{Title} Dangerous Devotion
{Author} Sweet Charisma
{Chapter} 1. In Your Arms
{Story Summary} Stanton is losing his memory and nobody has any idea why. Eventually he forgets all (save a couple of things), including belonging to the Atrox. Serena and the others struggle to keep him from the Atrox's grasp. Spoilerish.
{Notes} This chapter hints sensual content. Nothing too heavy, just sweetly sensual.
R & R please. =) This story will be updated frequently. More so if I get 5 reviews a chapter.
Takes place after Jimena's turning.
A little birdy whispered this idea into my head. ;; Have fun.
I think I speak for a lot of authors when I say mean and disrespectful flames aren't nice but other reviews are.
I love my readers and I am very open to suggestions and such, so feel free. =)
- - - - - - -
Serena awoke with a start, her arms sprawled above her head, her dark hair cascading around her pillow. She clasped her hands together and pulled into a stretch. The sun was shining and it seemed a very beautiful morning. She was home alone for the next two weeks. Yesterday marked the last day of school and Collin had surprised Jimena with a cruise. A sigh of admiration had escaped her lips before she remembered Stanton's promise. He would be over frequently to keep her company.
The thought reminded her of the reality of the whole situation. Stanton arranged to meet her for a homemade breakfast, the sweetheart he was. She would have to get dressed and presentable before Stanton came over. He'd insisted she didn't have to rush to do so and that he'd wait, but she wanted to look her best for her man.
Serena swung her legs over the side of her bed and sat up. She sighed in bliss. A cruise would be nice but she couldn't be happier just being alone with the man she loved with all of her heart.
Rising from her bed, Serena made her way out of her room and into the bathroom. She slipped off her pajamas and stepped into the shower. The water ran soothingly over her as she tilted her head up and savored the warmth. The stress of school was finally out for the summer and she finally had more time for normal teenage as well as goddess things.
She clicked her tongue ring against her teeth out of habit. She couldn't wait for Stanton to show up. Even something as simple as sharing a breakfast with him sent chills down her spine.
Moments later, Serena emerged from the bathroom in a towel with her hair blow-dried into curls held back by a glittering white headband and inattentive smile on her face. She stepped into her walk-in closet and skimmed the outfits. She felt satisfied with a white polo sundress and a pair of ankle boots. Grabbing the dress and kicking the boots out of the closet, she threw it all on her bed. Once she finished putting those on, she grabbed her chain belt from her drawer and wrapped it around her waist. She slipped on the ankle boots and stared into her body length mirror.
Serena curtly nodded and strode out the door and down the stairs. She reached the kitchen and her attention was caught by her raccoon scurrying at her feet. The goddess smiled at her pet. The raccoon stood on his hind legs and looked up to her, begging to be picked up. A laugh escaped her lips and she gathered him into her arms.
"Good morning, Wally. Sleep well?" she asked. Wally started sniffing her chin. Serena shook her head. "I'll take that as a yes."
Serena's eyes remained bright as she opened her fridge and gathered some fruits and veggies for her much loved animal. She set a small bowl on the table with Wally and he began to eat happily.
Then, Serena walked over to the counter and grabbed pancake mix from the cabinet. With the proper ingredients, she started to work on making them. Stanton should be there at any moment.
Just as she dropped a couple of chocolate chips into the batter, she felt her hair move with a draft. A smile immediately caught her features and she paused. Stanton was definitely in the room because she didn't leave the door or window open. She guarded her thoughts heavily to see what he would do and how long it would take him to show himself. She lowered the stove to medium heat and poured some chocolate chip-filled batter onto the pan in front of her. Perhaps this would buy her time with him devoid of having to look at the stove every two seconds.
Two strong arms slowly slid around her waist from behind her. She lifted her arms, allowing them to wrap fully around her. She slipped her eyes shut and trustingly leaned back. Her Stanton would never let her fall.
Meeting her suspicion, she fell into the chest that was unmistakably Stanton's. The muscle structure, the stability, and the warm feeling it gave her could belong to no other.
Her eyes staying shut, she leaned further into him. Her hands traveled up his toned forearms.
Stanton's warm, soft lips pressed against her neck. "Hey, baby…" he whispered affectionately, his lips lingering there.
