“For the thousandth time, I will be fine.” Carmilla replied, carefully hoisting herself up into the waiting carriage with Vin’s help. Her body was still terribly sore, but certainly not unmanageable.
“I know, but things are different now. Surely, your parents are going to be quite displeased. I just,” Vin huffed through his nose, “I don’t want you to feel like you need to do this on your own. I can certainly accompany you-”
“Please, Vin.” She cut him off. “I can handle this.” She gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. “Besides, I won’t be alone. Aoife was kind enough to join me.” Carmilla leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to the king’s forehead. “All I ask is that you keep your kingdom safe in my absence.”
Vin pressed his lips thin with a crooked frown.
“Besides, I believe there is someone here that needs you more than I.” She smiled at him warmly, giving his nose a playful tap. “I believe flowers may be in order.”
Vin returned a smile, a small laugh catching in his throat.
“I suppose you’re right.” He nodded.
“My apologies, your highness!” Aoife’s voice chimed in as she scuttled up to the carriage. “Please forgive my tardiness, I stopped off at the infirmary to gather a few supplies and it took a bit longer than I had anticipated.”
Aoife set the modestly sized satchel down on the carriage floor, sliding it back out of the way so that she could board.
“No worries, I’m in no hurry.” Carmilla assured. “Thank you for your consideration.” She took the young maid’s hand, steadying her as she climbed the narrow steps into the cabin.
Vin pushed the door closed, ensuring it was securely latched, and giving Carmilla a worried glance.
“Follow the eastern roads before heading northward. Keep yourself as far away from Honterra as you can. If anything is amiss, trust your instincts, and send word once you’re settled.”
“I will.”
“And, Carmilla,” Vin’s eyes scanned the young elf’s face, his heart anxiously racing, “please be safe.”
Carmilla returned a nod as Vin smacked the side of the carriage twice, signalling to the coachman to depart. He took a few steps back, the carriage creaking slightly in protest as the horses tugged at it. The knight sitting to the rear of the carriage reached for the brass handle to hold himself steady as the cart wobbled over the uneven ground.
As Vin watched the carriage disappear past the front wall, a deep sense of dread filled his chest.
The carriage rocked uncomfortably over the uneven ground, much to Carmilla’s dismay, though she did her best to disguise her discontent. Her body ached something fierce, and her stomach still hadn’t quite righted itself. A candied ginger slice sat on her tongue, spicy and sweet, and marginally effective.
Aoife, on the other hand, was taking the journey quite well, spending much of her time staring out the window at the changing scenery. The only time she pulled her gaze away from the outside world was when she felt inclined to check on Carmilla’s well being—which she did much more frequently than Carmilla would have liked, though she certainly appreciated it.
By sunset, they had reached the northern road that would take them through the mountain pass, and into Elvenwood. The grand mountain range sat hazily in the distance, extending far outside the reaches of sight.
“They’re beautiful.” Aoife whispered, her head leaning out of the window for a better view.
“They are.” Carmilla agreed with a smile. “Though, I’m sure their novelty will fade by tomorrow evening.”
“I’ve never seen the mountains before.” The maid spoke softly, paying the last of Carmilla’s statement no mind.
“Never?” The queen raised a brow.
Aoife shook her head, her gaze still fixed on the pale blue peaks.
“My family settled in the flatlands to the west. Plenty of farms out that way, and fairly close to the sea ports. But I’ve only ever traveled south from there. I don’t even remember the last time I left the city.”
“Well, then,” Carmilla reached out, placing a gentle hand on top of Aoife’s, “I am happy to share my part of the world with you.”
Aoife smiled brightly, a sight that melted the young queen’s heart. The soft flush of pink tinted the maid’s freckled cheeks, her ginger curls framing them like the most perfect portrait. Carmilla felt warmth rush to her face, and instinctively released Aoife’s hand, pulling away.
“I should warn you,” Carmilla cleared her throat, “elves aren’t exactly the most pleasant people to deal with.”
The maid cocked her head, puzzled. “What do you mean? I’d always heard that elves were quite refined and polite.”
“They- We,” She quickly corrected, “are. But polite doesn’t exactly mean kind.” Carmilla let out a sigh. “I’m not exactly the best representation of my people. Honestly, they don’t think so either. But, regardless, I don’t want you to be disillusioned about what you will find in Elvenwood.”
“So,” Aoife’s brow creased curiously, “what exactly will I find in Elvenwood?”
Carmilla clicked her tongue and smirked. “Assholes in nice clothes.”
Vin fluffed the flowers in the bouquet, pushing the less beautiful greenery aside so that the roses were unobstructed—as much as they possibly could be at least. He had tried to put it together himself, but amidst his struggling, Angelique was kind enough to help. Mostly by completely taking over the task in its entirety, and that was probably for the best.
It had been nearly two weeks since he’d seen Lucas. He hadn’t intended to be away so long, but the recent collection of events had been unexpectedly taxing. Carmilla had taken precedence in the forefront of his mind—partially by choice—only exacerbated by her desire to return to Elvenwood to deliver the news herself. It was an idea Vin wasn’t overly fond of, but ultimately had no say over.
As he approached the cottage, he felt his heart thump anxiously in his chest. Taking a moment to collect himself, he steeled his nerves, before knocking on the door.
“Lucas?” Vin called. “Are you there?” Patiently he waited. There was no verbal response, however, he heard the tell tale shuffling of a man approaching the door.
With a creak, the door opened, revealing a tall, sandy-haired man with scruffy stubble on his chin. He looked exhausted. His eyes were red and carried dark bags beneath them, and his hair was disheveled. Vin was instantly ravaged by guilt.
Lucas pulled the door open the rest of the way, gesturing for the king to enter, to which he quickly obliged.
“I brought flowers.” Vin offered the bouquet to Lucas with an anxious smile.
“Thanks.” Lucas replied flatly as he took the small bundle of roses from the vampire. “They’re nice.” He placed the bouquet on the kitchen table, before shuffling over to the fireplace to replace the burnt out wood.
