“But everything has changed now. If I lost you because I didn’t even try, because I pushed you away, that would be worse than anything.” I stared into her eyes. “I’m going to kiss you first this time, Lydia.”
“I think I would like that.”
My arms came around her, pulling her close, her parka soft and cold from the winter air. Behind us, the frozen lake shimmered under the pale drifting snowflakes that caught the lightof the day. The trees stood still and frosted, their bare branches dusted with snow, silent witnesses to the moment.
The instant our lips met, a surge of emotion rolled through me—warmth bloomed in my chest, cutting through the crisp cold like a fire catching flame. I tightened my hold on her, savoring the feel of her in my arms, her breath mingling with mine in small clouds that drifted upward into the winter air. The world faded—there was no sound but the hush of wind through the pines.
I never wanted the moment to end. How had I ever thought I could be apart from this woman? I needed her near me—wanted her at my side through everything, even in the quietest, coldest places.
When she pulled back, we were both a little breathless, our cheeks flushed from more than just the cold.
“No more annulments,” Lydia said.
“No more. We’re in this together,” I answered.
Lydia pulled from my arms, and I saw the wheels turning in her head. “Together, yes. If the killer is fae and someone with power, the only way we’re going to defeat them is together. I mean all together. The killer won’t come out of hiding, but we have something they want. Me.” Her eyes flashed with excitement. “We can flush them out.”
A cold rush swept through me, draining the color from my face. “Lydia, I just told you how losing you would destroy me.”
“Then let’s formulate a plan to ensure my safety, Wickham. Just let it be one where I can play the part I need to.”
“Okay, but one more thing. If we remain married, I want us to make the lovers’ pact.”
Her nose wrinkled. “The what?”
“You’ve never heard of it? I’m not surprised. It’s something only vampires can do with those they claim as their mate. I learned about it when I was on tour with my band.”
“Sure, rub your many travels and cultural literacy in the face of this small-town girl.”
I chuckled. “I don’t think this small-town girl is going to be so small anymore if she’s married to me.”
She squealed, throwing her arms around me. “You mean it? I can come on tour with you?”
“First, we do the lovers’ pact. Then find the killer, and after that we talk about seeing the world.”
“Right,” she said, dropping back onto the bench, nodding. “Priorities. Tell me more about this lovers’ pact.”
“We both choose a stone and we whisper our promises to each other over them. Then whenever we have the stone, wecan feel our bond, communicate, and even access each other’s powers.”
“Okay, I like that.” Lydia looked around and stepped up to a nearby tree where she dug through the shallow snowdrift. She picked up a small stone. “I found mine.” She smiled.
I walked over and grabbed a rock that was sitting next to hers.
“Now what?” she asked, her eyes shining excitedly.
“We bind ourselves with our promises.” I placed the stone in my palm. “Lydia Bennet, I swear to you to always be faithful, to always keep you by my side, and to let you soar and never hold you back.”
Lydia’s grin grew. “Now I want to kiss you again.”
I took her hand and placed the stone flat on her palm. “Now it’s your turn.”
“George Wickham. I swear to you to always be there for you, whatever you need. To fight for us when times are hard, and to never give up on us.”
Our stones began to glow, and I felt the power of the lovers’ pact surrounding us. Lydia’s eyes grew wide. “It’s working!”
The stones stopped glowing, and I detected a faint lavender tint around Lydia. Her aura. Lydia saw auras, so now I could see them. The pact was already working.
Wow, this is amazing—the sights, the sounds,Lydia’s voice sounded in my head. Everything is different when you’re a vampire!
