The True Alpha: The EJ Black Chronicles
Chapter 35: Venezia Act Three
Leah's POV
I press my lips to EJ's, feeling the love he has for me fill my entire being. I realize in that moment that I do love him—more than the morning sun. I have been denying it ever since he told me about his betrayal. I let my selfishness control my every thought, and I should have been more sensitive to his needs.
He suddenly pulls away from my lips, pressing his forehead to mine.
"Leah, I know it's not easy to be with me, but you know I wouldn't let anything happen to you and the baby. You must believe me."
I know EJ is right; he wouldn't let anything happen to his family. He has proven that to me time and time again. The danger we experienced in the past was all at the hand of others and not his own.
"I'm sorry I questioned your love, your commitment to me, EJ." I tell him, looking up through my lashes. "I should have never said your imprint on me was void now."
"Even if I didn't imprint on you, we would have found each other eventually." EJ beams at me, and he has never looked happier.
"You think so?" I ask him, placing another soft kiss on his lips.
"Yes. I was made for you, and you were made for me." He positions his right hand atop my belly. "Just as I was meant to be the Alpha, we were meant to be together and have our daughter."
"Do you really believe that?" I rest my right hand atop his at my waist.
"With all that I am." EJ bends down, cupping my face with his palms, and crushes his velvety lips to mine once again. He deepens the kiss, and I part my lips to allow his tongue entrance, willingly drowning in our passion for each other.
As I enjoy our kiss as reunited lovers, for the first time in several days, I believe it with all my heart as well.
EJ's POV
Through the dimmed, deserted Venetian streets, we walk together in silence. The faint sounds of our shoes gliding across the stone path provide the background music for our return to the Hotel Metropole.
I peer over at my Leah, my black jacket draped about her shoulders, the light from the moon above illuminating her face. It appears as if she is glowing, and my heart instantly leaps in my chest.
How could I ever deserve this radiant woman? I'm just so thankful that she has decided to stay with me and give our love a second chance. I could not ask for more.
"Thought of any names for the baby yet?" I break the stillness of the night, watching the wind lightly toss her hair in its breeze.
"Yes." Leah smiles, her face becoming even more beautiful. "Tessa . . . it was my grandmother's name on my mother's side."
"Tessa, huh?" I look off at the canal to our right, pondering the notion of becoming a father. I shut my eyes and dream of the moment I will meet my daughter and hold her in my arms. It will be the most life-altering moment of my existence.
"You don't like it?" Leah stops suddenly when I don't answer, glancing up at me in wonder, her expression curious.
"No, I think it is perfect." I wholeheartedly confess, and that gorgeous smile returns to her face.
"Good, I'm glad." She begins to pace again, her eyes lost in happiness. "It means 'to reap what you harvest.' "
"Well, she was the result of that night we placed our trust in one another, our complete surrender." I tell her, and Leah nods her head in agreement. "She is the harvest of our love."
"That was beautifully said, EJ." Leah shyly remarks, still looking straight ahead at the path before us. "Tessa Clearwater . . . yes, I think that will suit her well."
"Clearwater?" I halt my footsteps, frowning, and my heart breaks with disappointment at her words.
"Oh, no, EJ." She places her hand on my cheek. "I meant that to be her middle name in honor of my mom and dad."
I look up at her, my crooked grin reappearing. "So, you mean . . ."
"Of course, I want her last name to be Black, EJ." Her lips press gently to my left cheek. "Tessa Clearwater Black. I wouldn't have it any other way."
I sigh, reveling in the sensation of her kiss as it surges throughout my entire body.
"Thank you, Leah." I place my palm over hers on my cheek and intertwine my fingers with hers.
Squeezing my hand lightly, Leah brings her palm down, and we begin to walk again along the stone passageways to our hotel, hand in hand.
I can't help but feel overwhelming happiness that her hand is in mine. I have never felt closer to her since the moment I imprinted on her. I feel like running through the streets, shouting and proclaiming my love for her for all the world to hear. But that would mean I would have to part from her, and I couldn't bear the thought at the moment.
