it gave her, not to mention the interior green house, perhaps she could focus more on botany. Gather rare plants from all over Skyrim for study. What fun that would be. Alessia sat across the table, patiently waiting for a response. Serana leaned back in her chair. "I plan on putting the birthday present you gave me to very good use."

"The garden?"

Serana nodded. "Thanks to you, I know have more than enough room to continue Mother's and my research. With all that space, I'll be able to grow just about anything. Perform any experiment I want and then some. And with Arcadia's contacts…"

She went on and on about all the things she had planned for that garden. Most of which Alessia probably didn't understand, but listened to anyway. By the end of it, her wolf was smiling. "That's my female. They'll be writing books on your brilliant works in no time."

"So then…" Serana glanced around the remnants of their dinner. No more than a few crumbs and empty wine glasses. "Are you finally going to tell me what's under the sheet?"

Without a word, Alessia stood and led the way towards the hearth. She didn't reveal what was beneath, but instead waiting for Serana to do so herself. She did. The memory of the last time she'd seen such a thing made her heart skip a beat. A warmth settled in her lower belly, growing in intensity as Alessia pressed in closely and whispered into her ear, "As you requested, my Love. Did you think I'd forgotten?"

"Actually," Serana said in a husky voice. "I myself forgot."

Chuckling, her wolf slid warm hand around her belly. Warm lips tickled along Serana's neck, followed by the gentle scraping of teeth. It made her purr loudly in response, which made Alessia thrum just as loudly. "Water's still warm. And it's big enough for two."

Serana turned in her wolf's arms, grinning wickedly up at her. "And if we get water all over the floor again?"

"We'd best make the most of it then." Alessia kept their eyes locked as she slowly popped the buttons on Serana's shirt one by one. Her mate growled in approval when it became apparent she wasn't wearing any underclothes. "And I'll leave our host a very large tip."

Alessia

Alessia watched her mate's shoulders and back tense, her spine arching just a little. To her amusement, Serana leaned herself back with a small gasp. All Alessia need do was guide her mate's hips to her own. Gently back at first, then forward again. When she was certain there was no discomfort or pain, Alessia gripped her mate's hips tightly and thrust forward. The resulting, "Oh… Alessia, yes," made it quite clear Serana was very much enjoying herself.

When first Serana had requested the toy, Alessia hadn't been sure what to think. Part of her had been a little hurt that her own female body was no longer enough for her mate, though Serana had vehemently insisted that wasn't true and spent an entire night proving it. The feeling quickly vanished after a few moments consideration. The consideration… and currently how well her creation was working, if Serana's sounds of pleasure were any indication. Which they were. Alessia aimed to please, just as her Wolf did. But also, her mate had also been thinking of Alessia when presenting the idea. It was a surprise exactly how much she enjoyed taking Serana as a male would. The reasons evident after the first trial.

For one, the view was superb. The ability to far more easily watch Serana, her facial expressions for example, was an added benefit Alessia hadn't anticipated. Much like the expression she was now getting. Serana looked over her shoulder, wicked eyes smoldering as she watched Alessia watching her. Wolf rose to the surface, her snarl an answer to the look. Alessia pulled away, flipping Serana onto her back, then mounting her again. She entered roughly, thrusting deeply before bracing her arms on either side of Serana's head and continuing. Her mate hissed, gripping one of Alessia's arms and the headboard tightly. Alessia watched Serana, taking smug satisfaction in the looks and sounds she was making.

That had been the second unexpected benefit to Serana's request. It called forth Alessia's beast in a way she hadn't expected. Her beast desired to dominate, to take, just as much as she desired to please. Though Serana was in no way a submissive female, she often allowed Alessia to take charge in the bedroom. She'd never admitted to wanting such a thing, but apparently Serana had seen it. Understood the need that Alessia unknowingly had. And her mate had been willing, eager even, to take part. And Alessia loved her all the more for it.

