Chapter 28

Maksim never wanted to stop.

He wanted the night to go on and on forever as he kissed Ella under the cascade of water and fireworks. But as Ella's delicate skin started to chill and her lips started to shiver, Maksim knew he needed to get her warmed up. With great difficulty, the prince pulled away from his mate and walked over to the control board. He switched off the water and turned back to look at the beautiful girl staring at him with swollen lips. Her wet clothes and hair clung to her body like a second skin as her eyes sparkled with the reflection of the lights. Maksim felt his mind wander down roads he didn't want to rush into.

"We should get changed," he said, his voice husky and a bit breathless.

Ella couldn't speak. She nodded her head and pulled her hair over her shoulder. With wrinkled fingers she wrung out the water and shook it so the strands didn't stick to her like vines.

Maksim held his hand out for Ella to take as he picked up his suit from the floor. She took a deep breath and moved towards him in the dark. But the wet fabric of her dress made it very difficult. The dress kept wrapping itself around Ella's legs and she had to stop every few seconds to untangle it. Maksim waited until she was in front of him to pick her up into his arms. He was expecting Ella to complain, but when she silently wrapped her arms around his neck he looked down at her and placed a kiss on her forehead.

The party was still going on in the ballroom as Maksim carried Ella upstairs. The loud music and voices followed them up the stairs before becoming a distant memory as the couple silently made their way to Ella's room.

"Thank you," Ella spoke for the first time since they had paused their kisses in the greenhouse. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes danced around nervously.

"Go dry up," Maksim said as he put her down in the middle of the room.

Ella nodded her head and tucked her wet strands behind her ear. She moved her hands down and started to tug at the fabric of her dress, trying very hard to get it to un-cling from her.

Maksim let his eyes linger on her for a second longer before he dropped his gaze and cleared his throat.

"Okay..... Um I'll be in my room," he said pointing to the door. "Good night."

"Good night," Ella whispered.

As Maksim turned on his heels and began to move towards the door, Ella felt her heart starting to ache. She didn't understand the feeling. It was as if she would die if he walked out of the room.

"Wait!" she called out to him.

Maksim stopped and looked over his shoulder, "Yeah?"

"I.....I.." Ella took a deep breath and swallowed the lump in her throat. "Can you please unzip me? I can't reach the zipper."

Maksim slowly turned around and nodded. He took the few steps towards Ella as she moved her hair over and turned to show him the zipper. In the mirror her eyes watched Maksim had he carefully reached out and took hold of the small zipper.

At the touch of his skin, Ella was suddenly taken back to the night not too long ago when they had been in that same position. The only difference was, this time around, Ella wasn't scared. Her body didn't want to cover up and hide in a hole or recoil from his touch in fear.

She wanted his touch. She welcomed it.

Maksim's eyes were lowered as he gently undid the hook on top and then slowly pulled the zipper down. When he finished he took a step and looked up.

Ella and Maksim's eyes connected in the mirror as he stood behind her. Ella's breath hitched in her chest as she saw the warmth and admiration swimming in Maksim's eyes. Her hands were pressed against her chest, holding her dress against her body as she felt the skin on her back tingle.

As Maksim watched her in the mirror, Ella slowly began to pull her hands down. The heavy dress slipped from around her body and pooled at her in a wet pink pile.

Maksim was left speechless.

Ella's heart began to hammer against her chest as she stood in front of the mirror in a beige strapless bra and matching underwear. She kept her eyes on Maksim's reflection as his jaw tensed. She could feel him fighting himself to not look as he lowered his eyes and took another step back.

Ella didn't want him to leave. That was the last thing she wanted. She turned around slowly and stepped out of the dress. Her eyes followed Maksim as he walked to the bathroom and brought her a towel.

Ella's labored breathing became rapid and urgent as she watched her mate walk back to her and hand her the towel. She felt the fear of losing him shoot up her body when she realized he would leave as soon as she took the towel.

