Chapter 9 – Lifemate
JPOV
My brother and I found Bella and Raven leaning over her computer. "This is what I was talking about," Raven pointed to the screen, "It could work. What do you think?" Bella smiled a bit, "Yes, but we would need help." It was still baffling how close they became in such a short time. Raven looked up, straightening into a standing position, "Fun's over." Bella laughed as she closed her laptop, "Don't say that." She stood and I saw she was wearing a plain shirt and cotton gray pants that did nothing for her frame. After today, she would not be allowed to wear such things again.
Oh, yes I will, she argued. Her dark eyes narrowed as she looked at me. We'll talk about it later, smiling at her. She rolled her eyes at me. Mikhail held Raven on the lounge chaise, wrapping a blanket around the both of them. In a moment, they were caught up in their own world. My arms yearned to hold Bella in the same manner. She sat herself on the couch, with her legs curled underneath herself, holding a book in her lap. This was a first. Raven never allowed any of us to look through her work.
Well, she asked to see it, not demanded.
Sitting next to her, Bella tried to keep her distance from me, but it was difficult. She didn't realize that her body wanted to be near me, as her mind would need to be connected with mine. Denial was to be expected, but she was taking it too far. Bella was bound and determined not to give into her impulses. Taking a deep breath, I picked up a new scent. Leaning closer to her, the sweet scent was stronger and delicious. It engulfed my senses, tautening me to take the woman in my arms. She cleared her throat, You like it? It's my peppermint lotion. It's my favorite.
Mine too, the words were almost a snarl. My hand curved around her face, pulling her closer. She was sweet enough, but this was just torture. It was becoming too much to handle. I had to be alone with her. Bella looked at me and I was immediately lost in the deep pools that were her eyes. Leaning closer, my lips brushed hers, I need to be alone with you.
I don't think that's a good idea.
And why not? She knew what I wanted.
Bella swallowed hard, I can't think of a reason.
Thank God, she was up in my arms in an instant. Not concerned with Mikhail and Raven, I took her back to our bedchambers. Soft lips were against mine as I held her. These damn clothes weren't going to remain much longer.
The fire and candles in my chamber were already lit as I went through the door. The flames of her kiss singeing everything that I was. Fingers tangled themselves in my hair, pulling herself into me. Bella was giving into her impulses, not worrying about the consequences. She laid on my bed, beneath my chest. Her hands moved down my arm, moving my hand to hold her face, "One more minute." There was no chance for that. "Please," she breathed against my ear. I moaned and moved from her body, letting Bella stand up.
She pulled the tie from her hair, letting the dark strands fall around her face. I watched as she pulled down the gray pants, revealing her legs. She pulled off the white shirt to show a powder blue lace top that hugged her torso. Her raised hands lifted her chest in the motion. She placed her hands on her hips that drew my eyes to the matching short bottoms, "Do you like it?" "I love it, now come here," I made the words into a command; I had to have her right now. She shook her head and gestured to me with one finger.
Wanting to be closer, I stood in front of her. Bella smiled as she tugged at the sweater I wore; it was off in the next moment. Fingers moved along my torso to the button that held on my jeans. She quickly unfastened it, releasing me from the constricting material. Bella pressed her soft body against mine, feeling me pressing into the junction of her legs. I felt like I was going to collapse as she slowly straddled me, "Now I can get into bed." She moved away from me, into the bed and pulled the sheet over her body. Bella moved beneath the thin material and her lace top was thrown on the floor, followed by her bottoms. A silent prayer of gratitude went through my mind that this beautiful woman was mine.
I laid with her, feeling her hot skin press into mine. Her brown eyes smoldered waiting for me. Moving against her body, Bella inhaled quickly, feeling how much I wanted her. Her fingers were splayed on my chest, moving down my body until they captured me. My eyes widened in pleasure, feeling the tight, gyrating movement her hands made. My eyes pinched shut feeling her skilled fingers, "I want you now, Jacques." Bella curved one hand under my arms, pressing a kiss to the indentation of my shoulder, the other didn't release me. She was driving me wild. Our bodies rolled, until hers was underneath mine, "You are so beautiful."
Moving with deliberate slowness, I let my angel feel me drift down to her guarded treasure, where she let me enter her body with one movement. Her legs tightened around my waist, "Oh." She rose off the bed, into my chest, gasping in pleasure. Her thoughts touched my own and lust coursed through me. Hands ran through my hair as Bella whispered my name. The fire of her body and mine was overwhelming. Bella, she was locked in my embrace, please hear me. I kissed her soft lips, Yes.
We looked into each other's eyes, I claim you as my lifemate. I belong to you. I offer my life for you. I give you my protection, my allegiance, my heart, my soul, and my body. I take into my keeping the same that is yours. Your life, happiness and welfare will be cherished and placed above my own for all time. You are my lifemate, bound to me for eternity and always in my care.
