There was also something for any pain in case Creed got a bit aggressive after he bit me. The witch was clear that was normal with shifters who weren’t in Creed’s state. Honestly, there was no way to know, and it would keep me from being a problem.
No, she didn’t phrase it that way, but… Really that was the message I needed to hear.
Beyond that, it was a matter of cleansing. I knew nothing about magic, but I understood the analogy of prepping an area to paint. They were taking precautions to unlock Creed from anything else that could interfere with the mating magic unlocking the other magic that kept his lion bound.
Fair enough. I honestly didn’t need to know beyond that.
I just had to be a bit obedient while we were intimate and let him bite the back of my neck or shoulder when it was time. Do the blood exchange of vampires like I needed for my side.
I could more than handle that even if it would be—even if I wasn’t ready. I’d endured and handled much,muchworse.
And I cared for Creed, so it was worth it in the end.
There was a list of things he needed to do now to prepare. He had to fast for twelve hours. Bathe a certain way… A list. Tonics. Salts.
It all made my head hurt.
I had matters to handle now. We were using someone’s residence with over ten acres of land so we could be a bit secluded and his lion would have property to think of as his while adjusting.Everyonewas in agreement that was better than risking a problem with all the female vampires of my family—and the staff—we’d rescued.
And the place had just become available, so I had to get us packed and at least necessities brought over. Grocery shop—adult matters that couldn’t be pushed back easily.
Rooms for our guards situated even.
He grabbed my wrist when I turned to leave, his lion flashing in his eyes. “We haven’t discussed where you want the bite.”
“Where doesn’t…” I trailed off when he growled.
“It’s important to a shifter,” someone warned.
I nodded that I heard and searched his eyes before deciding to speak to his lion. “Then explain it to your mate, don’t just growl and chastise. I’ve been too nice to you to deserve that.”
Instantly, the tension left Creed and his mood changed. He slowly leaned in and gave me a soft kiss. “I’m sorry. You’re going to have to be sharp with him like that. He’s…”
“He’s scared.” I chuckled when he frowned. “He’s scared, Creed, just as we are. And he won’t understand it as much as we do since he’s an animal even if a shifter’s animal. Even I know this.” I snuck a quick kiss which always surprised him. “I would prefer the back of my neck so I can cover it on formal occasions with my hair.”
I realized how horrible that was when he instantly let me go and people around us froze.
I swallowed loudly and moved closer to him, moving my shaky hand to his chest and waiting until he met my gaze. “This is scary for me too. I need understanding. You’re talking about an actual scar, and I’ve spent centuries hiding mine. I cannothave this one—even if ablessing—always on display. It’s too personal and I need my personal to be mine.”
He searched my eyes and nodded. “Understood. That’s more than fair. The ring will be enough of a message and blend.”
I blinked after him when he turned back to Monroe.
What ring?
My guard chuckled, so apparently I was silly and hadn’t thought of wedding bands, but they knew I was getting one? Yes, well, I’d been more focused on Creed living through all of this and not destroying each other because we were trying to save the other.
Silly me.
It took hours and hours and a lot of help. The security company was wonderful in getting us more personnel faster than planned since the property was expansive. Part of the deal to use the estate was I paid for some security upgrades by the professionals. Alexis had worked out a wonderful deal so I—nor Ellie—would somehow be indebted.
I wasexhaustedand the last thing I wanted was to mate. I felt horrible because this was a once-in-a-lifetime monumental event to a shifter and I was gritting my teeth through it.
The witch said it was actually better if I was tired because between that and the potion, I might fall asleep after and his lion wouldn’t get too rambunctious. She had arrived about an hour before to help me prepare as well. I didn’t have magic to supervise, but there were a few things we were handling to make sure I didn’t interfere with Creed’s unbinding.
It was just a precaution, and the witch admitted it was over the top, but if soaking in a fucking herbal salt bath made it easier on him, why not? Her words even.
Smart woman.
