This chapter will contain sex. You have been warned!
Josephine~
The smell of fresh cedar wood fills my lungs. The hardwood floors glisten in the light. Damn he is good. After a month Zevran had finished the outer walls, the porch, and put in windows. The house is coming along nicely. Whats the catch? Oh yeah, the man I loved and abandoned me, is the one finishing my house. Thankfully he is on lunch and I can sneak in for a peek. Sooner or later he will have to come and speak to me. If he expects me to live here, he needs my input on the layout. And I have ideas in mind.
"Any thoughts?" I jump and squeal. He got a kick out of that. "Don't you ever do that again!" I shout at him. I grasp my stomach. Zevran's face shows real concern. He even places his palm against my tummy. Feeling, waiting. "Are you okay?" He whispers. His voice is shaking. It's moments like these I want to hold him. Chase away the frown, kiss away his worries.
But the hurt resurfaces and I step away from his touch, with much resistance. "We are fine. Just a kick, a hard one." I explain while looking away. He clears his throat, I've hurt him as well. "So is there anything you wish for? Where the bedrooms are? The fireplace?" He changes the subject.
"Well I was thinking that the area with the open bay window, could be where my room is. I also wanted a couple extra bedrooms. I want the nursery close to mine. Maybe right about here. What do you think?" I bite my lip in anticipation. Zevran walks around, pondering my words. It might work if you settle for a small common area. Put the hearth here and everything will work." He explains. I smile and spin in a circle. I envision myself marking the doorway, as my child grows. Cooking dinner, sleeping in my home, and even sitting on the front porch. Growing old, Zevran's hair turning gray. Our children fill the yard. Stop! Zevran doesn't want you.
I hide my inner feelings. My love just isn't meant to be.
Zevran~
It fills my heart with joy to see her happy. She has been dodging me for the last month. Not that this has been easy for me. Oh sure I enjoy the fourplay. Getting her hot under the collar gives me pleasure. I still cannot decide on hurting her more or taking pleasure? Decisions, decisions.
I refocus on Josephine. She is whispering to the babe. Such a precious moment between mother and child. I have dreamt every night of this. Holding this child, Joephine whispering "Say hello to your Papa little one." It's almost a wonderful nightmare. I walk towards the doorway. "Thank you, Zevran." I halt my steps, "Anything for you warden."
I walk outside to draw out the floor plan. I need more supplies, so I must speak with the carpenter.
When I return Josephine is gone. The house is empty once again. Left to my own devices and thoughts. By sunset the frame work was almost finished. Several of the young females wander in and out of the house while I work. Some want to chat, some wish to feed me. All of them flirting, none of them Josephine.
I can have anyone of them. Or all of them. That would hurt Josephine. I have seen the jealousy in her eyes. She would visit and reprimand the females. She always sent them on their way. She then stands confidently on the porch warding off more female suitors. She always plays it off like she doesn't care. But I see her eyes. Her eyes never lie. I see every feeling, every thought in those emerald eyes.
I sometimes sneak into her room at night. I watch her sleep, just like old times. Some nights she murmurs my name.
But I return to reality and the fact she betrayed me. That the love I thought we shared, was never real.
Josephine~
"I will never see my feet again." I groan. "Stop it Josie. You are beautiful! No female comes close to your glowing beauty." replies Fenarel. The sun is setting on our walk today. He pauses at the edge of the village. "Come here, you need a hug." He pulls me into his strong arms. I can't get very close because of the baby. He holds me for a bit. When I release him he holds onto me.
He stares into my eyes. "Josie I need to tell you something. I want to be with you. To be your lifemate. I want to be the father to your child. I can provide for you. Before you answer give it some thought." He kisses my cheek. I stare dumbfounded, afraid to speak. As he walks away he says over his shoulder, "Tamlen would've wanted this."
That hits me in the heart. Tamlen, my first love. I walk to the keeper's home. She is sitting at the table. "Come Dalen, sit with me." I join her. I lean my head on her shoulder. She rubs my back. After five minutes of silence She starts to talk.