Serana's body beneath her tensed, nails digging into Alessia's back and shoulders. The sounds she made growing more and more desperate. Her beloved was close to release again. Amazing considering how many times she'd climbed to that peak in the tub downstairs. Once the water had grown cold, Alessia had carried her mate upstairs to continue their fun. That had been… hours ago it seemed. And still she felt she could continue for hours more.

Alessia slowed, earning her a furious snarl from Serana. Her mate bared her fangs in a hiss. Ignoring her, Alessia pulled herself to an upright position, taking Serana with her and keeping them joined. She supported her mate's hips with one arm and her back with the other. As she began moving again, Alessia watched Serana's expression. Her mate's mouth parting in a slow moan as Alessia's powerful arms lifted her up and brought her back down again. So very worth the time and work put into the creation around her hips. Before long, Serana was doing the majority of the motions herself while Alessia simply steadied her. Green eyes locked on her blue ones.

Fangs. Serana's fangs were on full display behind her slightly swollen lips. A mouth Alessia suddenly wanted very much to taste again. She did so, tasting wine and their supper along with evidence of where that mouth had been earlier in the tub downstairs. Serana bit down, drawing a bit of blood from Alessia's bottom lip. That sent her female into a frenzy. Her rolling hips increased in pace, her breasts bouncing in Alessia's face. A tantalizing distraction, one of which she sunk her teeth into. Serana arched in a powerful release. To Alessia surprise, her mate struck with her fangs. The bite on her exposed throat sent Alessia into a release of her own as Serana fed.

When she awoke next, Alessia lay atop Serana's heaving body. She must have collapsed forward without realizing it. They were still joined, limbs still locked around one another. Her mate was still trembling, licking lazily at the blood on Alessia's neck. Her own arms and legs shook slightly as she tried to rise up off Serana. There was a slight snarl, a rumble in the chest beneath hers, and the prick of fangs at her neck. Alessia wisely froze.

"Not yet." Serana purred once Alessia paused. "Stay."

Alessia obeyed, but tried using her knees and arms to keep the majority of her weight off her mate. She was fairly heavy and, from the sounds Serana was making, she needed to catch her breath. Alessia turned her head to look at her beloved. "Was that too much? Are you alri-"

Her mate slid her hand down Alessia's back and roughly gripped her backside. The surprise of it made her jolt a little, which since they were still joined… A look of pure bliss appeared on Serana's face, eyes barely seeming able to focus. "I am very, very alright."

Alessia chuffed. "Satisfied with yourself?"

"Oh, my Love, you have no idea how satisfied I am."

Wolf thrummed, burying her nose into her wife's hair and inhaling deeply. Their bonding scent was never stronger than after they'd lain together. She smelt of sex, sweat, vampire, and, best of all, wolf. Alessia absolutely loved her scent on Serana's skin. The predator in her suddenly had the desire to mark her again. To have her again. Her body tensed with the instinct, but Alessia resisted. She'd taken her mate repeatedly this night already. Serana needed to recover and rest. Perhaps she would wake her in the morning with her lips and tongue. Taste her again then. Wolf did not like the idea of patience, but relented.

Alessia felt the body beneath her purring, pleased with something. She rose again to look at Serana. "What?"

"I can smell that, you know." Her mate grinned up at her with a knowing look. After Alessia feigned a confused expression, Serana rose to nuzzle her neck. "You want more."

At the touch of lips on the new bite, Alessia shuddered. "You need rest, Serana. At this rate-"

Serana rolled suddenly, pinning Alessia's body beneath her own. In a feral voice she hissed, "I'm not made of glass, Alessia. You won't break me."

"Serana…"

To emphasize her statement, Serana snatched her wolf's hands in an iron grip and held them against the headboard. Her mate's strength matched her own, her powerful body holding Alessia down with little effort. Even if she'd tried, there was no getting out of the hold. Serana purred as she rocked her hips slowly, the tips of her breasts hardening instantly. She grinned down at Alessia, a deliberate smile as she watched Alessia watching her.

