Mother of Midnight

Chapter 109 – Raining Night Petting

The rhythmic pattern of rain against the ward accompanied the night like a soothing lullaby. With Elira and Ivor alternating watch duties, Renzia had since tentatively left her cover under the wagon, silently patrolling the perimeter. Rava, ever practical, didn’t voice any objections when Vivienne casually slipped into her furs with her. She was used to Vivienne’s boldness by now, and truth be told, she didn’t entirely mind it.

Rava wasn’t certain where they stood—how could she be? Relationships had always been something other people had time for, not her. From the moment she’d come of age, her life had been dedicated to training, missions, and the rare moments of rest in between. Every step of her life had been carefully measured, each goal meticulously pursued under Narek’s watchful eye. It had left little room for indulgences, let alone entanglements of the heart.

Yet here she was.

For Rava, relationships had always seemed like another distant objective, something to consider once she’d proven herself worthy of her mother’s legacy. Strength, power, accomplishment—those were the pillars of a successful life in her eyes. Perhaps, one day, she’d considered taking a breeding partner, raising a few pups strong enough to make Serkoth proud. But even that idea had always felt hollow. The notion of a "breeding partner" felt more like an obligation than a desire.

Her true preference had always been for the company of women. Over the years, there had been fleeting encounters—moments stolen in the midst of her demanding life. A night here, a shared warmth there, but never anything lasting. She’d always been gone by the break of dawn, leaving behind only the faint impression of her presence. They’d been pragmatic choices, devoid of deeper meaning or connection.

But this was different. This wasn’t fleeting or detached. For several mornings now, she’d woken up not alone, but with her arms wrapped around the same woman.

Her gaze shifted to Vivienne, who was already nestled against her, seemingly without a care in the world. There was something infuriatingly endearing about her audacity, the way she claimed space so unapologetically. Vivienne’s black eyes glimmered faintly in the dim light of the ward, her breathing steady, her warmth pressing against Rava’s side. She could feel the gentle weight of Vivienne’s tail draped lazily over her legs, a quiet yet undeniable reminder of her presence.

Rava pulled Vivienne atop her with a slow, deliberate motion, her strength a reassuring weight as her arms encircled the smaller woman. Rava’s face dipped into Vivienne’s hair, her scent a familiar and comforting note. A shiver ran through Vivienne’s body, subtle but noticeable, as Rava’s touch began its languid exploration.

“That dress drives me mad. It’s too distracting.” Rava murmured

Before Vivienne could respond, Rava’s pawed hands moved with purpose, tracing the delicate curve of Vivienne’s back. Her claws just barely grazed the fabric of her dress, enough to tease the sensitive skin beneath without breaking through. Vivienne’s body responded instinctively, her spine arching slightly, the flickering firelight to casting alluring shadows across her form.

“Th-thank you.” Gasped Vivienne.

The slow drag of Rava’s fingers found every dip and curve, mapping Vivienne’s form with an attention to detail that felt both uncharacteristic and wholly natural. Each touch lingered just a second too long to be casual, leaving a warmth that seeped into Vivienne’s skin and pooled low in her stomach. Rava leaned forward allowing her nose to brush against Vivienne’s ear, a light, fleeting contact that sent another shiver racing through her.

The nightmare’s tail coiled around Rava’s leg, the movement slow and deliberate, a silent acknowledgment of their closeness. Her breathing grew shallower, her chest rising and falling against Rava with a rhythm that matched the storm’s relentless beat against the ward. Rava’s hands moved lower, gliding over the curve of Vivienne’s hips, her touch firm yet gentle, a contradiction that felt intoxicating.

Rava's hands lingered at Vivienne's hips, her thumbs tracing small, deliberate circles that sent a pleasant ache through the smaller woman. Vivienne’s breath hitched and her hands slightly clenched in a silent plea for more. The storm outside seemed distant now, its rhythm an unintentional accompaniment to the growing heat between them.

The large woman suddenly sat up, drawing a surprised yelp as Vivienne was brought with her. Then dipping her head, she brushed her lips against the curve of Vivienne’s shoulder. The contact lingering as Rava let her breath fan over the exposed skin there. She pressed her lips lightly to the junction where Vivienne’s neck met her shoulder, the kiss more an exploration than a declaration. A soft gasp escaped Vivienne, and she tilted her head slightly, granting Rava more access.