"I saw you with Fenarel. He looks dotingly upon you. In fact he has made it very clear that he wished to be your mate. He is quite persistent." She goes silent. I'm not ready to answer. "But I know you Josephine Mahariel. I know where your heart lies. I am surprised you haven't thwarted his ideas!" I sigh loudly, she has a point. I let him believe he has a shot. "I guess I feel guilty. Like I owe him." I say. "Owe him or Tamlen?" She fires back. "Tamlen. I still feel guilty for surviving. Living my life, his was cut short. Fenarel was his best friend. Being with him is like repaying my debt to Tamlen." I explain.
I sit up and look at Marethari. "Tamlen would want you to be happy. What happened was going to happen no matter what you did. We leave it to the Gods to decide. They have put you on this path." She carresses my stomach. "The only person you have a debt to is this child. You need to speak with Zevran, clear the air. Be honest with Fenarel. Poor Solana misses him." She kisses my forehead and leaves me to stew with my thoughts.
Solana was like a sister to me growing up. Now she doesn't even look my way. I did this to her, took away her love. I didn't mean to. I don't even want Fenarel like that. How do I fix this?
~Following Morning~
Josephine~
I rise before the sun. Cowardice has won out and I cannot face Fenarel. But I find that peace eludes me. My mind swims, concerns about Fenarel, Solana, Zevran, my child. "What am I to do? Will someone just tell me what to do for once?" The only answer I recieve is the sounds of the Wilds waking up. I walk on singing a lullaby sang to me long ago.
"Josie? Jooooosie?" Fenarel calls out to me. I duck behind a tree. Hopefully he won't fid me. Just go away Fenarel. "I see that big belly. Please come out?" I take a deep breath and show my self. I look at my stomach, unable to meet his gaze.
We stand in an uncomfortable silence. "Josie it has been 4 months. I have been trying to win you over. Why won't you give me chance? Am I that repulsive? I don't understand." Fenarel is very upset. I still stare downward. Shame sweeps through me. "I am trying to do this for you and the baby!" He yells at me.
That does it for me. I can't stay quiet anymore. "ME? I never asked you to. I didn't want any of this. You aren't doing this for us. You're doing this for the same reasons, I haven't spoke of." I shout back. This fuels his anger. "And what are these so called reasons?" I slap him. He deserves more for treating me like this. I understand his hurt feelings, but not his behavior. "TAMLEN! It's because of Tamlen. We feel guilty over his death. You don't belong with me, not even for Tamlen. Solana is the one you love. You abandoned her the moment you found out I am pregnant and alone. You don't love me. Not like you love Solana." I caress his cheek.
He grabs me by the forearms and yanks my body as best as he can against his. His lips press against mine. His kiss is hungry and passionate. His tongue plunges between my lips before I can react. He tastes the inside of my mouth. Nibbles on my lip. Slowly he releases me and steps back. My hand goes to my lips. Blush covers my cheeks. We stand there staring at one another unable to speak.
Zevran~
I hack away at a tree with. The wood splinters and takes on the brunt of my anger. Sweat drips from everywhere. "Hi Zevran. I brought you some water." Delani hands me a flask. This temptress is one of many that flock to me. I could have my way with her. Teach her a thing or two. But then my mind picks at her flaws. And it decides this girl isn't good enough. Her backside is too flat, she is only 20, even her giggle is somewhat annoying.
I accept the flask with a smile. There goes that dreadful giggle. "Maybe you should take a break? I can cook a meal for you?" She persists. I stack the wood beside Josephine's house. "I have to take care of some things. Another time." I reply. She pouts and leaves.
I put everything away. My arms ache from using the axe so roughly. I need to bathe and relax.
