Calliope - Book 3 - A collection of Short Stories
The Winter Solstice

Calliope slowly opened her eyes as they strained against the rays of light that snuck in through the curtains. She stretched her arms as she yawned. The air was cold, perhaps a tad frigid. She glanced over at the fireplace, noticing that the fire had died down sometime in the night.

It was fine, though; she was not bothered by the cold. But she glanced at the person asleep next to her. She saw the bare back of her mate exposed to the cold air. She reached out, gently touching her fingertips to his skin. She ran them slowly up his back and into his dark brown hair.

Calliope moved slowly in the bed, getting closer to him. She pressed her chest against his back and wrapped her right arm around his waist. She leaned forward, resting her head against the back of his neck. She took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of orange blossoms and pomegranate.

Theo slowly stirred under her warmth. He reached his hands down to the covers and pulled them up over their bodies. But in doing so, he covered her head, causing her to groan with irritation.

“What is it, little wolf?” He whispered sleepily as he rolled over. He was now facing her, though she was still under the covers. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tightly against him. “You are so warm.”

“I won't be warm when you suffocate me,” she mumbled into his chest.

Theo chuckled as he loosened his grip on her slightly. She reached up, removing the covers from her head. She looked up at him with a frown.

“I was trying to be a good mate and warm you up,” she pouted as she looked into his hazel eyes.

“Hmm,” he thought to himself as his left hand wandered down to her bare hips. “So, you want to be a good mate and warm me up?”

His hand moved slowly from her hip to the front of her thigh. His left leg slid in between hers, giving him an opening to the warmth he desired.

“Yes,” she moaned softly as his hand caressed the soft mound between her legs.

Theo’s middle finger slid between her lower lips. He rubbed it up and down, teasing her with the gentle pressure. Calliope bit her lip, holding back her irritated moan. She wanted more, but he loved to torment her, making her beg for the release she sought.

Theo’s eyes watched her, knowing exactly what she wanted. But still, he teased her, barely grazing her sensitive bud. He could feel the warm wetness that his teasing created. He leaned his lips to her ear, gently nipping at her earlobe.

“Tell me what you want, little wolf,” he whispered. “I want to hear your words.”

She shook her head, trying to fight back against him. She did not want to beg. She wanted him just to do it; to please her. But he wasn’t. His hand stopped moving, his finger pausing at her entrance. She looked him in the eyes defiantly as she slid her hand down between her legs. She began to rub herself slowly. She was going to reach her pleasure high, with or without him.

Theo growled as he took her wrists. He pinned them above her head, holding them with one of his hands.

“Impatient,” he scolded as he crawled on top of her. He spread her legs with his knees but kept his eyes on hers, his lips hovering just over hers. “I’ll give you what you want, but I want to hear you.”

“Theo,” she murmured as she arched her back, pressing her hips against his. She could feel he was hard.

“Repeat it,” he commanded. “Say my name.” sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Find ɴøᴠel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

“Theo!” She cried out as her hips continued to grind against him, trying hard to scratch the itch that she felt within.

He let go of her wrist, and both of his hands gripped her thighs. His hands slid under her knees as he pushed them back towards her chest. His member pressed against her entrance, but he did not push in.

“Please,” she begged as she finally caved. She needed release; she needed to feel him.

Theo wasted no time thrusting roughly into her. She gasped as her hands gripped the sheets. His grip left her legs and went to the bed as he leaned forward. He kissed her lips tenderly, rewarding her with gentleness.

As he rested on his arms, he slowly thrusts into her. Her hands gripped his back, her nails digging in. She whispered his name with each moan that escaped her mouth. But she wanted more; Theo knew she needed more. She could only reach the heights of her pleasure with stimulation. So, after a few minutes, he withdrew himself from her.

She groaned, thinking he was going to make her beg. But to her surprise, his head slowly slid down, his tongue licking as he went from her stomach to her soft mound. She gripped his hair once his tongue found her bud. She could not hold back her moans with each lick. He was pushing her closer and closer to the edge.

Theo knew she was close as her thighs began to tighten around his head. He smiled as he slipped a finger into her. He liked to feel her inner walls clench against him as she climaxed. His tongue play quickened as his finger went in and out. Her hand left his hair and gripped the sheets as her back arched. He could feel her spasm against his finger as she cried out in pleasure.

He smiled as he pulled himself back up, placing his member at her entrance yet again.

“I am not done with you, little wolf,” he smirked as he pushed back into her.

Now that she had reached her climax, he was going to reach his. His thrusts were rough, but she did not object. She moaned with each plunge he made. Her wetness made it slick for him, making it easier to make the quick motions. She noticed his face begin to contort, so she wrapped her legs around his hips. After a few seconds, his grip on her waist tightened as he grunted.

He was breathing heavily as he held himself in her. Theo could not help but look at Calliope’s body. There was sweat glistening on her breasts and down her stomach. He slowly pulled out as he leaned down, resting his head against her chest. He kept his arms on the bed, trying not to put his entire weight on her.

“You are so warm,” he remarked, pressing himself against her skin.

“I’m glad I could warm you up,” she smiled as her hands gently played with his hair. “My mother mind linked not long ago that she was making breakfast.”

“Tell Evelyn it is too early to be up,” he grumbled, not wanting to leave the bed, to leave Calliope’s body.