Without another world Ella ran into Maksim's arms, surprising him. She buried her face in his chest as he wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her hair. His scent of sage and lime intensified as she shivered from the wet shirt he still wore.

After a few seconds, as the air between them grew thick, Ella pulled back and titled her lips up to his. Maksim lowered his mouth and kissed her. He kissed her with an urgency that felt Ella's knees feeling weak. He pulled her against his body as his hands pressed her tightly against himself.

Ella wiggled her arms up and started to unbutton his shirt. When she reached the waistband of his pants, she yanked the shirt out and pushed it off his shoulders. She felt overwhelmed with how perfect he was. His skin was warm and smooth under touch. She let her nails grace over his hard abs, eliciting a groan from him.

Maksim felt his muscles flex as Ella explored with her hands. Her touch was gentle, yet assertive. She was finally beginning to accept that he was hers. All of her, and only hers. Maksim bent down and lifted her off the floor. Ella's arms hooked around his neck as she wrapped her legs around his waist.

They were a tangled mess of kisses as their bodies fell onto the bed. Ella's chest arched off the bed as she met Maksim's lips. His lips teased her as he tasted her on his tongue.

Ella knew letting Maksim go any farther was probably not a good idea. They had decided to take things slow. But when she rested her head on the pillow and looked up into his eyes, she couldn't understand what she was hiding from. As Maksim leaned down and left a trail of kisses down her jawline and neck, Ella's decision solidified.

She savored each and every one of the hundred kisses Maksim left over her neckline and collarbones. Ella felt an unfamiliar ache between her legs as Maksim slowly moved towards her chest. She lifted her head slightly when he paused and looked at her through his lashes seeking permission.

Ella unhooked one arm from around his neck and undid the front clasp of her bra. Somewhere deep in her mind the old Ella screamed at the thought of being topless in front of a boy. But this wasn't just any boy. This was Maksim. She had known him her whole life. He was made for her, just as she was made for him.

Maksim's eyes darkened as he lowered his lips to the swell of Ella's breast. She gasped loudly as her fingers gripped his hair. With his eyes watching the way her lips parted in pleasure, Maksim kissed over the swells of her breast before leaving a wet trail down her cleavage.

She was so beautiful. It was like holding art in your hands. Maksim couldn't believe this beautiful creature was letting him touch her. She was putting aside all her fears and giving herself up to him.

As Maksim rose to kiss her lips again, Ella felt his large hands fall over her breast. A jolt of pleasure reached the ache between her legs as she moaned against his mouth. She parted her legs and let him settle in between her tights. When Ella felt Maksim's arousal through his soaked pants she bit down on his lip and pulled him closer.

"Wait," Maksim said against her mouth.

Ella frowned as he pulled back. She could still feel his hard body press between her legs as he looked down into her eyes.

"I thought we were going to take things slow?" Maksim asked, making Ella blush.

"I....I'm not," Ella searched his eyes. "I'm not ready to go all the way."

Maksim nodded. He immediately climbed off of Ella but she stopped him. Maksim stood by the side of the bed as she held his arm and sat up slowly.

"But I don't want you to go," Ella said. "I....I need you to stay tonight."

Maksim felt his wolf growl as she looked up at him through her lashes. Ella's bare chest rose and fell as she waited for him to decide.

As if he had a will of his own when it came to Ella. Maksim never stood a chance against saying no to her. He took a step towards her and looked into her eyes. Ella rose from the bed and pushed to her tippy toes to kiss him. Her timid hands reached out and grazed over his erection in his pants.

Maksim's hands on her shoulder tightened. He took another step closer as she did the simple act again. Ella was in love with the powerful feeling of having such an effect over him. The future king was reaching to her touch.

Maksim's growl was all the last push she needed to step out of her skin and give into the wild urgency running all over her body. Ella gripped his length through his pants and moved her hand up. Maksim 's mouth fell open against her as he spoke her name like a prayer.

