Phabel stepped into the lounge room of their wing, hearing nothing. The fire wasn't going which he thought was odd considering that Olive was always cold in this castle. He took great strides through the room, calling to her.

'In here.'

He could hear the tremble in her voice, beyond the half closed bathroom door.

'Are you alright?'

'Yeah, just a little pain. Miranda says it will pass with time.'

Cautiously he pushed the door a little, seeing Olive in the bath. Her hair was wet, plastered down her back as she hugged her legs. She looked like she was in serious pain and he didn't want her to suffer. His mind lingered with the thoughts that if she were a shifter he'd be able to help her but as a human, there was nothing he could do for her, aside from the things humans did for themselves. He didn't even know if Lucian had any pain relief here. Phabel offered regardless, figuring he could probably find something in mid jump if there was no medicine here.

'Did you want something for the pain?'

Olive shook her head as she looked up, he offered an apologetic smile. Internally he was thinking that he ready to find this witch and ensure that they knew what pain was.

'It's getting there, it's much better than when she first left.'

Her eyes met his with a soft grin, she could see his reluctance to step through the door.

'But you know what I would like?'

'Anything my love.' his eyes lit up.

'One of those massages would be very nice.'

'Ok.' he grinned 'Dry off and come out.'

Phabel stood by the bed with the box of oils in his hand, wondering if he should pull the cover back. It wasn't exactly the cleanest of things to do on the bed but he wanted her to be comfortable. Dumping the box on the bedside, he sighed and pulled the cover back, thinking they could always sleep in the other bedroom if they made too much of a mess. He had found some towels to drape over the bed, creating a layer between the bed sheets and the mess they would make. Olive walked out and crawled across the bed, laying onto her stomach as he covered her backside with the towel. She chuckled to herself, thinking that nothing had changed, he was still chaste and well behaved. His thumbs pressed deep into her lower back, relieving the pain. Over and over again his fingers pushed the oil over her skin, pulling Olive into a more relaxed state.

'How is that aui leabu?'

'Amazing.' she sleepily murmured.

Phabel sat back on his legs, looking at the beautiful body laid before him. His mind could not distract from the need to move things along but the pain in her body was a setback for them. He knew he would not request such things from her when she couldn't possibly enjoy it.

'Well, I think you should clean off the oil slick and then it's off to bed.'

Olive nodded though she felt her body tense. She didn't need to be a mind reader to know what he was thinking. The fact that he had started the conversation about it earlier was enough to tell her that he wanted to push things ahead. Phabel moved off her body as she turned over and sat up, casually wrapping the towel around her. She kissed him softly, hoping that it might illicit some carnal thoughts and not sleepy thoughts. As the water ran over her back, washing away the oil, Olive pondered her minor dilemma. She knew why Phabel had suddenly become hands off, it was the pain. He was worried about this witch that was causing issues in their love life yet he had suggested that it was bed time, meaning there was not going to be sex tonight. Olive still had issues when it came to Phabel and his statements of not right now, tomorrow will be fine. Her mind returned to that night where he had first suggested that the next night would be better for them but it wasn't. The next night was the worst night for Olive, she was officially alone and she waited for him to return to her. She cried, thinking he was a liar, she couldn't understand why he would offer her a necklace and not return to her the next night. As the warm water ran down her back, Olive's fingers touched the pendant. It felt hot against her skin, like it wanted their love to be consummated too. Taking a deep breath in, she turned off the water and dried off.

Phabel turned when he heard the door creak open, Olive wandered out in her satin robe tied tight around her waist. She looked relaxed and smiled at him again, an involuntary smile washed across his lips. It seemed to be a regular thing, if she smiled at him he couldn't help but return it, smiling back at her. She stopped in front of him, undoing the knot and dropping the robe to the floor, standing before him completely naked. With concise movements, she undid the buttons of his bed shirt. As it slipped to the floor, her heated gaze up at him sent pure lust rocketing through Phabel.

'Olive.' he whispered 'Are you sure about this?'

She nodded as he leaned down and kissed her, her hands fumbled their way to his pants, undoing the string. It was all that stood between her and the unknown. Her heart was racing with anticipation and nerves as she pushed the elastic over the skin of his hips, letting the pants drop to the wood floor. One little glance down was all that she craved, but she dared not. Her hands moved his stomach, etching their way higher as they kissed. Olive was more than nervous, she had never seen a man naked before. Ever. She had no clue what laid beyond the material. Now he was pressed against her, it caused odd feelings inside of her. Every night previously where he had laid naked in bed with her was dark or he was covered with the bed linen. Her hand shook as he took her hand and lowered to to him, letting her gaze follow the trail down his body. She was now facing something that was completely foreign.

'Relax.' he said softly as he pulled her closer.