"Want me to stop?" Serana panted, licking her lips slowly.

Gods no… Alessia's jaw was clenched so tightly she couldn't speak.

Serana bent down to her, grazing her lips across Alessia's in a whisper, "Say it. Say you want me to stop."

She couldn't. Gods damn her, Alessia couldn't. All she could do was latch onto her mate's mouth with her own, thrusting her hips upwards to Serana's motions. Her mate did not release her hands, retaining absolute control. Total dominance while taking what she wanted and giving Alessia what she needed. So it would appear they'd switched roles. Wolf would allow it only because it was their mate. Allow herself to be had. It was a sort of thrill on Alessia's part, so she didn't mind either. Especially since the view of her Serana writhing atop her was so very delectable.

---

The next morning Alessia found herself surprisingly sore. Mostly her abs, back, shoulders, and thighs. Serana also found herself extremely sore and very sensitive. Almost to the point where she couldn't walk straight. That however didn't stop her from expressing her desire to have a short repeat of the night before. Alessia obliged until Serana was fully satisfied. After, while her mate recovered, Alessia padded downstairs to retrieve their breakfast. She made quick work of nearly a dozen eggs, toast, and what little leftovers there were from the night before, and carried it back upstairs.

"I am capable of feeding myself." Serana said around a mouthful of eggs. Alessia ignored the complaint, scooping up another bite of leftover pheasant and offering it to her. Her mate sighed, but accepted. "You're not eating."

"I'll eat once you've had your fill." Alessia broke off a piece of toast and held it out for Serana.

"Gods, save me from stubborn mates." Serana groaned. "You really won't take a single bite until I'm full?"

Alessia chuckled, offering more egg. "It's a wolf thing."

"I know. Taking care of me and my needs before your own." Though she said it in a sigh, Alessia knew it was said in jest.

There was a little butter on the corner of Serana's mouth. With a thumb, Alessia carefully cleaned it then licked the substance off her finger absently. "Does it bother you? My need to pamper you?"

"After all I asked of you last night, it's my own fault your Wolf is so close to the surface. But to answer your question… no, not really. Actually, I kind of like it when my big, strong, vicious werewolf dotes on me with such gentle care. It's sexy as hell." Her mate stretched out her arms and legs with a contented moan.

Speaking of sexy... Alessia thought as her eyes lingered.

Serana chuckled at the look she received. "But really… if I eat one more bite I'm going to explode."

"Are you sure?" Alessia asked, eying the remaining food on the plate. "If you want something else I can go make it."

Serana bent and kissed her sweetly, lingering a few heartbeats more against Alessia's lips. "No thank you, Love. You have the rest."

Alessia paused, finding another kiss far more appetizing than the food. Serana giggled around her lips, eventually pushing her away. Before Alessia even lifted the fork, it was snatched out of her hand. The plate of food too. She blinked up at her mate, confusedly. Serana scooped up a bite and held it up for Alessia.

"My turn. Open up." Her mate said. Alessia thrummed happily, obeying instantly.

Full and satisfied, the two marched downstairs a little later on. The cottage was a bit of a cluttered mess; their clothes were strewn about haphazardly, hastily removed and tossed aside with little care, puddles of water still drying on the floor around the tub, the dirty kitchen as well as the table. Despite the mess, Alessia thought it well worth it.

"Looks like we have some cleaning up to do." Serana said, picking up a bit of shredded fabric that may have once been Alessia's shirt.

Alessia shook her head. "No. I have some cleaning to do. This was all my idea."

Her mate glanced at her over her shoulder and purred, "And I enjoyed myself immensely. But this is a big mess, Love. I want to help."

"No." She said insistently. "You had a rough night. Go for a walk or something. Stretch your legs a little."