Serena's hand traveled up to rest on his neck, her hands fingering his skin lightly. "Hey." she replied, her breathing slowing. His greetings were always so meaningful and they always made her feel special.
A sigh of harmony left her as he took the hand that covered his neck and squeezed it fondly. She didn't have to see his face or hear his voice to know who he was. She loved him and could pick him out from anywhere.
He grabbed her other hand and spun her around slowly to meet her gaze. His striking eyes gazed at her as lovingly as she was gazing at him. Slowly, he reached his hand up to touch her cheek. Serena leaned into the touch and tilted her head up as his fingers traveled across her chin. Her eyes absently slipped shut again and he drew her face near his. He pressed his lips to hers in a lush kiss. Excitement rushed through her body at his very touch.
Withdrawing, reluctantly, they both stared into each others eyes. Serena was nearly tearing with happiness. How could her enemy make her feel this way? But, that made it all the more pure. The fact that he loved her and showed her so strongly through his actions was incredible. This, her enemy, loving her so tenderly. It was perfect and she was no doubt lucky.
Stanton's lips formed a smile as his thumb wiped a tear from her cheek. He turned her back around to face the stove as leisurely and tenderly as he'd turned her to face him.
"Chocolate chip pancakes." he noted with a hearted laugh. He slipped his arms back around her and rested his head lightly on her shoulder. "Any reason?"
Serena picked up the spatula, trying to regain her composure. A smile seemed as if it were permanently planted on her lips. "I was craving them and I know you'd like them." she explained with an ease in her voice.
She felt Stanton nod curtly into her shoulder. She laughed at the sudden tickle she felt by the movement. Stanton's throat vibrated with laugher against her skin and he picked his head up. "Are you ticklish?" He stepped to the side of her, allowing her to see him. He wore a black shirt and a pair of dark blue jeans held up by a belt. Needless to say the black shirt clung to his muscles very nicely and it was much to Serena's liking.
She turned to him, a deviously playful glint in her eye. "Very," she began, standing on her tiptoes. She let her lips linger close to his and finished her sentence. "-ticklish."
He closed the distance between them by pressing his lips to hers hungrily. He grabbed both of her hands and dipped her, arm supporting her back. He leaned in to meet her new height.
Serena giggled as he held her and placed both of her hands on his chest. She moved them around absently as she looked up into his eyes. "Stanton, the pancakes."
Stanton frowned. Serena simply tilted her head up in pride, pleased with the teasing that just took place. A groan escaped his lips as he eased her up to her feet once more.
"Happy?" he asked with an warm kind of sarcasm.
Serena nodded. "Very."
The goddess shoveled the current pancake onto an empty plate and started on the next one. Stanton etched closer and watched her attentively. She looked at him out of the corner of her eye just before she poured the next round of batter into the pan. "What, you want to give it a shot?" she asked, offering him the bowl filled with batter. She watched as he accepted her challenge and took that and a wooden spoon.
It took two spoonfuls to do what he wanted to do. It was a pancake heart and amazingly it came out perfect--until it started blotching around the edges. He laughed. "Well, it was good while it lasted." he said, shaking his head in defeat.
Serena looked up at him. "You're amazing, you know that?"
Stanton nodded briskly and leaned in to kiss her. She gave him a lop-sided smile at his self-satisfaction. Just before he met her lips in another kiss, he whispered "You are more".
Suddenly then, Serena saw Stanton wince. He brought his hand slowly up to his forehead. Serena withdrew, never meeting a kiss. "Stanton?" she asked, worry very present in her voice. "Do you have a headache?"
Stanton shook his head, yet it wasn't to say no. It was to try to snap himself back into normality. Serena lay a hand gently on his bicep. "Actually, I do." he admitted. It seemed like it took him a while to process her voice. "Sorry, Serena. I didn't have this a moment ago."
Serena shook her head and turned to flip the pancake just in time before it burned. She immediately looked back to him. "Would you like something to treat that?"
Stanton shook his head to her question. "Maybe it's just my powers acting up." He shrugged it off.
But, Serena wouldn't take this as a justification. "Why don't you go lay down on the couch and I'll finish this up and bring this to you?" she suggested with an expression that told him she wasn't letting him stay here in pain.
