Lienna.
I woke up a while later, my eyelids heavy as lead and my body feeling like it had been submerged underwater for an eternity. Blinking my eyes open, I surveyed the dark room, waiting for my eyes to adjust to the dim lighting. The sheets beneath me smelled fresh, crisp, and clean, and overall, it seemed like something had changed within me.
After moments of contemplation, I finally raised myself to a seating position, my muscles protesting with a dull ache. The room was empty, except for the figure who sat directly in front of me, his gaze sharp with awareness as he watched me move. His eyes seemed to bore into my soul, as if searching for any signs of distress.
“Are you okay?” The figure asked, and I realized it was Hermes. His voice was low and husky, filled with concern. Standing to his feet, he stepped out of the shadows, his movements fluid and graceful. He came to sit beside me on the bed, the mattress dipping with his weight.
“Yes…” I murmured, my voice hoarse and low from disuse from all the moaning and screening I must have done. Hermes raised a brow, and my cheeks grew warm with a flush. Biting my lower lip, I added, “A bit sore, but I’m game.” I said, sounding brave, though my body was still reeling from the intensity of Adonis’s bite.
Looking around the room, I added, “Where’s Adonis and Caspian?” Hermes’s gaze softened, and he reached out to brush a strand of hair behind my ear.
“They stepped out for a bit,” he replied. “You must be hungry. We should eat.” He stated, his words broking no argument.
Only then did I notice the covered plates of food sitting right next to me on a table by the bed. The savory aromas wafting from the dishes made my stomach growl with hunger. I swallowed the saliva pooling in my mouth, my eyes fixed on the food.
Hermes opened up the dishes, revealing a sumptuous feast. The delectable scents wafted up in the air, filling the room and making my mouth water. My heart racing in eagerness, I inched closer when he brought the food to me, sticking a spoon into the steaming bowl of chicken soup.
He proceeded to feed me, his eyes locked on mine as he guided the spoon to my lips. I felt a flush rise to my cheeks, embarrassed by the fact that he was feeding me, but my hunger won out. I opened my mouth, letting him put the spoon inside.
The warm, savory soup filled my mouth, with soft chunks of chicken flesh that I chewed eagerly, swallowing. Hermes saw my enthusiasm and a small, knowing smile graced his lips. I smiled back, shyly tucking my hair behind my ears.
He continued feeding me, his movements gentle and soothing, while I stayed there, accepting his offerings. Quite suddenly, a burst of emotions ran through me, and I stiffened at the oddness. It was a mix of relief, happiness, and concern, but they weren’t mine.
My eyes widened as I realized what it meant. “I can feel Adonis’s emotions…” I muttered out loud in shock, my voice barely above a whisper. Hermes’s gaze met mine, a knowing smile spreading across his face.
“What’s it like?” he asked, his voice low and curious.
“He’s concerned for me… But quite glad I’ve woken up,” I said, glancing at Hermes. His eyes seemed to bore into mine and my heart fluttered.
“Can he feel mine too?” I asked, my voice filled with wonder. Hermes’s smile grew wider, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
“Yes, he can,” Hermes said, picking up a steamed bun and taking a bite. His eyes never left mine as he chewed, his expression thoughtful. I gasped, finding it hard to believe. The idea that I could feel Adonis’s emotions, that we were connected on such a deep level, was both exhilarating and terrifying.
“Will I be able to feel everyone’s own?” I asked, the excitement in my voice growing. Hermes nodded, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
“Yes. By the time we’re through with this, you’ll be able to feel everyone’s happiness, sadness, pain, and anger,” he said, glancing at me. His expression turned serious, his voice taking on a cautionary tone. “But we can also block that if you think it’s too much for you.”
“Don’t block it out…” I immediately said, not letting him finish the statement. With a nervous smile, I lowered my gaze to my fingers, my hands twisting together in my lap.
“At least, not yet,” I mumbled. “It’s rather comforting.” I heard the rustle of sheets as Hermes moved closer, his presence warm and reassuring.
Placing a hand on my chin, he raised my head up so I was looking at him. His eyes locked onto mine, his gaze burning with intensity.
“Which is why we do it,” he said, his voice soft and gentle. “To make our bond stronger than ever.” I nodded, unable to tear my gaze away from his. My heart was pounding in my chest, my fingers itching to touch his face.