"Ella,"

"Don't go," Ella said biting his lip.

"Give me a second," Maksim said as he pulled away from Ella.

She stood in confusion as she watched him walk to the closet and pull out a plain white t-shirt. He walked back to her and put it over her head.

"I don't want you to get sick," Maksim said as he continued to kiss her once more.

Ella slipped her arms through the shirt before she climbed back into bed and made space for Maksim. As she waited with an eager heart, his brown eyes watched her for a while, admiring every inch of.

"Please," Ella begged breathlessly as she held out her hand.

Maksim was pulled to the bed by a strong force. Ella laid back against the bed as Maksim climbed on top of her. His lips kissed her with an urgency he didn't know he had. His hands moved over her shit until they arrived at the spot between her legs. Maksim pulled away and looked into Ella's eyes.

He waited until she nodded and gave him permission before he moved the wet material aside and ran his fingers over her fold. Ella's pupils dilated right before Maksim's eyes as her mouth fell wide open. He watched her with fascination, love, lust, and hunger as she stared into his eyes and came apart in his hands.

After a while when Maksim eased his finger inside, Ella bit down on her lip and shut her eyes.

"Baby," Maksim stilled as he lowered his lips to kiss her eyes. "Tell me how you want this, okay?"

Ella nodded, "Okay."

Maksim waited until she relaxed around his finger to move. She opened her eyes slowly and looked up at him, taking his breath away.

Ella's world began to spin out of control as Maksim's fingers played with her. She felt her toes curl up as the pressure and pain between her legs powered up like a nuclear explosion. Just when she thought she couldn't lose her mind anymore, the pain burst into a pleasure she had never known before.

Ella moaned out Maksim's name as her back arched off the bed and her thighs held his hand between them in a tight grip. She felt his warm body press down onto her as he buried his head in her shoulder and took long deep breaths.

Ella felt herself blush heavily. Did that really just happen?

Did she really just have her first orgasm with Maksim freaking Radacovick?

As Ella's world began to settle back down, she started to notice the way Maksim held himself over her. He had carefully pulled his hand away from her core and it now rested beside Ella's body. His back was tensed and his breathing still labored as Ella counted the seconds in her head.

"Max...." she asked after a minute when he didn't say a word.

"Give me a second, love," Maksim whispered into her ear.

"What's wrong?" Ella tried to shift closer to him but his hand stopped her.

"Ella, baby," Maksim picked his head up and looked into her eyes. "You gotta give me a second to calm down. My self control is not made of rocks."

"Oh," Ella said as she realized he was still worked up. She moved her thighs slowly and felt his erection. Maksim groaned as he shut his eyes.

"Max..."

"Just a second, babe," Maksim said with his eyes closed.

"Let me help," Ella whispered.

Ella felt her words hang in the air as she waited for her mate to say something. Maksim slowly opened his eyes and gazed at her.

"Ell....you don't have to," he said.

"I want to," Ella's hands had slowly already moved to the button on his pants.

Maksim's eyes darkened as she lowered his zipper and then timidly slipped her hand inside. Ella gasped as Maksim hissed in pleasure when her hand wrapped around his length.

"Tell me what to do," Ella said as she leaned up and kissed him.

Maksim couldn't hold himself back anymore. He crashed his lips against her as he pressed her into the bed with his weight. His hand moved to join Ella's as he showed her how to move.

"Fuck," he groaned and bit down on his jaw as Ella took over after a while.

"Baby," Ella called to him as she moved her hand up and down.

Maksim looked into her eyes and saw his whole future. She was the center of everything. He had him under her control and she was the only one who would ever have the power to completely destroy him.

That night, after their first real experience with pure pleasure, Maksim held Ella in his arms as she cuddled up to his side and slept. He watched her dream, not believing what they had just experienced. It was incredible. And Maksim would do anything to have it for the rest of his life.