That wicked grin returned. "I like it rough, remember? And you did plenty between my stretching legs."

"Dibella's flaming knickers female…" Alessia snarled, trying to hide her mirth and failing. "Do you want me to drag you back upstairs?"

Serana purred. "Maybe. And I'm not wearing any knickers."

Alessia snatched the shredded shirt out of her mate's hands and snapped it at her rear end. "Go on now. Out with you, foul temptress. Get."

Giggling, Serana fled the cottage. She paused at the door, winking back at Alessia before continuing on. Chuckling to herself, Alessia started with the cleanup. She first got the hearth fire going again, the embers at the bottom easily returning to life. Most, if not all, of their clothes from the night before were in similar shape to the shirt. Instead of bothering to mend them at some later date, she just tossed them all into the hearth to burn. The scraps and crumbs from last night's meal went into the fire as well. The dishes were rinsed in the remaining water from the tub, then set aside to be properly washed.

As for the tub… the water needed to be drained, which required a bucket. Dragging the heavy thing outside to dump would be a pain, but perhaps quicker. She did so, glad that most of the water had splashed out the night before while she and Serana were in the tub. The floor was scrubbed and mopped clean, taking care of all the puddles. Though the dishes still needed doing, Alessia decided to postpone the chore until after Jasa had been fed and watered.

The mare was, as always, happy to see her mistress. Alessia took the time to greet the old girl properly, scratching her velvet nose and soft ears. The water trough was still fairly full and clean of debris. Still, Alessia took the time to top it off. That done, she grabbed the bucket used for Jasa's oats. Alessia had just scooped out a portion when a far off shout caught her attention. Instantly the bucket clattered to the ground as she ran towards the shouts.

"Alessia!" Serana's panicked shout was followed by an angry roar from something very, very big.

Alessia's heart pounded in her chest once she recognized the creature that made that roar. The bear. The female bear with cubs. From the sound of it, the mother bear had crossed the river into their side of the forest. Either she'd stumbled upon Serana in her walk, or Serana had accidentally gotten too close to the cubs and the mother bear attacked in order to protect them. Damn Alessia and her chivalry. She shouldn't have sent Serana away. She should have just accepted the help. Damn, damn, damn!

"Serana!" Alessia bellowed, crashing through the underbrush instead of following the winding path towards the struggle.

Another shriek, this one full of pain. That did it. Alessia's body lurched, Wolf snarling and clawing to get out. She struggled to remain upright, trying to explain to her beast that there was no time for a shift. Not yet. Wolf howled her anger but let up enough for Alessia to keep running. She followed the sounds of an angry bear to the river. Indeed, it was the very same bear Alessia had scented weeks ago. The gigantic beast had her back turned towards Alessia, raised on her hind legs and absolutely furious. Gigantic was exactly the word to describe such a brute. She was easily the largest bear Alessia had ever seen; near on five times Wolf's size. A real giant of her species. Where was Serana?

Her mate's frightened cry came from just beyond the tree line. There. Serana had taken cover under a pair of large thorn bushes, ones that the two had found weeks ago and sought to avoid. The bear was trying to work her way around the painfully sharp thorns to get to Serana. Though normally such a small thing wouldn't deter a beast that size, however, these particular thorns were nearly twice the length of Alessia's finger and just as thick. Curious she'd touched the sharp point, receiving a nasty sting. Not even this bear would willingly take such a sting. A solid bolt of hot lightning shot from the tangle of thrones, zapping the mother bear in the snout. The bear roared and backed away, only to return again quickly.

Snarling, Alessia hefted a large rock, one nearly the size of her own head, and hurled it at the beast. It struck with a meaty thud, resulting in a whining yelp. The bear turned her attention on Alessia, who bared her teeth in a vicious snarl of challenge. Hackles rising. What she would have given for Dii Lokal right then. The small knife in her boot wasn't going to do a damned thing against such a beast.