Unfortunately, he pulled away before I could work up the courage. “Come on, let’s finish our meal,” he said, his voice breaking the spell.
I lowered my gaze, my hands reaching out to touch the spot where Adonis had marked me. It still hurt, but I swore I could feel the connection from just swiping my fingers across it. The sensation was strange, yet comforting, like a warm ember glowing deep within my chest. I discovered that I liked it.
We finished eating our meal, and Hermes excused himself to clear up the plates. I looked around me, pulling up the sheets and wrapping my arms around myself as a sudden chill ran through me. Letting out a shuddering breath, I waited for Hermes’ return, my eyes fixed on the door.
He joined me on the bed, but kept a considerable distance away from me. I frowned, feeling a pang of disappointment. Not pleased, I went to him, wrapping my arms around his body as I buried my face in his chest. His warmth enveloped me, chasing away the cold.
He stiffened at first, his body tense, before letting out a low chuckle. A hand reached out to stroke my hair, his fingers gentle. “Sneaky, aren’t you?” he asked, his voice low and husky.
I frowned, looking up at him. “Sneaky? How am I being sneaky?” His eyes sparkled with amusement, his lips curling into a smile.
“You’re being sneaky by coming towards me just now,” he said, his voice teasing. I shook my head, my cheeks warming.
“I’m not being sneaky. I just needed some warmth. I feel cold,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. Hermes’ expression softened, his eyes filled with concern.
“Oh…” he trailed off, staring down at me while he lowered his head, his forehead touching mine. His breath danced across my skin, sending shivers down my spine.
“I have ideas on how to make you even warmer,” he murmured softly, his expression anything but innocent. My heart began to pound, the tips of my fingers tingling.
“Really? Show me,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. Hermes’ eyes flashed with desire, his lips curling into a sensual smile. He leaned in closer, his breath dancing across my skin, sending shivers down my spine.
Without another word, he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me closer to his chest. I let out a startled gasp, but he was soon smacking his lips on mine, his tongue pushing into my mouth. I closed my eyes, moaning into his mouth, my hands reaching up to encircle his neck. His warmth enveloped me, chasing away the chill that had settled in my bones.
As he held me, I felt his heart beating against mine, our pulses synchronizing in a slow, sensual rhythm. His hands began to roam over my body, his fingers tracing patterns on my skin that left me breathless.
I felt myself melting into his touch, my body responding to his caresses like a flower blooming in the sun. His lips brushed against my ear, sending shivers down my spine.
“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered, his voice husky with desire. I trembled, unintentionally digging my nails into his skin. He let out a growl, returning to my lips with renewed vigor. We toppled over onto the bed, our bodies entwining as we fell. Sliding a leg between my thighs, he rained me with kisses, pulling away only to drag air into our lungs.
I let out a giggle, seeing his desire-darkened gaze. His eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire, his pupils dilated with passion.
“What’s so funny?” he snarled, his voice low and husky. I shook my head, unable to stop the giggles. With a slight frown on his face, he lowered himself to continue kissing me, trailing kisses down my neck to my shoulders. I moaned, my back arching as I clung to him.
My fingers sunk into his hair, pressing his head closer to mine. He soon began trailing kisses up, and I trembled, my body responding to his touch.
“Have you found a spot?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, when his tongue lingered in one area. He let out a growl before raising himself to stare at me.
“I think so, yes,” he said, his eyes gleaming with triumph. I looked up at him, my heart filled with so much admiration and love. How did I ever come to love this man? I’ll never know.
Remembering something, I cleared my throat. “You think… Adonis can feel this too?” I asked, my voice cautious. Hermes let out a smile at that.
“I’m sure he already blocked us out,” he said, reaching out to touch my face. His fingers were gentle, his touch soothing.
“Really?” I asked, my voice filled with wonder.
“Yes,” he answered, his eyes locked on mine. “He’s not one to intrude on private moments.” He said and when I checked within me, I discovered that the foreign emotions that had filled me where no longer there.
“Wow… I didn’t notice.” I murmured, turning to look at him.
“You don’t need to. Now enough talking. I have a mark to create and a knot to give.” He growled, claiming my lips…