Second Circle, by lyradaemon

Chapter 12: Finally Together

A/N: Sorry I haven't updated in a while. Thanks to all the reviewers; especially to Lya Darkfury, my newest one, who has written reviews for three of my BJT fics! Thanks so much! This is the last chapter (almost definitely) so enjoy it – even if it is rather short.

Several weeks had passed since Luc had brought Eli home. She had recovered surprisingly quickly and fortunately had escaped with only a slight memory of what had a actually happened. As a result she didn't show any ill after-effects, as Daemon and Jaenelle had been expecting.

Luc for his part had gone to stay with his parents in Amdarh for a few days before going to their home among the Dea al Mon. Luc had protested at this – he didn't want to be so far from Eli, despite their previous squabble – but Chaosti, not to mention Saetan, had been adamant that he have some time to himself.

And now finally, finally, Luc was going back to the Hall.

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Eli stood in front of her window, staring unseeing at the garden. It was dark outside except for small witch-lights that glowed in the corners. The light wind ruffled the trees, but apart from that it was completely still.

A knock at the door woke her from her day-dreaming.

"Come in," she called.

The door opened to reveal Luc.

"Luc! What are you doing here? I thought you were with the Dea al Mon." She sounded surprised.

"I was. But I was sent back here; Father said I was getting restless." He smiled slightly and was thrilled to see it returned. Maybe everything would be alright. "I've missed you Eli," Luc said quietly.

Eli stared at him, taken aback, but Luc cut her off before she could say anything. "Eli…" he began, looking down. "I want to apologise for the way I treated you. You deserve respect, and I didn't give it to you. I'm sorry."

Eli's heart flew to her mouth; he looked so ashamed, so lost that she melted immediately. "Luc, there's nothing to be sorry for."

"But-"

"No, Luc. It was my fault too. I should have listened to you; you're my best friend. I'm the one who's sorry." She gave him a warm smile. "I don't want anything to stand between us."

Luc finally looked at her. "I was just so scared of losing you," he whispered. "I didn't want you to fall in love with some other man because…" his voice trailed off.

"Because?" Eli prompted softly. Now they were standing just inches away from each other.

"Because I love you, Eli. You belong to me; I've loved you for ever. I couldn't let you be with anyone else.

Eli raised her hand and touched it to his cheek. It was so warm and smooth…

"I already belong to you Luc," she whispered.

The look in his eyes stirred something deep down inside her. His hands gently cupped her face and brought her mouth up to his.

His lips were so soft and gentle that Eli couldn't breathe. They moved on hers, nuzzling, tasting. It was wonderful.

Luc drew back. "Are you sure Eli?" He asked, doubt in his blue eyes. Everything was still so close. He didn't want to push her, or scare her away.

In reply, Eli drew his mouth back down to his. She hesitantly ran her tongue along his bottom lip, which produced a gasp from Luc. His mouth opened and their tongues played together as they kissed passionately, clinging to each other.

Luc's hand released their hold on her face and gently ran down her back, making her shiver. Her shirt was so thin he could feel the heat of her skin through it. Eli's hands had made their way to his shirt, clenching it tightly in her fists as she unconsciously pushed herself against him. Luc smiled into the kiss.

When they broke apart again they were breathing heavily and Eli's eyes were slightly glazed. Luc lowered his mouth to her neck, gently sucking the soft skin, his tongue tracing patterns of fire. Eli's hand wound themselves in his long blonde hair while she made soft mewing sounds in her throat. Luc's hand settled in the small of her back and pulled her against him. Eli gasped in surprise when she felt him hard against her.

"I want you Eli," he purred into her neck.

When he knew she couldn't take much more, he gently lifted her in his arms and took her through to her bedroom. He laid her on the bed, still fully clothed, then lay down beside her. He leant over and kissed her lazily, his tongue playing with hers, while his hands roamed across her stomach and up to her breasts.

"Luc…" she gasped as he stroked her nipples through the thin fabric. He noticed with amusement that she wasn't wearing anything underneath.

"Were you expecting me?" He teased, before resuming his work.

She writhed under his touch, aching for more, moaning with pleasure as his hands stroked and aroused her. He released his seduction tendrils, letting them wrap her in a soft gauze; she moaned in reply, desperately seeking more.

"Please Luc…" she breathed into his neck.

Luc reached down and began unbuttoning her blouse; he did it slowly, relishing the hunger in her eyes. He vanished it along with his shirt, then lowered himself onto her again.

Eli's small hands ran up his back soothingly while his moved lower. He removed her trousers then softly stroked her through the thin fabric which remained. She bucked against him. Luc smiled down at her then dipped his head to kiss her again.

Eli barely noticed when Luc vanished the rest of her underwear and what he was wearing, she was so caught up in what his mouth and fingers were doing to her. She gasped however when he gently spread her thighs and settled between them.

"Shh," he whispered, brushing her hair away from her face.

"Luc, I don't know what to do. I've never done this before," she said, her voice shaking with passion and anxiety. "And after last time…with Falian…" A small sob caught in her throat.

Luc wrapped his arms tightly around her. "It's ok sweetheart," he murmured, wanting to reassure her. "I won't hurt you. I'd never hurt you, I promise."

"I know. But I'm scared."

"It's alright," he said, holding her anxious gaze. "I'll show you."

Some time later they lay in bed, curled up in each other's arms. Eli's head lay just under his chin; she was so still Luc thought she had fallen asleep.

"Eli?"

"Mmm…"

"Are you asleep?"

She stirred slightly and pressed her lips to his neck. "Not yet."

He pulled her closer, his hands stroking her back. "Did I hurt you?" He asked quietly, concerned.

"No, Luc. You were wonderful," she replied. "Thank you."

Luc pulled back to look at her. Her eyes were sleepy but she had a content smile on her face. He touched her face gently. "I love you Eli."

She smiled. "I love you too Luc. Always." Then she snuggled into his arms and fell asleep.

Luc stayed awake a while longer, relishing the feel of finally having his beloved Eliene in his arms. Mother Night he loved her.

Planting a kiss on top of her soft black hair, he sighed then followed her into a deep, exhausted sleep.

The End

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A/N: I suppose that's probably it then. I know it kind of finished abruptly, but there wasn't really anywhere else for it to go. I might tweak it a bit over the next few days. Hmm.

Well, thanks all so much for the reviews you've been sending in. I've really appreciated them and they've inspired me to keep on writing!

I might have another fic coming along soon; I've a few ideas in the back of my mind, and hopefully they'll develop into something…! I'm also considering a short one-shot about a typical day for Lucivar and Marian; just something short and sweet. I don't know whether I'll carry on with One Of Those Fights; if I get enough reviews though I could produce another chapter!

Many thanks again, and I hope you've enjoyed it! Lyradaemon x