__________________________

The next morning, Layla came in and gasped in embarrassment immediately as she spotted the prince tangled up in the sheets with Ella. She quickly backed out of the room and shut the door behind herself.

"Shit," Ella said as she sat up in bed.

"Relax," Maksim mumbled. His face was buried in the white fluffy pillows as he laid on his chest. "This won't be the first time this will happen to us."

"Max!" Ella's head began to spin as she spotted the clock next to her bed. "We're late for school."

"I don't want to go,"

"Max!" Ella pulled the sheets off of him.

"Baby, please," Maksim pulled the sheets back. "We're seniors."

"You can stay. I have to go," Ella threw the sheets off herself and tried to step off the bed. Maksim's hand gripped her upper arm and pulled her back into bed.

"Don't go," Maksim begged her and he rolled on top of her. His sleepy voice and messy hair made Ella's belly do flips. "We can do a replay of last night."

Ella felt her body spark to life from his words. Maksim began to nuzzle her neck and kiss her as he slowly trailed his hands down her stomach to her underwear. As much as she wanted this, she knew she needed to stop.

"I want to go to school, Maksim," Ella said even though her body was responding differently to him.

"Maksim?" Maksim raised his head and opened his eyes. "Woof. Full name?"

"Yes," Ella laughed. "Now go back to your room."

"That's not what you were moaning last night."

"Max!" Ella blushed. Her hands flew to her face as she hid herself from his teasing eyes.

"Come on, Ell," Maksim kissed her ear. "I want to play some more."

A breathless whimper left Ella's lips as she thought about how fun playing with Maksim was now. They weren't kids anymore and suddenly, overnight, their games had become addicting.

Ella was on the verge of telling him they had just enough time for one round when Maksim groaned loudly and not in the way he had the night before.

"What's wrong?" Ella's eyes flew open.

"My dad," he said as he climbed off of her.

"Everything okay?" Ella sat up and pulled her shirt down.

"Yeah," Maksim sighed, running a hand through his hair.

Ella wondered if he knew how incredibly sexy he looked standing shirtless in his boxers with messy hair. She was fully aware of the fact that any girl in the world would kill to be in her spot right now. But by some miracle in the universe, he was hers.

"He wanted me in the training room in 5 minutes," Maksim said as he leaned forward and kissed Ella's forehead.

"But we have school."

"Baby, it's like six," Maksim laughed. "School is at 8. You're the only one who gets up this early."

"I like to take my time and get ready," Ella got off the bed.

"You do that," Maksim smiled as he watched her bottom. "I'll pick you up after I'm done."

"I'll be waiting," Ella said as she reached up and planted a small kiss on his lips.

"Okay, sweet cheeks," Maksim smirked as he squeezed Ella's bum.

Ella gasped and pretended to be offended. She playfully smacked his arm as she pushed him out of her room. Maksim had a goofy smile on his face as he stood in the halls in his boxers and watched his mate shut the door on him.

Ella's lips mirrored his smile. She sprinted around her room as she grabbed their clothes from the night before and tossed them into the laundry basket. She pulled on a pair of pajama shorts before she pressed zero on the intercom and informed Layla she could come back up.

While waiting, Ella fixed up her bed and fluffed up the pillows. Every time she moved the sheets, Maksim's scent greeted her, sending her heart flying off like butterflies. She stood sniffing the pillow he had slept on when suddenly there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Ella said.

Layla opened the door and stepped in as she wheeled in the breakfast cart.

"My apologizes for earlier. I was not aware the prince was here," she said.

"That's alright," Ella blushed. "Don't worry about it."

Layla nodded her head, "Well then...good morning, Ms. Dunbar. Today is Wednesday, December 21st. The weather outside is 34 degrees. For breakfast there is avocado toast, eggs sunny side up, and homemade potatoes. A letter arrived for you from the head shaman last night."

"For me?" Ella asked curiously.