Wolf roared to the forefront of her mind and Alessia let her. The change took mere seconds, fur and claws and fangs bursting forth. When the bear charged, Wolf was ready and waiting. Though normally Alessia would relinquish complete control to her beast during a battle where her instincts and savagery were needed, she would not in this. The bear, though she had attacked their mate, was not to blame. It was a beast, just as Wolf was, protecting her young. Wolf could understand that. Did understand. And, without their mother, the cubs would not survive for very long. Alessia had no desire for that to happen. So, she did not allow her beast full control. Wolf would fight. Wolf would protect Mate. But Wolf would not kill unnecessarily. Wolf would drive bear from her territory. Make safe again. Make Mate safe again.

The bear staggered in her charge, surprised to find her prey was not so weak. Wolf was not prey. The solid sound of impact echoed off the rocks on the river as the two collided. Wolf drew first blood, raking her claws across the bear's face. She would have rushed in, clamped her jaws around her opponent's throat. Bit down. Tasted blood. Alessia fought to restrain her own beast, reminding her that killing the bear wasn't their goal. It was hard, but Wolf obeyed. Instead she snapped at any limbs that came too close, trying to push the bear back and away from the thorn bushes and her trapped Mate.

Wolf did a fair job of keeping just beyond the reach of the bears massive, swiping paws. Any single blow could quite possibly shatter bone. Overpowering such furious rage wasn't going to be possible. Wolf just had to keep one step ahead of the bear, worrying at her until she finally gave up and fled. The brute ducked a slash of Wolf's claws then rose up on her hind feet again. The bellow shook the very leaves on the nearby trees, made the rushing water in the river ripple and dance. Wolf answered with a roar of her own, slamming into the bear and tackling her to the ground. Before Alessia could rein in the killing instinct, Wolf bit down hard on the closest hunk of furry flesh and ripped her head from side to side. Hot blood filled her mouth, driving Wolf further into a frenzy.

The bear took the mauling, raking her own claws down Wolf's exposed belly. That made her let go. A huge paw sent Wolf sprawling, rolling a few feet before coming to a stop. She got up in enough time to feel a powerful maw clamp down on her shoulder. Something cracked. Wolf yelped, Alessia right along with her. The bear reared back her head and flung Wolf to the side hard into the trunk of a tree. Pain shot down her spine, a white hot agony that made her vision blur for a moment. Alessia tried getting Wolf to her feet before the bear set upon them again. Too late.

As the mother bear came at her, a lash of pure lightning struck her exposed back. The bear shrieked in pain, black smoke curling up from scorched fur. She whirled around to face the new attacker, who'd crawled out from the thorn bushes to help. Alessia looked at her mate, eyes growing wide with surprise. Serana had transformed. The bat-like creature was just as Alessia remembered; tall, pale, with musculature meant for flight. After her change from pure blooded vampire to… something else, something resembling a half-breed, neither one of the pair thought Serana could managed the transformation anymore. They were mistaken.

Serana hissed in challenge, both clawed hands radiating the same lightning spell she'd just cast. There was blood on her mate's arm. Large tears in the flesh no doubt made by the massive paws of the mother bear. Alessia couldn't seem to take her eyes off the blood. Her mate's blood. Wolf suddenly surged, shaking off the blow she'd received. The beast had hurt her Mate. If the bear did not flee, Wolf would kill her. Angry teeth bared in a snarl, Wolf leapt up onto the distracted bears backside, claws and fangs rending flesh. The bear bucked and thrashed, trying to dislodge Wolf. She did not. When Serana dove in, lightning spells crackling, the bear had had enough.

Wolf leapt down and away as the bear took off into the trees. Serana drove her on with small blasts of thundering noise. With any luck, the mother bear would retrieve her cubs, wherever they were, survive her wounds, and think twice before straying into Wolf's territory. Wolf paced back and forth along the tree line, snarling and growling angrily. Satisfied that the threat was good and gone, she limped over to where Serana stood. Her mate had shifted back to her normal self, seeming to struggle to remain upright.