Stanton opened his mouth to protest but quickly shut it. He decided against keeping this to himself and opened his mouth to speak again. "I'm going to ruin your morning-"
"You can never ruin my morning." she insisted as she felt truthfully. Already she could see a smile escaping his lips.
"But-"
"Go." she demanded cutting him off.
He smiled kissed her lightly on the cheek. He opened his mouth to speak but she already knew by his expression what was about to come from his lips.
"If you thank me Stanton, I swear-"
"Okay. I'm going." he muttered and stubbornly walked into the living room.
She watched him walk out. She shouldn't be so concerned about him, but Stanton never got sick or a headache. Plus, it was an excuse to treat him like the king she felt he was.
Serena turned to Wally who perked up from still eating his breakfast. "Why are men so stubborn with pride?" she asked the raccoon, placing her hands on her hips. Wally simply jumped from the table and scurried into the living room after Stanton. Serena chuckled and turned back to the pancake project with a huff of breath and the roll of her eyes. She made a couple more pancakes and put them onto a plate. She grabbed a few strawberries from the fridge
She straightened up the kitchen and left the dirty dishes for later. Moments later, she carried the plate and a glass of milk into the living room to find Stanton absently petting the attention-craving raccoon on his stomach. One of his arms was spread across his forehead and his eyes were slipped shut in rest.
Serena's lips merely threatened a smile. He really was in pain. She couldn't be happy. The sight of him was breathtakingly beautiful but she just couldn't smile with him in pain. A sob caught itself in her throat. Why was this so emotional for her? It was just a headache…people got headaches and recovered from them.
She walked over to the couch, regaining her posture to as straight as she could possible make it. This wasn't just anybody, this was Stanton. Surely he could tough it. He was very potent in what he did.
Serena shook her head to Wally, silently ordering him out of the room. He obeyed thankfully.
When Serena reached Stanton's side, his eyes slipped open knowingly. Those beautiful, deep eyes she loved so much. He smiled a handsome smile that always made Serena melt no matter how many times she saw it. She parted her lips to speak when he beat her to it.
"You are so beautiful." he said in a voice mixed with awe and admiration, his head shaking with disbelief. His eyes skimmed her with a serious passion.
Serena bit her bottom lip, both trembling with tears of happiness about to overcome her. She threw her arms around him and he wrapped his arms around her, hugging her close. She just couldn't believe it. It didn't take a cruise. It didn't take long-stemmed roses with a heart full of chocolate to make her happy. It took one simple moment. Four simple words. Finally she sobbed quietly withdrawing and looking into his eyes once more. His were filled with the same solemnity as hers. "I love you, I love you so much!" she repeated, his lips meeting hers. He pulled her close to him again until she was on top of him and they kissed, her tongue slipping passionately to meet his.
His hands circled her back and she fell in between his side and the back of the couch. She parted from the kiss and nuzzled into his chest lovingly, her hand straying up onto his shoulder. She looked up at him with a glisten in her eyes.
He smiled, tucking a strand of loose hair behind he ear. "Hungry?" he asked. Serena nodded. He reached over and brought the plate to his stomach. He sat up slightly bringing her with him as he moved.
Serena grabbed the fork and looked up at him. She returned her attention briefly back to the plate and brought it to his lips. He opened and bit.
She awaited his reaction intently, having slaved over a hot stove for hours. --well. Not really. But it would still be wonderful if he loved her cooking.
Stanton's eyes dilated slightly in surprise. "This is really good." he said matter-of-factly.
Serena giggled. "I'm glad you like it." she said happily as she scooped up another forkful and brought it to his lips. He obliged and took it into his mouth.
"Love it." he corrected.
Serena watched as Stanton's hand trailed to the plate. He slithered off the couch, swiftly falling onto the carpet. Serena rolled onto her side and looked at the plate in her love's hand. He set it down gently on the coffee table and grabbed a strawberry. He held it above her head. Catching what he was going to do, Serena slipped her eyes shut opened her mouth. He lowered the fruit to her lips by the stem as she bit the bottom. The sweet juice flowed into her mouth. Combining with the scent of him, it drove her crazy.