"Yes," Layla said as she handed Ella the white envelope. "Would you like for me to set out your clothes for the day?"

"Er...no, that's okay. I can do that. Thank you," Ella still wasn't comfortable with having someone do things for her. She did as much as she could, but there were some things Layla was not willing to budge on.

"I will take out the laundry basket then," the woman said as Ella turned the envelope in her hand.

"Thank you," Ella nodded.

She ran her finger over the gold wax seal of the temple. With great curiosity, Ella carefully pulled the letter opener out and sliced the top of the envelope. As she pulled out the letter, she looked at Layla gathering the wet gown and Maksim's suit and tie. Ella was so embarrassed, she wanted to hide behind the letter.
Finally, as Layla stuffed the clothes into another laundry bag, Ella opened the letter and focused her eyes.

Dear Prince Maksim Radacovick Dorin and Ella Dunbar,

The letter is to inform you that the high temple has received your request for a mate rejection ceremony.

Ella's blood chilled. She felt the wind in her chest be knocked out as she read the line over to make sure she didn't make any mistake.

Upon the request made by Prince Maksim for a rejection ceremony an inquiry was opened on December 1st. After much deliberation the high temple and the head shaman has made the decision to proceed with the request.

Please remember both parties must be present during the rejection ceremony along with two witnesses. Your scheduled date is set for December 31st at 10:00 AM. Please arrive promptly together or separately.

If you have any questions, please contact the office of public affairs.

"Ella, do you want me to get you so-" Layla looked up from what she was doing to the girl standing by the bed reading the letter.

When she saw the pale look on Ella's face and the way her big eyes waters, Layla frowned.

"Ella?" She asked. "Is everything okay?"

Ella looked up from the letter as the waters in her eyes spilled. She started to gasp for air as her body dropped to her knees with silent sobs.

"Ella!" Layla ran forward and grabbed the girl before she toppled over onto the nightstand. "What's wrong?"

Ella couldn't speak. She was gasping for air like a fish out of water. Her mouth opened and closed as she pressed the letter to her chest and let out a heartbreaking cry.

Panicked, Layla picked up the intercom and dialed Vivian. In return Vivian dialed Mavi and within seconds, the queen was running into Ella's room in her pajamas.

"Ella?" Mavi dove down to the floor where Ella was crying hysterically in Layla's arms. "What's wrong, sweetheart? Are you hurt?"

Mavi cupped Ella's face and pushed her hair out to check her over. She examined her arms and legs trying to see if there was any sign of injury.

"What happened?" Mavi asked Layla as she held Ella against her chest.

"I don't know. I was cleaning and she was reading the letter and then I looked back and she's like this."

"What letter?"

Layla took the letter from Ella's hands and gave it to the queen. Mavi held Ella with one arm as she took the letter and read it quickly.

"You have got to be kidding me," she said under her breath.

Maksim! Mavi opened her mind-link to both her son and his father. Where are you?

Ah...I'm in training, Maksim said. Why are you shouting so early in the morning?

I will throw you off the sky if you do not explain to me why the fuck you went behind my back to the church about a rejection.

Shit.

Maksim! Owen gasped.

Get your ass to Ella's room right now! Mavi demanded.

Ella's room? Maksim began to panic.

He shifted in record time and pulled on his clothes. With Owen throwing glares at him, Maksim raced across the palace grounds to Ella before anything could happen.

But he was too late.

And he knew that as soon as he entered Ella's room and heard her earth shattering wails. Everyone was in the room. Xavier and Exton stood by the door with deep frowns on their faces as Maksim entered. His eyes immediately found Ella huddled on the floor crying into his mother's shoulder as Rye kneeled beside them stroking her blonde hair.

"What's going on?" Owen asked as he followed his son in.

Xavier silently handed him the letter as he glared at Maksim. Owen quickly scanned the words as he grasped the situation at hand. He looked up at his son as if he couldn't believe his eyes. Maksim couldn't think straight with Ella's cries. He took the letter from his father's hand and rapidly read it.