“Well, you should thank Carmilla for those. She suggested it.” Vin awkwardly admitted.
“Mm-” Lucas acknowledged, stoking the embers, and gently blowing over them until the fresh wood ignited. “How is she?”
“Stubborn.” Vin answered jokingly. “She left for Elvenwood yesterday.”
“I thought you would have gone with her.” Lucas pushed himself up from his knees, gripping the table to guide himself to his feet. He winced at the ache in his back, pressing his fingers into it and stretching until the pain subsided.
“She insisted I stay here.”
Lucas nodded, plopping himself down in the chair, fluffing the small, quilted pillow up into the small of his back. The loose fabric of his shirt bunched against his rounded belly, accentuating the curve of it. The lycan slouched into the chair slightly, his head resting against his hand, eyes locking on to Vin.
“You’re staring.” Lucas stated.
Vin shook himself back into reality, formerly unaware that he had drifted. Immediately, he felt his cheeks flush, and he cleared his throat.
“Sorry,” Vin gave a half laugh through a playful smile, “I guess I’d forgotten how big you are.”
“Gee, thanks.” Lucas rolled his eyes, returning a crooked smile of his own.
Vin walked over to his lover, crouching down between the gap of his legs, Lucas’s eyes following his every move. Slowly, he ran his hands up over Lucas’s thighs towards his belly, his fingers sliding up under his blouse. The warmth of Lucas’s skin radiated through the vampire’s palms, soft and inviting. The pregnant man watched as Vin hooked his thumbs around the shirt, gently pushing the fabric up to expose the taut swell. His navel had nearly flattened flush with the rest of his abdomen, and tiny pink stretchmarks had taken up residence on its underside. Vin smiled sweetly before pressing a delicate kiss to Lucas’s belly.
“Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?” Vin’s nose brushed against Lucas’s skin, sending goose bumps throughout his body.
“Maybe once or twice.”
The vampire’s crimson gaze locked onto the werewolf’s, hunger and longing swirling in his irises. Lucas’s heart thumped, the faintest quiver of desire dancing within him. Vin smirked, his fingers untangling the laces on Lucas’s pants. With the fastening released, the king moved his hands back, gripping the knight’s firm ass, and sliding him forward to the edge of the chair. Without resistance, the trousers came off easily, and Vin tossed them aside. The soft pink folds of Lucas’s entrance glistened delicately with intention.
“You’re wet.” Vin gave the werewolf a satisfied grin.
“Don’t get too full of yourself. It doesn’t take much these days.”
“Well, I guess I’m just going to have to make the most of it then, aren’t I?” Vin’s lips brushed against Lucas’s belly, peppering tender kisses upon it as he ventured downward.
Lucas felt his heart begin to race, his face flushing white hot as Vin pressed a soft kiss just above the apex of his thighs. His warm breath brushed against the lycan’s skin, anticipation building throughout his body with rapid intensity. The king squeezed Lucas’s thighs, slowly spreading them further apart.
“You’re very wet.” The low rumble of Vin’s cocky voice vibrated through the pregnant man, only turning him on more.
“Then do something about it.” Lucas teased, the vigorous fluttering of excitement swirling in his stomach.
“Eager, are we?”
Lucas felt Vin’s slender fingers lightly trailing towards his entrance, warm and waiting. The vampire placed a small kiss to his clitoris, the tip of his tongue pressing into it, sending ripples up the werewolf’s abdomen. Vin’s lips surrounded the bundle of nerves, gently sucking it until Lucas let out a throaty whimper. Vin’s arms slid under the werewolf’s thighs, pushing them up onto his shoulders as he reached for Lucas’s rear. Firmly, he squeezed the knight’s ass, pulling the pair closer together as the flat of his tongue slowly traveled over Lucas’s lips towards his waiting clit. Branches of tingling nerves bloomed into his lower belly, and he felt his toes curl. Again, Vin repeated the motion, this time, lingering over the delicate button and pressing into it deeper. A quiet moan rumbled from the vampire’s throat, the vibration sending sparks through Lucas’s body, and he let out a moan of his own.
“Fuck...” Lucas spoke on a breathy exhale, the vampire’s tongue continuing to dance over his glistening folds, each sensual lick sending the lycan’s brain into a void of static.
Vin’s lips curled into a satisfied smile as he pulled away, lowering the lycan’s thighs from his shoulders and shuffling up, closer to the man’s belly. His hands wandered over Lucas’s hips, before tenderly caressing the rounded swell. Slowly, Vin’s thumbs pulled inward, meeting just below the man’s navel, gently pressing into his underbelly, sending a pulse through his core. Soft lips brushed against Lucas’s taut skin, teasing him.
Lucas wanted him. All of him, and he never wanted him to stop. The warmth of Vin’s tongue dancing around his navel sent shivers up his spine. He was quivering with anticipation, the desire monopolizing his every thought. His fingers tightly curled into the arms of the chair, in a futile attempt to anchor him in place. He could feel his muscles pulsing with each delicate kiss and lick. The pressure of Vin’s tongue probing against his belly button sent pulsing waves deep into his center, leaving him aching for more. His head was getting fuzzy, buzzing static taking the place of any well formulated thought, and he feared that he would soon be reduced to a mere incoherent puddle of desire.
“Just-” Lucas huffed through a shaken breath. “Fuck me, already.”
Vin’s elongated canines lightly scraped over Lucas’s mounded belly as he dragged himself away, his crimson eyes locking on to Lucas’s. Slowly, the vampire raised himself to his feet, leaning over the pregnant man until their faces were mere inches apart.
“Beg me to.” His voice was low, the deep vibration making Lucas’s heart flutter. The flustered expression on the large man’s face made Vin smile with satisfied delight.
Lucas slid his hand over the king’s chest, his fingers tightly gripping the fabric of his blouse, tugging him closer until their cheeks touched.