Rava moved with an unhurried grace, her lips and teeth grazing just enough to leave a faint trace of sensation in their wake. Her hands slid upward once more, tracing along Vivienne’s sides with a pressure that was both grounding and electrifying. Vivienne’s body trembled at the touch, her own hands rising to rest against Rava’s chest, fingers curling into the fabric of her tunic as if to anchor herself.

The warmth between them grew, a palpable thing that seemed to saturate the air. Rava’s movements were steady and deliberate, every touch measured, every brush of her lips against Vivienne’s skin an unspoken promise. Her claws grazed lightly down Vivienne’s spine, the sensation sending another shiver through her body, and a soft, breathy sound escaped her lips before she could stop it.

Vivienne leaned into the touch, her body instinctively arching closer to Rava’s, seeking more of the warmth and solidity she provided. Her hands found their way to Rava’s shoulders, fingers tracing along the contours of muscle and sinew, marveling at the strength beneath her fingertips.

Rava didn’t relent, her lips brushing across Vivienne’s ear before trailing lower, leaving a path of feather-light touches that seemed to set every nerve alight. Her claws traced slow, deliberate patterns along Vivienne’s back, never quite pressing hard enough to hurt, but enough to remind her of the power that Rava held in her hands.

Vivienne tightened her grip on Rava tunic, an unconscious reaction to the rising tension between them, her breaths coming quicker now. She tilted her head even further, baring more of her neck to Rava, begging her to continue. The storm outside raged on, but within the safety of the ward, the only things that mattered was the rhythm of their breaths and the soft, electric hum of the connection building between them.

Rava’s hands slid back to Vivienne’s hips, pulling her even closer, their bodies now pressed together like a solved puzzle. Her lips lingered at Vivienne’s collarbone, leaving a soft kiss there before looking at her, their gazes locking. For a moment, the world seemed to still, the storm fading into a distant murmur as they lost themselves in each other.

Vivienne’s lips curled into a smirk, mischief glinting in her black eyes. She leaned in as if to kiss Rava again, but at the last second, she changed course, her sharp little fangs grazing along the lekine’s jaw instead. Slow, teasing, not enough to break skin—just enough to drag a shiver up Rava’s spine.

And then, just to push it further, Vivienne’s tail flicked up, its smooth scaly length gliding along the side of Rava’s thigh before coiling loosely around her waist. The blade at the tip rested against the small of Rava’s back, not threatening, but undeniably there. A reminder. A challenge.

Vivienne tilted her head, looking up at her with feigned innocence. “You like me soft, sweetheart?” Her voice dripped with amusement, deliberately goading. “That’s cute.”

Vivienne barely had time to react before Rava moved, flipping her with a forceful ease that sent her sprawling beneath her. The sharp gasp that left Vivienne’s lips—surprised, breathless, helpless—shot straight through Rava like a drug. She caught Vivienne’s wrists in one hand, pinning them above her head against the furs, and with the other, she took hold of Vivienne’s throat, fingers wrapping firm around the delicate column of her neck.

Rava exhaled slowly, taking in the sight beneath her—Vivienne spread out, panting, eyes wide and dark as she looked up at her. This was what she wanted. What she needed. To feel Vivienne under her hands, utterly at her mercy. To see the contrast between the woman who could slaughter a battlefield without blinking and the one who trembled beneath her now, unresisting, wanting.

She gave the slightest squeeze, just enough to make Vivienne’s breath stutter. Not enough to scare. Just enough to remind her who was in control.

“You like this, don’t you?” Rava murmured, tilting her head. Her voice was low, gravelly, satisfied. Vivienne swallowed, and Rava felt it beneath her palm, the delicate flutter of her pulse hammering against her skin. Gods, it made her want to tighten her grip, just a little more, just to see how much further Vivienne would let her go.

A shudder passed through Vivienne, and her tail twitched against Rava’s thigh. No struggle. No protest. Just silent, obedient submission. Fuck.

Rava smirked, dipping lower, brushing her lips against Vivienne’s ear. “You keep pushing, sweetheart,” she purred, voice dripping with dark amusement, “and I’ll make sure you know who you belong to.”

Vivienne exhaled shakily, and Rava swore she felt her body melt just that little bit more, surrendering to her entirely.

