Chapter 35 - Appetite 🌶️

*“He's not your prince charming if he doesn't make sure you know that you're his princess.” ― Demi Lovato*

***Neron***

“Sit up, Kiya. You need to drink some water.”

“But I’m tired…”

“Ah, this wasn’t a request. You need to rehydrate since you lost a lot of fluid.”

Kiya answered me by tucking her hands underneath her pillow and burrowed her face in the fluff. The light blue blanket covering her rear and legs exposed her back. The healed scar above her right shoulder struck a thunderbolt of shame in my heart, scorching some of my joy with it.

I’ll never forgive myself for creating that lesion. **Ever**.

Sucking in a breath through my mouth, I braced myself to focus on the now. Luli had brought up a tray earlier with a pitcher of cool water and two glasses after I mind-linked her once Kiya and I caught our breaths. I stood over my mate in my black robe with a glass of water in my hands, waiting for her to rise.

But, like a stubborn mule, she didn’t.

“That’s how you want to play, huh?” I said, setting the glass on the lamp table.

I pushed up the blanket, divulging the back of her silky brown legs, and patted the apex of her thigh, just below the curve of her ass. “Come on, love. I won’t stop bothering you until you sit up.”

“It’s your fault for draining my energy, you damn incubus.”

My laughter came out as a snort. She’s the one to talk, with how eager she was after the initial orgasm. There was a hungry vixen veiled behind her pupils and it sprung out and took hold of me, ready to please. Ready to *learn*. What Kiya and I shared was nothing less than magical, but to watch her maturate and blossom within her own body was mystical. She was beautiful before then, but she was alluring now—secure in her sacred temple.

Humming, I inclined downward and planted kisses on her ochre skin, hopping from one thigh to the other. Kiya sighed softly and writhed a bit before calming. I brought my mouth toward the apple of her ass, sliding more of her blanket away to taste more of her. One hand palmed a cheek while I teased the other with open-mouthed kisses.

This woman was a goddamn drug, and I needed another fix, especially when her arousal, revived anew, assaulted my nose once more.

“Neron…” She mewled against her pillow.

“I’ll stop if you sit up and drink some water.” I teased, darting my tongue across her flesh.

“Make me.”

*Little brat*.

I know she’s doing this to get a rise out of me, and it’s working. The professor doesn’t take kindly to disobedience. I raised my hand that was on her ass cheek and brought it back down with a loud ‘smack’! Kiya yelped and shot her head up from the pillow to shoot a glacial glare at me.

“Did you just spank me?”

I grinned. “Yep.”

Her eyes twinkled. “…Do it again.”

I smacked her ass again, taking in great pleasure in its jiggle. Kiya shrieked again, accompanying it with a fit of laughter. Onyx was absolutely right; Kiya had the *perfect peach*. “Are you going to listen to me now, my angel?”

“Okay, okay!” She relented, shifting upright. Her tantalizing movements drew my eyes to her bare body like a moth to a flame, hypnotized by every bounce and quiver. And, of course, I felt myself harden at the sight. Kiya picked up the glass I set on the lamp table and sipped. “Are you happy now?”

“More than you know.” And I didn’t mean just from her rehydrating. In fact, I was more than happy. Pulling Kiya closer by the waist, I dropped a trail of kisses from her shoulder toward her neck. She squirmed and giggled, trying to wiggle herself out of my warmth, but I tightened my grip. I could still feel her lips ghosting kisses across my neck and collarbone from when she expertly pulled two orgasms from me from her hand alone.

There was so much I wanted to do with Kiya as my eager student.

“I’d like to take you out on a date if you’d let me.”

Kiya blinked from behind her glass, setting it back on the table. “I’m still recovering from the three orgasms you gave me and you’re asking me out?”

“Bad timing?”

“Nope.” She beamed, kissing my cheek. “But…” Her eyes floated to the window. “Is it a good idea to leave the territory? The last time we went out in public, we almost got killed.”

What a good, yet unfortunate, point. Kiya was worried about another attack, and so was I. The enemy has been silent these past few days, which wasn’t a good sign. My father was still out there and each day that passes only strengthens my anxiety. Mom and Nuria were safe and out of my lands. I held onto that comfort.