“I need you inside of me.” Lucas growled into the vampire’s pointed ear. “Now.”
The vampire leaned in, pressing a loving kiss to the werewolf’s neck. “Your wish is my command.”
Vin took hold of Lucas’s hands, pulling him up from the chair, and pressing their bodies together. He frantically grabbed the lycan’s blouse, quickly tugging it over his head and tossing it to the floor. Their lips mashed into each other’s in a furious frenzy, their panting breaths filling the air. Lucas’s hands found Vin’s waist, trailing down over his hips and squeezing them tightly before making their way to the laces of his pants. His fingers fumbled over the strings before finally liberating the knot. Aggressively, he yanked the pants loose, his hands then finding the hem of Vin’s blouse and pushing it up until the vampire took over, removing it the rest of the way himself.
The men inched back towards the bed in staggered steps, Vin taking the lead. When his legs hit the edge, Vin fell back onto the mattress, watching as Lucas reached for his trousers, tugging them off and casting them aside. The vampire slid up towards the headboard, Lucas crawling on top of him. Lucas’s back bowed with the weight of his swollen abdomen, their bellies nearly touching. Vin’s palms trailed over the knight’s belly, caressing it as he tried to pull him closer—to which Lucas happily obliged.
The king reached for Lucas’s ass, squeezing it firmly as he slid his knees up behind him, nudging the werewolf forward. Lucas leaned in for a kiss, his belly pressing into Vin’s abs as he did—a feeling that left Vin unexpectedly flustered.
“I think we’ve played enough.” Vin’s voice came out crackled and glazed with desire.
“Who’s eager, now?” Lucas returned playfully, lifting himself up onto his knees, his hands finding their way to Vin’s waiting cock. As his fingers stroked down the length of his shaft, he teased the vampire with a confident smirk. “I hardly had to work at all to get you this hard.”
Vin rolled his eyes as the knight carefully guided his lover’s tip towards his entrance, holding it steady as he slowly eased himself down onto it, a moan catching in the vampire’s throat. Lucas was still for a moment, breathing deeply as he gazed down at the blushing man beneath him. Lightly calloused hands traced the lines of Vin’s abs before coming to rest on his chest.
The vampire’s eyes followed the curves of Lucas’s body, as if committing the very sight of him to memory. The lycan’s sandy hair brushed against his strong shoulders, wrapping around his neck. His formerly firm pecs were now beautifully soft, peppered lightly with blonde chest hair. Vin placed his hands on Lucas’s muscular thighs, sliding them up and gripping him tight.
Slowly, he rocked his hips, Lucas flowing into the building rhythm with him. It had felt like an eternity since he’d been with Lucas, and it took everything in him to hold back. Lucas’s depth was warm and encapsulated him fully, his stomach fluttering fiercely with each motion. Vin glanced at his lover’s face, flustered and flushed, his golden eyes glittering in the warmth of the dim fire light. He was beauty incarnate—a vision akin to that of a god. And he was his. Now and forever, irrevocably his.
Lucas swiveled his hips as Vin quickened his pace, grinding his clit against him on each return. He felt a quiver in his belly, his cunt pulsing. The lycan’s breath grew staggered and raw, as did Vin’s, and he watched the king’s eyes roll back as he drew a focusing breath, maintaining the tempo.
Tiny grunts slipped from the vampire’s throat. His cock throbbed, a static tingling pulsing through it, and he felt himself beginning to sink. Their moans clung to the air like thick fog, each pant and whimper edging them closer to their inevitable climax. Vin held firm, his cock slamming deep into Lucas, the ribs of his center rubbing against his shaft, sending him into a frenzy. Finally, Lucas let out a chattered gasp, his hips bucking against Vin, and the vampire, at the mercy of his lover, was fully sunk. His muscles tightened, electricity coursing through his body, and as Lucas tightened around him, he couldn’t hold back any longer.
Vin’s hands slid off of Lucas’s thighs, the pair remaining still as panting breaths rushed air into their lungs. The werewolf slumped forward, propping himself up with his arms. Vin felt the light rushes of warm breath hitting his chest, and he reached up to brush his lover’s blonde hair aside, gently tucking it behind his pointed ear.
“I love you.” Vin’s voice was choppy, his heart pounding into his throat.
Lucas smiled softly, carefully lifting himself off of Vin and rocking to the side, plopping down beside him. He placed a delicate kiss on Vin’s shoulder, his breath growing steadier.
“I would certainly fucking hope so.” The lycan replied with a small laugh. “You knocked me up, after all.”
“And I’d do it all over again, too.” Vin shifted onto his side to face his lover, placing a gentle hand on Lucas’s belly, softly stroking it with his thumb. A small flutter brushed across his palm and he smiled.
“We’ll see if you still feel that way when my gut is the size of a farmhouse.” Lucas joked in return, giving his belly a playful pat.
“There would be no sight in this world more beautiful to me than that.” Vin lifted his gaze to meet Lucas’s. “No gods, nor elves, nor fae could ever compare to you, and I can think of no higher honor than for you to carry my child. And I will say it a thousand times over if I have to, for this is the most beautiful version of you.”
Lucas’s heart skipped, his eyes flickering at the unexpected depth of his lover’s words.
“Lucas?” Vin asked, studying the lycan’s face as his golden eyes grew misty. “Did I say something wrong? I didn’t mean-”
“No.” Lucas shook his head with a reassuring smile. “I’m fine.”
“Then why are you crying?” Vin asked through a giggle.
“Because everything makes me cry, now.” Lucas laughed, wiping the tears from his face. “Gods, it’s bloody annoying.”
“Oh, Mi Amor.” Vin cupped Lucas’s cheek, reaching over to place a delicate kiss upon his lips.
They laid together quietly for a few moments, each basking in the presence of the other, until Lucas’s expression began to shift, his eyes falling away from Vin’s.
“What is it?” He gently stroked the lycan’s stubbled cheek.
