Hi guys so this one is a bit different this will be a story from the past. I've never written a period piece so I guess we'll just have to see how it goes. I apologize for spelling and grammar errors, it's 2 am and I'm very very tired.

THE BRIDAL BED

Katherine Austen stood by the window watching as the rain came down in a violent storm. She could hear thunder off in the distance and she shivered. She turned and stared at the closed door behind her. The door that separated her from the other room, the other room where her husband was. She let her eyes wander through the room and they settled on the large bed in the middle of the room. She felt her cheeks flush and she quickly turned back to look out the window; as if ignoring the bed would make everything go away. She let her eyes wander over the large expanse of land that lay before her. Her new husband was very rich and owned the territory and the next one after it. He also lay claim to the large castle in which she stood in as the rain came down.

Her parents had married her off to Jackson Shephard for the opportunity to gain a large chunk of land. Katherine, or Kate to her loved ones, knew that one day she would be married. Though arranged marriages were the way of life Kate had still hoped that she would perhaps have the opportunity to marry for love. Instead she had exchanged vows with a man that she had only met the day before the ceremony. Jackson was very good looking and seemed on the outside to be a kind and gentle man. Kate had shook through the entire ceremony but he had just smiled kindly at her. She couldn't help but wonder if he had wanted to marry her at all. He had been pushed into the marriage by his parents as well.

She pushed herself away from the window and found herself face to face with the bed once again. She bit her lip, her heart in her throat. She knew Jackson would be coming to bed soon and she knew he'd expect to claim his husbandly rights. She felt tears well in her eyes. She had heard horrific stories of women hurt during the act of sex. Her friend Victoria had confided in her that when she had been married to a Baron who was a truly evil man, he had taken her with no consideration and when she had cried he had slapped her and forced her to be quiet. Kate felt the fear well in her. To anyone looking Jackson seemed charming and kind but what if now that the ceremony was over and everyone had gone home, what if he turned into a cruel brute. She looked down at herself in the long white gown her mother had given her for this very moment. It was supposed to entice her husband so that he would perform his husbandly duties and make a child within her. Perhaps she could become with child right away and give him a male heir. If that happened surely he would just leave her alone.

The door opened and Kate froze as she watched the man who was now her husband walked in. He looked over and saw her standing near the bed her hands clasped tightly around her stomach. Jackson 'Jack' Shephard looked up when he entered the room to see his new bride standing there looking as if she expected Lucifer himself to enter the room. There was no mistaking the fear in her eyes. Jack sighed, he knew Kate had been scared to marry him, that it was at her parents will and not her own. He had thought he had eased some of that fear over the past day as he spoke to her gently and did his best to get her to open up to him. He had earned a few smiles and even a joyous giggle from her which he was truly grateful for. She was absolutely beautiful and he had found himself taken with her the minute he had laid his eyes on her. When his parents had told him he would be taking a wife he had balked against the order. He was an adult and was in charge of his family land. To be told he'd be taking a wife was a kick in the stomach to him. He didn't want to be tied down, however he knew he could take a mistress if he had wanted but he was raised to believe in marriage vows so his days as a roving male were drawn to a close.

Then when Jack laid eyes on Katherine Austen for the first time he had known that remaining loyal to this brunette goddess would be the easiest thing in the world. Now standing here in his bedroom he watched as the beautiful woman shook in fear as she looked at him as if he had grown horns and a tail. He immediately became set on making her feel at ease.

"How are you feeling my lady?" he asked trying to not let his eyes linger on her gorgeous body that was draped in a white linen gown.

"I'm fine" Kate answered quietly avoiding his gaze.

Jack sighed, he wasn't used to being looked at as if he were a monster.

"Kate? Is that ok if I call you Kate?" he asked for her permission. She nodded and he continued on. "Could you come sit beside me?" he settled on the end of the bed and gently patted beside him.

Kate didn't want to sit next to him she was too scared, but she knew she must obey him so she slowly made her way over to him. She sat beside him as stiff as a wooden board.

"Are you frightened of me?" he asked giving her a gentle smile.