Her arms wrapped around his neck as their bodies pressed together, kissing needfully. Phabel broke from the kiss and helped her to the bed. He laid beside her, pulling her to him as they kissed again. The necklace was always present, the soft glowing light that was a beacon to him. It was true what they said about bonding stones, they were like a homing beacon to a mate, drawing them closer to their love. His fingers caressed her body, full and firm and in need of his touch. Olive gasped as his lips pressed to her, lashing his tongue over her.

'So beautiful.'

His hand trailed lower as he kissed her, Olive didn't know what to do. She didn't want to seem like some rigid board but she had no clue. Her mother died before she was old enough to be given any education and her father was always too drunk to even notice that his daughter had become a woman. Olive's introduction into womanhood was frightening and lonely.

'Please tell me if you don't want this.'

'I do, but I have never done this.' her eyes filled with concern.

'You've never worried about this before.'

'But those were times where we agreed that there wasn't going to be any sex and I relaxed knowing that. I want for you to enjoy this too and I worry that I can give you that, I have no clue what to do.'

'How about you let me worry about that. Just relax and enjoy it.'

The words purred into her ear as his hand crept lower, slowly pressing into the skin.

'Open my love, do not be frightened.'

She gasped as his fingers slid through her, closing her eyes she could feel each movement, each grind against her flesh. Olive couldn't believe how good it felt, warmth building inside of her. As the skin of his jaw scraped across the tender curve of her breast, she could feel the sensations building. His tongue darted across the sensitive skin, curving his lips over her. Her eyes opened and saw Phabel looking up at her, his lips and tongue continued their tender care on her breasts as his fingers lavishing all their attention elsewhere. Olive couldn't understand what was happening but out of nowhere her body jolted with a flush of sensations that darted straight to her head. She let out an involuntary moan as her mind became hazy and delirious. Phabel watched with complete happiness as she had her moment of pleasure, now unable to wipe the grin from her face.

'That was.... I don't know how to describe it. Amazing. I feel so light headed.' she grinned at Phabel.

His eyes glinted in the light from the bedside lamp, amusement curled a grin into his lips.

'I'd like to place an order for that every day for the rest of my life thanks.' she whispered.

'It will be my pleasure, or rather our pleasure.' he grinned as he kissed her. 'And of course when you are more used to this, there are other things that we can do.'

'Will they all end like that?'

'Very much so.'

'Good. I liked that.'

'I could see, it was very nice to watch.'

Olive flushed, wondering what it looked like from his perspective.

'Now aui leabu the next part will hurt for a little moment at the beginning. We shall take it very slow to minimise the pain.'

'How much hurt?' she paled.

'From what I am told it is nothing unbearable. I do however believe it is a personal opinion. I will be gentle and I do have something that will assist us.'

'Ok.'

He reached into the draw of the bedside and pulled out a tube, she frowned, not remembering seeing it in there previously. Though it wouldn't surprise her if Phabel had brought it with him and slipped it in there without her knowing. Olive gasped at the coldness of the product on his finger.

'Jeepers.'

'Sorry.' he chuckled 'Unfortunately, it is necessary if you wish to lessen the pain. Extra lubrication is essential for your first time. Here.'

He poured it onto her fingers and then moved her hand so that she gripped him.

'Oh dear lord.' she gasped again.

'Don't be shy, he thinks the world of you, can't you tell?'

With careful instruction, he showed her exactly what she needed to do, how to tease him and tempt him, all of it with lust in his eyes. Olive was fascinated, unable to tear her gaze away from him. He stood firm and rigid, when she put pressure on her grip his eyes closed and he withheld a low gasp. Her fingers trailed over the top, pressing the pads of her fingers onto him, feeling the slippery silkiness.

'I do not think I can bare another moment, my love. Your touch is so tender and innocent, you will be my unravelling if you continue.'

She grinned a little as she removed her hand, sticky with lubricant. With little choice, she wiped it on the bed sheet, wondering what the maids will think when they go to wash it. Phabel moved in between her legs, lowering to her body.

'Mated love is always better Olive, don't tense your body up.'

She nodded, wincing as he slowly moved into her. Phabel took his time, easing in as best he could without causing her too much pain. When he was finished moving into her, he settled against her body, propping himself by her head. He kissed her softly, taking the moment to enjoy their first time together. This was the only time that it would be this innocent. There would never be another time where she could give such a wonderful gift to him, he wished that he could do the same for her. But after nine hundred years of being a bachelor, that was never going to happen. His consolation was that he was prepared to give her a perfect moment that was relatively pain free. He could see her eyebrows press together as he pushed into her, he had tried to take it easy but clearly it wasn't.

'Are you ok?'

Again she nodded but he noted there was discomfort in her face.

'It is not this bad all the time, it is only because this is your first time.'

She moved her hands over his firm chest, feeling the stone of the necklace press against her skin. To Phabel it felt like it was drawing him closer to her.

'I am going to move again, relax and you will enjoy it.'

