Rising Sun (The Awakened Trilogy Book 3) Read online

  Fuck no. I need to be inside her. I need to feel her all around me. I want to feel what I do to her.

  I growl, tangling my fingers in her hair, and pulling her off. I flip us over so I’m on top and perfectly lined up to her entrance, but her panties are in the way.

  “I hope these weren’t your favorite,” I say, ripping them off her.

  She moans as I run my dick through her folds.

  “Hunter, please,” Aria begs, moving her hips.

  I slowly slide into her, grabbing her leg and hiking it over my shoulder as I thrust in and out.

  “Babe, I need you,” Aria cries out.

  I’ve got you, I tell her through the link.

  When it comes to intimate moments like this, we are always open to each other.

  I know her body well enough to know that she’s about to come, so I lean down and kiss her, catching her release.

  Take everything you need from me, I say through the link, because my mouth is otherwise preoccupied with hers.

  And she does.

  Aria forcefully pushes me off her until I’m sitting back against the railing of the bridge. She climbs on top of me, reaching between us again and lining me back up to her entrance. Then, ever so slowly, she slides down on me and laces her fingers with mine as she rides me. After a few moments, I can feel her start to come again, so I release her hands and grip her ass as her hands slam down on vine railings behind me. She flips her head back, exposing her flushed chest and I reach up to tug one of her breasts free from her bra. I put my mouth on her nipple, gently tugging it with my teeth.

  Come with me, she commands through the link.

  “Uh huh,” I groan out loud as she quickly works her hips.

  “Hunter!” Aria moans my name out loud as her fingers grab my hair.

  Fuck, my name from her lips is my undoing.

  I bury my face in her neck and grab onto her shoulders, holding her down while she and I unravel together. We’re both breathless as we hold onto each other, savoring every moment of just being totally and completely wrapped up in one another.

  “I know we have to go back soon, but I could live right here in this moment forever with you,” I say breathlessly.

  Aria laughs. “We have some great sex, but that was really intense.”

  She slowly lifts herself off me and I hand her clothes to her, then grab mine, and we both quickly get dressed.

  “Yeah, that was more intense than Dream Shade,” I say without really thinking about it.

  I’ve used it a few times in my younger years, but nothing could ever come close to what it’s like when I’m with my girl. I adjust the necklace back in my shirt and glance up at Aria, who suddenly looks upset.

  “Hey, what’s wrong?” I ask, taking a lock of her hair and tucking it behind her ear.

  “Nothing,” she murmurs, but I know her.

  “We talked about this. No more secrets or hiding things, remember?” I cup her cheek.

  Her eyes meet mine, and she sighs. “I know. It’s just…Dream Shade is something that shifters use to become closer with the one they love. Bennett said that everything is more intimate.”

  Even though she shares the link, we don’t know how Dream Shade will affect her. Will it hurt her because she’s not a shifter? Will the fact that she's a demigoddess affect her ability to use it? We agreed that until we have answers, we won’t be trying to test out any theories. It’s not worth the risk that it might harm her.

  “Well, yeah it is. But it’s not something that I need to do with you.” A tear slips free, so I swipe it away with my thumb. “Baby, listen to me. What I feel for you is more intense than anything I’ve ever felt before. Touching your skin sets mine on fire. Kissing your lips is like a breath of fresh air and tasting you…well, it’s better than chocolate chip cookies.”

  Aria chuckles softly.

  “The point is, Aria, I love you. I don’t need anything else in my life as long as I have you.”

  She smiles. “I love you too.”

  I rest my forehead against hers. “Tonight was the third best night of my life.”

  Aria pulls back and lifts a brow. “What were the first two?”

  It’s my turn to smile. “The first was the night I met you, and the second was when you told me you loved me for the first time back in Maryland.”

  “I was a blubbering mess that night.” She lightly shoves me, but I pull her into my arms.

  “You looked beautiful to me. You always look beautiful.” I run my hand through her hair. “All the nights that I spend with you are my favorite. But those are the ones that make the top of the list.”