And my mate was beside me. She was safe. Dad can’t touch her. I kissed her forehead, drawing circles on her hip bone. If we can’t go off the territory for a date, then we can make do with what we have.

“Not to worry, my love. I have an idea that you might like.”

Kiya’s eyes sparkled when she gripped my gaze with a smoldering look, effectively weakening my knees. She drew her bottom lip into her teeth and rolled the pads of her fingers across my forearm. “Well, I trust you. I don’t have to dress all fancy, do I?”

Chuckling, I cupped her cheek and rubbed circles on the back of her neck. Goddess, I could look into those beautiful eyes all day. “Not at all. I promise the attire for the date will be casual. Tomorrow at three, meet me at the front door, okay?”

“Sounds like a date! No pun attended.”

“You totally intended that pun.”

She rolled her eyes playfully before stretching her arms above her head, freeing the loudest and sex-dripping moan I’ve ever heard from her. The beast in me sprung from his cage, greedy for her flesh. Her entire body was on display and I wanted—no, *needed* to taste it again.

“So, what’s for lunch?”

“You.”

Kiya squealed when I surged forward and tackled her to the bed, caging her with my body and pinning her wrists on either side of her head. Her body shuddered when I took one of her erect nipples in my mouth, swirling the tip of my tongue around her areola. Releasing it with an audible pop, my eyes found her heated gaze and panting, parted lips.

“Neron…”

“I pulled three orgasms from you, correct?”

Her eyes rolled to the back of her head when I released one of her wrists and burrowed two fingers into her dripping pussy, sweeping against the sweet spot that had her body trembling underneath me. “Y-yes.”

“Artemis had five from Onyx. We’re going to beat her record.”

“You’re such a ravenous beast.” Kiya moaned, tangling her fingers in my hair. “And I’m not complaining.”

“Good.” I lowered my head to kiss her collarbone before slowly pumped my fingers out of her. “Because I’m going to worship your body until lunch. We have a good hour until then and I intend on making the best of it.”

“Your offerings are accepted.” My love smiled, raising her hips to meet my hand. “D-Don’t stop, please.”

I praised my little goddess with my hands, my mouth, my tongue, and my teeth. By the time Kiya walks out of this room, she’ll be thoroughly worshipped from the inside out.

I’ve officially lost my appetite for real food.

---------------------------------------------------

Kiya needed to rest, so I slinked downstairs toward the kitchen, clothed, after cleaning my face. Luli was setting away food appliances and dishes when she shot her head up and smiled, her greying black hair pulled into a bun. The two Omegas at the sink greeted me before turning back to their work.

“Alpha Neron, will you be joining the others in the dining room for lunch?”

“I will be soon. Did you leave a spot open for Kiya? She might take some time before joining us.” A smug smile made its way to my lips as to why.

“I’ll make sure that happens.” She set her dish rag on the counter. “By the way, I was wondering if I have your permission to teach the girls how to cook.”

I raised an eyebrow as I opened the fridge. “Alana and Aiyana want to learn how to cook?”

“Alana asked me during breakfast this morning, actually. The girl is very crafty with her hands.” Rolling up a sleeve, she displayed an orange and green beaded bracelet on her wrist. “The little fireball made this for me. She’s at that age where she wants to try anything and everything. Aiyana is a little quieter and more reserved, but I could see that she wants to learn as well.”

“I don’t see why not.” I picked out a water bottle. “I plan on asking my girls if they want to be a part of my pack next week. They seem to adjust well and I have yet to hear any complaints. There is still so much to do with doctors’ appointments, searching for a school for them to attend—”

“Alpha, may I interrupt for just a second?” Luli asked. I blinked once, nodding. “You said something that I don’t think you realized you’ve said it.”

“What did I say?”

“You referred to the girls as yours. You said, ‘my girls’.” The older woman’s eyes crinkled with her warm smile. “They haven’t been here long, but you care deeply for them. I can see it in your eyes.”

Blowing out a sigh through my nose, I leaned against the island by the hip. Alana and Aiyana are precious girls with their lives ahead of them. From the day they entered the hotel room, I knew I’d do anything to protect them. Aiyana shares my love for art and Alana has many inklings of how Nuria used to be as a kid. They look up to Kiya and me as more than the people that rescued them. Despite our short time together, I love those girls. I truly do.

