It was a warm sunny day, the sky utterly cloudless over head and the ocean waves lapping gently at the sandy shoreline not far away. Maria lay on her back, slender body gracefully stretched out over the golden sand, her forepaws crossed neatly over her chest as she gazed up at the sky, her focus soft as she indulged in a day of perfect laziness. Ever since they had arrived in this paradice, she had been surprised each morning when she woke that it was still here, as she almost expected this to be nothing but a dream, a fantasy of her mind. But here it stayed and gradually the days of warm sun and cool breezes, of calm peace and the gentle song of the ocean was working its magic on her as well as her mate. Giovanni still suffered from night terrors, reliving memories of their not so distant past, but each day the shadow of that past life grew a little less, and he smiled a little more. She never heard the pawsteps of her mate as he walked down the beach to where she lay, after the first few days in this new land he had adapted to walk as silently on the shifting sands as he did on the hardest of rocks. Only realising she was no longer alone when his shadow fell across her face, she turned and smiled up at him, expression as lazy as she felt. “Hello my Husband.” Purring she wrapped her forelegs about his shoulders and tugged. She was nowhere near strong enough to make him move, but he allowed himself to be tugged down until his legs folded beneath him and he settled at her side, head tilted as he regarded her with quiet amusement.
“Hello my Lady. You are in a good mood today.” He replied, amusement making his dark eyes twinkle playfully. He had been up since the early morning, doing his part in keeping the pride safe and patrolling the boarders. It was only light exercise for the retired assassin but it was a pleasurable job, walking the forest alone, enjoying the quiet calm of the land and listening to the early morning bird song. Watching her silently for a moment he marvelled again at how very lucky he had been in finding her. She was the one that made the struggles worthwhile, had been the one to sooth him to sleep when the nightmares plagued him, and had been the image in his mind when he felt all was lost, driving him to feats beyond what he had thought himself capable off, just to get home to her. Laying there in the warm golden midday sun, she looked like a goddess come down to the earth, and she was his goddess...
Maria watched him gazing at her and felt a warm blush slowly creep up her body, yet she remained stretched out for him, her gaze lowering demurely. She could not recall the last time they had been able to just lie like this out in the open. Content with each other and the world, no dangers lurking in the shadows waiting for them to drop their guard. It also opened up the possibility for other things... far more interesting things than simple survival, and it was that which was producing the blush that now covered her entire body under her crimson and white fur. Even with her eyes closed she could feel him watching her, the weight like a caress as he slowly let his gaze wander down her figure, drinking her in as if he had not seen her in months. It made her squirm in place slightly, feeling an uncharacteristic shyness come over her.
Giovanni knew he had been blessed the day she agreed to be his mate. For she had stuck with him through the worst of everything, and she was still here today, as bright and as fiery as she had been when he was courting her. She was as tough as any lioness he knew yet she could also be as gentle and as insightful as the most sensitive healer. He loved her more than words would ever express and he knew of no way to show it adequately than with his actions. Gently he leaned down, letting his warm breath tickle through the fur on her chest as he breathed the perfume of her body deep into his lungs. None possessed a scent quite like Maria’s, earthy and warm yet spicy, just like her personality. He could become drunk on her scent alone. Tilting his head he pressed his cheek to her chest, eyes closed as he simply rested there, tongue laving across her flat belly, partly playful, partly far more serious. Maybe soon she would not be so slim, but round and full with their offspring. He had not allowed himself to consider cubs before, but now they were safe, they had a true home.. and it cried out for the laughter of children.
Feeling the warmth of her mate’s breath tickle through her fur, she had to resist the urge to squirm under him, forepaws remaining curled loosely round his shoulders, head tilted to rest across his forelegs. A low, deep purr vibrated through her body as he pressed closer, her own eyes closing to enjoy the simple warm weight of her husband resting against her body. It had been so long since they had been able to enjoy each other without fear of persecution... she almost felt giddy, yet the sense of freedom also made her bold. Her purr warmed, a velvet whisper in his ear as she tipped her head back, exposing her throat and arching her back, encouraging the tongue that grazed across the pale fur of her belly. Without needing to look she pressed her nose into the thick fur of his mane, breathing his scent deep into her lungs. He was pure male, rich and musky with an undertone of raw strength. He made her body flush warm and drew her purr from her throat in an endless sensual whisper.
Yes, perhaps soon there would be more than just the two of them in their den.