Kate froze had he been insulted by her behavior towards him? What would he do to her if he was displeased? She tried to talk but her voice was caught in her throat.

Sensing her obvious distress Jack smiled and very gently took her hand in his. She watched their hands warily but to his relief didn't jerk her hand away.

"Tell me wife, what has you so frightened?" Jack asked softly.

Kate unconsciously turned her head, her eyes taking in the bed they sat on.

Realization hit Jack, she was scared of the marriage act. He moved to kneel in front of her. Kate saw his movement and her eyes widened.

"My lord, what are you doing?" she asked slightly panicked. A man never kneeled in front of a woman unless it was the Queen but not an ordinary woman like her.

Jack reached up and gently stroked her cheek moving a curl out of her eyes. Kate had never felt such a gentle caress before.

"Tell me my lady, was this marriage against your will? Were you hoping to take the hand of another man?" Jack asked, he would hate to learn that his beautiful bride had belonged to another.

Kate shook her head shocked, she would never allow two men to pursue her, women who did that were labeled with hurtful names.

"No, my lord, you are the only one." She said honestly.

"I was just wondering if that was the reason you find my touch so unbearable, because you wish I was another?" Jack said softly.

"No my lord," Kate said shaking her head, she found her husband to be quite bearable, at least for now. She sighed, "I'm afraid of the pain my lord." She said softly.

Jack looked at her confused and then realized what pain she was talking about. He leaned forward and gently stroked her cheek.

"My lady I wish you no harm and I would never intentionally cause you pain." Jack said. "You are my wife, my number one purpose in life will be to protect you and care for you." He said gently.

Kate felt the tears well in her eyes. "My dear friend was married to a man who hurt her very badly during the marriage act, when she showed her pain he struck her." Kate whispered. She watched as Jack's eyes turned from warm and gentle to fiery and hot.

"A man who would do that to a woman is no man." He said forcefully. Kate looked up and their eyes met. Jack leaned forward and gently pressed his mouth to hers a very soft kiss. "During the ceremony when I kissed you did you not like it?" Jack asked.

Kate couldn't lie. She shook her head. "No Jackson I enjoyed it." She said with a slight blush.

"Call me Jack, the people closest to me call me that." He said. He raised up and gently pulled her to her feet. He pulled her close and hugged her stroking her hair. Kate leaned against him resting her cheek on his shoulder. Though still nervous she felt safe in his arms.

"I would like to make love to you Kate," he said. "But if you are not ready, I will wait." Kate pulled away and looked into his eyes.

"No I want to," she said firmly and she meant it.

"I must be honest with you, there will be a little pain at first, but I promise that once the pain passes you will feel incredible pleasure. And I will do everything to make the pain pass as quickly as possible." Jack was a physician so Kate understood that Jack knew what he was talking about.

"Alright" Kate said with a nod.

Jack leaned in and kissed her again. This kiss was different though it was harder and more passionate. Kate wasn't an experienced kisser but she knew she liked the feelings rushing through her body. She was startled when she felt his tongue gently caress her lips. She let out a surprised gasp and Jack took the opportunity to enter her mouth. His tongue gently massaged hers and Kate felt her knees go weak and she leaned into him, clutching the fabric of his shirt she did her best to not fall over. Sensing her reaction to his kiss Jack pulled away and stared into his bride's glazed over expression. He leaned down and scooped her up into his arms he carried her over to the bed and gently laid her down. She watched him no longer afraid of him but now of the butterflies swarming in her stomach.

He gently nudged her so she scooted over and he lay down next to her. He was on his side and she on hers and they faced each other.

"Has anyone ever explained to you about the marriage act." Jack asked her.

Kate shook her head, besides that horrible account from her friend, she had no idea what to expect. When she asked her mother she was told it was unladylike to speak of such things.

"Kate this marriage will be full of honesty and trust. We will keep no secrets from each other so I will tell you the truth alright?" he said and Kate nodded. "To make love to you, I'm going to explore every inch of your body with my hands and my mouth." He said noticing her blush. "As my wife and lover I expect you to do everything that you want to do. You will feel no shame for anything you feel. When I make love to you, I will enter you here, he gently stroked her through her night gown along her crotch. Kate gasped slightly but not from fear but of the tingle that spread through her body.