Wolf stood by her, providing support, and sniffing worriedly at the wound on Serana's arm. Her mate leaned on her heavily, but still scratched behind Wolf's ears. "My big, strong, vicious werewolf. Thank you, Love."

Alessia ignored the pain she was in, licking at Serana's bloody arm with a whine.

"It's just a scratch. Looks worse than it is." Serana said. "I didn't move quickly enough when I first saw the cubs. Mama bear was already charging me by the time I turned to run. This happened when I dove into the thrones. Cut myself on one of them."

Wolf growled angrily.

"I know. I know. I should have been more careful."

Wolf huffed, sniffing at Serana's wounded arm again.

"I'm fine." Her mate reached around to touch Wolf's shoulder, finding it slick with blood. Wolf whined, but tolerated her mate's examination. "But you're not. Oh, my poor Love. This is my fault."

Despite her pain, Wolf thrummed and gently nuzzled her mate in an attempt to console her. Her mate was alive and safe. Nothing else mattered.

"Let's get you back to the cottage. I'll feel better when we're out of the area."

The two made their slow way back through the woods. Wolf walked on all fours, ready to leap into action should the bear, or anything else for that matter, reappear. Even walking on all fours, Wolf's head was nearly to her mate's shoulders. Serana walked by her side, one hand gently gripping the ruff of fur on her neck. Slowly, Alessia regained a majority of control. Her thoughts less wolfish and more human. By the time they reached the cottage, she felt she could easily make the shift back to her human form.

"Alright, Big Girl." Serana said, leading Wolf's big bulk into the cottage living space. "Thank you for coming to find me. I need Alessia back now."

Alessia took her time, her body undergoing the traumatic shock of shape shifting. Her skin felt like it was on fire once she laid shivering and groaning in pain on the floor. As always, Serana knew precisely when it was safe to touch her. Gentle fingers prodded the huge bite mark on her right shoulder. The bears fangs left deep gouges of missing flesh and muscle. Or so Serana said during her examination.

"I think her teeth struck bone. Maybe even broken something." Serana stood quickly. "Stay perfectly still. I'll be right back."

Alessia couldn't have done anything else even if she'd wanted to. Her arm felt as though it really had been torn clean off. Her neck and shoulder too. After what felt like hours, Serana returned with her pack of medicinal supplies and began rummaging around in it.

"I'm going to roll you, alright? I'm sorry, Love, but this… will probably hurt." It did, but at least Alessia remained conscious. Serana shook her head in disbelief. "How in the world did you manage the rest of that fight? Let alone walk back with me."

"You're m-my mate." Alessia grunted, thinking the answer obvious.

Serana chuffed. "That was rhetorical, Love. I know the why and how of it. You're just too damned stubborn to be hurt."

Now Alessia chuffed, which hurt. A lot.

"Drink this. It will dull the pain while I look you over more closely." Serana helped her sip at a bitter tasting potion. Alessia blinked, then realized some time had passed. More of Aela's knockout drug that Serana had altered. It left a familiar, unpleasant taste in her mouth. Serana came into her line of sight. "Easy, Alessia. I just got you stitched up. Don't move around too quickly."

Alessia tested her shoulder, finding the tight pricks of stitches. There was pain, but not nearly as sharp as before. "Bad?"

"Mostly just ugly. You stopped bleeding pretty quickly." Serana helped her sit up and held another small bottle to her lips. A quick sniff told Alessia that it was one of her mate's healing potions. With it, along with her natural werewolf healing, she'd be back on her feet in hours rather than days. "Most of the damage was musculature. The bear's teeth only just scraped your shoulder blade. Nothing broken. With how fast you heal, I doubt the stitches were really necessary but it will speed up the process."

"Your arm?" Alessia looked to the bandage around her mate's forearm. "I can heal it."

