The green fields and the sun reflecting off the lake outside the empire were a welcome sight. I leaned my head against the window ledge, smiling as the breeze kissed my skin. It was a sigh-inducing relief.
I was feeling better, surprisingly. Was it odd that I was actually happy about returning to Maximus’s palace?
Who would've guessed? Initially, I despised it. Was I developing feelings for Maximus?
I laughed at the thought.
Stealing a glance at him, I noticed he was engrossed in his book, a small furrow forming between his thick eyebrows.
He’d been reading for quite some time, and I felt a bit neglected.
But it did give me an opportunity to observe him, or more accurately, to check him out.
I turned my head his way, smiling. His long black hair was getting a bit too long.
It reached past his waist. Maybe I should suggest a trim?
I’ve always had a thing for men with long hair, and his was my favorite. But, unfortunately, Azriel had cut his. My eyes drifted down his body, taking in his muscular arms and broad shoulders.
His white long-sleeve shirt clung to his body, accentuating every muscle. I found myself licking my lips as I watched his muscles flex.
My gaze traveled further down to his thick thighs, encased in royal blue pants. Was it just me, or did he look even more attractive?
Feeling a pair of eyes on me, I slowly looked up. Maximus was smirking.
“What?” I blurted out, my face flushing.
“Nothing, just admiring the view,” Maximus murmured in a seductive tone. I swallowed hard and turned away, his chuckle ringing in my ears.
I kept my gaze fixed on the window. Then, hearing a shuffle, I glanced sideways to find Maximus closer to me. I gasped, sitting up straight.
“Is something wrong?” I asked, my embarrassment making me shy. I looked down at our feet.
He leaned in closer, his arms on either side of me. His face was inches from mine.
“Maximus?” I whispered.
Maximus moved his hand to my chest, where the small knot of my dress was. He slowly pulled on it, and the front of the dress fell open.
I inhaled sharply as he hummed in appreciation. The corset I was wearing accentuated my chest, making it look even more voluptuous.
I looked up to find him watching my reaction. His red eyes swirled with black. My heart pounded as he held my gaze. It felt like he was communicating with his eyes.
Slowly, he traced his finger down my chest. Stopping between my breasts, I felt something sharp graze me. I looked down to see a claw between my pale breasts.
He moved it down, slicing my corset in half. My breasts were exposed, and I gasped as a wave of excitement washed over me.
I found this thrilling.
He moved his claw up my chest again, and I panted. My eyes closed as I reveled in the pleasure of his touch. His slow movements sent delicious shivers down my spine.
I leaned my head against the seat, feeling his wet lips on my chest. His hand wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer.
Maximus shifted, kneeling between my legs. His mouth teased my nipples, and I bit my lip.
“Stay quiet, Amari,” Maximus commanded in a husky voice. I covered my mouth with my hand, muffling a moan. His teeth bit down on my pink nipple.
“M-Maximus,” I whispered, breathless. I was aching for him.
“Look at me, Amari,” Maximus called. I opened my eyes, and his lips met mine in a passionate kiss.
His kisses were slow and filled with desire. I moaned against his lips as his hands pulled away the remnants of my dress. I felt exposed.
I reached for his shirt, my hands trembling as I began to remove it. What was happening to me? This wasn’t the first time we’d been intimate.
Finally, I managed to take it off. As I ran my hands up and down his arms, Maximus’s claws slid down my back, causing me to arch my body forward.
“You’re beautiful,” he murmured, kissing the scars on my belly. My breathing was ragged.
I watched as his mouth moved lower down my body. I wanted more.
“Please, Maximus… I need you,” I whispered, covering my mouth.
“Patience, love.” He smiled.
He found my neck, kissing and licking it. His teeth bit down on my skin, and a moan escaped my lips. Suddenly, the coachman yelled out; we were home. I tensed up. We could be seen.
“M-Maximus…,” I stammered, nervously glancing outside. Maximus lifted his head and drew the small curtains, blocking the view from outside. “W-what are you—”
I was cut off as I cried out his name while he sucked hard on my nipple. My hair was a mess from all the head tossing.
His hand moved down my leg, and I tensed up, looking down at him. Then, as he touched me, I bent over and buried my face in his neck.
“D-don’t…,” I slurred, feeling his fingers moving inside me. Then, as he made small circular movements, I bit down on his neck. My body shivered as he quickened the pace.