  Aria pulls back and places a hand on my cheek. “I’m glad that fate brought me home…to you.”

  She leans in and kisses me softly, then rests her head on my shoulder. After a few moments, I hear her yawn, so I suggest we head back to the cabin. She agrees, and while I pack up the blanket, she puts out the glowing pebbles and we walk back to our cabin.

  Aria changes into one of my t-shirts and some booty shorts, while I opt for just my boxers, and we crawl into our bed. The contentment of having her in my arms allows me to fall asleep quickly, and if that means I won’t be able to feel my arm in the morning, then so be it.

  She will always be worth it.

  Soft snoring sounds pull me from a deep sleep.

  Wait. Hunter doesn’t snore.

  My eyes pop open, and I roll over to see Hunter still sound asleep. The sounds are coming from the bottom of our bed, so I quietly uncover myself and crawl down to the edge.

  Bennett is sound asleep.

  In our bedroom.

  I sit up, glancing back and forth between the love of my life and one of my best friends. I couldn’t…could I?

  Why, yes. Yes, I could.

  “Rise and shine, young warriors!” I shout.

  Hunter jolts awake, and Bennett springs up in the air and settles in a crouching position, holding his hands flat out in front of him. I can’t help it. I laugh. I laugh so hard that I fall down against the bed and tears start falling down my cheeks.

  “You think that’s so funny, don’t you?” Hunter grabs me and pulls me to him, and I start to relax in his arms.

  “Why? Why would you do that?” Bennett asks, clutching his chest.

  “Why were you asleep in our room?” I counter.

  “What?” Hunter looks at his best friend. “You were sleeping in here?”

  Bennett looks away, running a hand through his red hair. “Well, yeah, but the couch was taken.”

  Hunter and I exchange a look.

  “What do you mean, the couch was taken?” Hunter asks as we both get out of bed.

  I quickly grab a pair of sweatpants from the drawer and follow the guys downstairs.

  “Yes. Haku was asleep on the couch,” Bennett whispers, standing at the bottom of the steps.

  It turns out he was right. Haku is fast asleep on the couch.

  “Should we wake him up?” I ask.

  They both shake their heads.

  “I am awake, Aria.” Haku’s voice is groggy with sleep.

  “Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you up,” I say quietly as he sits up, rubbing his eyes.

  “I thought you were staying in one of the guest rooms at my mom’s place?” Hunter asks.

  “I was, but your mother is very sad. It’s heartbreaking to listen to. I didn’t want to make her feel bad for crying in front of me, so I left. I figured you wouldn’t mind if I just crashed here,” Haku responds.

  “I should go and check on her.” Hunter turns and goes back upstairs, so I follow him.

  He puts on gym shorts and a t-shirt. His expression is tense when he sits down on the bed, putting his hoodie on.

  There’s a knock on the door, and he groans as he drops his head in his hands.

  “Shit! I forgot about the Alpha meeting this morning.”

  “Hey.” I reach forward, wrapping my hands around wrists and pulling slightly. “Look at me.”<
br />
  Hunter lifts his head and I use this opportunity to climb onto his lap.

  “How about I go check on her? I’ll make sure she’s okay, and then you can stop by later after your meeting,” I offer as he wraps his arms around me.

  “You would do that?” he asks, eyes glowing softly.

  “Of course I would. She’s your mother,” I say, curling my fingers in his hair, almost willing it to grow faster. I miss the shaggy look, even though this one is nice too.

  “Thank you,” he sighs, leaning forward and burying his face in my neck.

  I pull his face up and give him a soft kiss, then get up and get dressed in something a little less comfy while he goes downstairs to talk to the Alphas, plus Bennett and Knox, since they are his Betas.

  “Well, good morning, Aria!” Oliver beams as I come down the steps. “You’re looking beautiful, as always.”

  The blonde-haired, blue-eyed wolf has such a carefree soul that sometimes I don’t even think he knows he’s flirting.

  I smile. “Thanks, Oliver. How are your accommodations? Do you need anything?”

  “No. Abby and Zayne have been very nice. They took me into town to grab some things that I needed,” he replies.