Jack leaned over and gently pulled the nightgown up and over her head leaving her naked. He took in her body and he smiled with pride and the beauty of his bride. Kate watched his reaction and when she saw how happy he was she smiled. He stroked her skin and he leaned in and kissed her hungrily. Kate moaned and she felt his fingers caress her breasts. She whimpered at the sensation. Her whole life she had been told to partake in such behavior before marriage was an absolute sin. She understood why because the feeling of his hands on her breasts was heavenly. She also knew she need not feel any guilt because she was married to the man who was invoking this pleasure.

His mouth moved down to her neck where he nibbled and sucked on the sensitive skin. When he was done with that he moved to take a nipple into his mouth where he suckled and licked the sensitive bud. Kate writhed beneath him, not exactly sure of what she was feeling, but knowing she liked it. He changed sides to the other breast and paid it the same loving attention he had the first. Kate was pulling absently on his shirt trying to get it off. Pleased with her initiative he sat up quickly and pulled the fabric away. He went back to kissing her breasts and Kate ran her hands all over his bare skin reveling in the softness of it.

Jack spent what felt like hours kissing her all over, her stomach, her thighs, her knees and even her feet. The he stretched back out this time half on her the other half on the bed so as to not squish her. He took her mouth and kissed her with all the passion in the world. Kate moaned as his tongue intimately tasted every inch of her mouth. She wrapped her arms around him and without even realizing arched her back and thrust her pelvis up and into him. Jack groaned and realized this was going to happen soon. He reached his hand down and very gently probed her between her swollen lips of her soft center. Kate felt the intrusion and quickly clamped her legs together to block the penetration of his fingers. Jack felt her resistance but he kept kissing her while whispering soft and gentle words into her ears.

"Shh it's ok love. I just want to love you with my fingers so I can see how ready you are for me." He said kissing her gently.

"How can you tell?" Kate asked between kisses.

"Do you feel wet down there sweetheart? That wetness is the way your body shows me you are ready. That's why I want to use my fingers, I want to see how ready you are for me." Jacks said nibbling on her ear. "I promise not to hurt you, but may I?" he asked and Kate knew he was talking about penetrating her with his long and nimble fingers.

"Please Jack" she moaned as his kisses grew more persistent. Jack took that as permission granted so he gripped one her thighs and lifted it to wrap around his waist. He the kissed her deeply while his fingers stroked her gently before his fingers took over. He slipped his one finger in her warmth and was satisfied to fee her wetness.

"Do you feel that Kate." Jack asked, his finger had stopped at the curtain protecting her virginity. "When I enter you this little skin will tear, it will hurt but I promise it will be worth the wait." He said and he pulled his fingers out of her and brought them to his mouth where he licked her off of him. Kate watched him stunned, he was coming up with all kinds of insane ways to touch and love a person. He surprised her even more when he released her and rolled onto his back his hands folded behind his head, she watched him confused and he smiled at her with a grin that made her melt.

"What are you doing my lord?" she asked.

"Well you are naked and I have explored your body, at least a little bit, now it is your turn to explore mine. You can do whatever you want." He said smiling.

Kate bit her lip nervously she was slightly self conscious of her own nudity but now she would have to partake in his undress? He was sure making things complicated for her. She had thought all she would have to do tonight is just lay there while he gained all the pleasure. She wasn't expecting for him to include her and demand that she be a participant in this act. Kate took a deep breath and gently stroked her hand down his chest. His breath caught when she brushed over his nipple so she began to touch him there hoping to gain a reaction. She wasn't disappointed, Jack groaned at her ministrations. Kate looked up into his eyes and saw the gentleness that she had seen before, it was mixed in with lust and Kate felt powerful that she could make her husband react in such a way. Taking a breath and chance, she leaned down and licked the nipple gently he moaned and Kate smiled knowing she was pleasing him. She kissed him all over his chest and neck and Jack moved beneath her shifting due to the discomfort she was bringing to his lower extremities.