“It’s my job to protect and provide for them.” I began. “But, yes, I care about them a lot. I want them to be happy. I want them to have their childhood. And when it comes the day where they shift for the first time, I’ll be there to support them every step of the way.”

“What of their parents?”

“They aren’t in the picture. They gave them up to settle a debt.”

Luli’s face scrunched up in disgust. “How cruel. I’m glad you’re giving them a better opportunity to live a fruitful life.” Her face softened into a smile. “If you need any of my advice, I’d be happy to help. I know a thing or two about raising girls; my three babies are grown up with their own families now.”

My face lit up with a smile. “I’d appreciate that, Luli. And speaking of help…” I told her about my plans to take Kiya out on a date and where I want it to be. The smaller woman squealed and nodded, clapping her hands.

“That is so sweet!” She exclaimed. “I have food ideas from the homeland that I think you’ll love and for sure will woo your Luna. I’ll head to the store now!”

“Wait, Luli—”

It was too late. The rambunctious Lead Omega scurried out of the kitchen with imaginary hearts dancing around her head. I let out a sigh, shaking my head. Once Luli has her mind set on something, nothing will stop her.

I can only hope she’ll make enough food to fill the bottomless pit Kiya called her stomach.

Suddenly, the kitchen door swayed open, and seven people emerged, followed by Ebony and Ivory running to their food bowls and Lupin cantering up to me for a head pat.

“Neron!” Aiyana grinned. “Can Raina and Lorelai take us out for frozen yogurt tomorrow?”

“Frozen yogurt?” I asked, my eyes darting up to my Beta and Gamma Females.

“Lori and I thought it’d be best to take the kids to our favorite frozen yogurt spot in town.” Raina explained, resting her head on top of Orchid’s hair to calm her jumping. “It’s been some time since we had a girl date with the kids and the weather is supposed to be fantastic tomorrow.”

“And no offence, but we need some time away from our husbands.” Lorelai chuckled. “And we wanted Aiyana and Alana to come with.”

“I’m going to be stuck in a car full of girls.” Adonis grumbled, crossing his arms. Orchid stuck her tongue out at her brother. I held my laughter in my chest. He’s at that age where girls were icky to him. I understood where he’s coming from. His only male role models were his father and his uncles; Kwame and me.

“Can we go, Neron? Please!” Alana begged, shaking her folded hands. “I never had frozen yogurt before! Is it like ice cream?”

“No, dear. Frozen yogurt is made with milk and ice cream is made with, well, cream.” Lorelai answered.

“And it’s yummy!” Naomi hopped in her excitement. “Can we go, pleeeease?”

On one hand, I wanted my girls to step out of the territory and see Portland with their own eyes. To have them stretch their legs and have fun outside of my pack. On the other, I was worried about the enemy out there. I didn’t want a repeat of what happened at the mall to happen with the kids and the women. While Kiya and I were the intended targets, I still wasn’t comfortable letting other people close to my heart to become targets.

Aiyana and Alana shined their cute, doe-like eyes at me, and I went weak. I didn’t want them to live in fear or be in fear for Kiya and I. They almost closed themselves out after the mall attack, and part of me was grateful they didn’t ask questions about why it happened. Children should remain innocent, not tainted with the fear of the devil coming toward them.

I wanted them safe, but I also didn’t want to rob them of their happiness. I didn’t want to lock them here on my lands. And they seemed so excited to go with Raina and Lorelai. It’ll give them the chance to get to know them and potentially bond with other female figures aside from Kiya.

“Do Val and Kwame know?”

“They do, albeit with some reluctance.” Raina rolled her eyes, but the smirk on her lips tell that she was in good spirits. “I promised to bring a pint of eggnog frozen yogurt to him. Who even likes eggnog?”

“Him, apparently.” Lorelai added.

“Alright.” I sighed. “But I want you both to take two patrollers with you; preferably my best trackers. Your safety is of the utmost importance, and I’m taking every precaution necessary.”

The women looked at one another before looking at me. “*Does this have to do with the mall last week*?” Lorelai asked via mind-link.