Serena opened her eyes and boosted herself up onto her elbows. She leaned in and kissed him lightly on the lips, nibbling on the bottom of his lip lightly. A light moan of pleasure escaped Stanton and, satisfied, Serena knew she had to stop. Going 'all the way' just was something she too tempted to do and wasn't quite ready for at the moment. Though she loved Stanton, and he knew and respected her wishes, she parted from the kiss and Stanton's eyes slipped open. She touched his cheek gently and this time it was him leaning into the feeling. Slowly, she withdrew her hand.
But then, his eyes became solid. His expression seemed emotionless. It looked like something hit his mind because he cursed under his breath and held his head. Serena's features became concerned. What was happening to him? Did the Atrox find out about their relationship and threaten to punish him? She sat up and placed both of his arms on Stanton's shoulders.
"Serena. This…doesn't…feel right." He shook his head
"Shhh…" she whispered, hugging him to her chest as he cried out silently in pain. His eyes were gripped so tightly shut. So little hurt him, yet he was in agony? This definitely wasn't the typical headache. "I know…" she whispered into his hair.
Serena was trying to keep her composure. She stood, bringing him with her. She turned him around and he fell back onto the couch.
After propping his head up on the pillow, she stood to retrieve a straw from the kitchen. Seconds later, she came back and dropped it into the glass of milk. She held it to his lips and he gratefully sipped.
"Tha-nk you, Serena…" he managed to choke out through his teeth as she set the glass back down on the coffee table.
Serena tangled her fingers in his hair and brushed them against his forehead soothingly. "Shhh…" she repeated. "Don't talk…just rest, okay?"
She could tell he did so reluctantly by the look in his eyes, but Stanton relaxed against the pillow and slipped his eyes shut. She ran the back of her fingers against his cheek and lay her head next to his.
His breathing was speeding. He wasn't slipping into slumber any time soon though she could tell he was trying. That was how much pain he was in.
Stanton tried to pick his hand up to touch her face, but Serena caught it and laced their fingers together. She squeezed affectionately, biting her lip in worry. But, this time she didn't feel like she was about to cry. It was pure apprehension. What was causing him this pain? She didn't know, but until they found out he wasn't leaving her sight. She was going to look after him and see that he was all right.
{Author} Sweet Charisma
{Chapter} 1. In Your Arms
{Story Summary} Stanton is losing his memory and nobody has any idea why. Eventually he forgets all (save a couple of things), including belonging to the Atrox. Serena and the others struggle to keep him from the Atrox's grasp. Spoilerish.
{Notes} This chapter hints sensual content. Nothing too heavy, just sweetly sensual.
R & R please. =) This story will be updated frequently. More so if I get 5 reviews a chapter.
Takes place after Jimena's turning.
A little birdy whispered this idea into my head. ;; Have fun.
I think I speak for a lot of authors when I say mean and disrespectful flames aren't nice but other reviews are.
I love my readers and I am very open to suggestions and such, so feel free. =)
- - - - - - -
Serena awoke with a start, her arms sprawled above her head, her dark hair cascading around her pillow. She clasped her hands together and pulled into a stretch. The sun was shining and it seemed a very beautiful morning. She was home alone for the next two weeks. Yesterday marked the last day of school and Collin had surprised Jimena with a cruise. A sigh of admiration had escaped her lips before she remembered Stanton's promise. He would be over frequently to keep her company.
The thought reminded her of the reality of the whole situation. Stanton arranged to meet her for a homemade breakfast, the sweetheart he was. She would have to get dressed and presentable before Stanton came over. He'd insisted she didn't have to rush to do so and that he'd wait, but she wanted to look her best for her man.
Serena swung her legs over the side of her bed and sat up. She sighed in bliss. A cruise would be nice but she couldn't be happier just being alone with the man she loved with all of her heart.
Rising from her bed, Serena made her way out of her room and into the bathroom. She slipped off her pajamas and stepped into the shower. The water ran soothingly over her as she tilted her head up and savored the warmth. The stress of school was finally out for the summer and she finally had more time for normal teenage as well as goddess things.
She clicked her tongue ring against her teeth out of habit. She couldn't wait for Stanton to show up. Even something as simple as sharing a breakfast with him sent chills down her spine.