Kate's mouth moved down to the waistband of his britches and she looked up at him, he gave her a nod so with trembling hands she undid the clasps of his pants. When they were undone she pulled the fabric down and Jack helped her by arching off the bed so she could maneuver them down his legs, she undid his boots and pulled them and his pants off leaving him as naked as she. She looked up and found herself stunned by the sight of his manhood. She had never seen one before and she couldn't look away. It was erect and red and Kate swallowed, how in the world would that fit inside of her body? She blushed as the thought crossed her mind. Sensing her distress Jack sat up and pulled her up towards him so she was sitting at his side. Their naked skin pressed against each other warm and soft. Jack kept his arm around Kate's waist and nuzzled the side of her neck.

"Are you alright my love?" he asked his voice in a low tone. Kate swallowed hard and looked at him and he could see the fear in her eyes.

"How, I mean, it won't fit, I" she stopped unsure of what to say next.

Jack smiled warmly at her. "It will fit I promise, it will be a perfect match." He promised nuzzling her. "Would you like to touch it?" he asked and Kate found herself nodding. She leaned over and gently clasped him with her hand. Jack bit his lip as he felt her talented little fist enclose him. She seemed fascinated as she began to move her hand up and down him innocently not knowing what she was doing to him and his resolve. When it became too much he gently pulled her away and back up to his side.

"That's enough wife, if you keep that up it will be over before it even begins." Jack said with a teasing twinkle in his eye.

Kate had wished for more time to touch and stroke him, it obviously pleased him and the feel of it in her hand had been exotic and bawdy.

Seeing her uncertainty at letting him go Jack pulled her chin up so he was looking in her eyes. "Later when you are more comfortable with me I will teach you all kinds of things including putting your mouth on me and I putting my mouth on you."

Kat blushed furiously the thought of Jack kissing her most private area was ridiculous and she rolled her eyes at his jesting. Seeing her disbelief Jack grinned.

"You don't believe me?" he asked and Kate giggled shaking her head. "Well in that case perhaps a demonstration is called for." Jack said easing Kate onto her back her head resting on the pillow. She watched him her eyes widening when she saw him move between her legs. He lifted her up by her rear end so that his face was lined up with her private area.

"Jack" she called out and then gasped as he pressed his mouth against her. She wriggled as she felt his tongue insert itself inside of her. She gasped and he sucked and probed her with his mouth. He slanted his lips and took the tiny bundle of nerves into his mouth and Kate let out a shout though she was so overwhelmed she could feel no shame for her exclamation. She felt a burning in her lower stomach and she couldn't quite place it but part of her wanted to pull away and make it stop another part of her wanted to beg Jack to make it keep happening. Wanting it won out and Kate gripped the sheets beneath her as her body exploded into a million pieces she cried out his name as she writhed beneath him. Waves of pleasure ran rampant through her body. When the feelings began to cease she became aware of Jack setting her down and moving up her body. She watched him stunned form the experience unable to express a true thought. Seeing her bewilderment he grinned and kissed her hungrily allowing her to taste herself off his lips. Kate knew she should be embarrassed by her behavior but Jack didn't seem to mind and in fact was encouraging her.

Jack grinned, Kate had exploded in his arms just like he knew she would. He knew that after breaking her maiden head she might not find climax right away so he was glad to give that pleasure beforehand. She was blushing and her eyes were avoiding his. He leaned down and nibbled on her chin, he knew she needed his reassurance.

"Oh beautiful beautiful bride you came for me deliciously" he praised. "Did it feel good sweetheart?" he asked and Kate nodded. "Good, because it should have. Never hold back from me love, when we are in bed there is no such thing as manners and decorum, I want you to express what you are feeling no matter how much you think a lady wouldn't." he said kissing her jawline. Kate sighed and Jack smiled it was time to make her his. He lifted her right leg to wrap around his waist and did the same with the other leg.

