Page 171 of Eternal Surrender

“You’re always so composed, Ingrid, always in control. How would it feel to let that slip for just an hour or two, before returning to the headstrong, empowered, exquisite woman who commands everything again?”

She looked relieved that I was taking the choice from her.

“For now, you’re mine.”

“Yes.” She breathed.

I bit into my wrist and blood poured into one of the Champagne flutes.

The moment of no return. . .

Ingrid’s mouth quivered in anticipation as she sipped from the glass, and then lowering her head, her hair tumbling over her face, the effects taking hold.

I took the glass from her and pointed to the bedroom.

She stepped into the room without hesitation, casting one last glance back at me, her eyes wide with wandering anticipation.

Once inside, I shut the door behind us. . .

The rush of excitement surged through Ingrid’s veins causing her body to tremble, but there was no time for her to savor what the supernatural elixir bestowed. As she turned her head toward me expressing her longing, she revealed she knew all that had transpired so far would pale to what was to come.

I chose music for us, the Cocteau Twins, something ethereal and layered that would complement the mood, bathing the room in beautiful notes.

Her eyelids closed when I bruised her lips, sharing a smoldering kiss, punishing her with passion.

Soft musical notes came and went, taking her with them and delivering an enchantment unlike any other. She lost herself in the music, extracting from this moment the rush from giving herself over to me.

“Take off your clothes.”

She stripped before me, elegantly, revealing her curves, her perfect womanly form. Moving with steady grace, her quiet power beneath her tenderness. She was naked now, reflecting her confidence, her sensuality.

Moving around her, I explored her body, caressing, stroking and adoring her.

I told her how much I admired her, letting the praise fall gently between us.

“You don't have to try so hard to be extraordinary. I see your strength and the way you hold yourself together. The softness you only show when you feel safe. Both undo me.”

Sharing my affection with sighs and whispers, easing her into that deepest place within her and shining the light it was due, revealing the secrets she’d chased after for so long and bestowing all that she could experience.

Notes lifted and fell, dancing around us and sharing joyfully in our illustrious encounter.

Ingrid’s face reflected adoration for me and for all that I was bestowing.

More of the scarlet drink was given, a daring amount that a mortal would never be allowed to receive in any other circumstance, and her breaths became shallow, her skin dewy from perspiration.

She was shaking, seemingly in a controlled frenzy, focusing hard, pouting her concentration.

Eventually, moments like this would be over. There was soon to be no more of me, I didn’t want her to go on without knowing how I truly felt.

“Centuries have come and gone, and I have pushed my own needs aside, until this moment, until you.”

“You’re eternal?” she whispered it.

“Yes.”

“And you. . . you love me.”

“Yes.”