Oh, indeed.
I cradled his jaw, feeling the roughness of his stubble beneath my thumb as I brushed away the tear on his cheek.
His stomach pressed against my belly, and one—or both—of the babies chose that moment to stretch. His eyes slid closed as he leaned into my touch.
He didn’t look like a ferocious beast.
He looked like a wounded man.
“Destiny,” he whispered before his lips curled and his eyes snapped open.
He moved over me and kissed me, licking his blood off my lips before plunging his tongue into my mouth.
It wasn't long before he rolled me to my side to continue what he finished. Only this time, I could appreciate what Bouda said about sex after the bond. I wished I’d bitten him sooner.
???
He left me propped up and surrounded by a sea of pillows—every pregnant woman’s lifeline at this stage. I could smell the food before I heard him climbing the stairs. I set my book on the nightstand and waited for my breakfast in bed.
He kicked the door open and sauntered in.
I shook my head at the sight of skin-tight boxers and nothing else.
I was too busy ogling him to notice what was on the tray. After setting it down on the bed, he dropped to his knees. I leaned forward, frowning.
“Did you drop something?” I asked, scanning the floor.
He didn’t reply.
His head was bowed, eyes fixed on the dark wooden boards.
That’s when I noticed the pink lily on the tray. Beside it sat a navy velvet box, open, with a large diamond catching the light.
“Oh,” I said quietly, glancing at Blaidd.
He lifted his head, and the look on his face wasn’t smug or possessive.
It was… pained.
“You do look good down there,” I murmured,“but that isn’t necessary.”
“At least he didn’t bring you roses,” Bouda chuckled.
I couldn’t help teasing him.
“Wasn’t marriage part of the clause when I left the island?”
He winced—but he reached for my hand anyway. I held it out, and he gripped it, brushing his thumb over my knuckles before lifting it to his lips and pressing a soft kiss to the back of my hand.
“Lielit, you’re a queen. My queen. I didn’t know because I’ve never connected with anyone before. You accepted me as I am. Our bond,” he said, earnest and unguarded.
Fenrir is so proud of him, Bouda murmured. So am I.
“Fuck the contract,” he said suddenly.“Will you rule by my side?”
I shook my head, and his face fell.
“I don’t want to rule over anyone. I’m quite comfortable sitting on my knotted throne, though.”