“*Yes*. *And you both are aware of my father’s missing ashes and why I had sent Mom and Nuria away*.” I debriefed my Betas and Gammas in a meeting the morning after I came back from Garnet Moon. Their reactions were a mixture of both shock and disgust, but I was confident that none of them would get hurt. However, my men and I agreed that if any of them were to leave the grounds, they needed escorts to be on the safe side.

“*We’ll take the patrollers with us*. *It won’t be an issue*. *Plus, Donny can breathe a little better with some added testosterone to the group*.”

I chuckled, ending the mind-link before looking down at my girls. “It looks like you’ll be heading out for some frozen yogurt. Be sure to bring me back some, okay?”

“Okay!” Aiyana hopped. “What flavor?”

“*Vanilla, the grossest flavor on the planet*.”

Kiya walked into the kitchen with her hair tied in a very sloppy ponytail, rubbing the back of her neck as she smiled at the people in the kitchen.

Alana cocked her head to the side. “Vanilla is gross?”

“Oh, don’t mind her. She’s a vanilla hater.” I joked, earning a glare from my girlfriend. “It’s ‘too plain’ for her.”

“Well, it is.” She grumbled.

“You literally have vanilla in your scent.” Raina retorted.

“Which is disappointing.”

“Auntie, they’re red spots on your neck.” Adonis pointed out. The spots were the hickies I left on her neck after she beat Artemis’ record of five orgasms. Kiya squeaked and covered the sinful bruises with her hands, flinging her eyes away from her nephew.

“They’re mosquito bites.”

“Those are some pretty big mosquitoes.” The boy added. “They must bite Mom’s and Dad’s necks too because I’d see them get it sometimes.”

“Okay, let’s go eat!” Raina squeaked, blushing madly as she ushered the children out of the kitchen into the dining hall. Kiya and I were alone. She curved behind me to the fridge, pulling out a bottle of orange juice.

And I noticed the slight tremble in her walk.

She glared at me again, and I couldn’t help but grin. “Don’t you say a damn word.”

“I won’t.”

“Good.”

“Next time, I’m not letting you walk out of our room without a limp or two.”

“You’re such a man.” She rolled her eyes, but I didn’t miss the dilation of her pupils. She liked the idea as much as I did.

Yes, I was a man. A man madly in love with his girlfriend.

---------------------------------------------------

***The Next Day***

“**Oh, come on**! **You look fine**. **Quit checking yourself out in the mirror and go meet our mate downstairs**!”

“*Onyx, I’m trying to look presentable for the date*.” I huffed, rolling up the sleeves of my white oxford shirt. “*Should I keep it buttoned up or leave the first few unbuttoned*?”

“**Unbuttoned**. **It makes you look more laid back and less stingy**.” Shrugging my shoulders, I went with his suggestion. “**Spray on a little cologne as well**. **Make yourself irresistible so Kiya can pounce on you again**!”

“*This is just a fun and relaxing date away from our troubles*. *I’m not trying to seduce her*.”

“**Oh, please**.” Onyx scoffed. “**You’re hooked on her, just like I am**. **And I know you’re dying for another taste because I sure as hell am**.”

Oh, you have no idea.

“*Have you thought about taking Artemis on a date*?”

Behind my eyelids, my wolf bobbed his head, prancing around in circles. “**Yes**! **I’m not fit for the fancy-shmancy shit like dinner dates with suits, but I like the idea of spending time with her in wolf form and exploring the forest for all it has for us**. **Maybe hunt for a rabbit or two and nap side-by-side**.”

I smiled as I grabbed my cologne bottle and spritzed my neck. “*Aw, there’s a romantic in you, after all*.”

“**Then, I’m taking her to bed and fucking the shit out of her**.”

“*I recant my original statement*.”

I brushed my hair back with my hand, taking one final look at my appearance in the mirror. Do I look relaxed enough? The khaki shorts I have on aren’t something I’d normally wear, but this was an exception. Satisfied, I slid on my loafers and made my way to the front door, where I knew Kiya was waiting for me.

“**You’ll do great**! **You know where to find me when you need a few pointers**.”