“It’s nothing, really.” Lucas gave him a half hearted smile. “I just- I wasn’t sure if you were coming back.”
“I’ll always come back, you know that.” The king assured, lightly.
Lucas’s lips twisted into a crooked frown as he thought. “I was useless to you, Vin. I couldn’t help. I couldn’t fix it.” He sighed heavily. “You pulled away from me.”
The pleasant smile that had been clinging to Vin’s face began to disappear, his heart aching with regret as he realized precisely which moment Lucas was referring to, and apparently had been dwelling on during the entirety of his absence.
“I stayed here for two weeks, worrying about you. Wondering if you were going to be okay. Wondering what life after that would even look like. And I couldn’t do a damn thing about any of it.” A melancholy shadow fell over Lucas’s face. “I was alone here, in the dark, right where you left me.”
Vin swallowed hard, clenching his jaw to hold himself together. He drew a staggered inhale, slowly releasing it through his nose as he collected his thoughts.
“I know.” He finally responded, the joyous tone all but gone from his voice. “I didn’t want to leave you, I just didn’t know what else to do.”
“You could have talked to me-”
“Carmilla nearly died, Lucas.” Vin interjected. “My child nearly killed her. I nearly killed her.” The light in his eyes dissipated. “I wasn’t worried about the baby. I saw what it had done to her—how sick and miserable she was. And I should have ended it back then, but I didn’t. I put her through hell for nothing.”
“That wasn’t your fault-”
“Yes, it was!” Vin rushed out, cutting the lycan off. “My own cursed fucking blood was killing her.” He pressed his lips thin, fighting the quiver of his chin. “And it was killing you, too.” His voice was hardly more than a crackled whisper, unsure and afraid.
Lucas didn’t speak, his eyes frantically darting over the vampire’s face. He could hear the small hitch in Vin’s breath as he attempted to calm himself again.
“I thought that the nightmares would have been about Carmilla. I thought I would be spending every day and night reliving what had happened to her. But I didn’t.” Vin paused, taking a deep breath, and holding it for a moment before continuing. “That first night, I dreamt of you.”
“Me?” Lucas squeaked out, his brows creasing.
Vin nodded. “Every single night after that, too. And I couldn’t even escape it when I woke up. It was always there, repeating over and over.”
“What was?”
Vin paused, his eye twitching as the memory resurfaced once again. “You, collapsing in the solar.”
Lucas’s eyes widened. He’d hardly thought of that day since it happened, and certainly had no reason to believe that Vin had either.
“But, I was fine.” Lucas assured, attempting to ease the vampire’s mind.
“You were unconscious.” He returned sharply. “My memory didn’t stop where yours did.”
Lucas winced, the words cutting like a knife.
“I thought I had lost you, right there in that room—the only man I’d ever loved in this cursed damn life, and I didn’t even know why.” Vin’s hand slid to the lycan’s belly, rubbing it gently, his expression pained and somber. “If you’d hidden it from me any longer… I would have lost you both.”
Lucas gulped, the pit in his stomach making him nauseous. The fluttering of the baby in his womb only exacerbated his growing guilt.
“Seeing Carmilla like that, nearly wasted away on that infirmary bed, unsure whether or not she would even survive when it was all over, brought back every fear I had tried to convince myself to forget.” Vin sighed, his jaw clenching briefly. “Those bearing the vampire curse don’t mix blood for a reason. I just thought Carmilla would be different. That what she was would make her strong enough to handle it.”
“You can’t blame yourself for what you didn’t know.” Lucas placed his hand over Vin’s, interlacing their fingers. “Not even the elves knew.”
Lucas watched Vin fall silent, his mind crumpling in on itself. It felt like he was drifting away from him, leaving a dull ache in the lycan’s stomach. A tight frown formed a hardened line on the king’s slender face, so firmly compressed and unmoving that you would believe his lips were sewn shut.
“But what if you’d died?” Vin finally spoke with a heavy voice, his brows tightly knit together.
“I didn’t.” Lucas countered, pressing Vin’s hand firmly against his belly. “I’m right here. Our child is right here. We’re both healthy, and safe, because of you.”
Vin felt another tiny flutter of movement bump against his palm, and the shadow over him began to lighten.
“If I’d dwelled on every mistake I’ve made in the last five months, it would’ve robbed me of every ounce of happiness I feel now.” Lucas propped himself up, looking down at Vin. “I want this, more than anything. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t scare the hell out of me, too. I just don’t want to feel like I’m being… left behind. I want to be present, with you, as a part of your life. I want to be the person you come to when you need help, or when you’re afraid. I don’t want to sit alone here, speculating about what is going on with you until you decide whether or not I’m worthy of knowing. As the one that will be giving birth to your child, I think I am owed that courtesy.”
Vin stared up at his werewolf, shaggy blonde hair glowing like a halo around him in the warmth of the fire light. His golden eyes glittered down at him, beautiful, but stern.
“You have always been worthy of knowing, Lucas. But not all of my worries are worthy of plaguing you.”
“Shouldn’t that be for me to decide?” Lucas returned pleadingly, his brows upturned. “Your worries are already my worries, whether I know what they are or not. I know you, Vin. You can hide the words, but you can’t hide how you feel about them.”
Vin gave him a softened smile, lifting a gentle hand to caress his cheek, his heart fluttering as he felt Lucas lean into him.
“For the thousandth time, I will be fine.” Carmilla replied, carefully hoisting herself up into the waiting carriage with Vin’s help. Her body was still terribly sore, but certainly not unmanageable.
“I know, but things are different now. Surely, your parents are going to be quite displeased. I just,” Vin huffed through his nose, “I don’t want you to feel like you need to do this on your own. I can certainly accompany you-”
“Please, Vin.” She cut him off. “I can handle this.” She gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. “Besides, I won’t be alone. Aoife was kind enough to join me.” Carmilla leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to the king’s forehead. “All I ask is that you keep your kingdom safe in my absence.”