My fingers dug into his shoulder, my breath hitching as I moaned into his neck. A low grunt escaped his lips, his mouth finding my hardened nipple once more. His pace quickened, the pressure building within me.
My legs trembled as pleasure washed over me, my words slurring into incoherence. As my orgasm hit, Maximus muffled my moans with a deep kiss.
Pulling away, he was breathless, his fingers slick from my climax. I shyly watched as he licked his fingers, the sight making my body pulse with need.
“Damn,” Maximus growled, struggling to sit up. My gaze dropped to his impressive erection.
I licked my lips, panting. I wanted Maximus inside me.
His eyes flicked to my face, dark with desire. He growled, a sound that made my body shudder. He began to adjust his pants, reaching for the quilt discarded on the floor.
He picked it up, pulling me against his chest. He wrapped the quilt around me, leaning in to press a quick kiss to my cheek.
“I’m not done with you,” he whispered in my ear, sending a shiver of anticipation down my spine.
He flung the door open, and I stared at him in shock. Was he really planning on going out like this? “Come,” Maximus said, extending his hand to me.
“You’re insane!” I protested, glancing around nervously.
He grabbed my arm, pulling me towards him.
“Of course, I’m insane for you,” Maximus murmured, earning a gasp from me. He scooped me up in his arms, carrying me through his palace. I buried my face in his chest, embarrassed.
I heard several greetings, including one from Jonathan, but we ignored them all. I could hear Maximus’s heart pounding in his chest, and I couldn’t help but smile.
Maximus rushed us to his bedroom. Kicking the door open, he carried me to the bed. His hands quickly found the quilt, pulling it away from my body.
“I can’t wait to bury myself inside you, my queen,” Maximus whispered in my ear, nipping at my earlobe.
He stepped back, pulling his pants down. My eyes were drawn to his long, thick shaft, standing proudly. Pre-cum glistened at the tip.
He crawled over me, and my eyes were drawn to his lips. I traced them softly with my finger. Maximus was watching me.
I looked back at him, feeling an undeniable pull in my chest. I swallowed hard, closing my eyes.
His lips moved over my face, kissing my eyes, eyebrows, forehead, cheeks, until they found their destination. My hand moved to caress his face. I was desperate for his love.
I had never wanted him more than I did in that moment. Brushing a stray hair from my eyes, I opened them to find him smiling down at me.
“I love you, Amari,” Maximus said, his words filled with honesty and love. Tears welled in my eyes, and I closed them. Was I feeling his emotions?
I tried to focus on his mark. Just like Michael had said, I could feel his emotions. Tears slipped down my cheeks as I shyly opened my eyes again.
I looked at him, and he gave me a soft smile. Was I falling for him?
He kissed me passionately, and I frowned slightly. Was this what love felt like?
Maximus’s hand moved down my waist, pulling me closer to his erect shaft. I reached for his neck, pushing my thoughts aside as I moaned, my head thrown back.
His slow movements had me begging for more. But instead, he quickened his pace, pounding into me.
His actions were driving me wild.
He found my neck, sucking on my sensitive spot. I moaned loudly as he hit my mark.
We were both lost in our lust.
I stretched in bed, wincing at the slight pain in my lower back. We had spent the entire day making love. I had lost count of how many times he had brought me to climax.
Turning to the side, I realized I was alone. The sun was shining; it was morning, and it seemed I had slept the entire morning away.
I sat up in bed, scratching my head. My hair was a mess, which made me grumble. This was going to be a battle to untangle. Deciding to look for Maximus, I got up, wincing again.
Why was my back hurting so much? Was it from the rough sex?
I slowly got up and walked to the bathroom. My eyes immediately landed on the nail marks on my lower back. So that was why I was in pain.
I approached the mirror, quickly scanning my body.
“Damn you, Maximus!” I growled. He had covered my entire body with kisses and bite marks. His nails had left traces of our passionate night on my skin.
I shook my head and stepped into the shower. He was going to get an earful for this.
Once I felt clean, I started looking for something to wear. Unfortunately, I had nothing in his room, and my room was in the opposite direction, meaning I would have to find some clothes.
With a sigh, I got up and walked to the closet. Searching for a shirt, I followed the line of clothes when I paused, staring at the side.
“Are those my clothes?” I frowned, looking at the right side of the closet. Half of my clothes were arranged next to his.
I chuckled, wondering how that had happened. Had Maximus arranged it?
I smiled and grabbed the first dress I saw. It was a simple red dress with long sleeves. Perfect for covering the marks of our passionate night.
