8

I want to be yours, Tariq. Teach me how to please you.

Tariq growled at the erotic promise of her words, rolled her to her back and covered her, deepening her shy kiss. He devoured her, sliding his tongue deep into the warmth of her mouth and caressed, enticed and teased until her tongue shyly stroked his. He lay supporting his weight on his elbows with his hands gently holding her face still as he slanted his lips over hers again and again, claiming her mouth. When her tongue timidly entered his mouth he groaned in pleasure. He settled himself in the cradle of her hips, rocking against her even as his tongue stabbed deep, sliding in and out of her mouth. His body felt full and heavy, it throbbed and strained against his jeans, desperate for skin to skin contact, but he refused to rush this first time with her. As Tariq kissed her with barely restrained passion, she gradually responded in kind but her arms around him were still shy. Hold me, Zoe, pull me close.

Zoe was bombarded with his passion and felt so young and silly, so inexperienced, but every time she tried to copy what he was doing he groaned deep in his throat. When she finally felt bold enough to slide her tongue into his mouth he used a knee to separate her legs and started rocking his huge erection against her. His tongue started imitating lovemaking, thrusting into her mouth in the same rhythm as his hips moved and she felt overwhelmed. When he asked her to hold him, she realized she had been lying there like a frightened child. She wasn't frightened at all, just drowning in the fire of his kisses and the erotic press of his body on hers. She wanted his pleasure, craved the ability to make him feel what she was feeling. Zoe wrapped her arms tight around his back and pulled him close, rubbing her hands over his cotton covered muscles. I think I'm going to spontaneously combust and we haven't even got our clothes off yet. Zoe couldn't help the little giggle at the thought.

Tariq understood all too well, he was body an inferno of desire. He immediately broke the kiss and raised himself to his knees between her legs. He drank in the sight of her, lips plump and red from his kisses, hair disheveled from his fingers and eyelids drooping with desire. He pulled his shirt off and stared down at her with unmasked desire. "Take off your shirt," Tariq ordered with a hard edge to his velvety voice. It was an imperious command but Zoe immediately complied. She watched his eyes as he stared at her pink lace bra. He sucked in a ragged breath and his body shuddered, "Now the bra."

Zoe liked his commanding voice as he ordered her to remove her clothes one piece at a time. His eyes looked like deep sapphires, and they were full of hunger and admiration. He stared at her body, now bared to the waist, and a slow sensuous smile curved his lips. It could almost look cruel, but for the love she saw in his eyes.

Tariq was trying to take this slow, but it was nearly killing him. He reminded himself of her youth and innocence, and the painful loss she had yet to fully grieve for. He forced his racing heart to calm as he realized he was pushing her. "Zoe, we can wait," he offered again, though his eyes seemed fixed on her breasts.

Zoe looked up at him with such innocent concern, "Did I do something wrong already?" Of course he wanted to stop; she didn't have a clue how to please him.

Touch my mind to see why I hesitate. I do not want to intrude on your grief with my needs and desires. She was so perfect and he wanted to bury himself in the haven of her body so badly he was in pain, but it didn't matter if she was not ready.

Zoe reached her hands toward him, reading the thoughts he offered her, all the turmoil, the doubts and the desire. He wanted her but not at the expense of her trust. I want this, all of this, with you. Of course losing my father hurts, but being in your arms and feeling your comfort helps. I know I'm not done crying over everything that's happened, but right now I want to forget and just feel.

Tariq felt her resolve and knew if he could do nothing else, he could offer her the comfort of his body, his heart, his soul. He could worship her body with his and take her to paradise. So be it, my heart. He reached down and unsnapped her jeans and drew the zipper down. More pink lace greeted him, god have mercy. He slipped off the end of the bed, drew her ankles together then grabbed the cuffs of her jeans and yanked them off in one tug. She gasped in surprise and then giggled as her body slid down a little with the force of his pull, placing her pink wrapped womanhood within easy reach. He cupped her mound through her panties, the heel of his hand rubbing firm circles over her. He watched her look of surprise and then the slow change of expression to wonder when she realized what he was doing felt good. He bent over her and kissed her belly as his fingers slid inside her waistband and slowly drew the offending barrier from her body.

Zoe shivered in delight, watching as he kissed his way from her navel to the curve of her hip. His long hair tickled her skin, and his tongue licked and teased everywhere he kissed. He pulled her knees apart and settled himself between her thighs. She could see in his mind what he was going to do to her and she blushed with embarrassment, even as her fingers slid into his hair, feeling its softness. She hadn't meant to push him away, she wasn't afraid of him, but she was pushing at his head.