Vin pressed his lips thin with a crooked frown.
“Besides, I believe there is someone here that needs you more than I.” She smiled at him warmly, giving his nose a playful tap. “I believe flowers may be in order.”
Vin returned a smile, a small laugh catching in his throat.
“I suppose you’re right.” He nodded.
“My apologies, your highness!” Aoife’s voice chimed in as she scuttled up to the carriage. “Please forgive my tardiness, I stopped off at the infirmary to gather a few supplies and it took a bit longer than I had anticipated.”
Aoife set the modestly sized satchel down on the carriage floor, sliding it back out of the way so that she could board.
“No worries, I’m in no hurry.” Carmilla assured. “Thank you for your consideration.” She took the young maid’s hand, steadying her as she climbed the narrow steps into the cabin.
Vin pushed the door closed, ensuring it was securely latched, and giving Carmilla a worried glance.
“Follow the eastern roads before heading northward. Keep yourself as far away from Honterra as you can. If anything is amiss, trust your instincts, and send word once you’re settled.”
“I will.”
“And, Carmilla,” Vin’s eyes scanned the young elf’s face, his heart anxiously racing, “please be safe.”
Carmilla returned a nod as Vin smacked the side of the carriage twice, signalling to the coachman to depart. He took a few steps back, the carriage creaking slightly in protest as the horses tugged at it. The knight sitting to the rear of the carriage reached for the brass handle to hold himself steady as the cart wobbled over the uneven ground.
As Vin watched the carriage disappear past the front wall, a deep sense of dread filled his chest.
The carriage rocked uncomfortably over the uneven ground, much to Carmilla’s dismay, though she did her best to disguise her discontent. Her body ached something fierce, and her stomach still hadn’t quite righted itself. A candied ginger slice sat on her tongue, spicy and sweet, and marginally effective.
Aoife, on the other hand, was taking the journey quite well, spending much of her time staring out the window at the changing scenery. The only time she pulled her gaze away from the outside world was when she felt inclined to check on Carmilla’s well being—which she did much more frequently than Carmilla would have liked, though she certainly appreciated it.
By sunset, they had reached the northern road that would take them through the mountain pass, and into Elvenwood. The grand mountain range sat hazily in the distance, extending far outside the reaches of sight.
“They’re beautiful.” Aoife whispered, her head leaning out of the window for a better view.
“They are.” Carmilla agreed with a smile. “Though, I’m sure their novelty will fade by tomorrow evening.”
“I’ve never seen the mountains before.” The maid spoke softly, paying the last of Carmilla’s statement no mind.
“Never?” The queen raised a brow.
Aoife shook her head, her gaze still fixed on the pale blue peaks.
“My family settled in the flatlands to the west. Plenty of farms out that way, and fairly close to the sea ports. But I’ve only ever traveled south from there. I don’t even remember the last time I left the city.”
“Well, then,” Carmilla reached out, placing a gentle hand on top of Aoife’s, “I am happy to share my part of the world with you.”
Aoife smiled brightly, a sight that melted the young queen’s heart. The soft flush of pink tinted the maid’s freckled cheeks, her ginger curls framing them like the most perfect portrait. Carmilla felt warmth rush to her face, and instinctively released Aoife’s hand, pulling away.
“I should warn you,” Carmilla cleared her throat, “elves aren’t exactly the most pleasant people to deal with.”
The maid cocked her head, puzzled. “What do you mean? I’d always heard that elves were quite refined and polite.”
“They- We,” She quickly corrected, “are. But polite doesn’t exactly mean kind.” Carmilla let out a sigh. “I’m not exactly the best representation of my people. Honestly, they don’t think so either. But, regardless, I don’t want you to be disillusioned about what you will find in Elvenwood.”
“So,” Aoife’s brow creased curiously, “what exactly will I find in Elvenwood?”
Carmilla clicked her tongue and smirked. “Assholes in nice clothes.”
Vin fluffed the flowers in the bouquet, pushing the less beautiful greenery aside so that the roses were unobstructed—as much as they possibly could be at least. He had tried to put it together himself, but amidst his struggling, Angelique was kind enough to help. Mostly by completely taking over the task in its entirety, and that was probably for the best.
It had been nearly two weeks since he’d seen Lucas. He hadn’t intended to be away so long, but the recent collection of events had been unexpectedly taxing. Carmilla had taken precedence in the forefront of his mind—partially by choice—only exacerbated by her desire to return to Elvenwood to deliver the news herself. It was an idea Vin wasn’t overly fond of, but ultimately had no say over.
As he approached the cottage, he felt his heart thump anxiously in his chest. Taking a moment to collect himself, he steeled his nerves, before knocking on the door.
“Lucas?” Vin called. “Are you there?” Patiently he waited. There was no verbal response, however, he heard the tell tale shuffling of a man approaching the door.
With a creak, the door opened, revealing a tall, sandy-haired man with scruffy stubble on his chin. He looked exhausted. His eyes were red and carried dark bags beneath them, and his hair was disheveled. Vin was instantly ravaged by guilt.
Lucas pulled the door open the rest of the way, gesturing for the king to enter, to which he quickly obliged.
“I brought flowers.” Vin offered the bouquet to Lucas with an anxious smile.
“Thanks.” Lucas replied flatly as he took the small bundle of roses from the vampire. “They’re nice.” He placed the bouquet on the kitchen table, before shuffling over to the fireplace to replace the burnt out wood.
“Well, you should thank Carmilla for those. She suggested it.” Vin awkwardly admitted.
“Mm-” Lucas acknowledged, stoking the embers, and gently blowing over them until the fresh wood ignited. “How is she?”
“Stubborn.” Vin answered jokingly. “She left for Elvenwood yesterday.”
“I thought you would have gone with her.” Lucas pushed himself up from his knees, gripping the table to guide himself to his feet. He winced at the ache in his back, pressing his fingers into it and stretching until the pain subsided.