I’ll try not to need any, but it was kind of Onyx to say that. But Goddess knows the type of pointers he’d give was how to unclasp Kiya’s bra strap with one hand.

From the top of the stairs, I spotted my sweetheart and Luli chatting. Luli was grinning while carrying a large woven basket on one arm and holding Kiya’s hands in hers. Kiya smiled back and nodded, her two large twists framing her face, bouncing with the rest of her hair pulled into a larger puffy bun.

She was wearing an off-shoulder blue ruffled top framing her waistline and ample chest with an exposed midriff paired with a long white skirt brushing the tops of her ankles. Adorning a pair of white strap sandals, Kiya looked different from her customary attire. She looked soft and delicate, like a pillowy cloud in the clear-blue sky.

When I approached, their conversation ceased, and she greeted me with a dazzling smile. “Right on time!”

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” Curling an arm around her waist, I pulled her in for a brief kiss. Luli scampered up and held up the large basket like it was a trophy.

“Please, enjoy! I hope you like Japanese food, Miss Kiya.”

“I’d eat pretty much anything.” She clarified.

“Be careful; there are two glasses and two bottles of sparkling fruit cocktails; non-alcoholic, of course.” The Lead Omega patted the brown-and-white patterned blanket on top. “And this is big enough to fit the two of you. Have fun and tell me all about it when you get back, especially about the food!”

We said our thanks and the tiny older woman ran off back to the kitchen. I turned to Kiya and offered her my arm. “Shall we?”

“How chivalrous of you.” She giggled, taking my arm. “We shall.”

My soul was *singing* a holy hymn.

We walked the path to the waterfall, stepping over logs and forest debris. The mid-afternoon sun speckled its light through the leaves, illuminating our pathway to our designation. My nerves dissipated into dust, especially when Kiya felt comfortable enough to lean her head against my arm. I dropped my lips to her head for a brief kiss as we came across the inclined pathway to our date spot.

Before Kiya could insist she could walk, I cupped the bottom of her knees, secured her back, and lifted her up bridal-style. She scrambled to wrap her arms around my neck, opening her mouth.

“I know what you’re going to say, and no, I won’t put you down until we reach our picnic spot.”

She huffed, shaking her head. “Fine. But I’m walking the way back home, Skyscraper.”

“Hmm, I don’t know…”

“Neron!”

“Okay! I’ll give you that, Miss Independent.”

Kiya rolled her eyes and rested her head on my shoulder as I walked down the incline. The waterfall crashed into the river below, propelling the water down the riverbank. Rocks and waterlilies poked from the surface, the sunlight bouncing on their surfaces. Diamonds were imbued into the water, glistening from the sunlight above. Butterflies and dragonflies zipped across the space, over the surface, and resting on the flora decorating the outer edge of the river.

I stopped once I found our spot several yards from the bank with just enough sunshine and shade. “Wait here. I’ll set up.”

“You don’t want me to help?”

“I got it. This was my idea, remember?” I said, setting her on her feet.

Setting up was easy. Luli’s packing reflected her personality; orderly with everything marked with our names on post-it notes with the more fragile items wrapped up in plastic wrap for extra protection. I took out the picnic blanket, straightened it on the grass, and unpacked our food items.

It was pleasant.

Until I felt a hard, surprising smack against my ass.

“Whoa!” I spun around so fast to see Kiya focused on a pair of monarch butterflies on her fingers. There was a smile on her face. But not just any smile. The all-too-familiar smile I’d see Nuria wear right before she did some shit to fuck up my day.

“Did you do that?”

She looked up. “Did what?”

“Smacked my ass.”

Kiya shrugged her shoulders. “Nope.”

“Hmm…” I squinted my eyes, but all she offered me was a blink before letting her butterflies fly away. My girlfriend sashayed over to me, kissed my cheek, before sitting on the picnic blanket with her legs tucked underneath her rear.

She fluttered her eyes, tilting her head to the side like an innocent kitten. “Are you coming?”

Goddess, she drives me crazy.