You have given yourself to me, csitri, trust me now to take care of you. Immediately the pressure of her hands eased and he rewarded her with a long lick between her feminine folds. His tongue paused at her clit and he opened her with his fingers and started a full on assault on her most sensitive place, circling, sucking and teasing. He watched her as she writhed and trembled under his ministrations, her breathing coming in short sexy pants. He slid his tongue into her opening and drank her flavor in. His eyes nearly rolled back in his head she tasted so good. You are so beautiful, Zoe. You were made for me, as I was made for you. His tongue went back to her clit and he slid a finger into her tight virgin sheath, slowly, so very slowly.

Never had she imagined anything could feel so good. Tariq was working magic on her body and she would do anything to make this go on forever. When he slid a finger into her she couldn't believe how incredible it felt. Zoe's body arched toward him, silently begging more of this overwhelming pleasure he was giving her. It was in her mind that if one finger felt so full inside her, what would his… she blushed before completing the thought. The gigantic bulge in his jeans was intimidating. She was suddenly very aware of what was going to happen to her very soon and she was starting to feel nervous despite the pleasure she was feeling.

Stop worrying about our joining, I promise you will feel only ecstasy in my arms. Our bodies were made to join; we will fit, to the pleasure of us both. Let your worries go and feel, he ordered. His finger started pumping in and out of her in an ever increasing tempo as his tongue bombarded her with sensuous licks. Tariq merged with her, feeling her pleasure, learning how to make it better for her. He changed the angle of his finger as he continued stroking in and out, feeling her pleasure nearing its zenith. When the first pulse gripped his finger he sucked hard on her clit, withdrew the finger and plunged back in with two. Zoe exploded.

Tariq, oh god! Zoe shouted his name in his mind as she came on his fingers. Tariq shuddered with satisfaction at having pleasured his woman. Her body trembled and shook even as the spasms of her inner muscles continued. He pumped his fingers in and out in a frenzied rhythm, driving her orgasm higher, wanting to make it last as long as he could. "Oh, Tariq, it's too much, I can't take any more…" Zoe gasped.

You can and you will. His words were not angry, but firm; you will take everything I am and everything I give you. He removed the rest of his clothes with but a thought. Suddenly his fingers were gone and he pulled her up into his arms and stood. Her legs were shaky so he gripped her buttocks and lifted her against his body. Put your legs around me and lock your ankles.

Zoe realized he was now naked too, and she felt his huge erection pressing against her entrance. She clung to him, her face buried against his shoulder. She kissed his hot skin at the base of his neck and he shuddered. All too quickly she found herself back on the bed with Tariq covering her. He was in position to take her, she felt him holding himself still, waiting. As she looked up into his eyes, so dark with his passion, Zoe opened herself to him, her heart, her soul, and her body. She leaned up and kissed him, I trust you, Tariq. Her lips were so soft, so open to him.

Tariq's eyes felt moist, and his heart swelled with pride for her courage. She was offering him everything though she still had not made up her mind how she felt about him yet. He pressed himself against her opening even as his kiss became demanding and forceful. She was so wet and ready for him. As he started to enter her, he realized he would never again be alone. With each inch her body took, centuries of loneliness fell away. But it was not just her body that gave him this gift, this pleasure, it was her heart. He shuddered with the overwhelming emotions rioting in his body along with the ecstasy of her body clasping him so tight.

As their kiss grew passionate, Zoe felt the pressure of his manhood, but it was not unpleasant. He slowly sank in a few inches, stretching her and she felt his body shudder in her arms. He sank deeper, and it started to feel uncomfortable. She was thankful when he paused. His kiss softened, coaxed, and he looked deep into her eyes. His midnight eyes looked black, and Zoe felt weightless, completely lost in their depths.

Only ecstasy, Sivamet, Tariq whispered into her mind, you will feel only pleasure in my arms. Tariq withdrew, holding her gaze and then plunged deep in one powerful thrust. Zoe screamed, but not in pain, in unbelievable pleasure. Tariq groaned his pleasure, though truthfully he had another inch to go. He pressed slowly, but her untried body would not give way. Relax, my heart, let me in.