“She insisted I stay here.”
Lucas nodded, plopping himself down in the chair, fluffing the small, quilted pillow up into the small of his back. The loose fabric of his shirt bunched against his rounded belly, accentuating the curve of it. The lycan slouched into the chair slightly, his head resting against his hand, eyes locking on to Vin.
“You’re staring.” Lucas stated.
Vin shook himself back into reality, formerly unaware that he had drifted. Immediately, he felt his cheeks flush, and he cleared his throat.
“Sorry,” Vin gave a half laugh through a playful smile, “I guess I’d forgotten how big you are.”
“Gee, thanks.” Lucas rolled his eyes, returning a crooked smile of his own.
Vin walked over to his lover, crouching down between the gap of his legs, Lucas’s eyes following his every move. Slowly, he ran his hands up over Lucas’s thighs towards his belly, his fingers sliding up under his blouse. The warmth of Lucas’s skin radiated through the vampire’s palms, soft and inviting. The pregnant man watched as Vin hooked his thumbs around the shirt, gently pushing the fabric up to expose the taut swell. His navel had nearly flattened flush with the rest of his abdomen, and tiny pink stretchmarks had taken up residence on its underside. Vin smiled sweetly before pressing a delicate kiss to Lucas’s belly.
“Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?” Vin’s nose brushed against Lucas’s skin, sending goose bumps throughout his body.
“Maybe once or twice.”
The vampire’s crimson gaze locked onto the werewolf’s, hunger and longing swirling in his irises. Lucas’s heart thumped, the faintest quiver of desire dancing within him. Vin smirked, his fingers untangling the laces on Lucas’s pants. With the fastening released, the king moved his hands back, gripping the knight’s firm ass, and sliding him forward to the edge of the chair. Without resistance, the trousers came off easily, and Vin tossed them aside. The soft pink folds of Lucas’s entrance glistened delicately with intention.
“You’re wet.” Vin gave the werewolf a satisfied grin.
“Don’t get too full of yourself. It doesn’t take much these days.”
“Well, I guess I’m just going to have to make the most of it then, aren’t I?” Vin’s lips brushed against Lucas’s belly, peppering tender kisses upon it as he ventured downward.
Lucas felt his heart begin to race, his face flushing white hot as Vin pressed a soft kiss just above the apex of his thighs. His warm breath brushed against the lycan’s skin, anticipation building throughout his body with rapid intensity. The king squeezed Lucas’s thighs, slowly spreading them further apart.
“You’re very wet.” The low rumble of Vin’s cocky voice vibrated through the pregnant man, only turning him on more.
“Then do something about it.” Lucas teased, the vigorous fluttering of excitement swirling in his stomach.
“Eager, are we?”
Lucas felt Vin’s slender fingers lightly trailing towards his entrance, warm and waiting. The vampire placed a small kiss to his clitoris, the tip of his tongue pressing into it, sending ripples up the werewolf’s abdomen. Vin’s lips surrounded the bundle of nerves, gently sucking it until Lucas let out a throaty whimper. Vin’s arms slid under the werewolf’s thighs, pushing them up onto his shoulders as he reached for Lucas’s rear. Firmly, he squeezed the knight’s ass, pulling the pair closer together as the flat of his tongue slowly traveled over Lucas’s lips towards his waiting clit. Branches of tingling nerves bloomed into his lower belly, and he felt his toes curl. Again, Vin repeated the motion, this time, lingering over the delicate button and pressing into it deeper. A quiet moan rumbled from the vampire’s throat, the vibration sending sparks through Lucas’s body, and he let out a moan of his own.
“Fuck...” Lucas spoke on a breathy exhale, the vampire’s tongue continuing to dance over his glistening folds, each sensual lick sending the lycan’s brain into a void of static.
Vin’s lips curled into a satisfied smile as he pulled away, lowering the lycan’s thighs from his shoulders and shuffling up, closer to the man’s belly. His hands wandered over Lucas’s hips, before tenderly caressing the rounded swell. Slowly, Vin’s thumbs pulled inward, meeting just below the man’s navel, gently pressing into his underbelly, sending a pulse through his core. Soft lips brushed against Lucas’s taut skin, teasing him.
Lucas wanted him. All of him, and he never wanted him to stop. The warmth of Vin’s tongue dancing around his navel sent shivers up his spine. He was quivering with anticipation, the desire monopolizing his every thought. His fingers tightly curled into the arms of the chair, in a futile attempt to anchor him in place. He could feel his muscles pulsing with each delicate kiss and lick. The pressure of Vin’s tongue probing against his belly button sent pulsing waves deep into his center, leaving him aching for more. His head was getting fuzzy, buzzing static taking the place of any well formulated thought, and he feared that he would soon be reduced to a mere incoherent puddle of desire.
“Just-” Lucas huffed through a shaken breath. “Fuck me, already.”
Vin’s elongated canines lightly scraped over Lucas’s mounded belly as he dragged himself away, his crimson eyes locking on to Lucas’s. Slowly, the vampire raised himself to his feet, leaning over the pregnant man until their faces were mere inches apart.
“Beg me to.” His voice was low, the deep vibration making Lucas’s heart flutter. The flustered expression on the large man’s face made Vin smile with satisfied delight.
Lucas slid his hand over the king’s chest, his fingers tightly gripping the fabric of his blouse, tugging him closer until their cheeks touched.
“I need you inside of me.” Lucas growled into the vampire’s pointed ear. “Now.”
The vampire leaned in, pressing a loving kiss to the werewolf’s neck. “Your wish is my command.”
Vin took hold of Lucas’s hands, pulling him up from the chair, and pressing their bodies together. He frantically grabbed the lycan’s blouse, quickly tugging it over his head and tossing it to the floor. Their lips mashed into each other’s in a furious frenzy, their panting breaths filling the air. Lucas’s hands found Vin’s waist, trailing down over his hips and squeezing them tightly before making their way to the laces of his pants. His fingers fumbled over the strings before finally liberating the knot. Aggressively, he yanked the pants loose, his hands then finding the hem of Vin’s blouse and pushing it up until the vampire took over, removing it the rest of the way himself.