Moments later, Serena emerged from the bathroom in a towel with her hair blow-dried into curls held back by a glittering white headband and inattentive smile on her face. She stepped into her walk-in closet and skimmed the outfits. She felt satisfied with a white polo sundress and a pair of ankle boots. Grabbing the dress and kicking the boots out of the closet, she threw it all on her bed. Once she finished putting those on, she grabbed her chain belt from her drawer and wrapped it around her waist. She slipped on the ankle boots and stared into her body length mirror.
Serena curtly nodded and strode out the door and down the stairs. She reached the kitchen and her attention was caught by her raccoon scurrying at her feet. The goddess smiled at her pet. The raccoon stood on his hind legs and looked up to her, begging to be picked up. A laugh escaped her lips and she gathered him into her arms.
"Good morning, Wally. Sleep well?" she asked. Wally started sniffing her chin. Serena shook her head. "I'll take that as a yes."
Serena's eyes remained bright as she opened her fridge and gathered some fruits and veggies for her much loved animal. She set a small bowl on the table with Wally and he began to eat happily.
Then, Serena walked over to the counter and grabbed pancake mix from the cabinet. With the proper ingredients, she started to work on making them. Stanton should be there at any moment.
Just as she dropped a couple of chocolate chips into the batter, she felt her hair move with a draft. A smile immediately caught her features and she paused. Stanton was definitely in the room because she didn't leave the door or window open. She guarded her thoughts heavily to see what he would do and how long it would take him to show himself. She lowered the stove to medium heat and poured some chocolate chip-filled batter onto the pan in front of her. Perhaps this would buy her time with him devoid of having to look at the stove every two seconds.
Two strong arms slowly slid around her waist from behind her. She lifted her arms, allowing them to wrap fully around her. She slipped her eyes shut and trustingly leaned back. Her Stanton would never let her fall.
Meeting her suspicion, she fell into the chest that was unmistakably Stanton's. The muscle structure, the stability, and the warm feeling it gave her could belong to no other.
Her eyes staying shut, she leaned further into him. Her hands traveled up his toned forearms.
Stanton's warm, soft lips pressed against her neck. "Hey, baby…" he whispered affectionately, his lips lingering there.
Serena's hand traveled up to rest on his neck, her hands fingering his skin lightly. "Hey." she replied, her breathing slowing. His greetings were always so meaningful and they always made her feel special.
A sigh of harmony left her as he took the hand that covered his neck and squeezed it fondly. She didn't have to see his face or hear his voice to know who he was. She loved him and could pick him out from anywhere.
He grabbed her other hand and spun her around slowly to meet her gaze. His striking eyes gazed at her as lovingly as she was gazing at him. Slowly, he reached his hand up to touch her cheek. Serena leaned into the touch and tilted her head up as his fingers traveled across her chin. Her eyes absently slipped shut again and he drew her face near his. He pressed his lips to hers in a lush kiss. Excitement rushed through her body at his very touch.
Withdrawing, reluctantly, they both stared into each others eyes. Serena was nearly tearing with happiness. How could her enemy make her feel this way? But, that made it all the more pure. The fact that he loved her and showed her so strongly through his actions was incredible. This, her enemy, loving her so tenderly. It was perfect and she was no doubt lucky.
Stanton's lips formed a smile as his thumb wiped a tear from her cheek. He turned her back around to face the stove as leisurely and tenderly as he'd turned her to face him.
"Chocolate chip pancakes." he noted with a hearted laugh. He slipped his arms back around her and rested his head lightly on her shoulder. "Any reason?"
Serena picked up the spatula, trying to regain her composure. A smile seemed as if it were permanently planted on her lips. "I was craving them and I know you'd like them." she explained with an ease in her voice.
She felt Stanton nod curtly into her shoulder. She laughed at the sudden tickle she felt by the movement. Stanton's throat vibrated with laugher against her skin and he picked his head up. "Are you ticklish?" He stepped to the side of her, allowing her to see him. He wore a black shirt and a pair of dark blue jeans held up by a belt. Needless to say the black shirt clung to his muscles very nicely and it was much to Serena's liking.
She turned to him, a deviously playful glint in her eye. "Very," she began, standing on her tiptoes. She let her lips linger close to his and finished her sentence. "-ticklish."