My body sunk even further in hers, Accept me. I need you. Stay with me, my angel. Her fingers pressed harder into my shoulders, Yes. My teeth sunk into my mark on her neck. She cried out in pain, then moaned as she let me drink from her. My fingernail lengthened and sharpened as I pressed it to my chest, slicing my skin and letting my blood flow out, Drink, my angel. There was reluctance in her thoughts, You must, so we can be together.
My hand caught the back of her head, pulling her closer to touch her lips to my blood. She groaned against me, feeling my blood in her mouth. Her lips were soft against my skin as she took in my blood. Jacques, don't. My body thrusted into hers, I will never let you go. Exchanging blood will make our bond stronger. She took in more, then gasped as I released her from drinking. I pushed my body further into hers, holding her in our ecstasy.
Bella's body, soul and all that she was were now mine. She could never escape me, no matter how much distance would be between us. It was still in her mind to leave me. My body filled hers, exploding with satisfaction, lust, yearning and need, You are mine. My angel was all that mattered, now that I had claimed her as my lifemate. Now, no one could take her from me.
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BPOV
Jacques's heartbeat was slow in my ear. He combed his fingers through my hair as I laid on his chest. It took some time, but I finally got my trembling; my shivers of pleasure under control. Jacques's quiet laugh echoed in his chest, "I was getting worried." Sitting up and looking into each other's eyes, I smiled at him, "You were concerned that I couldn't handle you?" Strong fingers trailed up my arm, "Maybe." The fire still burned, fueled by Jacques's emotions. He trailed kisses up my arm. His fingers claimed my chin, turning my head to put his lips hard against mine.
Our bodies leaned back on the bed, Jacques moved to pin me, I'm not trying to upset you. He kissed at the hollow of my throat, I just enjoy feeling your body under my own. Instead of being mad, this time, it was almost funny, Don't you think you had enough? His dark eyes moved down my frame, Never. My feelings of laughter and satisfaction were slowly changing. I'm in Europe, staying in the home of a man who was clearly wealthy. He allowed me to use his family accounts to purchase new clothes and we've had sex. Wrapping the bed sheet around my body, I looked away from Jacques.
He combed his fingers through my hair, "Why are you upset?" I brushed his hand away, "I just can't believe I did this." My eyes closed as I began to feel ashamed of myself. Gentle kisses were pressed into my shoulder, "You have nothing to be ashamed of. You've done nothing wrong. It was I who seduced you." My face quickly turned to look at him in shock, "Why would you do that?" He chuckled once, "Because I want you." I cringed as I moved away from him, "Jacques, I'm not this girl. I don't sleep with men I've just met."
His eyes took in my improvised covering, "I know you've never been with another man. I can assure you, I will not only be your first, but I will be your only." My appetite began to grow. It's been days since I felt hunger pangs. Reading my mind, Jacques breathed in my ear, "I'll get it for you." He moved to get out of bed, tightening the sheet around me, "I'll be right back." "Uhh, don't you want to put on clothes?"
Jacques's naked form turned around, making me blush, "Why?" My eyes cast down, covering them with my hands, "Well, because Mikhail and Raven are upstairs and you don't want them to see you like this." The air was charged with electricity, along with the heat of the fire and the scent of the burning herbs. "Bella," his hypnotic voice soothed me, "look at me." My face was burning red as I lowered my hands, "Yes?"
Jacques pulled me to stand in front of him, "Is this making you uncomfortable?" "No," I lied quickly and he smiled triumphantly. His hands loosened the sheet and it fell off my body. He held me against him, feeling every inch of his body. "Then why'd you turn your face away from me?" My lip was between my teeth for a moment, "Well, it was the first time I've seen you like," my hand passed over his well-muscled form, "this." He caught my hand, placing it on his chest, "It's alright, sweetheart, but this is only the beginning. You do have a point though. I'll put on some pants."
"A shirt too." Jacques looked back at me as he went into the closet, "No." "Yes," I countered, "I don't want Raven seeing you like that." Jacques laughed, "Fair enough." He was back, wearing his own cotton pants and shirt, "Ok, you wait for me in bed and I'll get your tea." A thought struck me, from looking at another door. I've already had sex with him, so go all the way. "Well, I have a better idea." Jacques held me against his chest, "While you're gone, I could have a nice hot bath waiting for us." He kissed me, That's perfect. I missed the opportunity to bathe with you last time.
I smacked his chest, Go. He stepped away towards the door. I took one step and my legs buckled, almost falling. Jacques's hands held my waist, "What's the matter?" Feeling the tingling climb up my legs, I huffed, "I'm just a little stiff. Or, it's just me being clumsy again." Jacques lowered me onto the bed, "I'll start the bath." I got up, fighting against the soreness, "I can do it. Just go please, I'm getting thirsty."