I thought you were in, she giggled, but then arched toward him, offering an angle that let him get even deeper. He started moving in her unbelievably slowly, making long languid strokes, pressing in hard to try to seat himself fully within her. It was heaven; she was his haven, his paradise and the words rising up from deep inside of him spilled out.

"Te avio päläfertiilam. -You are my lifemate. Éntölam kuulua, avio päläfertiilam. -I claim you as my lifemate," his voice was strained, husky. He was trying to maintain control even as each long stroke entered with greater strength than the last. "Ted kuuluak, kacad, kojed. -I belong to you," the words in his language were punctuated by a powerful thrust, and her language with a slow withdrawal. "Élidamet andam.-I offer my life for you. Pesämet andam. -I give you my protection. Uskolfertiilamet andam. -I give you my allegiance. Sívamet andam. - I give you my heart. Sielamet andam. -I give you my soul. Ainamet andam. -I give you my body," He maintained a poetic pace with the ritual binding words, but the power behind his thrusts grew forceful. She was small, and he was rather large. He gained a little depth, but still had yet to hilt himself within her virgin body.

Zoe clung to him, taking his beautiful words into her heart even as she took him into her body. She could feel her soul reaching for his. As he continued his powerful strokes, each new line drew them closer in spirit. She could see her soul and his entwining, honey-gold and midnight blue marbling together, chasing his shadows away. Her body hummed with pleasure until she thought she could take no more, but he continued driving into her even as his words bound them closer.

Tariq was almost speaking through grit teeth for the pleasure was distracting, "Sívamet kuuluak kaik että a ted.-I take into my keeping the same that is yours," he withdrew completely, holding at her entrance a moment, then drove hard and deep, finally seating himself to the hilt with a satisfied groan. "Ainaak olenszal sívambin.-Your life will be cherished by me for all my time," his control was fading, "Te élidet ainaak pide minan.-Your life will be placed above my own for all time. Te avio päläfertiilam.-You are my lifemate," Tariq's volume rose slightly as he neared the end of the ritual words, he was pleased with the passion dazed look on Zoe's face and her little gasps of pleasure with every plunge into her tight hot body. "Ainaak sívamet jutta oleny.-You are bound to me for all eternity," Tariq's fangs lengthened and his pace quickened. "Ainaak terád vigyázak.-You are always in my care," he felt their souls join, and with the last word spoken he gripped her hips and drove into her hard and fast.

Zoe clung to him as his hips rocked against her, his thick member seemed to swell even larger within her, but he had not lied about the ecstasy, her body thrummed, her skin felt too tight and she felt light headed. Something was building and her fingernails dug into his back, "Tariq?" she gasped in wonder. She heard his reassurance even as his fangs pierced her breast and white hot fire burned under his mouth for a brief moment before she was lost in complete rapture. It was bliss, so much more pleasurable than the last time he took her blood. He kept moving, and it only seemed to get better.

You are mine, Zoe. Let go and just feel, Tariq bent down to the swell of her breast and bit deeply, drinking her essence even as felt her release. He growled with satisfaction as she pulsed around him. He drank deeply, almost greedily, driving her climax higher as he continued to drive into her. He loved the sounds of her gasps and moans of pleasure. He withdrew his fangs and licked the wound closed. As she hovered in that pleasure induced dream state, he whispered his command to her. You will take what is offered. He drew her lips to his chest and slashed a wound with a sharp fingernail. He held her to him and she drank. With the first pull of her lips against his skin his body shuddered violently with his release. There was no word adequate enough to describe the ecstasy. His body was on fire. His life blood flowed into her even as his seed filled her. It was a heady thing, filling her with his essence like that, satisfying to mark her as his. His blood ran in her veins, his seed filled her womb. He felt powerful in that moment, a man with his woman fully sated in his arms, and he continued to feed her bliss. Yes, drink deeply, sivamet, take me into you and come closer to my world. Another few deep pulls with her mouth and he slipped a finger between her mouth and his chest. Enough, he whispered as he closed the wound and released her from the enthrallment.

Zoe emerged from a dream where Tariq made her body sing with pleasure and she liked the flavor of his blood. He was kissing her and she felt him throb inside her with the aftershocks of his pleasure. The kiss was coppery tasting and she knew it had not been a dream. Are we bound now? Zoe asked timidly.

Oh, I think it will take the rest of this rising to be fully bound. We have to make sure we didn't leave anything out of the ritual, Tariq said with a grin and nipped his way down her throat on his way to her breasts. His body was already swelling with his need to take her again, and he doubted he could be so gentle this time.