He closed the distance between them by pressing his lips to hers hungrily. He grabbed both of her hands and dipped her, arm supporting her back. He leaned in to meet her new height.
Serena giggled as he held her and placed both of her hands on his chest. She moved them around absently as she looked up into his eyes. "Stanton, the pancakes."
Stanton frowned. Serena simply tilted her head up in pride, pleased with the teasing that just took place. A groan escaped his lips as he eased her up to her feet once more.
"Happy?" he asked with an warm kind of sarcasm.
Serena nodded. "Very."
The goddess shoveled the current pancake onto an empty plate and started on the next one. Stanton etched closer and watched her attentively. She looked at him out of the corner of her eye just before she poured the next round of batter into the pan. "What, you want to give it a shot?" she asked, offering him the bowl filled with batter. She watched as he accepted her challenge and took that and a wooden spoon.
It took two spoonfuls to do what he wanted to do. It was a pancake heart and amazingly it came out perfect--until it started blotching around the edges. He laughed. "Well, it was good while it lasted." he said, shaking his head in defeat.
Serena looked up at him. "You're amazing, you know that?"
Stanton nodded briskly and leaned in to kiss her. She gave him a lop-sided smile at his self-satisfaction. Just before he met her lips in another kiss, he whispered "You are more".
Suddenly then, Serena saw Stanton wince. He brought his hand slowly up to his forehead. Serena withdrew, never meeting a kiss. "Stanton?" she asked, worry very present in her voice. "Do you have a headache?"
Stanton shook his head, yet it wasn't to say no. It was to try to snap himself back into normality. Serena lay a hand gently on his bicep. "Actually, I do." he admitted. It seemed like it took him a while to process her voice. "Sorry, Serena. I didn't have this a moment ago."
Serena shook her head and turned to flip the pancake just in time before it burned. She immediately looked back to him. "Would you like something to treat that?"
Stanton shook his head to her question. "Maybe it's just my powers acting up." He shrugged it off.
But, Serena wouldn't take this as a justification. "Why don't you go lay down on the couch and I'll finish this up and bring this to you?" she suggested with an expression that told him she wasn't letting him stay here in pain.
Stanton opened his mouth to protest but quickly shut it. He decided against keeping this to himself and opened his mouth to speak again. "I'm going to ruin your morning-"
"You can never ruin my morning." she insisted as she felt truthfully. Already she could see a smile escaping his lips.
"But-"
"Go." she demanded cutting him off.
He smiled kissed her lightly on the cheek. He opened his mouth to speak but she already knew by his expression what was about to come from his lips.
"If you thank me Stanton, I swear-"
"Okay. I'm going." he muttered and stubbornly walked into the living room.
She watched him walk out. She shouldn't be so concerned about him, but Stanton never got sick or a headache. Plus, it was an excuse to treat him like the king she felt he was.
Serena turned to Wally who perked up from still eating his breakfast. "Why are men so stubborn with pride?" she asked the raccoon, placing her hands on her hips. Wally simply jumped from the table and scurried into the living room after Stanton. Serena chuckled and turned back to the pancake project with a huff of breath and the roll of her eyes. She made a couple more pancakes and put them onto a plate. She grabbed a few strawberries from the fridge
She straightened up the kitchen and left the dirty dishes for later. Moments later, she carried the plate and a glass of milk into the living room to find Stanton absently petting the attention-craving raccoon on his stomach. One of his arms was spread across his forehead and his eyes were slipped shut in rest.
Serena's lips merely threatened a smile. He really was in pain. She couldn't be happy. The sight of him was breathtakingly beautiful but she just couldn't smile with him in pain. A sob caught itself in her throat. Why was this so emotional for her? It was just a headache…people got headaches and recovered from them.
She walked over to the couch, regaining her posture to as straight as she could possible make it. This wasn't just anybody, this was Stanton. Surely he could tough it. He was very potent in what he did.
Serena shook her head to Wally, silently ordering him out of the room. He obeyed thankfully.
When Serena reached Stanton's side, his eyes slipped open knowingly. Those beautiful, deep eyes she loved so much. He smiled a handsome smile that always made Serena melt no matter how many times she saw it. She parted her lips to speak when he beat her to it.
"You are so beautiful." he said in a voice mixed with awe and admiration, his head shaking with disbelief. His eyes skimmed her with a serious passion.