When we reach our hotel, we take the steps one at a time up to our room, shyly stealing glances of the other as we go.
"How about a warm bath?" I ask her as we arrive outside our suite, sliding the keycard into the slot to unlock the door.
Leah sighs and closes her eyes. "Yes, that would be great. I'm exhausted."
"Let me carry you then." I offer, taking the jacket from around her shoulders.
"It's only about twenty feet to the bed. I think I can manage." Leah answers, chuckling to herself and rolling her eyes. For a second there, I think I hear her mumble something that resembles "wolves."
I open the door for her to enter, and I watch her beautiful form glide across the beige carpet to the bed. She collapses down upon it, lying back against the silken sheets.
My breath catches in my throat, and I force myself to blink. I can't help but to feel the urge to lie down next to her, to fully consummate our reunion.
"How 'bout you relax and I'll get the bath started for you?" I bite my tongue when I'm finished speaking to keep myself from conveying my true desires at the moment.
"Sure, EJ. Thanks." Leah rises up on her side, using her elbow to prop up her head. Her free hand circles around her beautiful baby bump, and she smiles at me. She looks absolutely breathtaking.
"Ok, be right back." I stammer through my words, prying my eyes away from her and sauntering into the bathroom. My heart begins to ache the second I leave her.
I hurriedly turn on the tap in the antique, porcelain bathtub, allowing the warm water to run through my fingers. Using the hotel's complementary bubble bath, I pour several drops of the lilac-colored liquid under the streaming water. The scent instantly floods my senses, and it smells exactly like my beautiful imprint--luscious lavender. I could easy douse myself in her scent for all of eternity.
After several minutes, the bathwater is ready for her. I make sure that her bathrobe is positioned beside the tub along with her shampoo and other toiletries she will need before heading out into the suite once again.
"All ready, Leah." I pop my head out from the bathroom, only to see her standing on the terrace, the moonlight reflecting off her brown tresses.
"Leah?" I cautiously join her on the balcony, pulling her into my arms from behind and resting my head on her shoulder. "Your bath awaits."
"EJ . . ." My name from her lips makes my heart skip a beat, but it seems as if she is troubled by something.
"I'm here." I pull her closer, tightening my grip above her belly.
She is silent for a few seconds, and I whisper in her ear, kissing her softly on the supple skin of her neck.
"What's wrong, my love?"
"Nothing." She leans back into me, pressing her body against mine. "Nothing is wrong . . . I'm just so . . . happy here with you. I can't describe it."
"I know what you mean." I smile against the flesh of her neck. I can hear the blood pumping rapidly through her veins, yet I don't feel any need to drain her of her life force. Maybe, my desires for the sustenance it provides has finally dispelled itself. Maybe my love for her has conquered them all.
"Emily and your mom always told me how wonderful it felt. I just never believed them until now." Leah turns around, looking straight into my emerald-green eyes.
"My dad told me the same. It's exhilarating." I take her hands into my palms, feeling the love we share for each other stream steadily from her body to mine and back again.
"Yes, it is . . ." She draws back a breath and then purposely averts her brown eyes from mine. "I think I'm ready for my bath now."
Unexpectedly, my cell phone begins to vibrate in the pocket of my black trousers. I retrieve it and glance at the screen.
"It's Alice." I sigh, motioning for Leah to head back into the suite. "You go ahead. I'll be here if you need anything."
"Tell Alice I said 'hi.' " Leah smiles as she takes several steps toward the bathroom. "But I'm sure she already knows."
I laugh, watching her disappear behind the bathroom door, and press the phone to my ear.
"Hey, Alice. How's Volterra?" I overzealously speak into the phone, not bothering to hide my joy, and turn to face the outside.
"Nevermind that, EJ. Everything's fine here." Alice's musical voice resounds, and then I am greeted with a long pause.
"Alice?" I break the silence, wondering if we've lost our connection.
"She's forgiven you, you know." Alice responds, and I detect an absolute joy in her tone.