  “Good. Let me know if any of you need anything. I think some people are leaving later to pick up more supplies to build more cabins and such. I’m sure they’ll be happy to grab anything you want,” I say to the room.

  Not every member of the seven packs is coming to help, but a good chunk of them are, so we want to make sure they’re comfortable.

  Khari comes over and takes my hands in his. “I am humbled by your hospitality.”

  I’ve learned that Khari is the humblest. He’s very quiet and likes to communicate using the link more than he likes to talk. Anything you ask of him, he will do it, then ask you what else you need.

  I smile. “Thanks.”

  Khari nods and goes back over to stand across the room, while everyone else makes themselves comfortable. I wave to them and almost run into Knox when I open the front door.

  “Aria.” Knox bows his head and steps out of the way.

  “Knox,” I reply, giving him a small smile. “How’s Grace?”

  “She’s good. She’s been helping out in the kitchen. She loves cooking.” Knox smiles and gets this dreamy look on his face, then shakes his head. “Anyway, I’ll see you later.”

  “Yep. I’ll be sure to stop by the kitchen and say hi.” I wave and continue to walk to Hunter’s parents’ house.

  I’ve never really had a chance to get to know Lydia since I first arrived. With finding out that we were demigods, training, getting kidnapped, and everything that’s happened since, I haven’t found the time to get to know the only other woman in Hunter’s life. He cares about her deeply, and they have always been really close, so I want to make sure everything is okay.

  I knock on the door, but no one answers, so I reach for the knob and realize that it’s unlocked.

  “Mrs. St. James?” I call as I step inside the house. “Mrs. St. James!” I try again, and shut the door behind me.

  I hear music coming from upstairs, so I make my way up the steps. As I get closer, I hear “Hey Jude” by the Beatles playing. When I finally get to what I assume to be her bedroom door, because that’s where the music is coming from, I notice that it’s slightly open, so I push it open even further and the sight in front of me breaks my heart. Lydia is sitting on the bed watching a home video on her TV. It looks like it could be a wedding video because everyone is so dressed up. She lifts her head to look at me; her face is red and her eyes are puffy from crying. She sniffles, then she slowly turns her head back toward the TV.

  I walk into the room and sit down next to her on the bed. I look at the screen and realize that it is a wedding video, and it’s not just any wedding. It’s her wedding video, with Alexander. I continue to watch as the happy couple dance and sing in the midst of all their guests, just laughing and having a good time.

  A sob escapes her lips, and she brings her shirt up to hide her face. When I reach for her hand, I’m surprised that she doesn’t push me away. Instead, she holds on tight. She starts shaking, so I put my arm around her, and she leans into me. My eyes start to fill up with tears as she clutches onto my arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

  I lost my parents, but I can’t imagine what losing the love of your life must feel like. I refuse to let myself think of anything bad happening to Hunter. It makes me feel better knowing that he has the moonstone for extra protection, but he’s still not immortal. A wolf shifter can still be killed, and that terrifies me. But I push those thoughts aside, because now isn’t the time to think about that.

  “My Lydia doll! I love you so much. Thank you for always howling by my side!” Alexander shouts on the TV, then he howls.

  Lydia laughs and then howls with him, then Alexander cuts her off with a surprise dip and kisses her. The crowd erupts with howls and laughter as the song continues to play. The bridal party and guests continue to celebrate their union, then the video starts to fade out and I’m sitting in a quiet room with Hunter’s mom; the only sound is from her crying into my shoulder.

  I don’t move. I hold onto her as long as she needs me to. After a while, her sobs start to slow and her breathing evens out, then she slowly sits up.

  “I’m so sorry you had to see that, sweetheart,” she says, wiping her eyes with her shirt. “I’m a blubbering mess. S-sometimes…I just can’t hold it in any longer.”

  “It’s all right. How about I make you some tea?” I offer.

  She nods, giving me a small smile. “That would be nice. Thank you.”

  We get up from the bed and head back downstairs into the kitchen. She tells me where everything is while she sits down on a stool by the island bar.