Serena bit her bottom lip, both trembling with tears of happiness about to overcome her. She threw her arms around him and he wrapped his arms around her, hugging her close. She just couldn't believe it. It didn't take a cruise. It didn't take long-stemmed roses with a heart full of chocolate to make her happy. It took one simple moment. Four simple words. Finally she sobbed quietly withdrawing and looking into his eyes once more. His were filled with the same solemnity as hers. "I love you, I love you so much!" she repeated, his lips meeting hers. He pulled her close to him again until she was on top of him and they kissed, her tongue slipping passionately to meet his.
His hands circled her back and she fell in between his side and the back of the couch. She parted from the kiss and nuzzled into his chest lovingly, her hand straying up onto his shoulder. She looked up at him with a glisten in her eyes.
He smiled, tucking a strand of loose hair behind he ear. "Hungry?" he asked. Serena nodded. He reached over and brought the plate to his stomach. He sat up slightly bringing her with him as he moved.
Serena grabbed the fork and looked up at him. She returned her attention briefly back to the plate and brought it to his lips. He opened and bit.
She awaited his reaction intently, having slaved over a hot stove for hours. --well. Not really. But it would still be wonderful if he loved her cooking.
Stanton's eyes dilated slightly in surprise. "This is really good." he said matter-of-factly.
Serena giggled. "I'm glad you like it." she said happily as she scooped up another forkful and brought it to his lips. He obliged and took it into his mouth.
"Love it." he corrected.
Serena watched as Stanton's hand trailed to the plate. He slithered off the couch, swiftly falling onto the carpet. Serena rolled onto her side and looked at the plate in her love's hand. He set it down gently on the coffee table and grabbed a strawberry. He held it above her head. Catching what he was going to do, Serena slipped her eyes shut opened her mouth. He lowered the fruit to her lips by the stem as she bit the bottom. The sweet juice flowed into her mouth. Combining with the scent of him, it drove her crazy.
Serena opened her eyes and boosted herself up onto her elbows. She leaned in and kissed him lightly on the lips, nibbling on the bottom of his lip lightly. A light moan of pleasure escaped Stanton and, satisfied, Serena knew she had to stop. Going 'all the way' just was something she too tempted to do and wasn't quite ready for at the moment. Though she loved Stanton, and he knew and respected her wishes, she parted from the kiss and Stanton's eyes slipped open. She touched his cheek gently and this time it was him leaning into the feeling. Slowly, she withdrew her hand.
But then, his eyes became solid. His expression seemed emotionless. It looked like something hit his mind because he cursed under his breath and held his head. Serena's features became concerned. What was happening to him? Did the Atrox find out about their relationship and threaten to punish him? She sat up and placed both of his arms on Stanton's shoulders.
"Serena. This…doesn't…feel right." He shook his head
"Shhh…" she whispered, hugging him to her chest as he cried out silently in pain. His eyes were gripped so tightly shut. So little hurt him, yet he was in agony? This definitely wasn't the typical headache. "I know…" she whispered into his hair.
Serena was trying to keep her composure. She stood, bringing him with her. She turned him around and he fell back onto the couch.
After propping his head up on the pillow, she stood to retrieve a straw from the kitchen. Seconds later, she came back and dropped it into the glass of milk. She held it to his lips and he gratefully sipped.
"Tha-nk you, Serena…" he managed to choke out through his teeth as she set the glass back down on the coffee table.
Serena tangled her fingers in his hair and brushed them against his forehead soothingly. "Shhh…" she repeated. "Don't talk…just rest, okay?"
She could tell he did so reluctantly by the look in his eyes, but Stanton relaxed against the pillow and slipped his eyes shut. She ran the back of her fingers against his cheek and lay her head next to his.
His breathing was speeding. He wasn't slipping into slumber any time soon though she could tell he was trying. That was how much pain he was in.
Stanton tried to pick his hand up to touch her face, but Serena caught it and laced their fingers together. She squeezed affectionately, biting her lip in worry. But, this time she didn't feel like she was about to cry. It was pure apprehension. What was causing him this pain? She didn't know, but until they found out he wasn't leaving her sight. She was going to look after him and see that he was all right.