I picked up the brush and faced the mirror. With a deep breath, I began to work through the knots in my hair.
An hour of tugging and sighing later, I was ready. I’d put on a bit of makeup to enhance my features. I headed downstairs to the dining room, but something nudged me towards Maximus’s office instead.
I noticed a few guards patrolling outside. Other servants were bustling about, cleaning and moving things. I glanced down the hallway. Was it just me, or did the palace seem more vibrant today?
When I reached the double doors, I knocked gently. I heard Maximus’s voice inviting me in. I slowly pushed the door open and peeked inside. Maximus looked up from his writing and paused when he saw me.
“Amari?” he asked, a puzzled expression on his face.
“Hi,” I murmured, closing the door behind me. “Am I interrupting your work?”
“No, come here,” Maximus said, extending his hand. He leaned back in his armchair. I walked over to him, a smile playing on my lips, and nestled into his lap. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed him.
I rested my head in the crook of his neck as we sat in comfortable silence. I felt his lips press a kiss to my cheek and I couldn’t help but smile.
“I thought you’d sleep in,” Maximus chuckled.
“I would have if you were there with me. But I woke up alone,” I whispered.
“I know. I would have loved to stay, but I had work to do,” Maximus explained, sighing. “Are you feeling okay?”
“Yeah, just a bit of pain in my lower back,” I said, sitting up on his lap and giving him a pointed look. He frowned. “Your little claw marks are all over my back.”
Maximus laughed.
“What can I say? I’m a passionate man,” he said, making me giggle. “But I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
I pulled down my collar and rolled up my sleeves. His eyebrows shot up and he smiled.
“You look divine,” Maximus said, a smirk playing on his lips.
I raised an eyebrow but decided not to argue, instead laughing it off.
“Just spare me the stares from everyone in the palace,” I mumbled.
“I can’t promise that,” Maximus said, leaning in closer. His eyes flicked to his desk before returning to meet mine. A shiver ran down my spine as I looked into his deep, red eyes.
“No,” I said, trying to stand, but his hands found my waist and his lips found my face.
I moaned as his tongue explored my mouth, sucking and biting my lower lip.
“Let’s do it here,” Maximus whispered against my lips. Then, lifting me up, he laid me down on his mahogany desk. I smiled, finding his lips again. This was going to be a long morning.
I shifted in bed, turning onto my side. A goofy smile spread across my face as I took a deep breath. I was so happy it was almost unbelievable. My hand slid up my barely covered body.
After our steamy encounter in the office, we’d moved back to the bedroom. For a moment, Maximus had thought I was using my seductive powers, but I wasn’t.
I was just feeling more aroused than usual. Maybe it was a side effect of my abilities?
I stretched and sighed. I needed to get up and do something. It had been a while since I’d been here, so a walk around the place seemed like a good idea.
I sat up in bed, but a wave of nausea hit me. My eyes widened as I clamped a hand over my mouth and sprinted to the bathroom. I barely made it in time. Gasping for air, I leaned against the wall.
My stomach was churning. I felt the contents of my stomach rise again. I bent over and threw up. What was happening? Was I getting sick?
After a few more bouts of vomiting, I finally felt a bit better. I groaned as I walked over to the faucet to wash my face. I looked pale.
I closed my eyes and took several deep breaths, trying to quell the awful sensation in my chest. A dull ache throbbed in my head, making me groan.
I cursed as I held my face.
I ignored it, letting it fade into the background.
I snapped and lifted my head. So he thought he could control me?
“Who are you?” I groaned, opening my eyes. I froze as I took him in.
Brown hair that fell to his shoulders. A tall, well-built body with a chiseled jaw. His eyes were the same blue as mine, but his gaze was so intense it made me want to surrender.
He smiled at me, a smile that seemed to hold a thousand unspoken words.
“BACK OFF!” I hollered, spinning around, but the room was empty. I scanned the bathroom when a low chuckle echoed. Whirling back, I saw him standing next to me, but his reflection was only visible in the mirror.
I recoiled.
“SHUT UP!” I shouted, squeezing my eyes shut and clutching my head.
I crumpled to the floor, banging my head. Tears streamed down my face as I pleaded for the voice to stop. It took a while for the silence to return. I was sure I was losing my mind.
Night fell, and I hadn’t accomplished a thing. I’d spent the entire day locked in my room. Occasionally, Jonathan would pass by, leaving food but nothing more.
But I couldn’t stop thinking about him. Who was he?