Sitting on the tub's edge, the cold porcelain made goosebumps rise on my skin. The warm water flooded in, making steam billow. Not really wanting to, I went to see my reflection. My hair was a tangled mess and there was a bright red mark on my neck. I pulled my fingers through my hair, but that only made it worse. Ok, so I slept with Jacques. This is not the biggest sin. This is life; exploring new things. The mirror started to fog up from the steam. The warm bath water would soothe my sore body. Sitting in the water, I felt lighter. The ends of my hair clung to my skin.
Sinking underneath the surface, the heat washed over my head. Looking up, everything shimmered from the water. Dark strands swirled into my line of sight. The warmth dulled away all the aches. Being with Jacques was so incredible. It felt like my bones should be disjointed, but they held together. Also, what he said about claiming me and that he wanted me to accept it. It made me feel so different, especially now being away from him. I couldn't deny it; I don't think I'll be able to get away from him. Jacques wasn't going to let me go. If I should ever want it, I would ask him to let me go. He was a strong man, but he couldn't be unreasonable.
Something dove into the water, holding my shoulders and sharply pulling me up. Water gushed into my throat, making me cough, "Bella!" Jacques held my shoulders as I coughed violently. Droplets of water were caught in my throat. My hand covered my mouth as I coughed. Why did you do that? Did you think I was drowning? His hand brushed my hair out of my face, "I saw you in the water and you weren't moving." My breathing slowed, clearing the beads of water flow down my throat, "Oh," I coughed again, "I was just waiting for you." His dark eyes closed in relief, "Well, next time, could you wait for me above the water, not in it?" He kissed my forehead, "Here's your tea."
While drinking, my eyes looked over Jacques as he took off his shirt. The definition of his muscles went across his chest, curving around his back. His back was turned to me as he lowered his pants. His frame was an eyeful, watching his calves tighten, making his skin taught. Being with him wasn't all that bad. I watched his lithe movement as he came over to me. He took the mug away from me, then kissed me almost roughly. My arms went around his neck, coming out of the water.
Angel, I have to tell you something.
It can wait.
It's important.
Jacques, my fingers drifted across his body, do you have to tell me right now? He picked up on my mood, feeling my fingers move down his body, It can wait. He moved to lay in the water with me. Connecting our bodies together, the surface of the water began to bubble and steam. Jacques held me against his chest, tucking my head underneath his chin. He moved again, thrusting into me harder and deeper. It felt like my body should be melting away from his intensive heat.
Arms tightened around me, lips brushed my skin and fingers pressed into my body. Part of me couldn't hold on much longer. Hold on, my sweet, Jacques's lips held mine, This is our life together. Just stay with me, Bella.
My arms wrapped around his neck, looking for something substantial to hold on to. His body thrusted against mine, possessing me in every way possible. Even in the hot water, I felt Jacques fill me with his passion. The muscles in my body fell limp, making me mold to his form. Beads of perspiration dewed on my neck, sliding down in to the bath water. Jacques chuckled quietly, "Sorry, I tried to behave myself." We looked at each other and laughed together.
Jacques pulled me against his chest, with his lips were at my ear, "I love you." My eyes opened slowly. He was not serious! Jacques allowed me to lean away from him. He rested his other hand held my cheek, "I know you don't believe me, but I do." The silver returned to his eyes, "I know you're thinking that we have known each other long, but I'm a man who knows what he wants. I love you, Bella." His voice seeped into my skin, down into my heart. It was hard to not believe him. It was there, in the way he held me when we slept together. I remembered how he tried to keep his captors away from me, even when they tortured and tried to kill him. Jacques called me his 'lifemate' from the day I met him. With every kiss and mental touch, Jacques's feelings for me were very strong from the beginning. He and I knew that I couldn't deny it. His large hands held my shoulders, pulling me against his chest.
Sprouts of water still hit us as the surface bubbled and steamed. Are you doing this? This was a regular bathtub; there weren't any jets. Jacques nodded his head, Yes. It was in reaction to you. The steam swirled around our heads, clouding the room. Oh, so you want to blame me. Thanks.
I wasn't blaming you, angel.
Jacques, learn sarcasm.
He rolled his eyes, Women.
Men. The water began to boil even hotter, as Jacques held me in his lap. Water fell off his hands as they drifted down my back. His eyes were fixated on my chest, moving closer to press to a soft kiss there. I moaned again feeling his tongue graze across my skin, sweeping beads of water in the motion. His mouth molded to me, each touch sending fiery passion through my veins. My body was getting tired from his want. He leaned away from me, "Then we won't." How could you possibly want to go again?