Rava tightened her grip around Vivienne’s throat, savoring the way her breathing hitched, the soft, strangled gasp that slipped past her lips. She could feel the way Vivienne’s pulse pounded beneath her fingers, a frantic, desperate rhythm that only made Rava’s own blood burn hotter.

Vivienne’s eyes fluttered, unfocused, rolling back slightly as her body arched beneath her, caught between tension and surrender. Beautiful.

Rava drank in the sight, the way power shifted between them, the way Vivienne gave it up so easily, so willingly, trusting her completely.A wicked smirk curled at Rava’s lips as she shifted her knee, pressing it firmly between Vivienne’s legs, against her warmth. The response was immediate—Vivienne’s hips twitched, instinctively chasing the pressure, her breath coming in short, shallow pants. Gods, she was so responsive. So eager, despite the hold around her throat, despite the power Rava exerted over her. Or maybe because of it.

Rava leaned in, her voice little more than a growl against Vivienne’s ear. “Look at you,” she murmured, pushing her knee a little harder against her heat. “So desperate. So needy.” She gave the slightest squeeze around Vivienne’s throat, just enough to make her struggle for each breath. “I own you right now. And you love it.”

To know that this woman, who had felled countless foes, monsters, and men alike, was now so pliable under her touch—so utterly malleable, so willingly submissive—sent a surge of exhilaration through Rava. The contrast was intoxicating: the fierce warrior rendered soft and vulnerable in her arms, trusting her entirely.

Rava pressed forward, her lips finding Vivienne’s, capturing them in a kiss that was both tender and insistent. Vivienne’s lips were warm, impossibly soft, yielding to her with a sweetness that belied the sharpness Rava had come to associate with her. The kiss deepened, slow and deliberate, every movement deliberate as though savoring the moment.

Her grip on Vivienne’s wrists tightened, keeping them firmly pinned above her head, her dominance absolute. Beneath her, Vivienne squirmed, her breath coming in shallow, uneven pulls as Rava’s fingers flexed around her throat, applying just enough pressure to make her pulse race. The way she responded—arching instinctively into Rava’s touch, her body betraying her need—sent a dark thrill through her. She loves this. Rava smirked against Vivienne’s skin, teeth grazing the delicate curve of her jaw before she murmured, her voice thick with satisfaction, “You love this.” She let the words hang, her grip unrelenting, savoring the way Vivienne, normally so confident, couldn’t bring herself to meet her gaze.

“You are mine.”

Rava’s voice was a low, possessive growl, thick with unshaken certainty. She loosened her grip on Vivienne’s throat, the warmth of her palm lingering even as her claws retracted. Faint, reddened impressions remained where they had pressed into soft flesh, proof of her claim.

Vivienne’s breath came slow, deliberate, but she didn’t meet Rava’s gaze. Instead, she cast her eyes to the side,her cheeks darkening. The rise and fall of her chest betrayed her, the subtle shiver that ran through her shoulders.

Vivienne’s tail moved almost instinctively, winding tighter around Rava’s thigh, its slow, serpentine motion slowly pressing between her legs. The coiling touch sent a jolt through Rava, her lips parting as a gasp escaped her lips. Her mouth wandered, leaving the softness of Vivienne’s lips to trail down her jawline, her neck, and finally the hollow of her throat. Each kiss was deliberate, lingering just long enough to tease and ignite, her warm breath ghosting across Vivienne’s skin in the moments between.

Vivienne’s breathing quickened, each exhale shakier than the last, soft, breathy sounds escaping her as Rava’s touch grew more insistent. Her claws trailed down the middle of her toro down the length of Vivienne’s stomach, leaving behind a trail of tingling sensation. The storm outside raged on, the wind howling and rain lashing against the ward, but the sound only served to underscore the intimacy of the moment.

Rava shifted her weight slightly, pressing her leg a fraction closer, the motion deliberate and unhurried, her every action calculated to elicit a response. She could feel Vivienne’s trembling breaths against her, each exhale warm against her skin, a quiet admission of vulnerability. The steady rhythm of her own heartbeat seemed to echo the intensity of the moment, a grounding presence amid the building tension.

Her lips sought Vivienne’s once more, their connection deeper this time, the kiss infused with a hunger that carried no urgency but rather an undeniable need. Her tongue slipped past Vivienne’s parted lips, exploring her in a way that was both assertive and teasing, a slow and sensual claim that spoke volumes more than words ever could.

