151 The Wheel of Fate POV (2/2)

It is painful. Excruciating painful. But the painful it is, the more I know that he does love me.

Max will always love me. That is the truth.

Thus, I did not let out a scream. I did not let out a cry. I did not let out a tear. I only give a smile.

A smile on my face as I open my eyes and see Max standing in front of me. He is no longer sitting upon the throne, looking down at the world and finding everything insignificants.

”When did you know?”

Max asks me. Curiosity flickers in his eyes. They are no longer burning. Flames no longer surround him.

And the people are no longer watching. They are all gone.

But they are not important. Only Max is.

He is no longer under the control of the Ori, whoever they are.

He is just Max now, pure and simple.

”I think I have always known, Max. From the moment I first met you. I will fall in love with you. It is my whole reason for existing.”

I response. I did not answer his question as he already know the answer to that, but it is the answers that he is looking for.

Max blinks in surprise at my response. It is the first time that I have seen him surprise. He then chuckles and waves his hand, and the world burn all around us, reducing everything into ash.

”Those dreams you have for these past few days, I was trying to reach out to you, Stephanie. It is very difficult with the overwhelming power of the Ori, but they are gone now.”

Max tells me as flames swirl around his body.

”Yes, I know, and I am sorry for unable to come and find you, Max. I really do.”

Max shakes his head and reaches out his hand and caresses my face.

I lean my head into his palm, feeling his touch and warmness.

It has been so long. So very, very long.

”No, Stephanie. You did find me, in your own ways. You awoke me from my slumber and helped me pass the trial of the Gods. The Ori has never intended to kill anyone. They merely want to test us and see whether humanity is worth saving or not. And since I am still here, I guess we humans are worth saving after all.”

Max tells me with a smile.

I didn't really need to know that. Whatever the Ori wants isn't really important to me. I didn't care for the world and what happens to it. I only care for one person, and he is within reach now.

”Those dreams that I have. Is it all real?”

I question despite knowing that it is. I just want to hear it from him. No. I want him to love me sincerely and genuinely as I do.

It is fate that has brought us together, but it is us who remains together.

”No, Stephanie. But it is what I desire most.”

Max always tell me what I really want to hear the most.

His hands wrap around me, taking me into his embrace and allowing me to lean onto his shoulder. My hands did the same.

And despite the surging flames all him, I am completely unharmed.

”Did you know that I didn't care for the Ori or anyone in particular? I only did what I did because I care for you, Stephanie. What happen to the world is not more important to what happen to you. You are the most important person in my life.”

Max tells me as I rest on his shoulder.

”Don't you mean one of the most important persons, Max? What about Adria?”

I response.

”Adria?”

Max questions. He is surprised once more.

”She is our daughter, Max. I saw her in my dream, the dream that I have when I died.”

I answer. I lift my head. My eyes match his gaze, staring into them.

Max didn't know. He didn't send me that dream, unlike all the other dreams before.

Of course not.

Adria is the one who did, from even before she is born. She is just like her father, in so many ways.

My hand rises and cups his cheek gently, caressing his face before running down towards his soft lips.

I think I am ready for that kiss now. I am no longer afraid.

His eyes soften, knowing exactly what I want.

Max gently lowers his head, allowing his lips to spread their warmness and sweetness upon my lips. It is so sweet, and our lips soon part, allowing our tongue to exchange that sweetness in full.

It fills out my body, burning me up inside.

And without hesitation, I throw both of my hands up and around his neck and neck, pulling him into a deeper kiss until I am lying on my back on the sand with him on top of me.

It takes many minutes for our lips to part, but our eyes remain locked to each other.

”Max. I love you. I love you so much.”

I pronounce.

”As do I, Stephanie. I love you from the moment I have saw you.”

Max confirms what I already know while his hand and fingers run along my face and touching my lips.

Strangely, there is a hint of hesitation in his eyes. It isn't because he didn't love me. No. It is because of something else. I am unsure what that is.

Perhaps, Max has never been with a girl before? It wouldn't be too strange to assume so.

And I haven't been with a man before either. It will be a new experience for us.

”Max. Please take me. Take me right now and make me yours.”

I take the initiative.

The hesitation in his eyes lingers for longer than necessary, but it soon vanishes as he finally made up his mind. I am glad that he did. It would be very strange, otherwise.

His lips soon capture mine again, allowing me to taste that unique sweetness once more.

And he will soon fill my entire body, as he is destined to.