Chapter 13: | Getting Closer
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My body trembled as it mutated.
The process was agonizing, as the minerals within me were forcefully extracted to forge the exoskeleton.
Yet the searing pain wasn't enough to elicit a scream.
My brows furrowed, and a faint chuckle escaped my lips.
My arms shifted, transforming into ornate gauntlets, when I willed the cereum exoskeleton to fully manifest.
I understood then, this was a core benefit of being a Grothkin, the ability to command my mutations, whether to display them openly or keep them hidden.
Perhaps, I mused, I could even combine my mutations to create an ultimate form.
For now, that was a mere theory, I needed more skills and time for such experimentation.
"It was worth trying..."
Before I could finish that thought, Samantha's soft touch enveloped me.
She hugged me from behind, her presence warm against my back.
"What do you mean, 'worth trying,' dear?"
she murmured.
My hands moved instinctively, ruffling her hair.
"Oh, just a minor idea."
Samantha giggled, her chest pressing against my hand as she playfully pouted.
"Heeey! I'm pretty hungry now!"
My lips curved into a smile as I lifted her into my arms.
"But what did you want me to cook again?"
Samantha's lips curved into a foolish, wide grin.
"Oh, I forgot! Tee-hee!"
Pinching her nose playfully, I couldn't help but smile.
"How about I eat you?"
Samantha blushed, attempting to bury her face in my neck.
"Why do you always want to impregnate me... you big idiot!"
I smiled, gently caressing her hair.
"Well, I just... I want us to be a family... I haven't truly experienced that."
Silence.
An awkward, heavy silence ensued.
Samantha bit my neck lightly, like a cat.
"Well, if you truly want us to be a family... then... I... I... I can try it..."
Samantha fidgeted, her face as red as a ripe tomato.
I only chuckled at her reply.
"How silly of you. I want a genuine family, from the union of our love, not a family made out of pity, Samantha."
I sighed, my palm gently caressing her neck and back.
"I know you're not ready yet, so... don't force yourself just for my sake."
Samantha remained silent, lost in thought.
I see, so his goal wasn't superficial... I truly thought that he only wanted me for pleasure.
Samantha's lips curved into a soft smile, and her eyes warmed.
But I guess I was truly wrong.
This beast... no, this man before me, he only wants to build a pure relationship with me.
Truly worthy of the man I've set my eyes on... and what a cute and innocent man he is!
Samantha had finally made a decision about her future.
She gazed at me with a burning passion.
"You... I mean, us! I want us to be a married couple right now!"
I was shocked, scratching my head.
I opened my mouth to object.
But Samantha silenced me, her lips pressing firmly against mine.
This was strange.
I couldn't understand why she was so willful.
But coherent thought slipped away as I felt a flutter in my chest, a swarm of butterflies, and I was utterly drunk on her kisses.
But Samantha wasn't finished.
Her head moved lower, her tongue a warm trail down my neck, then across my abs, descending further.
But I stopped her, firmly but gently grabbing her face and drawing it up to mine.
"Samantha, why? Why are you being so hasty?"
Samantha resisted my hands, berating me.
"Why do you ask? It's because you're too damn hot and husband-material! You know how to cook, wash, and care for me! So what's there to hesitate about?!"
I sighed, offering my rebuttal.
You know that I want this! But not this fast, Samantha, because I feel like I'm taking advantage of you!"
Samantha chuckled, her fingers lifting my chin.
"What do you mean, 'take advantage of me'? Don't you know that I'm the one taking advantage of you?"
A single word escaped my mouth.
"Oh."
Samantha facepalmed herself, then shouted.
"You really don't know?!"
I shook my head in denial.
Samantha sighed, then playfully groped my butt.
"You really don't know?"
I nodded like a dog.
Samantha then raised her hand, adopting her 'teacher' mode.
"Here's why I'm taking advantage of you! First of all, my appearance and body are just ordinary and average..."
But she was interrupted.
I licked her stomach, and she let out a soft moan.
"What do you mean, 'average'? Can't you see that you're just too beautiful? Like a goddess incarnate herself?"
Samantha blushed, coughing lightly.
"Dumbass, that's just the world's beauty standard... ahem, now let's continue. Second of all, I don't know how to cook or wash or do anything at all."
But she was interrupted again.
"Why worry about such an insignificant task?
When I can do that, and you can just sit and wait for me to dote on you?"
Samantha blushed, fidgeting, but then turned serious, smacking my head.
"Stupid, it means I'm useless, and I know that! Now let's move on. Third of all, I am weak..."
I frowned at her ridiculous reasons.
"Then I can just protect you, since you're my woman."
Samantha, now outraged from being cut off again and again, shouted.
"I know all of that, so shut up! And lastly, I am not a virgin as many of those damned bastards violated me when I was imprisoned..."
I sighed, gazing at her as if she were being foolish.
"Aren't you a virgin right now, since this isn't your original body from a thousand years ago? I don't really care about such trivial details anyway."
Samantha's eyes reddened as tears welled up.
She couldn't help but cry, no one had ever cared for her like this.
"Why... sniffle... why are you so good to me?"
I panicked, feeling as if my heart had shattered into numerous pieces as I hugged her tightly.
"Don't worry about that... I don't ffeelq hint of disgust for you for having been violated, knowing that you refused it with all your might."
Samantha sniffled as she cried.
"And don't worry about those trivial things, since I'll get rid of all of them once I find this world boring."
Samantha cried and sobbed, and I comforted her.
I knew that Samantha was broken since the first time we met, her gaze then was hollow and emotionless.
And I couldn't take advantage of her when she was that broken.
As a man of pride, I, Alister Von Fai, shall earn my right to win her heart.
"Just say the word, and I'll give it to you. So don't cry."
Samantha sniffled, finally calming after hours of crying.
"Really?"
I smirked as I licked her tears.
"Truly anything for you."
Samantha smiled, caressing her stomach and giggling.
"I'm pretty hungry right now... so how about cooking a meal for me?"
I sighed, a laugh escaping me at her request.
"Hahaha... well, since my lovely lady wants to eat, then I, Alister, shall present my greatest creation!"
Hours passed as I hunted and cooked, then meticulously dressed my food for presentation.
I slowly placed it on a stone slab, serving it to a beautiful lady.
"My lady, enjoy yourself."
Samantha giggled at my roleplay, acting like a noble lady, dining elegantly with grandeur.
"Exquisite, hmmm. I felt like my soul melting away. Truly delicious."
Then her gaze turned lustful as she licked her lips, glaring at my... erection.
"This gentleman? Would you mind servicing me in other ways~"
I chuckled, playing along.
"My lady, people are watching, so please behave yourself."
Samantha pressed closer, her hands playing on my sack as my brother hardened, a thick, eager response.
"But your little brother wants to play, doesn't he? So, what should I do?"
I smirked, lifting her chin gently.
"Then how about tasting the main dish?"
Samantha was taken aback by my reply, but she quickly recovered, her lips curling into a mischievous smile.
"Then forgive my manners."
Samantha's lips licked the head, slowly, meticulously, her soft mouth tracing the skin along its length, gently and thoroughly.
Then, with a deep, deliberate motion, she took me into her mouth like a delicacy, the enveloping warmth a profound sensation.
A wet, sucking sound echoed in the quiet, and she gazed at me lewdly, her eyes dark with desire.
"Do you perhaps want more, sir?"
I chuckled, lifting her chin as I pressed my lips into hers.
"I would love to~ but sadly, it is time for me to go."
Samantha stroked my brother gently, her tongue flicking at the tip for the last time before she finally wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.
"Such a shame... truly."