Vivienne’s response was immediate, her claws struggling to break free from Rava’s grip as she was overwhelmed by the onslaught of sensations. Her breath hitched as Rava’s grinded against her, the added closeness drawing a soft, helpless sound from her throat. Rava reveled in the reaction, the subtle way Vivienne’s body writhed beneath her touch, yielding to her lead.

The kiss deepened further, their breaths mingling as the storm outside raged on. Rava’s hand slid lower traced the curve of Vivienne’s soft waist, her touch firm and possessive as though she intended to claim every inch of her. Her claws dragged lightly against the fabric of Vivienne’s dress, a teasing pressure that made the smaller woman shiver against her.

She grabbed her wide hips and pushed Vivienne down more forcefully on her leg, the woman barely stifling a cry as Rava picked up her pace.

Thunder crashed outside their shelter as Rava's hand roamed higher, her claws carefully gathering the fabric of Vivienne's dress. The smaller woman arched into her touch, soft whimpers escaping between increasingly desperate kisses. Their bodies moved together in perfect rhythm, Vivienne grinding against Rava's thigh with growing urgency as pleasure coiled tighter in her core.

Rava's mouth traced a burning path down Vivienne's throat, tasting the salt of her skin, feeling the rapid flutter of her pulse. Her hand found bare flesh beneath the bunched fabric, mapping every curve and hollow of Vivienne's body with possessive reverence. The smaller woman's skin was like silk beneath her palms, trembling at each purposeful touch.

With little hesitation, Rava's hand slid higher, carefully pulling up Vivienne’s dress, letting her bust free. She cupped and kneaded her full bosom. The smaller woman's head fell back with a breathless gasp, her body arching desperately into the touch. Her claws dug into Rava's shoulders, leaving crescent marks that only fueled Rava's passion.

Rava's mouth descended to capture a hardened peak, drawing it between her lips as her tongue swirled patterns against sensitive flesh. Her hand continued its sensual exploration, trailing down Vivienne's trembling stomach to her thighs. The smaller woman's soft whimpers filled their shelter, each sound fueling Rava's desire to draw more from her willing partner.

With a frustrated growl, Rava pulled Vivienne’s dress over her head and tossed it aside, taking a moment to appreciate Vivienne’s plush stomach and her far more than generous bust. Rava's attentions grew more focused, more demanding. Her teeth grazed the sensitive flesh of her breast while her hand slid higher up those soft inner thighs, fingertips tracing teasing patterns against heated skin. Vivienne's hips rolled instinctively, seeking more contact, silently begging for relief from the burning need building within her.

Rava's fingers finally found their target, sliding through slick folds with practiced ease. Vivienne's back arched sharply, a breathless cry escaping her lips as those skilled digits circled her most sensitive spot. Her thighs fell open wider, welcoming the touch she so desperately craved, her body trembling with each precise movement.

With careful attention, Rava's fingers dipped lower, teasing Vivienne's entrance before slowly pressing inside. The smaller woman's inner walls clenched around the intrusion, her body responding eagerly as Rava set a steady rhythm. Her thumb continued its circular motions, building pleasure higher and higher as her fingers curled forward with each thrust.

Vivienne's hands clutched desperately at Rava's shoulders, her hips rising to meet each thrust as tension coiled tighter in her core. Her breath came in short, sharp gasps, punctuated by soft cries that grew increasingly desperate. Rava's mouth moved to her other breast, lavishing it with the same attention as her fingers picked up speed.

Her inner walls began to flutter around Rava's fingers, her back arching sharply as pleasure built to an almost unbearable peak. With one final curl of skilled fingers, Vivienne shattered, her release washing over her in waves that left her trembling and gasping in Rava's arms, their bodies pressed together in the waves of shared passion.

Lost in the haze of their shared passion, Rava had been too entranced by Vivienne's responses to notice her companion's deft movements. The smaller woman's fingers traced along her waistband with growing urgency, seeking to remove the last barrier between them. Vivienne's tail moved with graceful purpose, uncoiling slightly to help slide the fabric down Rava's muscled legs, revealing more of her bronze skin with each passing moment.

With a fluid motion that spoke of both desire and reverence, Vivienne slid lower, her breath ghosting across Rava's heated skin. Her midnight hair spilled across the ground like silk as she settled between them, her otherworldly beauty enhanced by the hunger in her gaze. Her tongue, dark and sinuous, emerged to taste the air between them - a preview of the pleasure to come as she gazed up at Rava through half-lidded eyes.

