Damn it, its the white sorceressbut shes not alone.
The rich scent of apples seeps into my nose, impetuous and dominant.
How the hell can I get rid of this relentless man? sek "Help me remove her bandages.
The medicine I applied should have done its job by now..." Wait, sorceress!" I grab her hand almost by accident.
"'Cant you do that alone? If not, wait for my daughter or another woman to help you..." "Valeria is busy and pregnant.
Do you really want to burden her even more? Or have her worry about seeing you injured?" His firm, masculine voice leaves me no room to refuse.
Ipress my lips together, annoyed.
I certainly dont want to add more weight to my daughters shoulders, but why cant this useless witch do it herself? Its just removing a bandage! "Tm allowing him to stay because hes your mate.
I believe its best for him to know how to care for you," the sorceress explains with respect but firmness.
They used to tremble in my presence, and now they even dare to support this situation.
It seems the whole damn realm already knows I have a mate.
"Do whatever you want," I finally give in, not wanting to make a scene.
I feel the blanket being slowly pulled away, and suddenly, I feel a bit shy.
---- Ive never been the introverted type.
I always knew how to stir lust and desire in menthat wild, no-strings-attached passion, short-lived and consuming, had always been my favorite.
Only with my former mate did I have a steady relationship.
"This is how its done.
Remove the rest while I prepare the healing bath." Thear the womans footsteps moving away, and then an overwhelming presence leans over mewarm and protective.
His hands are large and strong, yet they touch my legs and arms delicately, almost as if afraid to break me.
"Wait, if you guide me, I can do it myself," I lift my hands, reaching for the front of my nightgown, where his fingers are undoing the buttons over my chest.
He takes my hands in his, larger and firm, not letting go as he continues undressing me, leaving me vulnerable to his gaze.
I dont even know how! look.
I think part of my chest is injured tooI must look awful.
Then an absurd idea crosses my mindI need to disgust him.
If he wants to do his charity work with me, let him do it until he feels sick.
"Tm tired, just continue on your own," I turn my head to the side, giving him the control he so desperately wants.
I try to stay calm, but for some reason, I'm getting nervous.
Damn this ! man! My nightgown is opened, and I clench my teeth when his knuckles graze my sensitive nipples as he undresses me.
Every chance he gets, his fingers brush against my healthy skin.
He lowers his head, and his warm breath falls onto my stomach.
I can clearly hear his heart pounding fast and strong as he removes the last barrier protecting me from his intense gaze.
Lift your hips a little, his deep, husky voice commands, low and seductive.
I arch up slightly, feeling my cotton underwear slide down my thighs and legs.
I swallow hard, not so convinced anymore that this was a good plan.
I lift my chin defiantly, knowing hes watching me, lying there naked on the bed.
At any moment, I expect to sense pity or sympathyI can easily pick up on peoples auras, even without seeing their expressions.
But the seconds pass in silence, and why the hell isnt he saying anything? Its driving me crazy! Even worse, that sweet scent of his grows stronger, surrounding me, melting my defenses.
Im starting to feel lost, about to pull my robe closedthis is absurd...
"The wounds are healing well.
Despite the loss of magical energy, theres no doubt shes a powerful Selenia," the sorceresss voice and footsteps draw near.
"Now, take her and immerse her in the medicinal bath.
It will help with the scars." Wait, you dont have to carry me! I can walk!"'I try to resist, but Im lifted into strong arms, pressed against a broad chest.
His hair tickles my forehead, and I remain rigid, refusing to touch him.
---- Her steps move toward the bathroom, and I think frantically about how I can manage to bathe myself.
Itll be a struggleI dont know my surroundingsbut...
"Keep an eye on her at all times.
The bath will benefit you as well.
Dont scrub the wounded areas too hard, just let them soak in the herbs.
The rest can be washed as usual," the woman began giving him instructions each one worse than the last! Thear her leave, and we enter a steam-filled room thick with the strong scent of healing herbs.
Its the bath.
The door creaks shut behind us, and I clench my fists, feeling somewhat helpless.
"You can lower me into the tub; I can bathe myself.
Im not useless," I say through gritted teeth, facing where I know his face isand I also know hes watching me.
His breathing draws closer, and suddenly, his warm breath caresses my lips.
"Looks like you ve forgotten my warning.
Im going to bathe you from head to toe, just as the healer instructed, and you have two options," he threatened relentlessly.
"You can behave, and I promise not to touch you too much, or you can keep resisting and give me a reason to wash you thoroughly, Gabrielle." Wash me thoroughly? I really hope that doesnt mean what I think it does.
Ima sick patient, damn it! "'So, tell me, hows this going to go?" I lean back slightly at his question, because our lips practically brush every time he speaks.
He waits for my answer, and it infuriates me.
Ive never beena ---- submissive woman, never one to give inI do whatever I damn well please.
"This is going to go the way I decide.
Dont get confused, Lycan.
Im in cha" but that delicious mouth assaults mine once again.
I want to resist the pleasure of his tongue exploring me, his canines grazing my lips, and the low growls rumbling in my throat.
Yet, I let myself be dominated by this sexy Lycan, and my mouth seems to have a will of its own, open and being devoured in his assault.
Saliva mixes with obscene sounds that echo off these four walls.
The steam rises, heating the already suffocating room even more.
Despite my resistance and my current condition, pain is no longer the only thing on my mind.
That familiar, thrilling tingle in my belly is unmistakable even after centuries, I know it all too well.
He sucks on my mouth and licks my ear erotically.
I pant, trying to break free from his spell of seduction, but he holds me tighter in his arms without hurting me.
So much for disgustthis isnt working at all, damn it! "Time to wash you, sweetheart.
You have no idea how glad I am that you chose the thorough bath.
Ill clean absolutely everything...
with great pleasure," he whispers huskily, stepping toward the bathtub with me in his arms.
Wait! When the hell did I agree to the thorough bath?!