His eyes snap to mine.
Shit.Maybe thisextremely tense, emotionally charged momentwasn’tthe time to say that out loud.
“I mean—maybe not right now. You don’t have to like...put a ring on it or whatever the mating equivalent is. I’m just saying?—”
“Lumi,” his voice is strained. “Stop talking.”
“Why?”
“Because if you keep saying things like that, I’ll drop to my knees and beg you to mean them.”
My brain melts at the thought of this nine-foot beast dropping to his knees for me.
I am not okay.I don't know if I’ll ever be okay again. Whatever this is between us keeps pulling tighter with every heartbeat.
He makes a point to back away from me slowly.
“I didn’t mean—” I start, but the words catch in my throat. “I was just trying to lighten the mood.”
He lets out a low, broken sound that isn’t quite a laugh. “Do you think it helped?” He doesn’t look remotely enthused—story of my life.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper.
“Stop apologizing for wanting me. You’re supposed to feel like this.I am your mate.”
“I’m not just—” I hesitate. My heart is thudding so loud I wonder if he can hear it. “It’s not just the bond. Is it?”
He swallows hard, fangs glinting behind his parted lips. His voice is barely more than a whisper when he answers. ”The bond only amplifies what you already feel. It doesn’t lie. “
I take a step toward him, and his eyes squeeze shut. “Don’t.”
“But I?—”
“Don’t.” His voice rips through the air like thunder. When his eyes open again, they’re glowing—his fangs longer. Wilder.
“If you take another step, I’ll lose what little restraint I have left. And once I give in, Lumi—I won’t be able to stop.” He pauses. “Not until the bond is consummated and you're mine in every way the forest recognizes.”
Maybe it says something about my sanity—because that sounds pretty damn good right now.
“So don’t take another step,” he breathes, “unless you’re ready to be claimed.”
My whole body pulses, but I don’t budge. Instead, I nod once.
He bows his head, “I’m sorry for raising my voice. Thank you for not running.” His breath shudders. “The bond is usually completed immediately for my kind. It’s been days since I first scented you.” His voice cracks. “But I’m trying, Saelûn. I swear to you—I’m trying.”
He makes no move to touch me, but his lips part just enough to whisper something in that ancient language he always talks in.
“Saelûn’nai ves kai’morûn.”(I’m already inside you. Buried in the parts you haven't named yet.)
16
THANKS, DAD!
Andrik-
Thanlûn ves’kai morûn.(I’m unworthy of this. Of her. Of the bond.)
I didn’t mean to yell, but she stepped toward me, and I felt it. One more breath and I would’ve dragged her so deep into the bond she’d never find her way out.