His words kept echoing in my mind. Kill him, but who was he talking about?
I closed my eyes and rocked back and forth, hugging my knees. I rested my forehead on my knees. I needed to talk to someone about this, but who?
I couldn’t tell Maximus. I was afraid he’d think I was acting weird. Azriel wouldn’t have time for me. He already had enough on his plate.
My gaze landed on my drawer. I got up, walked over, and opened it. Inside was the stone. A dark red, lifeless stone lay still in my drawer.
I picked it up and studied it. Could this stone have messed with my mind?
With a sigh, I put it back and closed the drawer. As I moved the bedsheets aside, I heard the bedroom door open. I looked up to see who it was.
“I thought you were asleep,” Maximus said, walking around the bed. I shook my head. “Are you okay?”
“Yes.” I sighed, hugging him.
“Amari?” Maximus called. I hummed in response, resting my head on his chest. “I didn’t force you to come here, did I? I understand if you want to stay with Azriel.”
I lifted my head and frowned at him. Then, letting go, I turned away.
“Say something, Amari.”
I heard the desperation in his voice. I glanced at him over my shoulder.
“Azriel needs some time without me. He might be my mate and all, but I know he’s struggling with everything that’s happening. It’s hard for him to deal with me too,” I mumbled, looking away.
“And we both need some time.”
“What do you mean?” Maximus asked.
I knew he didn’t know about Azriel’s proposal. Should I tell him?
“It’s nothing,” I lied and climbed into bed.
Maximus didn’t say a word. I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep. A while later, I heard his footsteps walking away.
Once he closed the door, I opened my eyes again and stared at the window. The same foggy feeling was creeping in. The only difference was that this time I let it take over.
Amari was gone, and I was alone again. I had to admit I hated the idea of her being with Maximus.
I wouldn’t say I liked the fact that she rejected me, but it was a good thing she left on the other side. I would barely have time for her now that I was king.
I shifted my gaze to the glass of blood. I had no appetite for anything. Rising from the sofa, I walked to the window and stared at the forest.
Then, clasping my hands behind my back, I stood tall, looking out.
I wanted Amari to be mine; she was meant to be mine. But one thing I knew, never force anything, and when I proposed to her, it was impulsive.
Who in their right mind would propose after she killed her first victim?
I was a fucking lunatic. Just seeing Amari that day, how she snapped Calandra’s neck, gave me a sense of satisfaction. I knew she wasn’t Amari, but still, it sparked something in me.
That thirst for blood and death that I had learned to control. No one except my family knew who I was. A sadistic bastard who liked to torture and kill.
I bit my lip just remembering how it felt to punish Lilith. I wondered how it would feel if I punished Amari.
Amari had become my weakness. Her presence had changed me, and I had to say I hated it but loved it at the same time. Quite contradictory, which Lilith had told me multiple times before.
I knew she was my mate, but every time I saw her body, her scars, they made my fingers tingle with a desire to see her pale skin covered in blood.
But once I looked into her eyes, that desire vanished. That was how much control she had over me.
Letting out a sigh, I turned back around and headed to bed. I needed to stop thinking about her. I promised to visit, and in a month, I would go.
But for now, I needed to figure out where the fuck Andrei was.
Lorcan’s death had left a void, and I’d sent scouts to scour the depths of that abyss. The news that he wasn’t there didn’t bring me peace. Instead, it stoked my anger, and it was just another reason I was grateful Amari had left.
My inner beast, my darker side, had been gaining ground, worming its way into my thoughts. I’d already unleashed my fury on her once, something I shouldn’t have done.
The memory of her tear-streaked face after I’d told her to go screw herself and mind her own business still hurt. She was my mate, and I should have been loving her, not lashing out. But my thoughts were a tangled mess.
There was one thing I’d done right, though. I’d warned Maximus. I’d never been a fan of the guy, but now I had to deal with him.
We were tied together by our shared mate, even though every possessive bone in my body screamed to keep Amari all to myself. I had to be smart about this.
I couldn’t let my anger and obsession cloud my judgment.
Before they’d left, I’d warned him about Andrei. He knew the guy was still alive and out there somewhere. I’d also told him not to make her cry.
If I showed up at his palace and found out Amari had been hurt, I’d kill him without a second thought. And once he was dead, I’d wash myself in his blood.
“How would Amari look covered in blood?” I mused aloud. A chuckle escaped me as I lay back and closed my eyes. I needed to stop imagining her drenched in blood.
