Caged By the Lich

22. Olvaar

22

OLVAAR

I wake with Astrid cradled in my arms, her warmth pressing against my skin like a brand. I didn't expect this—the way she responded to my touch, the fierceness of our connection. I'm not just hungry for her; I'm fucking addicted.

My lips find her neck, tracing kisses down her shoulder. She stirs with a soft moan, her eyes fluttering open. "I need to shower," she murmurs, her voice still laced with sleep.

"Allow me," I say, sweeping her into my arms. Magic surges through me, turning on the shower and heating the water. I set her down gently, placing her hands against the wall.

She arches slightly as I move behind her, one hand wrapping around her throat, the other splayed across her stomach as I push deep into her. My strokes are slow and deep as I take my time, savoring every inch of her as I stretch her wide. She's going to feel me for so long, and I'll keep burying myself into her to make sure she never stops feeling it.

Her moans echo around us, driving me wild. Each thrust feels like a revelation, a claim I can't deny. I never want this to end.

Astrid's head falls back against my shoulder, and I bring my lips to her ear. "Your little pussy takes me so fucking well." She clenches around me and I tighten my hold on her throat. "Do you want your reward for being so damn good?"

"Yes," she moans out, pushing her hips back on me.

I tighten my grip on her, increasing my speed. "Come for me. I want you to fucking grip my cock and force me to spill inside of you."

It doesn't take but a few more thrusts before she does just that, and feeling her pulse around me is the closest I have ever felt to being near a goddess. It is fucking divine having her clenched around me, drawing out my orgasm as I fill her up. And I thrust into her a few extra times, driving my cum in deep.

I'm a possessive bastard after all, and I don't even like the thought of me dripping out.

When we finally come down from her climax, I hold her close, feeling her pulse race against my hand. I turn her to face me, water cascading over both of us as I wash her, my touch gentle yet possessive.

Wrapping her in a towel, I help her out of the shower and dress her in one of my tunics. She looks up at me, her eyes bright. They look almost all golden, like I'm sure mine did. The color gives away the desire I've always felt for her.

"I should probably go to my room," she says softly, a small grin playing on her lips and I reach up, dragging my thumb along her bottom lip. "Put on my own clothes."

I hate the thought, but I can't push her too far. So I only nod, hating to watch her leave. But at least I know I'll see her soon.

I'm barely dressed when my door is pushed open, Kaz standing in the doorway. I roll my eyes and give him a glare. "What?"

He only tips his head. "Come on."

I don't take orders from anyone but I follow Kaz out to the training circle, my muscles tense with anticipation. The morning air is crisp, a stark contrast to the heat still lingering on my skin from Astrid's touch.

Kaz circles me, his eyes narrowed. "Interesting night, V?" I shrug. "Well, someone had one. All our training dummies are in shreds, and the walls were practically shaking like the damn place was going to come down."

Again, I shrug, falling into a defensive stance. "What can I say? I had some excess energy to burn off."

Kaz lunges forward, his fist barely missing my jaw as I sidestep. "Energy, huh? Wouldn't have anything to do with a certain human wearing your clothes this morning, would it?"

My eyes flash, a growl rumbling in my chest. "Watch it, Kaz."

He backs off, hands raised. "Hey, I'm not judging. Just curious what game you're playing here."

I lash out with a quick combination, forcing him back. "No game. I can do whatever I want with my human."

Kaz blocks my strikes, his brow furrowed. "Sure, you can. But what exactly are you doing, V? This isn't like you."

I pause, my fist inches from his face. "What's that supposed to mean?"

He doesn't flinch. "You're different around her. Softer. It's not necessarily bad, but it's... noticeable."

I drop my hand, stepping back. "I'm not soft," I snarl, but there's less heat in it than I'd like.

Kaz sighs, relaxing his stance. "Look, I'm not telling you what to do. But you need to figure out what this is." He huffs. "If you nearly destroy the castle over a fight or kill a guard for saying she's a human bi?—"

"Watch it," I snarl, lunging at him.

He parries well. "This is what I mean. I don't care. You know I don't. I think she's good for you." He pushes me back with a quick combination. "But you aren't in control like you should be."

As we circle, my eyes slide past Kaz and to the house behind him. Astrid's probably in there somewhere, wrapped in my scent. The thought sends a surge of possessiveness through me that I can't quite shake.

"I don't know what this is," I admit quietly, more to myself than to Kaz.

Kaz's fist grazes my jaw as I dodge, the sting barely registering. "We need to move on the southern territories soon," he says. "It'll make us more enemies."

I growl, landing a solid hit to his ribs. "So?"

"So, Astrid's a target." Kaz's words hit harder than any physical blow. "Most lords see her as a plaything, a pawn to exploit."

Red bleeds into my vision. The thought of anyone touching her, using her... My fist connects with the training dummy beside us, shattering it to splinters.

Kaz doesn't flinch. "Have you considered mating her? It would offer more protection."

I freeze, my chest heaving. "What?"

"Or are you ever going to let her go?" He presses, circling me. "She's in danger here, V."

I lash out, my movements sloppy with rage. Kaz easily sidesteps, continuing, "You haven't even realized it, have you?"

"Realized what?" I snarl, stumbling as I overextend.

Kaz pauses, cocking his head. "That you're in love with her."

I scoff, but the words hit me like a freight train. Love? That's ridiculous. I'm a demon lord, I don't...

But as the denial forms on my lips, I see Astrid's face in my mind. Her fierce determination, her brilliant mind, the way she challenges me at every turn. The softness in her eyes when we're alone.

Fuck.

I love her.

The realization leaves me breathless, terrified, and utterly exhilarated.

I stand there, frozen, as Kaz's words sink in. Love. It's a foreign concept, one I've never allowed myself to entertain. But now that it's out there, I can't deny the truth of it.

Kaz straightens up, his expression serious. "We've got a few weeks, V. But you need to make a decision."

I narrow my eyes. "What kind of decision?"

He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "You need to decide if you're bringing your new mate with us when we go to the southern territories. Or if you're going to return your prisoner to her father."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. I hadn't even considered the upcoming mission, too caught up in my feelings for Astrid.

Kaz continues, either not knowing or caring the blows he's dealing me. "Either way, she won't be safe here without us. And if we do find what we're after, I need you focused. This situation with you and Astrid... it needs to end one way or the other."

I clench my fists, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on me. The thought of leaving Astrid behind makes my chest ache, but bringing her into danger... that's not an option either.

"Fuck," I mutter, pacing back and forth. "I can't just... I can't make this decision right now."

Kaz watches me, his expression unreadable. "You don't have much time, V. And the longer you wait, the more dangerous it becomes for everyone involved."

I know he's right, but that doesn't make it any easier. I've never felt so torn, so conflicted. The demon lord in me wants to forge ahead with our plans, consequences be damned. But the part of me that loves Astrid... that part wants to protect her at all costs.

What am I going to do?