Serana shook her head. "Not now. Recover a bit first, then worry about my scratch."

"You changed." Alessia said, her mind clearing a bit. "I didn't think you could anymore."

"Neither did I. I just… saw you go down and the bear closing in." Serana looked down at herself. "Next thing I know, I'm a Vampire Lord again."

Alessia chuffed, noticing only a slight increase in the amount of pain. "I rush in to rescue you and you wound up rescuing me. Big help I am."

The self recrimination stopped when Serana bent down to kiss her. It was a gentle kiss, sweet and loving. And over far too quickly for Alessia's liking. "You came running when I called. And you took on a bear nearly five times your size and at least ten times stronger than you. You got badly hurt and still got up when you saw I needed you. That's more than enough and far more than I could ever ask for. I love you."

"And I you." Alessia thrummed, pulling her mate down to rest their foreheads together. Breathing the same air was a comfort. It told her beast their mate was safe.

After a moment, Serana pulled back. "Let's get you dressed and fed. You're probably starving after that transformation."

As if it had been waiting to be recognized, Alessia stomach growled in agreement.

Alessia awoke in bed, propped up on her good side with many, many pillows. Groggy from sleep, tasting more knockout potion on her tongue, it took a moment for her to recognize where she was. Not at home in Solstice. Not even home in Breezehome. The cottage in the Great Forests of Cyrodiil. They'd been there… for nearly a month. She and her mate, Serana. Alessia blinked at that. Serana had been attacked by a mother bear protecting her cubs. Her mate had been injured, though not nearly as badly as Alessia had been. Her shoulder ached a little, but it was bearable.

Struggling, Alessia tried to sit up. She wanted to see her mate. To know she was safe. As if thoughts had summoned the female, Serana appeared on the stairs of the loft. Alessia felt a sudden rush of relief and deja vu. Hadn't they performed this song and dance before? Oh, right… In Whiterun after Alessia's bout of vampirism and return to lycanthropy. Her mate stood there with a tray of something, the bowl and mug steaming. The scent of it made Alessia's stomach rumble with hunger. She ignored the food and her stomach and eyed Serana. Her mate looked alright. The bandage on her arm was gone, as were the cuts. Only a barely visible red line remained.

Obviously sensing where Alessia's mind had gone, Serana carefully sat aside the tray and sat beside her on the bed. She was allowing her wolf to examine her wound, smiling while Alessia did so. "See? All healed."

A cut as large as the ones she'd received from the thorns would have taken weeks to heal. Confused Alessia touched them gently. "How long was I out?"

"Few hours. It's late afternoon."

"Only a few hours?" Alessia's mind struggled through a thick fog. "Then how…"

Chuckling, Serana retrieved the tray. "My wife wouldn't lay down to rest until she'd healed my arm. Quite the stubborn female, my wife. Hard headed doesn't even begin to cover it."

Alessia blinked. "I healed it?"

"You don't remember?" She shook her head, which made her a little dizzy. Serana placed her hand on Alessia's forehead, satisfied with what she felt. "Maybe I gave you a little too much. How do you feel?"

A rumbling growl from her belly was Alessia's answer. They both chuckled at the familiar sound. Serana set to carefully feeding Alessia spoonfuls of chicken flavored broth and bits of bread. Once that seemed to stick, her mate starting giving her more solid fare. Chicken with soft grains and bits of carrot. Something simple for Alessia's stomach to digest. It was heaven. The mug held a strange tasting brew. A bitter tasting tea that Serana claimed would help sooth all the little aches and pains in her muscles. Over the next few minutes, that proved to be true.

"Better?"

Alessia sighed in relief as she leaned back against the pillows. "Yes, very. Thank you, my Love."

