Chapter 102: Unmated
He pushed her skirt up around her waist, her ass exposed and needy. He positioned himself behind her, sliding his cock between her folds, coating himself with her wetness.
In one swift motion, he buried himself inside her. They both moaned in satisfaction when her walls clenched around his cock. Then he set a punishing pace, his hips snapped forward as he filled her with each thrust.
Dorianne’s body surrendered to the rhythm of his cock. She pushed back against him, meeting each thrust with reckless need. The sound of skin slapping against skin, labored breathing, and moans filled the space.
"Oh fuck, Astrid! I feel—"
"Incredible?" Astrid growled, his fingers digging into her hips.
Dorianne moaned in agreement. "I don’t want this to end."
Astrid’s thrust grew harder, his balls slapping against her ass with each powerful hit. She moaned his name loudly, her eyes rolling back as he hit her deep spot.
"Fuck me harder, Astrid. Please...yeah...like that..." she begged breathlessly, gripping the hay.
Astrid pounded with more force until her thighs quivered and an orgasm built rapidly.
"I’m...so...close..." Her voice trembled.
"Cum for me...Dori," He groaned. His thrust tipped her over the edge. Her pussy clenched around his cock, her legs trembling, and he continued thrusting through her climax.
With a loud groan, Astrid buried himself completely inside her and exploded. They collapsed together into the haystack, looking satisfied.
"Just as always, it was delightful," Dorianne muttered.
"Let’s just say I know your body well enough." He chuckled.
"Sadly, this has to end." She said, after some moments of silence.
Astrid thought he heard wrongly. He sat up to look at her. "What do you mean?"
"I found my mate."
Astrid’s jaw dropped slightly, but he was quick to hide his shock. "Oh...that’s nice."
"You think?" Dorianne asked, sitting up.
Astrid nodded. "I mean, you should be happy you found your mate. Right?" He stood up, reaching for his clothes.
"You won’t even ask who he is?"
"I don’t need to know, Dori. You decided not to tell me until this moment that means something."
"I was scared. He doesn’t belong to our pack. And I don’t even know him." Dorianne shrugged.
"But you’ll accept him."
"I guess. But—"
"There’s no but. You already made up your mind that this would end. Or what? You think I’m going to tell you to reject your mate? Or beg you to stay with me? We were never anything serious. Just comfort and relief."
Anger crossed Dorianne’s expression. She stood up abruptly and grabbed her shirt. "It’s good to know this meant nothing to you, asshole!" And with that, she stormed out.
"Dori!" He called out to her, but she was already gone.
Astrid kicked at the haystack in front of him.
The festival continued into the evening. The sounds of music and celebration were audible. Fires were lit in pits. The dancing grew more energetic. Some of the new brothers had already slipped away with their sweethearts.
"A successful festival as usual, Alpha," Talywn said, as he stood next to Faelan, whose eyes were fixated on the people.
"Bless the Goddess for making it a success. For a bountiful harvest. For protecting our people. The land is secure for another generation."
"Bless the Goddess," Talywn added.
"I heard Dorianne found her mate."
"Yes. Even though I wish he were a native of our own. Sadly, the Goddess has her plans."
"Sure she does." Faelan drank from his wine.
"She weds in three weeks to join him in his pack."
"That’s great news, Talywn. May the Goddess bless their union. Don’t hesitate to let me know if you need anything." Faelan said with sincerity in his tone.
"Is it okay to discuss the trade with the Crescent Vale pack? I received a note from the Alpha." Talywn requested.
"Sure. Let’s head inside."
*************
It was past midnight, but many members of the pack were still awake. Large fires and ale still lighted the courtyard of Emberspire, and mead flowed freely. The air was still thick with the smell of woodsmoke, roasted meat, and sweat. Some members were sitting in groups, talking loudly, drinking, and laughing. Some were visibly drunk, their movements loose and unsteady. Others danced around the central bonfire in the courtyard, uncoordinated clapping and shouting, their shadows leaping against the walls surrounding houses. Empty cups and plates were scattered across the ground. Children had long been sent inside, but many adults remained, unwilling to end the rare moment of happiness.
All of a sudden, a certain scream cut through the noise like a blade.
"Raiders!"
The word, shouted from the direction of the main gate, did not register immediately.
"Raiders are upon us!" He roared.
The music faltered. The dancing stopped. A few people laughed, thinking it was a drunken joke. Then the man who had screamed stumbled into the firelight. His face was pale, his chest heaving.
"Raiders are here to destroy us again!" He screamed again.
Then voices rose at once.
"We haven’t heard from them in years."
"That’s not possible."
"Are you sure?"
"Did the Goddess reject our sacrifices?"
"They’ve reached the main gate!" The man answered.
Immediate panic replaced the warmth of the feast. The courtyard, which had been full of joy moments ago, turned into chaos. There was no coordinated defense, only the instinct to run. People began to run in different directions. Some sprinted towards their homes to hide. Some looked for their children. Some grabbed whatever tools or weapons they could find.
Someone knocked over a burning torch, and sparks flew across the ground. A woman dropped a clay pot, and it shattered. A man tripped over a bench as he stood up. Children began to cry. The chaotic noise—shouts, screams, the clatter of overturned tables rippled out from the courtyard.
In his study, Faelan and Talwyn were reviewing a contract from the Alpha of Crescent Vale and some grain storage records. The word "Raiders" reached him, muffled but clear. He stood up, the chair scraping on the wooden floor.