The men inched back towards the bed in staggered steps, Vin taking the lead. When his legs hit the edge, Vin fell back onto the mattress, watching as Lucas reached for his trousers, tugging them off and casting them aside. The vampire slid up towards the headboard, Lucas crawling on top of him. Lucas’s back bowed with the weight of his swollen abdomen, their bellies nearly touching. Vin’s palms trailed over the knight’s belly, caressing it as he tried to pull him closer—to which Lucas happily obliged.
The king reached for Lucas’s ass, squeezing it firmly as he slid his knees up behind him, nudging the werewolf forward. Lucas leaned in for a kiss, his belly pressing into Vin’s abs as he did—a feeling that left Vin unexpectedly flustered.
“I think we’ve played enough.” Vin’s voice came out crackled and glazed with desire.
“Who’s eager, now?” Lucas returned playfully, lifting himself up onto his knees, his hands finding their way to Vin’s waiting cock. As his fingers stroked down the length of his shaft, he teased the vampire with a confident smirk. “I hardly had to work at all to get you this hard.”
Vin rolled his eyes as the knight carefully guided his lover’s tip towards his entrance, holding it steady as he slowly eased himself down onto it, a moan catching in the vampire’s throat. Lucas was still for a moment, breathing deeply as he gazed down at the blushing man beneath him. Lightly calloused hands traced the lines of Vin’s abs before coming to rest on his chest.
The vampire’s eyes followed the curves of Lucas’s body, as if committing the very sight of him to memory. The lycan’s sandy hair brushed against his strong shoulders, wrapping around his neck. His formerly firm pecs were now beautifully soft, peppered lightly with blonde chest hair. Vin placed his hands on Lucas’s muscular thighs, sliding them up and gripping him tight.
Slowly, he rocked his hips, Lucas flowing into the building rhythm with him. It had felt like an eternity since he’d been with Lucas, and it took everything in him to hold back. Lucas’s depth was warm and encapsulated him fully, his stomach fluttering fiercely with each motion. Vin glanced at his lover’s face, flustered and flushed, his golden eyes glittering in the warmth of the dim fire light. He was beauty incarnate—a vision akin to that of a god. And he was his. Now and forever, irrevocably his.
Lucas swiveled his hips as Vin quickened his pace, grinding his clit against him on each return. He felt a quiver in his belly, his cunt pulsing. The lycan’s breath grew staggered and raw, as did Vin’s, and he watched the king’s eyes roll back as he drew a focusing breath, maintaining the tempo.
Tiny grunts slipped from the vampire’s throat. His cock throbbed, a static tingling pulsing through it, and he felt himself beginning to sink. Their moans clung to the air like thick fog, each pant and whimper edging them closer to their inevitable climax. Vin held firm, his cock slamming deep into Lucas, the ribs of his center rubbing against his shaft, sending him into a frenzy. Finally, Lucas let out a chattered gasp, his hips bucking against Vin, and the vampire, at the mercy of his lover, was fully sunk. His muscles tightened, electricity coursing through his body, and as Lucas tightened around him, he couldn’t hold back any longer.
Vin’s hands slid off of Lucas’s thighs, the pair remaining still as panting breaths rushed air into their lungs. The werewolf slumped forward, propping himself up with his arms. Vin felt the light rushes of warm breath hitting his chest, and he reached up to brush his lover’s blonde hair aside, gently tucking it behind his pointed ear.
“I love you.” Vin’s voice was choppy, his heart pounding into his throat.
Lucas smiled softly, carefully lifting himself off of Vin and rocking to the side, plopping down beside him. He placed a delicate kiss on Vin’s shoulder, his breath growing steadier.
“I would certainly fucking hope so.” The lycan replied with a small laugh. “You knocked me up, after all.”
“And I’d do it all over again, too.” Vin shifted onto his side to face his lover, placing a gentle hand on Lucas’s belly, softly stroking it with his thumb. A small flutter brushed across his palm and he smiled.
“We’ll see if you still feel that way when my gut is the size of a farmhouse.” Lucas joked in return, giving his belly a playful pat.
“There would be no sight in this world more beautiful to me than that.” Vin lifted his gaze to meet Lucas’s. “No gods, nor elves, nor fae could ever compare to you, and I can think of no higher honor than for you to carry my child. And I will say it a thousand times over if I have to, for this is the most beautiful version of you.”
Lucas’s heart skipped, his eyes flickering at the unexpected depth of his lover’s words.
“Lucas?” Vin asked, studying the lycan’s face as his golden eyes grew misty. “Did I say something wrong? I didn’t mean-”
“No.” Lucas shook his head with a reassuring smile. “I’m fine.”
“Then why are you crying?” Vin asked through a giggle.
“Because everything makes me cry, now.” Lucas laughed, wiping the tears from his face. “Gods, it’s bloody annoying.”
“Oh, Mi Amor.” Vin cupped Lucas’s cheek, reaching over to place a delicate kiss upon his lips.
They laid together quietly for a few moments, each basking in the presence of the other, until Lucas’s expression began to shift, his eyes falling away from Vin’s.
“What is it?” He gently stroked the lycan’s stubbled cheek.
“It’s nothing, really.” Lucas gave him a half hearted smile. “I just- I wasn’t sure if you were coming back.”
“I’ll always come back, you know that.” The king assured, lightly.
Lucas’s lips twisted into a crooked frown as he thought. “I was useless to you, Vin. I couldn’t help. I couldn’t fix it.” He sighed heavily. “You pulled away from me.”
The pleasant smile that had been clinging to Vin’s face began to disappear, his heart aching with regret as he realized precisely which moment Lucas was referring to, and apparently had been dwelling on during the entirety of his absence.
