Aelif leaned forward and kissed her, deeply. Then she pulled back, ran her thumb along her bottom lip, and peered into her eyes. “Oh, really?”

Featherless nodded, biting her lip. She ran her hands underneath Aelif’s tunic, hard muscles underneath her soft fingers, feeling her body—all the scars, the lines she’s come to know so well. Straightening up, Aelif pulled her tunic off, and then began undoing the ties of her trousers, eyes locked on Featherless. Wanting to tease her, Featherless ran her fingers down her own neck, collarbone, breasts, all the way down to her depths, watching Aelif’s reaction as she pleasured herself at the sight of her undressing. It was exactly what she wanted—Aelif’s eyes widened, then her face hardened, and that smirk was back.

“Who’s the tease now?”

Featherless brought Aelif down to lay next to her, helped her pull the last bit of clothing off, and then her hands were all over her—touching her breasts, kissing her abdomen, her waist, her hips, then on her face, running her fingers along her favorite scar, her lips moving down her face until she kissed her deeply, their tongues twisting on each other. Then, she pulled away, commanded Aelif’s attention, and kissed her way down her body, all the way to the end. Making sure Aelif watched her, she inserted her fingers inside her depths and felt how wet she was. Aelif growled, entangling her large hand through Featherless’ hair, pulling gently. Featherless leaned forward and pressed her tongue to her clit.

“Fuck,” Aelif groaned. “Right there,” she said, but it came out more like a command, her tone always so demanding. Featherless loved it, the way she dominated their time together, and how Featherless felt as if the only person in the world who could please her.

She inserted her tongue, instead using her fingers to rub her clit, Aelif pulling at her hair and growling with pleasure. She released her hair, leaned up, and ran her fingers down Featherless neck as she continued to pleasure her, massaging the nape of her neck gently. She switched, running her fingers inside of her, using her tongue to stimulate her, until she felt her muscles tighten around her fingers and Aelif let out one final moan. She brought her hand underneath Featherless’ chin. Featherless paused and looked up, big doe-like eyes staring at her. Aelif stared back, taking her in, her round face and smooth snow-like skin. Yes, Featherless thought. Look at me, look only at me.

She brought her hand up to Aelif’s, took her thumb, and hooked it within her mouth, watching her. Aelif’s face flickered with something primal, and she opened her mouth to let out a soft growl.

“How did I get so lucky?” she murmured.

“I ask myself the same, you know,” Featherless replied.

Aelif smiled and pulled Featherless up and close, nuzzling her face within her chest, taking in the smell of pine and smoke, her scent that now made Aelif feel at home.

“Stay with me forever,” she whispered, arms wrapped tight around Featherless’ waist.

“If you’ll want me forever,” Featherless replied.

Aelif looked up, eyes like a wolf’s. “Want?” she asked. “There is no want. I need you, and I will need you forever.”

“Truly?” she asked, running her fingers down Aelif’s back. “Forever?”

“Aye,” Aelif said. “Forever.”