He propped himself up with one arm as the other lifted her leg around his waist. Deep and desperate kisses heightened their need as he moved slowly. Olive lifted the other leg and could feel the difference, beginning to enjoy it. Her breathing started to become erratic and heavier. After a few minutes, Phabel slid his hand under her back, slowing his movements to a complete stop. He took a quick nip of a kiss with a devilish flash of a smile and rolled their bodies over. Olive shrieked and then giggled, smacking his chest as she sat up on him. As her hands settled on his stomach, she began to worry, unsure of what he expected of her. Phabel sat up, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as he looked into her eyes.

'Just move, there is no need to worry. It is just the two of us here, no one is going to reprimand you nor laugh at you. There is nothing that you could do wrong.'

He kissed her softly, hoping that she would gain courage from his words and enjoy this position. Laying back down he took her hips in hand as she gripped his shoulders, moving her body on his. His body swam with delirious sparks that zipped through him, scattering his senses. There was no lies in his words, Olive could see the pure ecstasy on his face that confirmed how much he was enjoying it. It was what she needed to know, that she wasn't some rigid board that didn't know how to love a man. Phabel sat up wrapping his arms around her as they kissed deep. Olive's arms draped over his shoulders, her fingers weaving through his soft hair, urging him deeper into their heated kiss. She liked how they could sit on the bed together, showing their passion and love to each other, connected in their embrace. He was right, it did hurt, Olive didn't mind though. After what she had gone through with Miranda, this was nothing by comparison. This was different though, this was love. She enjoyed having him, the thought that they were now one made her giddy. 

As they broke from their kiss, Olive trailed passionate kisses over his jaw. The stubble prickled against her delicate lips but she adored the feeling. Moving onto his neck, she continued to kiss him as his fingers slipped up her spine. When he reached her shoulders he pulled them back, arching her out. She gasped, feeling the roughness of the prickles against her tender breasts, his kiss harsh and forceful. Her voice was hoarse from being vocal, her words were now a breathy whisper as she called out for him. Olive held his shoulders, squeezing the flesh in her fingers as he continued to lavish his bristly attention upon her. When he couldn't take it any longer, he moved them back to their starting position, in desperate need to love her more.

*******************

Olive woke some time later in Phabel's arms. He had pulled her to his chest, resting her head on it moments after their love had finished and somewhere in the those few moments she had fallen asleep. She grinned as she remembered her first time. The man who had given her that moment loved her completely, telling her repeatedly, as she did for him too. And then as he collapsed into her embrace when their love was over, he whispered that he remembered everything about the night they met. As their bodies had pressed together the necklace had done something rather peculiar. The chain fell away as the stone broke free from it. The stone twisted with movement, breaking apart with a curve that tapered to a point. Both sides meshed perfectly together when they were put side by side. But that was not where they would remain. One side stayed with Olive, the other with Phabel. Each of them moulded into the skin over their sternum, becoming part of their body. The stone had recognised her mate and their love and had bound them permanently as one.

She sat up and looked upon her sleeping love. His hair fell over his eyelids, his mouth was parted slightly as he breathed. Olive became curious to what his fangs looked like. Danika had shown hers to her, it had frightened Olive a little but when she didn't bite her, she relaxed. Slowly she reached to Phabel's face and pushed the skin of his upper lip upwards, looking at his teeth. They were normal. He opened his eyes to a confused Olive who was contorting his face.

'Can I help you my love?'

'I was thinking that I haven't ever seen your fangs.'

'Oh.'

'Why does everyone say oh like that?'

'Everyone?' he raised an eyebrow.

'Danika.' she sighed 'She seemed a little freaked out too.'

Phabel knew why. Lucian had yelled at him for near on a week after the incident, telling him how unimpressed he was because his beloved was suffering constant nightmares. He had said she had woken several times crying, several times he had to wake her from what was clearly a horrifying nightmare. The dark side of a shape shifter wasn't pretty, he knew that and Lucian knew it too. Yet the both of them allowed Danika's curiosity to get the better of her, Phabel had shown her the true nature of a shape shifter. Of course, Phabel had lost control of it and made it a whole lot worse but there wasn't much he could do about it now. He looked upon his beloved Olive and thought that he would not have her frightened of him, he would not show her the dark side of his people. She would never agree to become one of them if she knew and she would never come near him again either.

'Alright.' he feigned a sigh.

Phabel opened his mouth and lowered two sets of fangs, one set a little longer than the other. Her eyes widened as she looked at the four fangs as they elongated and then returned back to normal. Phabel held control of his body well, ensuring there was no blood lust starting.

'Sleep now my love.'

Olive nodded and laid down beside him as he pulled the bed sheets over them, slowly slipping into sleep as she listened to the crackle of the fire. Phabel stared at the ceiling, knowing he hadn't completely lied to her about it but it wasn't exactly the truth either. One day soon he would have to tell her and he hoped that on that day she wouldn't be too angry at him.