Rava's breath caught in her throat as Vivienne's tongue made contact, the sensation sending a jolt of electricity through her body. Vivienne's movements were slow and deliberate, each stroke of her tongue a careful exploration. She savored Rava's taste, her scent, the way her powerful thighs trembled ever so slightly under her touch.

Her hand found its way to Vivienne's hair, fingers tangling in the midnight strands. She didn't guide or push, simply held on as if to anchor herself against the tide of sensation.

Vivienne's claws gripped Rava's thighs, holding her steady as she increased her efforts. Her tongue swirled and flicked with practiced precision, drawing increasingly desperate sounds from the larger woman. Rava's hips began to move of their own accord, seeking more of that exquisite sensation.

Vivienne's tail shifted up Rava’s leg, the pressure a counterpoint to the soft, wet heat of her mouth. She looked up, her black eyes meeting Rava's gaze, and the intensity there nearly undid Rava completely. Without breaking eye contact, Vivienne's tendril-like tongue delved deeper, exploring every fold and crevice with meticulous attention.

Rava's back arched as she let out a primal moan, her body trembling and spasms wracking her from head to toe. She pulled Vivienne’s head closer, burying her face in between her thighs as she endured the overwhelming sensations.

But Vivienne didn’t relent. Instead, she intensified her efforts, causing Rava's body to go limp in overwhelmed surrender. Vivienne's mouth clamped down on her lower half, sharp teeth dangerously close to her most intimate parts. The lekine struggled weakly against the unexpected intensity, but Vivienne's claws held her firmly in place.

The unnaturally long tongue probed deeper and more forcefully, eliciting another guttural moan from Rava. Her eyes rolled back in pleasure and she tried to stifle another sound, but Vivienne took it as an invitation and redoubled her efforts.

Rava's chest heaved as waves of pleasure crashed over her, each more intense than the last. Vivienne's tongue moved with inhuman dexterity, reaching places Rava hadn't known could feel such exquisite sensation. Her claws dug into Vivienne's hair as she clung desperately to her lover.

Vivienne's sharp teeth grazed Rava's sensitive flesh, the hint of danger only heightening her arousal. Her tail shifted around Rava's leg, the blunt end of the tip flicking teasingly against her inner thigh. Rava's hips bucked involuntarily, seeking more of that delicious friction.

"Vivienne," Rava gasped, her voice hoarse with need. "I can't... it's too much...”

Vivienne's eyes flashed with a mix of desire and mischief as she gazed up at Rava. 

Without warning, she plunged back in, her tongue delving even deeper. Rava's back arched sharply, a cry torn from her throat as pleasure bordering on pain coursed through her. Her hands balled with fists of Vivienne's hair, torn between pulling her closer and pushing her away.

Vivienne's claws raked down Rava's thighs, leaving faint red lines in their wake. The slight sting only added to the overwhelming sensations assaulting Rava's senses. Her tail pulled, holding her legs apart with even more force.

Rava’s breath hitched, her entire body shuddering as waves of sensation coursed through her, leaving her momentarily vulnerable in a way she rarely allowed herself to be. Her hands instinctively found Vivienne’s dark, crystalline horns, not with force but with reverence, holding the nightmare close as she clung to the moment. Vivienne’s ministrations were deliberate and unrelenting, her touch an intricate balance of power and tenderness that left Rava utterly disarmed.

When Rava’s hands finally loosened their grip, her breaths coming in slow, unsteady gasps, Vivienne paused, a small smile tugging at her lips as if she were savoring the sight of Rava undone. She curled her sinuous tongue with an almost playful flick before guiding Rava back down to the furs, her movements languid and purposeful.

Vivienne melded into Rava’s side with practiced ease, her soft, inviting curves melding against the firm strength of Rava’s body. The contrast between them was striking—grace meeting power, yielding softness against unyielding strength. Vivienne wrapped her arms around Rava, her fingers tracing slow, delicate patterns.

Vivienne looked up, her gaze locking with Rava’s, and for a moment, the storm outside seemed to fade, leaving only the quiet intensity of their shared closeness. Rava’s hands settled on Vivienne’s waist, steadying her, their touch both grounding and intimate. The connection between them felt raw yet profoundly tender, as though in this moment, nothing else mattered but the unspoken bond they were weaving.