The stream welcomes me. I scrub away the smell and sweat. the dirt and the grime. I try to make my mind blank. "Hello Zevran." I keep my eyes closed. I recognized that sultry voice. It belongs to a buxom blonde, with large breasts, and big doe eyes. I hear water splashing against skin. I assume she is naked. I reluctantly open my eyes. Yup, stark naked. As brazen as the day is long. Even this women does nothing for my manhood.
"Do you like what you see Zevran? I think it is well over due. You need a woamn's touch. I may be older than you but I have experience." I laughed at her. If only she knew about my experience! I unknowingly upset her. My laughing must have been an insult. I had not meant it that way but at least she was gone. I pull myself from the stream. I do it quickly to avoid another scene like what just happened. I dry off and pull my trousers up. No sooner are they fastened than I hear another female calling my name. Little Tasha, she is so young. 19, still just a baby. The teenager saunters over to me.
"Oh Zevran will you hunt for me. I know you would bring back the biggest prey. You're so strong." She bats her lashes at me. Does this even work on the young hunters? Something catches my eye. I quickly glimpse to find Josephine peeking from behind a large bush. I don't think she knows her cover has been blown. Better take advantage of the moment. Tasha places a hand on my chest. I lift it to my lips. I kiss it softly. She blushes from head to toe. I kiss it a second time, she giggles. Again I glimpse at Josephine. She radiates anger. Then she is gone.
"Listen Tasha, you are too young. I am an old man. This will never work. You deserve a young hunter to be with you." I say. She seems sad. But then it sinks in. She smiles and thanks me. Hopefully I have eliminated one of my suitors.
Josephine~
Hot tears burns he backs of my eyelids. That pig! He may not want me, but he is taking advantage of young girls! I scream at the top of my lungs. "AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH." I blink away unshed tears and wipe away those that have fallen. The sooner he finishes my house the sooner he will leave. Why did I ever think he could love me? I have to be the biggest fool there is.
Solana is waiting for me. She stands at the edge of the forest trail. I am not sure what to expect from her. I protectively place my hands on my stomach. Her face is very serious. She quickly stomps over to me. Clearly her patience has run out. Mythal preserve us! She grabs me by the wrists and flings my arms up. I go for the throat and stop short. She has wound herself around my torso. Her tears fall on my tunic. "Thank you, thank you sister. I knew you wouldn't hurt me." She cries. I sigh as relief washes over me. I hug her in return.
I pull her up so she can face me. I wipe her face with my sleeve. I smoothe her hair and pull it out of her face. "You are my sister and I love you." I smile. As I open my mouth to continue there is a commation in the village. Solana helps me move quickly to see what is happening.
Two men are throwing punches. Noone is stopping them. I move closer to see who is fighting. "You should learn to keep your distance BOY!" There is only one Antivan accent in this village. I rush forward, Solana tries to stop me. She ends up being dragged. I grasp the other man. I haul him up and away from Zevran. The man in my hands in none other than Fenarel. Solana grabs him and attempts to calm him. The Keeper moves everyone along and demands Zevran's and Fenarel's presence in her home, immediantly!
I eyeball the men as we wait for the Keeper to appear. Zevran has a black eye and blood dripping from his nose. His hair is a mess atop his head. Fenarel is much worse. His eye swelled shut, his nose may be broken, and his lip is split open. Solana is comforting him and scolding him. My anger makes me silent.
Keeper enters the room with her first. They heal and bandage the two brutes. "This needs to end. No more arguments. No more fights. Zevran you were welcomed here. This is how you repay us? Fenarel you know better. I have warned you to stay away from Josephine. I am very disappointed in you both. You three will sit here and talk." I became very confused. I turn to leave. "Oh no Dalen. You are the third I speak of. You need to resolve this once and for all. Come Solana." Solana is very resistent but listens to Keeper Marethari.
We settle into a tense silence. "Why are we having a talk with you Josie? I deserve answers." Fenarel demands. Zevran has crossed his arms and slumped in his chair. His eyes never meet mine.
