FRAGILE

Chapter 40: Embracing as Mates

In the comfort of Maximus's penthouse, the vast expanse of the city twinkled beyond the glass windows, but the world felt far away as Levi and Maximus were wrapped in the privacy of their connection. The intimacy between them had been growing stronger since Levi's healing had begun, and now, Maximus felt the pull to finally claim Levi fully as his mate.

Maximus held Levi close, his large hands gently cupping Levi's face as he kissed him. The kiss was soft, tender, but behind it simmered the hunger that had been building ever since they had first laid eyes on each other. Levi, lying beneath him on the bed, was the picture of vulnerability and trust, his slender form arching ever so slightly into Maximus's touch.

Levi's breath hitched as Maximus pulled back, his voice a low growl. "Levi, I don't think I can hold back any longer."

A flash of nervousness passed through Levi's eyes, but it quickly dissolved as Maximus leaned down, brushing his lips over his mate's forehead in a soothing gesture. His large, protective presence surrounded Levi like a blanket, promising safety and pleasure in equal measure.

Maximus slid his hands down, caressing Levi's body as he moved to lie beside him on the plush bed that dominated the penthouse bedroom. The dim lighting from the floor-to-ceiling windows cast soft shadows across their bodies. Maximus began to slowly unfasten Levi's shirt, exposing the smooth skin of his chest. His fingers lingered at the scar from the brand Levi had once carried—now healed, but still a stark reminder of his past. Maximus kissed it gently, and Levi shivered beneath him, his breath shaky as he let go of his anxieties.

Maximus's voice was warm as he murmured, "You're mine now. Forever."

Levi gazed up at him, blue eyes shining with emotion, and gave a small nod. "Yours," he whispered back, his voice soft but filled with conviction.

Maximus leaned down, kissing Levi deeply as he slowly undressed them both, their bodies pressing together in the cool air of the room. Every movement was deliberate, every touch filled with unspoken promises as Maximus claimed Levi piece by piece, not only physically but emotionally—pulling him further into their bond.

Once they were fully unclothed, Maximus guided Levi to his back, positioning himself above him. Levi felt a rush of nerves, but he also felt a deep trust in Maximus, knowing that this moment was about more than just claiming—it was about love and healing. Maximus kissed along Levi's neck, his breath hot against his skin, and Levi gasped softly, his hands fisting in the sheets as he felt the deep connection they shared reverberate through him.

Maximus whispered against Levi's skin, "I will be gentle, love. Just let me take care of you."

Levi nodded, his body trembling with anticipation as Maximus began to prepare him. Every touch was tender and careful, ensuring that Levi felt nothing but pleasure. Maximus's large hands caressed every inch of his skin, and soon, Levi found himself lost in the sensations—his worries and fears slipping away as Maximus took control. Fragrant slick flowed between them as Levi and his wolf sought to entice their mate. 

When Maximus finally began to claim him fully, Levi gasped, but it wasn't from pain. It was the feeling of being wholly connected to the man he had grown to love so deeply. The bond between them flared to life, stronger than ever, and Levi could feel Maximus in every part of him—in his mind, in his heart, and now in his body. It was overwhelming in the most beautiful way.

As Maximus moved within him, their rhythm synced perfectly, and Levi's body responded instinctively, his back arching off the bed as Maximus filled him again and again. The pleasure built quickly, and Levi's breath came in gasps as Maximus growled lowly, the sound vibrating through Levi's entire body.

"You're mine," Maximus repeated, his voice rough with emotion. "Forever."

"Yes," Levi gasped, his fingers gripping Maximus's shoulders as he gave himself over completely to the feeling of being claimed, of being loved so deeply. "Forever."

Their movements grew faster, more urgent as the tension between them built to a breaking point. Maximus's eyes were locked on Levi's, his wolf howling inside him as their bond solidified in a way it never had before. The mating mark on Levi's neck pulsed with heat, and Maximus leaned down, his teeth grazing the tender spot. Levi moaned, his entire body trembling as he felt Maximus's teeth sink gently into his skin, marking him as his own.

The claiming mark sent a wave of pleasure so intense through Levi's body that he cried out, his orgasm hitting him with a force he hadn't expected. His body tightened around Maximus, drawing him in even deeper, and Maximus growled, thrusting hard once more before his own release overtook him. They came together, their bond shining brightly in the space between them as they collapsed into each other's arms.

Breathing heavily, Maximus held Levi close, their bodies still connected as they rode out the waves of their shared pleasure. The bond between them had never felt stronger, and Levi knew—without a doubt—that he was exactly where he was meant to be. Maximus nuzzled into his hair, placing a soft kiss against the mating mark on Levi's neck, his voice low and filled with love as he whispered, "I love you, Levi."

Levi's heart swelled, and he turned his head to press a kiss to Maximus's lips. "I love you too."

The room was quiet now, filled only with the sound of their breathing as they lay entwined in each other's arms. Maximus held Levi close, his strong arms wrapped around him protectively, and Levi smiled to himself, feeling truly safe for the first time in his life.

As they drifted off to sleep, the weight of their bond solidifying around them, there was a sense of peace that settled over them both. They had fought hard to get to this point, but now, as they lay together in the penthouse, the world outside seemed far away. It was just the two of them, and that was all that mattered.