“I stayed here for two weeks, worrying about you. Wondering if you were going to be okay. Wondering what life after that would even look like. And I couldn’t do a damn thing about any of it.” A melancholy shadow fell over Lucas’s face. “I was alone here, in the dark, right where you left me.”
Vin swallowed hard, clenching his jaw to hold himself together. He drew a staggered inhale, slowly releasing it through his nose as he collected his thoughts.
“I know.” He finally responded, the joyous tone all but gone from his voice. “I didn’t want to leave you, I just didn’t know what else to do.”
“You could have talked to me-”
“Carmilla nearly died, Lucas.” Vin interjected. “My child nearly killed her. I nearly killed her.” The light in his eyes dissipated. “I wasn’t worried about the baby. I saw what it had done to her—how sick and miserable she was. And I should have ended it back then, but I didn’t. I put her through hell for nothing.”
“That wasn’t your fault-”
“Yes, it was!” Vin rushed out, cutting the lycan off. “My own cursed fucking blood was killing her.” He pressed his lips thin, fighting the quiver of his chin. “And it was killing you, too.” His voice was hardly more than a crackled whisper, unsure and afraid.
Lucas didn’t speak, his eyes frantically darting over the vampire’s face. He could hear the small hitch in Vin’s breath as he attempted to calm himself again.
“I thought that the nightmares would have been about Carmilla. I thought I would be spending every day and night reliving what had happened to her. But I didn’t.” Vin paused, taking a deep breath, and holding it for a moment before continuing. “That first night, I dreamt of you.”
“Me?” Lucas squeaked out, his brows creasing.
Vin nodded. “Every single night after that, too. And I couldn’t even escape it when I woke up. It was always there, repeating over and over.”
“What was?”
Vin paused, his eye twitching as the memory resurfaced once again. “You, collapsing in the solar.”
Lucas’s eyes widened. He’d hardly thought of that day since it happened, and certainly had no reason to believe that Vin had either.
“But, I was fine.” Lucas assured, attempting to ease the vampire’s mind.
“You were unconscious.” He returned sharply. “My memory didn’t stop where yours did.”
Lucas winced, the words cutting like a knife.
“I thought I had lost you, right there in that room—the only man I’d ever loved in this cursed damn life, and I didn’t even know why.” Vin’s hand slid to the lycan’s belly, rubbing it gently, his expression pained and somber. “If you’d hidden it from me any longer… I would have lost you both.”
Lucas gulped, the pit in his stomach making him nauseous. The fluttering of the baby in his womb only exacerbated his growing guilt.
“Seeing Carmilla like that, nearly wasted away on that infirmary bed, unsure whether or not she would even survive when it was all over, brought back every fear I had tried to convince myself to forget.” Vin sighed, his jaw clenching briefly. “Those bearing the vampire curse don’t mix blood for a reason. I just thought Carmilla would be different. That what she was would make her strong enough to handle it.”
“You can’t blame yourself for what you didn’t know.” Lucas placed his hand over Vin’s, interlacing their fingers. “Not even the elves knew.”
Lucas watched Vin fall silent, his mind crumpling in on itself. It felt like he was drifting away from him, leaving a dull ache in the lycan’s stomach. A tight frown formed a hardened line on the king’s slender face, so firmly compressed and unmoving that you would believe his lips were sewn shut.
“But what if you’d died?” Vin finally spoke with a heavy voice, his brows tightly knit together.
“I didn’t.” Lucas countered, pressing Vin’s hand firmly against his belly. “I’m right here. Our child is right here. We’re both healthy, and safe, because of you.”
Vin felt another tiny flutter of movement bump against his palm, and the shadow over him began to lighten.
“If I’d dwelled on every mistake I’ve made in the last five months, it would’ve robbed me of every ounce of happiness I feel now.” Lucas propped himself up, looking down at Vin. “I want this, more than anything. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t scare the hell out of me, too. I just don’t want to feel like I’m being… left behind. I want to be present, with you, as a part of your life. I want to be the person you come to when you need help, or when you’re afraid. I don’t want to sit alone here, speculating about what is going on with you until you decide whether or not I’m worthy of knowing. As the one that will be giving birth to your child, I think I am owed that courtesy.”
Vin stared up at his werewolf, shaggy blonde hair glowing like a halo around him in the warmth of the fire light. His golden eyes glittered down at him, beautiful, but stern.
“You have always been worthy of knowing, Lucas. But not all of my worries are worthy of plaguing you.”
“Shouldn’t that be for me to decide?” Lucas returned pleadingly, his brows upturned. “Your worries are already my worries, whether I know what they are or not. I know you, Vin. You can hide the words, but you can’t hide how you feel about them.”
Vin gave him a softened smile, lifting a gentle hand to caress his cheek, his heart fluttering as he felt Lucas lean into him.
Writing commissions are for short story fiction work. You come to me with what you want, and i write it for you! (Examples of my work can be found by searching my blog for #agutk or #writing)
Payment will be due upfront.
Terms and pricing are listed on the order form! If you have a question about approved fandoms or scenarios, feel free to DM me about it!
(Open preferably to OC work, but am willing to write for some fandoms)
Commissions will be open for fictional short stories. My preference is for original character related pieces, however, i am willing to write
Writing commissions are for short story fiction work. You come to me with what you want, and i write it for you! (Examples of my work can be found by searching my blog for #agutk or #writing)
Payment will be due upfront.
Terms and pricing are listed on the order form! If you have a question about approved fandoms or scenarios, feel free to DM me about it!
(Open preferably to OC work, but am willing to write for some fandoms)
Commissions will be open for fictional short stories. My preference is for original character related pieces, however, i am willing to write
nope, i only do commissions. People may leave suggestions for things they want me to draw with my own OCs, but that is not a guarantee that i will do it.
I think i will open writing commissions, since writing is something i enjoy anyways and it will give me the practice i probably really need haha. I will post later with all of the details!!
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