"Explain why you were fighting." I throw back. "He attacked me. I was minding my buisness. I had an extra kill so I was bringing it over for you Josie. He came out of nowhere. He punched me in the face. I defended myself." He glared at Zevran. "Why did you punch him?" Zevran stands up so quickly his chair falls over. "I have had enough. I watch everyday as you two flirt and talk. He hunts for you. He rubs your back. He makes you smile." Zevran states. "Why does that bother you? You made it very clear you don't care." Zevran kicks the chair. He walks back and forth. "I was there when he kissed you. I heard everything. I know you two are going to be lifemates. Haven't you hurt me enough? Why him?" Zevran yells.
Fenarel stares confused and worried at me. "Fenarel, Zevran and I used to be together." He sucks air in. He put his hands up and mumbles about not needing to be there.
"I'm not with Fenarel. I knew I never could be with him. After the kiss, he knew exactly what I knew. I sent him to be with his true love, Solana. And why do you care if I choose anoher man? You abandoned me!" I accuse. He hollers at me. He refuses to speak anymore. Zevran storms out and I retreat to my room. I change and cry myself to sleep.
Zevran~
I worked through the rest of the day. My anger fueling me, motivating me. I owed the child a home. Then I can leave. The rest of the house is a breeze and I almost finish it before sunset.
I lay down and try to fall asleep. I toss and turn for hours. I rise, my anger still burning, like the coals of a fire that will not die. Maybe a walk will calm me. Another 20 minutes wasted on walking. I stare through her window. I decide to have this out, once and for all. I pick the locks, so easy a child can do it. I sneak into Josephine's room. She is curled up on her left side. I don't know if she is asleep.
I move closer. She moans out loud. the sound bounces off the walls. She whimpers and breathes heavily. Should I leave or... "OOOOOH yes Zev." She moans loud again. My cock immediantly resonds. It hardens in my breeches. It throbs for a long awaited release.
I finally take notice to her right hand. It lays between her thighs. Movements suggest she is pleasuring herself. She must be awake, right? Oh God. I can't hold on anymore!
I remove my clothing and crawl into bed behind her. I pull the blanket over myself joinging her. She is only wearing the night gown from the other night. Now it is hiked up her legs showing her ass. I bite my lip and caress her sweet flesh. She responds by pushing back into my hand. I kiss her shoulder, more whimpers. I grow bold still. My hand travels down to hers and pushes hers aside. I resume playing with her moist slit. My cock rubs against her ass. Even this amount of pleasure is enough to undo me. But no, I must have her!
I remove my hand from her center and she whines. "PLease Zev." She pleads. I tilt her hips back more. I need her angled perfectly. I toy with her from behind. I press the tip of my manhood against her slit. She pushes back, trying to engulf me. But I stop her. I slap her bottom. She moans my name. I position myself at her entrance. I pull her face towards mine. Our lips meets and she opens her mouth. She flicks her tongue forward inviting me in. I hungerly accept.
Josephine bites down on my lip. I plunge into her. She screams but only for a moment. I capture her mouth and swallow her scream. As I thrust into her she rocks her hips in time. I cry from the familiar exquisite pleasure. I pound harder unable to control myself. We moan loudly not caring if the whole village knows. She begins to contract around me. Her climax building with mine close behind. She rocks faster, I thrust harder. I grip her hip and release her mouth. I want to hear her scream my name. I bite into her shoulder as her climax hits her. I ride it as my own hits me. "ZEEEEEEEEEEV." "Arrrrrrrrrrrrr." I spill my seed. I feel it fill her entirely and seep out around me.
I withdraw and roll onto my back. I pull her across my chest. I pull her hair to one side and kiss her forehead. light shines in my eye. I look and see something. It pulls at my heart. All my love for Josephine can no longer be pushed down. Her hair has been down the entire time I have been here. And what is hidng under her hair? The earring I proposed to her with in her left ear! My heart swells with joy, my mind fills with confusion. As my eyes close I faintly hear, "I love you Zev."
Sorry this chapter is long. I hope you loved reading it. What will be Zevran's next move?
