Page 24 of Fool's Gold

"Gemma," I replied, my voice husky as I stepped into the shower, fully clothed. The water soaked through my attire, molding the fabric to my muscles, but I paid it no mind. All that mattered was her.

I slid my arms around her, my hands slick with soap as I explored her body. Her breasts filled my palms, her nipples hardening under my touch. I rolled them between my fingers, eliciting a moan from her that was music to my ears. I couldn't stop touching her, each curve and valley a discovery that set my blood on fire.

Pulling her back against my front, I let her feel the evidence of my desire. My fingers trailed down her stomach, delving between her legs to find her hot and ready. I stroked her, my fingers circling her clit before dipping inside her. She was tight, her walls clenching around my fingers as I pumped in and out, my other hand continuing its assault on her breasts.

"Kaelith," she moaned again, her head falling back against my shoulder as I drove her towards release. I nipped at her neck, my pointed canines scraping against her skin as I felt her shatter in my arms, her orgasm ripping through her like a supernova.

But I wasn't done with her. Not by a long shot.

I lifted her, carrying her dripping form to the bed. The water from the shower still clung to us, a testament to our urgency. I stripped off my soaked clothes, revealing my Vinduthi physique in all its glory. Gemma's eyes roamed over me, her gaze lingering on the triangular head of my cock, the soft flanges that ran down its length.

I crawled over her, my eyes locked onto hers as I positioned myself between her thighs. I wanted to see her face, to watch every flicker of pleasure that crossed her features. I entered her slowly, savoring the way her body stretched to accommodate me. She was a perfect fit, a sheath designed for my blade.

"You're mine, Gemma," I growled, my voice barely recognizable as my own. "My mate."

She gasped as I thrust into her, her legs wrapping around my waist, pulling me deeper. I set a relentless pace, each stroke designed to wring another moan from her lips. I was in control, dictating the rhythm, the depth, the intensity. But it was more than just physical for me—it was a claiming, a merging of souls.

I reached between us, finding her clit with my thumb. I circled it in time with my thrusts, watching her face as she came undone. Her eyes were wide, her lips parted as she whispered my name like a prayer.

"Come for me, Gemma," I commanded, and she obeyed, her body convulsing around mine as she found her release. I followed her over the edge, my orgasm barreling through me like a starliner. I emptied myself inside her, marking her as mine in the most primal way possible.

As we lay there, our bodies slick with sweat and water, I knew that I had crossed a line from which there was no return.

"I love you, Gemma," I murmured, brushing a damp lock of hair from her face. "You are my heart, my soul, my everything."

She looked up at me, her hazel eyes shining with unshed tears. "I love you too, Kaelith," she whispered, and in that moment, I knew that we were truly bonded, not just by the physical act, but by something much deeper.

We were partners, allies, lovers. And nothing in the universe would ever tear us apart.

GEMMA

I sat at the small table in the galley, sipping a warm drink and staring out the viewport at the stars streaking by. The gentle thrum of the ship's engines was comforting after our harrowing adventure on the derelict station. My thoughts drifted to Kaelith, and our future.

With the universe before us, what would we do now?

The door swished open and Kaelith entered, his imposing figure seeming too large for the cozy space. His crimson eyes found mine immediately and I felt a flutter in my chest at the seriousness of his gaze.

"Gemma," he said, his deep voice rumbling. "We need to discuss something."

My stomach dropped at his serious tone. Had I done something wrong? Displeased him somehow? I gripped my mug tighter, bracing myself.

Kaelith settled across from me, his movements fluid yet restrained, as if he were holding back his true strength. He pushed a hand back through his hair, as if struggling to find the right words. "When a Vinduthi male claims a mate, there is a ritual we perform. A claiming bite."

A shiver ran through me at the primal phrase. I watched him intently, my heartbeat quickening.

"The bite injects trace elements of our DNA into the female. It initiates...changes to her physique. Enhances her speed, strength, regenerative abilities." His gaze drifted over me. "It also causes markings to appear on her skin, matching those of her mate."

I blinked, trying to process this. Some sort of permanent bond, then? I found the idea didn't frighten me as I thought it might. In fact, the prospect of being bound to this powerful male in such an intimate way sent a thrill through my core.

"I accept," I said simply, holding his stare. "Claim me as your mate."

Kaelith's expression tightened, and he shook his head slowly. "I cannot. Not yet."

The rejection hit me like a physical blow, stealing my breath. I felt the blood drain from my face as hurt and confusion swirled within me. After everything we'd been through, everything he'd said, he didn't want me?

"Let me explain," Kaelith said quickly, no doubt seeing the anguish on my face. "You are still...fragile, recovering from your ordeals at Landar's hands. The claiming bite, the physiological changes it would trigger..." He paused, seeming to carefully choose his words. "If your body is not strong enough to withstand it, the results could be...devastating. Potentially fatal."

The implication hung heavy in the air. He feared killing me with this ritual. My entire body felt tight as I processed his reasoning. He wasn't rejecting me - he was trying to protect me.