"Hold on tight to me wife and hang on." He ordered. Kate wrapped her arms around him and she let out a gasp as she felt his erect penis brush against the opening of her. He entered her gently the head of his manhood just grazing her entrance he pushed a little farther and his head was inside of her. He looked at Kate and saw she was watching him with wide eyes.

"Just try to relax my love and I will do my best to cause you no harm." He promised and Kate nodded. He took her mouth in a searing open mouth kissed. He entangled her tongue with his and kissed her hard and deep. Kate moaned as Jack ate at her mouth, she didn't realize his kiss was a distraction. Jack took a deep breath and with a solid push he broke through Kate's virginity and embedded himself deep in her body. Kate arched against him and cried out in pain and Jack felt his heart break at causing her any sort of discomfort.

Kate wriggled beneath his as he entered her body, the pain was scalding and she felt so stretched she thought she would split in two. Jack held her tight and begged her to relax and take deep breaths. Kate was so confused by his penetration, part of her wanted to buck him off her to make him stop, however there was a hint of pleasure that made her wrap her arms around him. She took a deep breath and tried to relax, she felt a couple tears trickle down her cheek as she attempted to over come the pain in her lower extremities.

"Please sweetheart, just relax" Jack begged of her. "Just relax so I can pull out of you ok? I promise I won't touch you again tonight." He pleaded with her. Kate took another deep breath and found the pain was subsiding. It had been torturous at first but now it was easing and Kate found herself more occupied by the feeling of Jack nestled deep within her body. She heard him say he would stop and leave her alone but she shook her head, she didn't want him to leave her alone she was laying beneath him connected in the most intimate way possible and she loved every second of it.

"Don't pull out" she whispered, "Stay deep inside of me." she begged no longer ashamed of her bawdy feelings for her husband. Jack moaned and his body began to take over and began to slowly pull out shallowly and thrust back inside of her. Kate cried out as his manhood rubbed against the sensitive part of her body that Jack had taken into his mouth earlier.

"Are you ok love?" Jack asked breathless as his body sank into her. He tried to control himself until he found out how she was.

"Keep moving." Kate whispered and she boldly ran her hands down his back to his firm buttock where she gripped him and pulled him to sink deeper in her. The action caused both of them to moan with pleasure. Jack took her mouth hungrily and was pleased to feel Kate kiss him back with the same intensity. He began his thrusting again and was rewarded by the passionate sounds that came from Kate. Soon they were lost in the mating ritual hell bent on the pleasure that lay just beyond their reach, their voices mingled as they begged and pleaded and promised things to one another. Kate felt a tingling in her belly and she knew she was going to come. Jack had a grip on her thighs and his thrust were becoming harder and faster to each other' s delight. Jack was pumping in and out of her when he was suddenly gripped by her as she screamed his name as the waves of her orgasm rushed through her body. She held him so tight internally Jack had to fight to stay conscience. Her orgasm seemed never ending the waves of pleasure gripping her causing her to hold him tighter and tighter. When she finally came down Jack realized he had held back all he could he gripped her hips and took her hard and fast and soon he was crying out her name as his climax hit him hard. His release jetted inside of her body deep within her and both sighed happily feeling the other one come with pleasure. When the waves of ecstasy passed, Jack collapsed but managed to keep his arms out so he didn't crush Kate beneath him. He remained nestled in her body as he watched her eyes flutter as she came back down to Earth. When their eyes met words were not needed they kissed gently and lovingly. Jack eased out of her body and Kate let out a small cry at his exit. He was on his side looking down on her as she lay on her back.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

Kate nodded, she spoke and her voice sounded husky. "It hurt at first but then the pain disappeared and then it felt so good." She said and they kissed again.

"I promise you Kate, you will never feel that kind of pain ever again." Jack swore to her. Kate smiled and leaned up kissing him sloppily. Jack pulled her into his embrace and stroked her back gently.

"Sleep now wife, for I will be waking you up soon to make love again." He said with a cheeky smile. Kate giggled and snuggled into her husband's embrace. As she drifted off she smiled with the knowledge that she had married a true and good man.

Ok gang so I'm kinda depressed so do me a favor and review so I know people are still out there reading J I hope you enjoyed this.