The Source (Chronicles of the Elements #1)

Chapter 26

Aiden opened her eyes to the sun weakly shining through a thin layer of clouds feeling the sculpted arms of her mate around her and tried to soak in the warmth and comfort as she still felt terribly empty. A small ghost of a smile did sweep across her face, however, as she realized that when she had asked to go home, he had brought them here instead of the palace knowing she needed the quiet.

She felt Liam kiss the back of her neck and turned to look into his green and gold flecked eyes. "You brought us to my favorite place."

"This is home. Our home now."

"My kingdom would beg to differ."

"You are Queen of Siog Riocht, but you are also Elemental Queen of the Fae realm. Most importantly though, you are my mate. How do you feel about that?"

"I'm proud to be your mate and would choose no other but you to spend eternity with. I've known that you were mine and that we both felt it. Those crowns, however, feel incredibly heavy right now when I just want to be able to mourn."

"That is why I brought us here. We need time, and it is still the middle of the night in the human realm."

"We do not have that luxury though because I know Olc didn't die when I brought the mountain down. I can feel it. We have to go back."

"Aiden, you have always wanted me to treat you as a warrior, so that is what I am doing as I say this. You need...we need to get our shit together so that we can be valuable and effective when we return. I want to find that asshole just as much as you and end him in such a painful and torturous way that it will bring horrors to even the hell realm, but neither of us can do that if we do not fully deal with our loss."

"I need distraction, Liam. I have cried until I feel like there could never be anymore tears to shed. I have screamed and lashed out in my anger and heartache. I cannot survive sitting here wallowing in my pain."

"I understand. Let us at least assess physical condition though. Your body went through trauma, Aiden, and you are still human no matter how much power you possess." He brought his healing magic to the surface and ran gentle hands all over her body feeling for any lingering injury or hurt.

When he ran his palm over her now completely flat stomach, he sensed the wounding she had endured but also the hint of medicinal magic, so he sent amped up healing power into it infused with the love in his soul holding onto the wish that her womb would bring those other children Niall had mentioned. Then, Liam leaned down and gently kissed her abdomen. "Hope, Aiden. There is always hope. Cling to that gift from Niall."

She nodded and wiped a tear away before Liam took her lips slowly at first not wanting more than she was ready for, but she kissed him back with hunger and fire magic heating her skin while guiding his hand to her breast and lifting one leg over his powerful thigh showing him just what kind of distraction she desired.

He was hesitant to take her though. "Aiden, I am not sure we should just yet," he whispered onto her lips.

"I need you, Liam. I need to know that you still want me after what happened," she begged.

"I always hunger for you, but your body is not ready for a possible pregnancy. We now know your power comes with increased fertility, and we have not even begun to figure out a tonic strong enough to prevent it."

Aiden stopped kissing his neck and looked to him with the fear of rejection in her eyes letting him know that she was on the cusp of breaking down, and that was something he could not bear. He gently and slowly entered her sending out more magic searching again for any sign of damage or pain because he would not cause her discomfort in any way or undo any aide that had been given to her traumatized reproductive system. Aiden was not satisfied with slow and steady thought. She moved her hips faster gripping his biceps urging him to stop treating her delicately, so he took the risk understanding her need for a mind numbing fuck and rolled on top of her to take her hard and fast.