“The sun is well into the sky,” she replied, gently lifting his face so their gazes could meet. “We slept in.”

“Fine,” he scowled as he sat up. “I suppose we should head downstairs and not keep everyone waiting.”

Once Theo and Calliope were dressed, they went downstairs to the eating hall. Theo and Calliope sat at the head of the long table. To Calliope’s right was Riley. She was 49, nearly 50 years old. Her black hair was slowly losing its shine, with a few gray hairs sneaking in. Next to Riley was her mate, a man named Elliott. He was a Delta who helped to train young wolves in the Royal Moon pack.

Then there was Rayne. She was snuggled against her mate as her hands rubbed her swollen stomach. It was her first child, and she was due any day.

To Theo's left was Josiah. He wrapped an arm around his mate, Lori, as he and Elliott discussed the upcoming young wolves. Next to them was their son, Theo's current main companion. His name was Jace. He was silent as he sat in his chair, his arms crossed. Everyone around them had mates, everyone but him. He was 25 years old but had yet to meet his match.

Theo leaned back in his chair as he thought to himself. Jace had been his companion for four years. Theo could not help but feel sad for him.

I want to go travel around our territories when the snow melts, Theo mind linked to Calliope. Jace has to have a mate out there somewhere.

It is a shame that the girl never comes to the Moon Festival, Calliope sighed as she leaned against Theo. Perhaps you should ask him if there is a girl he might like. I could pair them together.

He would have said something by now, Theo replied as he put his arm around Calliope. I just feel bad for him. If anyone understands what it is like going years without your mate, it's me.

“Who is hungry?” Evelyn called out as she and Wyatt entered the room with a platter in each hand.

Jace stood, rushing to help Evelyn with the food. She smiled as she pinched his cheek.

“Such a good lad,” she praised.

Earlier in the year, with her parents aging, Theo and Calliope had them move into the palace with them. One of Evelyn’s nephews assumed the position of Alpha of the Riverbed pack in their stead. Calliope smiled as her parents joined them at the table.

This breakfast had become a tradition for them. The day of the Winter Solstice was busy. There was a large party with most of the Royal Moon pack in the evening. But for that morning, everyone had the day off. There were no servants and minimal guards. The only ones at the palace were the Greats, their companions, and Calliope’s parents. It was their time together, their time to celebrate without others being around.

Once everyone had their fill of breakfast, they began to pass around gifts. Calliope handed Theo a box that had a twine bow. He smiled as he took it, shaking it to hear the contents.

“Open it,” Calliope groaned as she rolled her eyes. “You won’t be able to hear what it is.”

Theo chuckled as he untied the twine. He lifted the lid, seeing new leather boots within the box. He pulled one out, feeling the smoothness of the material. He removed the shoes that he was wearing and slipped on the new boots. They were stiff, but they felt comfortable against his soles.

“These are lovely,” he smiled as he kissed her lips. “I’ve been needing some new boots.”

“I know,” she teased as she took his old ones in her hands. There were holes along the seams of the shoes from years of use. She set them aside as he walked around the eating hall in his new boots.

“Come with me, little wolf,” he said as he held his hand to her. “Your gift is outside.”

“Outside?” Calliope questioned as she took his hand.

Theo nodded his head as he led her out of the room. He stopped at an exterior door and wrapped a shawl around her shoulders. He slipped on a coat as they walked outside. Fresh snow was on the ground, but the skies were now clear. He led her to the side of the palace, towards the stables. He placed his hands over her eyes.

“What are you doing?” She laughed as he led her into the barn.

“I don’t want you to see your gift before we get there,” he whispered into her ear.

After a moment, he stopped walking. She could hear a stall door open and someone coaxing an animal out. She could hear metal shoes hitting against the floor.

“Is it a horse?” She questioned with a grin.

Theo removed his hand from her eyes, allowing her to finally look. In front of her was a large, black stallion. His coat was smooth and shiny. His mane was freshly brushed and smoothed out. She gasped as she walked up to him.

“This is the largest horse I have ever seen!” She exclaimed as she looked back at Theo. “Where did you get him?”

“There are humans in the outer territories to the north that are breeding these types of horses.” He explained as he took the reins from the stable hand. “They use them to ride into battles. Though you won't need him for fighting, he will make a good pleasure horse. The humans who brought him said he is gentle, doesn’t spook easily, and rides well. Do you like him? I know it has been some time since your last horse passed, and I know you have missed riding.”

Calliope wrapped her arms around Theo, resting her head against his chest. She had not sought out another horse for a reason. She had loved the last one dearly, and her heart was not ready for more pain—the pain of losing another animal she loved, of losing anyone else.

“I hate that we have to live so long,” she sighed as she looked up at the horse. “I hate that I shall outlive this majestic beauty.”

“I know,” he replied softly. “But just because others shall die before us, it doesn’t mean that you and I cannot enjoy our time with them. You should not live your life feeling sad, avoiding happiness, all because you are thinking about their inevitable deaths. It would only ruin the time you have with them. So enjoy it; enjoy the little things. And when they pass, we shall cry, but we will also enjoy the memories that we have with them. For that is life, little wolf. You and I are just unfortunate that we have to experience more than others. But at least we shall have one another. And even when we don’t, even when one of us passes on, there is still more happiness to be had. So do not be sad; do not dwell on death. Enjoy it. Enjoy life, little wolf."

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