Her mate kissed her once on the forehead, then went back downstairs for a few minutes. When she returned, the tray was gone and a book was her hand. Carefully Serana settled at Alessia's side and began to read aloud. For her part, Alessia paid little attention to the story. Her heavy eyes watched her mate's every move. The slow motion of her lips as she enunciated each word. The care and grace with which her fingers turned the page. The breath with each rise and fall of her chest. It made Alessia want to reach out and touch, though her hands would probably shake. Instead, she contented herself with watching.

"You're staring." Serana chuckled.

"I thought we agreed it was ogling."

"Oh, right. We did." Her mate paused in her reading and looked at her, then reached over to push a lock of Alessia's dark hair out of her eyes. "There. Now you can ogle better."

Alessia reached up and caught her mate's wrist before she could pull it away. She thrummed softly as she kissed the beating pulse there and held it to her cheek. Warm. Serana's skin was so warm now that she was mortal. Half human. The pulse against her cheek began to race. "You make me very happy, Serana. I don't know where I'd be today if not for you."

Her mate blushed slightly. Oh Gods, how much Alessia's loved to see her do that. Another thing that was changed by Auri-El. Before, Serana only could blush for a short while after feeding. Now, Alessia got to see it as often as she could get her mate to do so. Which was as often as possible.

Serana chuffed and pulled her hand back, apparently trying to make light of the comment. "Probably involved with one of your many suitors. Narri, Ysolda, Astrid, Aela…"

Alessia huffed. "I never got involved with Aela or Astrid. You know that. And since when did Ysolda enter the picture?"

"She doesn't. I was just testing you." Serana continued in a darker tone."And that tavern wench, Narri?"

Sudden tension rose in the air as one of Serana's eyebrows rose in a glare. Alessia knew that if she didn't answer that question carefully and correctly… things were going to get very dangerous for her. "Narri and I were never a thing. Nothing more than a night of flirtation."

Serana turned to face her directly. "A night?"

"One in which I spent an hour or two in the tavern waiting to speak with a prisoner. After that, I didn't see the woman again until you and I were last in Falkreath. And… if I remember correctly, you took care of the flirtation last time we were there." She grinned, remembering Serana's territorial reaction when Narri had come onto Alessia. "You were absolutely magnificent, my Love. Sexy as hell…"

The corner of Serana's mouth twitched, indicating she also remembered. Finally she started chuckling. "The look on her face when I snapped at her hand…"

They laughed for a short while, remembering. After she caught her breath, Alessia grew serious again. "None of them are you, Love. You are all I want and all I need."

There was yet another blush, but Serana didn't try to make light of the comment again. She sighed and shook her head. "How did I ever get so lucky?"

"I was the only idiot stupid enough to place my hand on a bloody hand indentation on a pedestal in a four thousand year old tomb." Alessia said dryly, meaning it a joke.

Her mate chuffed and set aside the book. Carefully she scooted herself nearer, covering Alessia's lips with her own. Wolf thrummed eagerly, suddenly deciding that maybe she wasn't so badly hurt after all. Alessia pushed her libido down and simply enjoyed the moment. When Serana pulled away, she wore a knowing wolfish grin. "You're terrible."

Alessia grinned sheepishly. "I know. This is what you do to me, Serana. Always hungry for you."

"We still have two weeks of our honeymoon left." She placed a quick kiss on Alessia's brow. "There will be plenty of time for… that once you're back to full strength. For now, just rest. I'm not going anywhere."

"Promise?"

Alessia hadn't actually expected a response, but her made did with a smile. "It's as you said on our wedding night, 'I will walk with you, hand in hand, to our journey's end. In life. In love. Together. Until the stars fall from the sky.'"

"'Whether that be tomorrow, or another thousand years from now. Then, and long after I'm dead. I will love you.' I remember." Alessia recited Serana's own vow from that night.

Serana nodded once. "We said it then and I will repeat it now and every day if need be. You and me. Always."

Alessia mirrored her mate's nod, wondering to herself what she had ever done to deserve such a female. "Always."