Zoe caught his thoughts and laughed, "Gentle the first time and then the Carpathian way…" she gasped his words back at him as he latched his mouth onto her nipple. "Just what is the Carpathian way?"

Tariq smiled as he sucked hard on her nipple, any way I want.

Merlin ignored the bonding ritual he knew was taking place in Zoe's room. The Carpathian would care for her in her grief. He turned his attention to his grandson's body, lifting the earthly shell into his arms and carrying him out into the garden. He laid his body on a stone bench and looked up to the moon. Already it was beginning, the fading. Russ seemed to lose substance in the moonlight, appearing translucent, ever lightening until he completely vanished.

"Be at peace, you have earned your place in the Idir. I will see you there soon, when this is over," Merlin promised.

He sighed and turned his attention to the little villains that lay dead in the garden. With a wave of his hand he gathered them up into a pile on the same bench and set their tiny bodies on fire. They were fully consumed in moments. He knew they had been corrupted by Carthach; that all pixies were not to blame, but as one lone blue pixie flew out of the tree line, he had to resist the temptation to slay her. She was heading right for him. He knew that this little creature was going to be a harbinger and he already dreaded the message.

"Merlin, great Merlin, they have finally breached the gates! The Mísióg have taken the palace, the Queen is in his custody," Luna gasped in panic.

"What of the princess Zania?" Merlin demanded.

"She was not within the palace when it was taken, they are searching for her. King Carthach is trying to force the Queen to open the portals to this world. He is in contact with the undead, they are waiting for him to join them for a battle somewhere," Luna was gasping for her flight had taken so much of her strength, but Merlin was their only hope. "They spoke of the lost child, Princess Zania's lost child. I think they are coming for Zoe."

Merlin sighed and held out his hand, "Come little one, you have done well bringing me this warning. You renew my faith in your people. Come into the house with me and rest. The garden will not be safe for much longer."

Luna warily landed on his outstretched hand and allowed him to take her into the house. Merlin made her nervous but he seemed sincere in his gratitude. Though she was afraid of what might be coming Luna was staying to help, Zoe was her friend.

Merlin glanced at the stairs, knowing he might have to interrupt his granddaughter's bonding with her mate to give them this news. He glanced at the clock, dawn was approaching. The battle would not come in daylight; he would hold his news and allow them this time. Reality would intrude upon them soon enough.

"Just what do pixies eat, anyway?" Merlin asked the little blue messenger to get his mind off their approaching troubles.

"I'm partial to chocolate," Luna said with a grin.

Merlin laughed, "Typical woman."

Never in his life could Tariq ever recall being so content. He lay on his back with his precious Zoe half draped over him. He wanted to stay with her, but he needed the soil to keep himself strong so he could protect her. As dawn approached, Tariq pulled Zoe close, "I do not wish to be parted from you, but you need time before our last blood exchange that will bring about your conversion."

"I will be safe here while you rest, I'm not going anywhere," she said sleepily as he hugged him tight.

"You will not leave the house without me, Zoe. Your garden is off limits without an escort. The sun will burn you anyway, now that you have taken my blood. Upon the next rising I will return to you," Tariq said.

Zoe heard his words, but she also heard what he did not say. He feared for her safety while he slept. "I promise to remain in the house; I don't want you to worry."

Tariq drew her up for a kiss. I will leave you now, but soon we will never be parted again. You will sleep for me. Zoe felt the strong push with the command but didn't fight it. She needed sleep and with his high handed command, she would be beyond the pain of her father's death for a few hours.

Arrogant pushy Carpathian, she answered him even as she drifted into a deep slumber.

Tariq smiled, knowing her words were teasing. He was still in her mind and felt her gratitude at being forced to a sleep without grief. He held her to him and touched her mind, easing her grief a little more so that when she rose, the pain would be bearable. He rose and clothed himself, tucked her in and then set strong safeguards on the house. He would have a few words with the old wizard and then taker his rest.

Irish Gaelic Translations

anseo - here

ar aghaidh - next

athair - father

athair céile - father-in-law

banphrionsa - princess

daid - father

dorcha - dark

dubh - dark

dúghorm - dark blue

idir - between

le do thoil - please

leasathair - Step father

máthair – mother

mí- (prefix) - evil

Mísióg – evil fairy

ná - do not

scoir - quit

seanathair - grandfather

sióg - fairy