With each word, a lock snapped off the door that kept all the fears in Maksim's mind tucked away. He felt his world begin to shatter as the letter dropped from his hand and his watery eyes focused on Ella on the floor.

Maksim couldn't remember if he had ever been so scared in his life. He was worried about his whole family towering over him ready to beat him but. No, that was the last of his worries.

He was terrified of the way Ella was crying.

Maksim fell to his knees in front of Ella and Mavi and reached out to his mate.

"Ell..."

As soon as Maksim's fingers brushed Ella's arm she started to scream. And not just a little whimper of protest. It was a full panic scream that rang around the room like a hurricane.

"Ella!" Maksim jumped forward and tried to pull her into his arms.

Ella's arms and legs started flaring in every direction as she continued to scream. She moved away from Maksim as far as she could and collided with the nightstand behind her. Her head banged against it painfully.

"Ell!" Maksim tried to reach for her again.

"Stop it, Maksim!" Rye yelled at him as she pushed him away. "You've done enough."

"No," Maksim shook his head as he tried to reach Ella again.

"Maksim, don't!" Mavi commanded over Ella's screams.

"She's my mate!" Maksim looked at his mother.

"Now you remember, you moron?" Rye shook her head.

Maksim ignored them as he looked back at Ella, "Baby, listen to me. That was all before. Before we -"

"No, no, no, no," Ella covered her ears with her hands and started to shake her head. When she saw Maksim reach for her again, she let out another scream.

By then Clare and Cleo had heard the commotion. They stood outside Ella's door holding each other's hands as Owen and Exton started to pull Maksim back.

"No! Let go of me!" Maksim shoved them off as he ran back to where Ella cried on the floor.

"Maksim, you need to go!" Xavier said in his strong voice.

"She doesn't understand," tears started to come down Maksim's face as he struggled with his father and uncle. "Ella! Baby! That was all before. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry!"

Ella kept her hands on her ears as she let Mavi pull her to her chest. She sobbed painfully and loudly as Maksim yelled out for her.

"Ella! Look at me!" Maksim rushed forward as he broke out of Owen and Exton's arms.

"Maksim!" Exton growled. "Leave the girl alone."

"Ella!" Maksim's fingertips brushed her arm before he was yanked back again. Ella recoiled from his touch and huddled closer to Mavi.

"Ella! I love you!" Maksim said in desperation. "Baby, I would never do that. I love you."

"Maksim," Rye looked over her shoulder. "Listen to me. She just banged her head really hard. I need to examine her but you are making it really difficult right now."

"Ella!" Maksim ignored everyone as he struggled with Owen and Exton. "Ell! Look at me! I love you!"

"Take him away, Owen," Mavi said over her shoulder as she held Ella close to her chest.

Owen and Exton looked at each other and nodded. They pinned Maksim down like they usually do with rogue werewolves and limited his movements. A part of Owen's heart hurt to see his son laying on the ground face down screaming for his mate as his uncle held him but he knew it had to be done. He reached down and pulled Maksim up before they began to drag him out of the room.

But Maksim was well trained after all. He broke free off his hold and dashed towards Ella once more.

Xavier didn't want it to come down to this, but he had no other choice. He blocked Maksim's path and growled.

"Leave," he said in his ancient Alpha voice.

Xavier held Maksim's gaze as he saw his grandson struggle to disobey his command. The boy had Alpha blood running through his system like wildfire, but he was not an Alpha yet and he stood no chance against his grandfather.

As Maksim's will weakened and he lowered his head, Owen took hold of his arm and pulled him out of the room.

Maksim felt fresh tears run down his face as Xavier walked to her door and closed it, cutting off his view of Ella.  

WOOF! Maksim fucked up.....what now?

Also sorry about the delay, I've been under the weather and can seem to do anything for the past few day. Today was worse.