"Really?" I can hardly contain my excitement at Alice's words.
"Yes." Alice assuredly replies, and my heart sings as the realization sinks in. "I only have a few minutes, EJ, but I wanted to tell you that everything is a-go for tomorrow night."
"Fantastic! Alice, you are wonderful. Thank you so much." I giddily respond, pumping my fist into the air in utter elation.
"Well, you didn't call me your favorite aunt once for nothing." She sarcastically remarks, and then she is serious. "Now, just make sure you're there at seven sharp, EJ. We don't want to keep our guests waiting."
"You know I will be." I roll my eyes, knowing all too well that she can already see what will transpire the following evening.
"Yes, but I know how men are when it comes to these things." Alice says, clearing her throat. "I don't want you changing your mind at the last minute."
"No way. I wouldn't miss it for the world." I lower my voice to a whisper. "Hey, any hint as to how it will turn out?"
"No spoilers, EJ. For once, I'm keeping my mouth shut." She sighs. "Anywho, I have to go. Oh, and tell Leah that I think Tessa is a beautiful name for your daughter."
And just as quickly as our conversation started, the line goes dead.
"Hey, there." I'm startled by a voice behind me. But I immediately register the voice and the all-encompassing scent of lavender fills my nose.
"Hey." I spin around, shutting my phone, and grip it tightly in my palm. "That was quick."
Leah appears before me in nothing but her pink, silk robe, her long, brown tresses flowing down her shoulders in wet tendrils. She leans against the doorway to the terrace, her arms folded across her chest. As always, the very sight of her takes my breath away.
"So, how's Alice?" Leah asks as if she is trying to avoid my earlier observation.
"She's Alice." I chuckle, moving closer to her. "She loves the name Tessa by the way."
"Does she?" Leah smirks. "Well, I'm sure she's already busy making a nursery for us back in the bloodsuckers' palace."
"That's not even the half . . ." I begin, but Leah presses her fingers to my lips to silence me.
"Shhh, EJ . . ." Leah steps back into the hotel room, and feeling the pull to her, I follow and toss my phone onto the loveseat just inside the door. She has me mesmerized, and my eyes never leave hers.
"I couldn't stand one minute in that bathtub without you . . ." Leah resumes, tugging at the strings of her robe about her waist. "It nearly drove me insane."
The strings give way, and she leans back, letting the silk robe slide off her shoulders. Her iridescent, naked skin is exposed to me. I gasp, cupping my hand over my mouth at the sight of her, and feel the need for her gradually growing between my legs.
Sexily, Leah struts across the carpeted floor toward me, her eyes full of passion and desire.
"Tonight, EJ . . ." She assertively begins, removing my tie from around my neck and unbuttoning my white dress shirt. "Let's start over . . . let's make a new beginning."
Leah pulls back my shirt and proceeds to place feather-like kisses down my chest. Each kiss sends pulses straight to my heart and not to mention my manhood, completely overtaking all my sane thoughts. I gulp and pinch my face together as I feel myself harden against the fabric of my pants.
"A new beginning . . ." I force myself to speak as her lips reach my waist, balling my hands into fists. "I like that idea."
"I thought you might." Her fingers play with the zipper of my pants, teasing me.
"Are you sure this is what you want, Leah?" I whisper, thrusting myself back into reason. I pull her back to a standing position and look into her eyes. "Are you sure you're ready for this?"
"Yes." Leah hungrily looks up at me, smirking a sexy grin. "Make love to me, EJ."
Heftily lifting her nude body into my arms, I crush my lips hers and lay her down on the edge of the bed, mindful of her round belly. I hurriedly remove my clothes and sweetly place a kiss on her waist as I position myself on top of her.
I pause above her, gazing into her chocolate-brown eyes.
"Alice said you forgave me."
"Did she now?" Leah runs her hands down the length of my chest and then traces my abs one by one. I release a slight moan as jolts of electricity shoot through my being at her very touch.
