The Dark One

The Dark One: Chapter 22

{~~Chapter 22~~}

So far, everything has gone just as I planned for tonight's date. Mom has been helping Addie get ready for tonight, no doubt telling her about what Dad did for her. I smiled lightly as I pictured her red cheeks as my mom spoke openly about the mating process.

I went to her room and walked in. Addie was standing in front of the mirror in the bathroom, looking at her reflection with a thoughtful look in her eyes. Her teeth bit down on her bottom lip. I slowly walked up behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist and pulling her against me. She sighed, but didn't look away from her reflection. I could tell she was thinking about something. Whatever it was, it's bothering her.

I rested my chin on top of her head. "What're you thinking about?" I asked and she shook her head, looking down as she pushed her fingers through mine and leaned into me. "It's nothing." She lied. I turned her around and placed her on the counter. I kissed over her jawline and down her neck, feeling her shiver in reaction. "Tell me the truth." I purred. She bit her bottom lip and tightened her hold on me. I pulled her closer and dragged my tongue up her neck. She gasped. "Adeline," I growled lowly. A soft whimper came from my little mate. "I-I... I don't w-want you to h-hold back anymore." She stammered. I slid my hands over her body, feeling every dip and curve.

I cupped her breasts in my hands, feeling them fit perfectly. She arched into me and I brought my hands down to her thighs, pushing her legs apart. Her nails bit into my skin through my shirt and I growled deeply, sucking on her mark. A moan came from her as she tilted her head. I kissed back up her neck and over her jaw, claiming her lips with mine. She buried her fingers in my hair and pulled me closer. I slipped my tongue into her mouth and she moaned softly. A low growl vibrated in my chest and she shivered. We broke apart, both of us gasping for air.

My wolf pushed a bit closer to the surface and I grunted, clenching my eyes shut and gritting my teeth. "We have to stop." I ground out and she nodded. She kissed my jaw and slid her arms around my waist. "Hopefully you won't have to soon." She said softly. Just thinking about it made my wolf howl and body tingle. I took a few steps away from her so she could hop off of the counter. I felt her sudden hesitation and wariness. I wrapped my arms around her. "What're you worried about?" I asked.

She looked down, her cheeks flushing. "I-I..." She trailed off, shaking her head. I sighed and cupped her cheek, brushing my thumb over her cheekbone. "It's okay, Addie." I reassured her softly. She shivered and bit down on her bottom lip. Her eyes closed as she took in a shaky breath. "I don't f-feel like I'd be g-good enough. I-I mean, I'm not experienced." She stammered. I kissed her forehead. "Don't worry about it. You're more than enough." I said. Her lips pressed together, but she nodded.

I went to kiss her, but froze when my dad's voice boomed in my mind. 'Dante, get to my office, now.' He demanded. I sighed and kissed her chastely. "I'll be right back." I said before closing the door and going to the office.

My dad sat in his chair, his arms crossed and a smirk placed on his face. Oh no. He gestured to the chair in front of his desk. "Sit," he said. I did so hesitantly. I don't know what to expect. His forest green eyes spark and I inwardly cursed him. "You've been working hard to set up a date for you and Adeline. I remember how much effort I put into a date for your mother when I was planning on proposing and finishing the mating process." He said, narrowing his eyes at me. "Are you planning on doing that?" He asked. I chewed on the inside of my cheek and shrugged one shoulder. "I-I don't plan on proposing, and I won't force her into anything she doesn't want. I just want us to have some well-deserved alone time since its been so long since we've had any time to just relax." I explained.

He studied me for a few minutes. "Dante, I just want you to be careful. Your mother and I weren't, and she ended up having you in the middle of a war. You just came back from the vampires's inhabitance. I would be especially careful where nobody knows what could happen tomorrow." He said. His face softened and he smiled crookedly. "I think we both know now how hard it is to resist our mates. You've been able to do it for a year. I did for two, and they were the longest two years of my life." He said and sighed. "I suppose a joining ceremony should be scheduled for Adeline and Devon." I snorted, smirking. "About time," I said and he cuffs the back of my head, smiling lightly. "Go spend some time with your mate." He laughed and I left the office, going to my own bedroom.