Because I love my beautiful, sweet angel that braved the unfamiliar to find me. "It's not like I knew what I was doing. I just couldn't leave someone hurt and alone. Part of me wanted to run away, especially when you snapped at me." He gave me too much credit for that day. I did apologize for that. My arms wrapped around his neck, "I know and I'm glad that I went into the tower. Do you know how long you were in there?" Jacques's features saddened, "Byron said I was gone for three months. Every moment brought more pain, pulling me away from sanity. I felt like I was on the brink of madness."
I pressed a kiss to his chin, "It's over now." The sadness in his eyes left as he looked into mine, "Because of you. Thank you for helping me and offering me your blood."
His lips claimed mine, That's why I call you 'angel.' I was in hell when you found me and brought me back to my life and my family. For that alone, I'll love you forever. He connected us once again, making my head fall backward, Jacques. He moved his body against mine. He moved himself in me over and over, until, to my surprise, he exposed elongated fangs to me. My heart stopped seeing them. The white teeth were long and sharp. I don't mean to scare you again. My finger touched one of his teeth; the point of it nearly cut my skin. I thought fangs were part of the myth.
He breathed as I brushed my finger along his mouth, You're taking this very well.
Would you feel better if I was afraid? I can start screaming.
Never. It felt like my body shouldn't feel connected anymore. Only thing that worked were my lungs. They took in the air, reminding me that this was real. The steam filled the room from the evaporated bath water as we now sat in an empty bathtub. Jacques drew his teeth back, "Let's get to bed."
In the mirror, my hair was half dried, with the same tangled mess. In the towel closet, there was a shelf of combs, brushes, lotions and other toiletries for my use. I ordered some things for you and picked them up while you were shopping. We have a few people that we trust. Pulling the brush through the tangled mess, my hair fell down my back, smoothed out. Cool air touched my skin from the opened door, making me shiver. Jacques was behind me in a moment. His arms held me tight, fighting off the chill, Come. We walked into the bedroom, arm in arm. Ok, Bella, don't think about yesterday or tomorrow, just enjoy the now. Live in the moment. On the edge of the bed, there was another nightgown. This selection was short and pale yellow. I'm rather fond of the color, Jacques confessed, kissing my hair. "Hmm, and I thought you preferred me naked." He laughed against my hair, "I've had enough temptation for one night."
I nodded, "Then I won't wear this one. It shows too much leg and you get riled up from a memory." I took out a safer looking selection; fuchsia pajamas. I changed into them, then walked across the room and got into bed. Jacques pulled on his own pajama pants, choosing to sleep without a shirt. The quilt was very warm and heavy. I settled into the warm bed, ready to sleep, but then a thought struck me, "Wait? What is it you wanted to tell me?" The room was cast in the light of the fire. Jacques reached out his hand, making me kneel in front of him on the edge of the bed.
He exhaled slowly, twisting our hands together, "Tomorrow night, my brother and I, with Gregori, Byron and Vlad will be going to track down the rest of the fanaticals." My eyes narrowed, "Fanaticals, what is that?" He pushed a thought into my mind; the men that shackled me into the room with Jacques. The thought of Jacques near those murderers again was too much to bear. "Jacques, you can't." "Angel, you will remain here with Raven. Eleanor and Benjamin, Vlad's family will stay with you." My head shook, "Please, don't go."
Strong arms held me against his bare chest, "My love, I have to. Mikhail has ordered it and he is our Prince and leader." My head pulled back, "Your Prince?" "Our family is the leaders of our people. The eldest son is the Prince of our people. The strongest and the one we go to when counsel is needed." I bit my lip, "Then I'll talk to Mikhail and he'll see to reason. Jacques, please don't go." His lips claimed mine, in his attempt to calm me. I kissed him back, holding him closer to me. He couldn't go after those people. It didn't matter what Mikhail said, Jacques couldn't go.
"Bella, I have to go." No! You don't. Tears streamed down my face, "Those people are insane. Don't go near them." His thoughts brushed my own; I swear I'll come back to you. You'll never be alone again. Our arms were tight around each other, reassuring that we'll see each other again. He moved us to lie down together, face to face, not wanting to sleep. Sleep, to me, was a waste of time. What if something happened to Jacques or any of the others? What if something happened to Jacques? It would make me too much like Juliet. Right as I begin to care about him, he was gone.
Jacques's thoughts tried to sway me to go to sleep, but my resolve wouldn't let him persuade me. Please, sívamet – my love, sleep. My eyes were heavier, as his influence grew stronger. I was tired and needed rest, but I didn't want to look away from him. I let him put me to sleep. We breathed in sync with one another. Bella, what are your feelings about me? On the brink of sleep, I smiled, Come home safely and I'll tell you.
Carpathian Language
* sívamet: my love or my heart
Shee-vaw-meht