"Mmhmm." I murmur, leaning down to taste the sweet nectar of her breasts. I take her left nipple into my mouth, circling my tongue about it several times.
"Oh, God, EJ." Her breathing becomes more uneven as I continue to relish in her sweetness. Her hands wrap around the base of my neck, guiding me. "Yes, right there, oh, yes."
"So, you've forgiven me?" I slowly kiss up her chest to her neck, reveling in all that is her.
"Yes." She gasps, arching her back slightly.
"When did you forgive me . . ." My voice trails off as I suckle her neck just under her earlobe. I then shift my body to the right, placing my left hand between her legs.
"Mmm?" She moans and invitingly parts her legs. I slip my middle finger obligingly inside her wet core, and her hips rise to meet me.
"When did you forgive me, Leah?" I begin to pump my finger at a steady pace, running my free hand down the smooth skin of her torso. I savor every curve, every line of her body, memorizing it with my fingertips.
Then, Leah opens her eyes, nothing but pure love emanating from her.
"When I saw the sparkle in your eye as you asked about our daughter . . ."
Her words melt me completely, and I am at an all-surrender.
I forcibly press my lips to hers, consuming myself entirely within her. She has made me the happiest and luckiest man on Earth, and I gladly give her all that I am.
Pulling my finger out of her, I position myself between her legs. Thrusting gently, I sheathe myself fully within her, and our bodies once again become one flesh, one whole being.
Leah releases a groan of pleasure as I begin to pull in and out of her, moving at a slowed rhythm to enjoy every second of our time together. Sheer completeness rushes through my body as I make love to my imprint, and the world begins to disappear around me. All that remains is the undying love that now exists between us. Our past is long forgotten.
"How could I ever deny this, EJ?" She begins to match my movements, quivering beneath me. "You feel so . . . amazing . . ."
"God, you do too, Leah." The sensation of her warmth around me is driving me completely insane. I pick up the pace and drink of her lips once again.
Then, for some unknown reason, I pause and glance at the mirror positioned just above the headboard of the bed. The glorious vision of our bodies entwined comes into view.
"Look, Leah."
Leah looks up at the mirror and then back to me. Her left eyebrow arches in response.
"That's how it's supposed to be, Leah—you and me like this."
"Always." She whispers before devouring my mouth with hers.
God, I don't deserve this woman, but she makes me feel so incredible. I delight in her words as I continue to drive myself into her, feeling my release slowly building.
"I'm not going to last much longer." I tell her and return my lips to hers. Then, I force myself to breathe. "Tell me you love me, Leah."
"I love you, EJ. Oh, God, yes, I love you!" Leah screams at the top of her lungs as her walls begin to spasm all around me. As her orgasm surges throughout her body, she presses against me with all her might, allowing me to fill her completely. Her eyes languidly roll to the back of her head. "Yes! Yes! YES!"
Her explosive constrictions around me trigger my own, and I release myself into her along with my love, my life, my soul. Breathless, I collapse beside her and pull her into my arms.
I clutch her close, savoring in the afterglow of our lovemaking, and she fastens her arms about my shoulders and rests her head on my chest.
The world could stop spinning on its axis and plummet into nothingness, and I wouldn't even notice. My imprint has forgiven me and allowed me to make love to her again—for the first time. She has placed all her trust and faith in me completely, and I am finally the man I once thought I could become.
"Thank you, Leah." I kiss her forehead, remnants of her sweat transferring to my lips. "For forgiving me."
"No, EJ." She rises up, sprawling herself on top of me and straddling my hips. "Thank you for imprinting on me. I've finally made it home, and this is where I'm meant to be."
A single tear of joy idly runs down my left cheek, and Leah bends down, gliding her tongue along its path to whisk it away before filling herself with me once again.
We make love several more times that night, each successive time with more passion, more ardor than the previous one. We surrender completely to each other that night, no more holding back.
And tomorrow begins the rest of our forever . . .
Attn: I hope you liked this chapter. I just thought, what the heck? Couldn't hurt, right? LMAO Please review! Thanks.