Sorry for the delay, but my muse has been giving me some problems. Also, The Collection should hopefully coming in the next week or two. Reminder you can join the shenanigans at Agoodwitch Writes over on facebook, and if you'd like to receive the first few chapters of my Mobward, Man of Omerta, you can donate to Babies at the Border. Link is in my profile on ffn, or you can search facebook for Babies at the Border for all the information and to see who else is donating stories.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 13

"The ceremony isn't public?" Bella asked.

"No, the head of the family performs ceremony and then it is consummated. Births are only a concern if they are an heir, but their parentage is easily revealed. That is why the next council meeting will likely be for a birth."

We walked into the living room and found my parents waiting. "Are you ready?"

"Yes, Father," I said.

My father approached us and I positioned Bella facing me. My father brought our foreheads to meet as our fingers laced together. He stood beside us as he began to speak.

"Mating is one of the most basic needs in our world, yet finding your other half is only the beginning. You must learn from them, nurture and protect them. Your mate's life is more important than your own, because to live without them is a half life, a cursed life. Do you swear to hold your mate above all others?"

"I do," I whispered an instant before Bella.

"Do you swear that any children that come of this union will be loved as a part of your mate?"

"I do," we said in unison.

"Do you swear to live by the laws of our people, to rule for their benefit, and preserve our way of life?"

"I do," we answered.

"You are now mated, go and consummate this union."

Scooping Bella into my arms, I didn't need any more encouragement. She giggled as we made our way up the stairs to the top of the highest tower.

My body vibrated with the need to join with her, and I could tell she felt the same. I kicked off my shoes and she followed my lead. I pulled my shirt over my head as she slowly tugged the toggle down the back of her dress. I smiled and went to the fly of my jeans, popping the buttons as she shrugged the dress off. The fabric pooled around her feet as my pants fell to the floor as well.

Bella stood there in only a lacy pair of panties in dark blue, the color contrasting against her creamy pale skin. My boxer briefs clung to my erection, the desire to shred the last of the fabric between us strong.

Bella made the first move, strutting over to me and kissing the center of my chest before she dropped to her knees and carefully removed the offending garment. When her eyes remained on my cock as she leaned in, I reached down to stop her.

She looked up confused and slightly hurt, but I shook my head. "You kneel before no one, not even me."

She stood and my fingers found the sides of her underwear, my fingers slipping under the top of her leg holes and pulled up, tearing the fabric and removing it from her body.

"You are stunning, My Queen."

My lips crashed onto hers and I lifted her so she straddled my waist, mere inches from where I needed her most. I walked us back to the bed and climbed onto it, lowering her to the mattress.

"Don't make me wait any longer, please," Bella begged and I obeyed.

I lined myself up to her entrance and sank into her.

There weren't words profound enough for how it felt to be buried inside Bella. I took a moment to adjust to the sensations that were so intense and varied. I felt the connection to her in every fiber of my being.

Bella's lips on my throat drew me from my thoughts and I moved slow, cataloging every new revelation.

My teeth grazed her left shoulder and up to the crook of her neck and back, dancing over her skin. I tasted the skin there, which set her on fire, and caused her to clench around me. I abandoned the spot and kissed her lips as my thrusts grew faster and harder, chasing the ecstasy that I'd only ever heard within my head from unshielded minds.

Bella rose to meet me, her mewls and cries music to my ears as I grunted and groaned over her.

I felt the flutter around me a second before she clenched, gripping me and sending me over the edge of my own orgasm. I thrust wildly, filling her as my lips swallowed her silent scream. She was glorious, and now she was mine in every way.

I stilled inside her, my body heavy on top of her, but she didn't let me adjust to take my weight off of her.

"Stay like this for another minute or two, I'm not ready for this to be over yet," she whispered.

So I stayed where I was happy to make this moment last.