“Me too.” I grimaced. “They didn't take the time for introductions.”
“I'd better be off,” Austin announced as he stood and picked up his plate. He took his plate into the kitchen and when he returned, Re was up and waiting for him. “Thanks for the lift,” he said to Re.
“No problem.”
“I'll walk you out.” I went with them but as we were leaving the dining hall, Viper came out of the elevator. “Text me if you hear anything,” I called to Austin as I changed course to intercept Viper.
“Will do,” Austin assured me. “Good mornin'.” He nodded to Viper.
“Hi and bye, copper.”
“I've got something for you.” I took Viper's hand and drew him over to sit on the stairs.
“You don't have to give me any...” he trailed off when I pulled the ring out of my bra. “Are you proposing?”
I laughed. “No. I should have made one of these for you sooner. It's a ring like the others wear.”
“One that can track me down?” He asked as he took it.
“And tell us if you're in trouble.” I nodded. “I made it earlier today. My hair and blood are in that thing; I hope you'll wear it.”
“Hair and blood, how romantic.” Viper grinned as he leaned in to kiss me. After a few tender minutes, he pulled back just a little to ask, “You wanna put it on me?”
“With this ring?” I teased.
“If that's what you want, starlight.” He drew the strip of my starlight hair forward.
I pulled back further to look at him. “I thought you didn't want to get married?”
Viper shrugged. “I don't need to. But if you want to put a ring on my finger and promise to love me, I'd like that.”
“In that case, Viper,” I took the ring from him and slid it onto his finger, “I promise I will always love you.”
Viper grinned as if he'd never stop. “I promise to always love you too, Vervain.”
“That works for me.” I took his face in my hands and pulled him into another kiss.
“Did I just witness a wedding?” Aidan asked as he came down the stairs beside us.
“Nope.” Viper grinned again. “Just a promise and a ring.”
“Sounds like a wedding to me,” Aidan mumbled as he headed for the dining hall. “Is there any meat left from lunch?”
“Yep, but you'd better grab it before the God Squad gets here,” I called after him.
Viper shot to his feet.
“What's wrong?” I asked as he helped me up.
“You just said there was a shortage of meat,” he growled. “I haven't eaten yet.”
“Men.” I rolled my eyes.
“Excuse me?” He lifted a brow. “I seem to remember a certain goddess growling over barbecue.”
“Yeah, okay.”
“Now, hurry up, it's time for our promise-and-a-ring feast!”