  “I try to be strong for Hunter, but sometimes I-I just can’t be,” she admits after I set the kettle on the stove. I would have heated it using my powers, but I figured she could use the time to talk if she needed to. “Sometimes, the grief…it just gets to be too much, and it takes over me. I try to busy myself, but when the world gets quiet, my mind becomes very loud.”

  I turn and lean back against the counter, contemplating my next words. “When my parents died, it was like my entire life stopped and I thought, ‘How can I exist in a world where they don’t exist?’ But I had to; the world didn’t stop going on because I was sad. Before I came here, I wasn’t living. I had basically given up and would do reckless things because I wanted to feel something, anything, that wasn’t the pain of losing them. But all that changed the moment I met your son. I know it’s not the same thing, but I promise you, Mrs. St. James, it will get better. And that’s coming from me, the girl who bottled up three years’ worth of emotions.”

  She leans forward, holding her hand out, so I step forward and place my hand in hers. “You had to grow up much too quickly and lost your parents at the most pivotal time in one’s life. But coming from a mother, I can honestly say that if your parents were here to see the Aria that I see now, they would be proud knowing that they raised such a remarkable young woman.”

  I can’t help but smile at her words.

  “Oh, and please call me Lydia. Mrs. St. James is so formal,” she chuckles as the kettle whistles.

  I turn the stove off and pour her a cup, then clean up the mess and take the seat next to hers.

  “I’m happy that my son has you in his life. I knew you were something special when I first saw you. My son loves you, and I can tell that you love him too,” she says, placing a hand on my knee and giving it a gentle squeeze before wrapping both hands around her mug.

  To be honest, love isn’t a strong enough word for how I feel about Hunter.

  “I do, very much so.” I smile at the memory of our date last night and the events from this morning.

  “You two complement each other. You have the kind of love that can withstand any threat, because together, you and Hunter are a force to be reckoned with.” She
smiles, then takes a sip of her tea.

  I can feel my eyes start to fill up with tears when I hear the front door open.

  “Aria? Mom?” Hunter’s voice echoes through the house.

  “Speak of the devil.” Lydia smirks, and I chuckle softly.

  I can hear his footsteps as he rounds the corner into the kitchen.

  “There you two are!” He walks over to me, puts his arms around my shoulders, and kisses my cheek.

  My eyes meet his mom’s, and she winks at me.

  “How are you today?” Hunter asks, giving his mom a hug and a kiss on her head, then going to stand on the other side of the island bar, facing us.

  “I’m doing well now, thanks to your girlfriend,” Lydia says.

  Hunter’s gaze locks with mine.

  “Oh yeah?” he replies, smiling.

  “Yes. I do wish you two would come by for supper soon,” Lydia gets up from her stool and puts her empty mug, along with mine, in the sink. “Whenever you’re free. But if you’ll excuse me, I have to go apologize to Haku. I heard him leave late last night, and I believe that has something to do with me.”

  She disappears out of the kitchen and I hear the front door open and close.

  Hunter frowns. “Is she really okay?”

  I sigh. “She was watching their wedding video when I got here.”

  Hunter is quiet for a moment as he buries his face in his hands.

  Come here, I command using the link.

  He pulls himself up from the counter and comes over, sitting down on the stool his mom was just occupying.

  I reach forward, placing my palm on his cheek and turning his face to look at me. “She’ll be okay; we just need to give her time to heal.”

  I lean forward and rest my forehead against his. Hunter pulls back; his eyes are glowing softly as they fill with unshed tears. When one slips free, I wipe it away. He closes his eyes again, leaning into my hand, and when he reopens them, he presses a soft kiss on my palm.

  “I miss him,” he says, his voice cracking. “There hasn’t been a day that’s gone by that I haven’t thought about him. It’s funny the things you miss when someone you love is gone. I never thought I’d miss the yelling and the fights, but I do.” He pauses for a second, and his face pales as he realizes what he said. “I think that was the first time I used the word love in a sentence that includes my father. I never said the words, but I loved him, Aria. And now I’ll never get a chance to tell him.”