The ass slapping incident aside; I took my place across from her and we began our date. With the sparkling fruit cocktail in our glasses, we ate from our karaage bento boxes. I watched Kiya dance in her spot whenever she bit into her food, grateful that we had three more boxes in case she wanted more. As time moved on, the world seemed to disappear. Everything focused on the love of my life and her inflating cheeks when we moved to dessert—the Japanese fruit sandwiches. Our conversation fell into our most embarrassing moments, to stories about our nieces and nephews, to what it meant to truly be alive.

No matter how heavy the talk became, I found it easy to bare it all to Kiya, like she’s the listening ear I needed all along.

After eating, we laid on our backs on the blanket with the sunlight bathing our torsos. One hand was on the back of my head and the other was at its place on Kiya’s waist. Her head was on my shoulder and she snuggled her body into my side. Kiya’s fingers danced across my chest, toying with the unbuttoned buttons of my shirt.

“Hmm. This is weird for me.”

“What is?” I asked.

“Don’t you ever get the feeling that you’ve been missing out on life? I’ve been a prisoner of my fear for so long and today is the first time I’ve ever felt secure enough in myself.” She explained, expelling a deep sigh.

“I know what you mean, angel. It’s as if you’re trying to play catch-up?”

“Yeah, exactly!” She nodded. “I guess what I mean is with our time yesterday. It helped me understand just out of touch I’ve been with my body and my life. Now, settling into this new state, it’s almost like a new state of being I have to get used to.”

“You spent your whole life being apprehensive about new experiences, and rightfully so.” I transferred the hand on her waist to her arm. “There’s no shame in catching up after life had held you back. Look at me, I’m almost in my 30s and just now pursuing my dream of teaching art.”

“I guess you’re right.” Without thinking much of it, Kiya pressed her nose to my neck. “You smell so good today. Is that cologne?”

“Yes.” I smiled, turning my head to her. “Do you like it?”

“It goes *very* well with your scent, so yes.” She took a deeper whiff. “Is this also normal? To want you so much?”

I swore Onyx, who was eavesdropping like an asshole, pirouetted like a goddamn fool. Heat flashed in my blood at her question, running my throat dry. “You’re coming into that side of you, so it’s normal to want to…do things.”

“Do things, as if follow your lessons.” *Sweet Selene*. “You don’t have a syllabus, so you’d have to tell me what my next lesson will be.”

Oh, *that* *side* of me was coming out. I knew I’d love being a teacher, but Kiya took my love for it to a whole new level. “I’m going to give you my credit card, and I want you to go online to buy a vibrator. It’ll be instrumental in our next lesson.”

Her sweet browns lit up like fireworks. I could’ve sworn I saw a hint of blue shining through. “Should I only by one, Professor?”

*Fucking hell*. “Buy two if you want, but absolutely no dildos.”

“Why not?”

“Because I will be the only one making you come.”

Kiya giggled, diving her hand into my shirt. “Oh yes, sir.”

There were moments in life where things happen, and you have no recollection of how you ended up in those situations. It’s as if you blanked out and came to in the middle of said predicament, but you’re too deep in it to understand how and why.

That’s exactly how I felt when I found myself buried face-first in between Kiya’s legs, drinking her sweetness like she produced the nectar of the gods.

Her hands twisted in my hair, pushing me further into her and urging me to continue. If there was a level beyond addiction, I’ve reached it. My tongue swirled around her clit, suckling twice before descending to her sweet hole, where it lapped up her juices. Kiya’s shrieks and moans bombarded my eardrums and pumped fire into my veins. My arms wrapped around her thighs and held them apart as I feasted like a king.

“Haaa, N-Neron, I’m going to—oh, FUCK!”

It was over just as it started, but the reward was great. Her essence gushed into my mouth and I didn’t remove my head until I drank every drop. Kiya’s arched back relaxed as she caught her breath, but as I lifted myself from her, she yanked me by the shirt and crushed her lips against mine.

I vaguely remember how I wanted to keep her apart from me before she came back into my life, because I was afraid of losing control. Now, I couldn’t imagine her away from me.

“You’re driving me crazy.” She panted when we broke the kiss. “Are you sure you’re not an incubus?”

Grinning, I pressed my forehead against hers. “Nope, just the man who loves you.”

This day was absolutely perfect.

“*I’d hate to interrupt a couple on their date, but I’m afraid your time together ends here*.”

Until it wasn’t.