“I’m excited,” I clarify, placing my hands over his chest. “I didn’t know we needed vows—”
“Speak from your heart.” He cups my face between his large hands. “Like you did yesterday. I’ll go first.” I nod, waiting with baited breath to hear my groom express his love for me.
“My kind ages slowly. Yet you have transformed me from a young, clumsy boy, to a virile man with love in his heart, patience in his mind and courage in his soul. I will fight the gods if I am put to the test, to protect you with anything and everything it takes.” Stone’s raspy voice covers me like velvet blankety. “You have my heart, body and soul. Until the end of days.”
“That’s so beautiful.”
He shakes his head with a smile on his lips. “Not as beautiful as you.”
I close my eyes and give his hands a squeeze. “Stone Flint, you barreled into my life bringing chaos and doubt. You dragged me into a state of trust and friendship and through that process, you transformed me along with you.” I sniffle, feeling my entire body beat with my heart. “I was cynical and jaded. I didn’t believe in love or sacrifice. I thought truth was a word men used as a weapon. Not only didn’t I believe in love, I didn’t think I was worthy of it, if it did exist. My truth that I’ve discoveredwith you is that I’ve never felt more beautiful or cherished than I do when I’m with you. That’s because those aren’t punchlines to you, those are the meaning of life. I promise to love and cherish you with my entire being until the end of days.
It feels like he’s moving in an unstoppable motion, albeit it slow motion as Stone dips his head down and presses his lips against mine. My mouth opens, inviting him into my heart, into every cell of my being. After a long, passionate kiss, Stone rests his forehead against mine. He traces my bottom lip with his calloused thumb and the action lights a raging fire in my lower abdomen.
“I need to mark you,” He whispers, holding my hands close to his heart. “It might hurt for a moment, but just close your eyes and breathe. My love will fill and heal you. Ready?”
“Yes,” I whisper, holding my breath.
“This is also where I test if the rope keeping your robe closed opens.” In other words he gets to test to see if I meant my vows. That’s fine. Fear no longer has a hold on me. “No one will be able to see you through my wings.” The lump in his throat bobs as he slowly tugs at the golden rope. I feel his body fill with relief as it gives slack and the knot becomes undone.
My robe opens just enough for Stone to look down and soak in my naked body. He meets my stare one last time allowing me to see the flames in his eyes. With speed and deftness I didn’t know he possessed, his warm breath skates across my shoulder, Just as I think it’s over, his fangs pierce my skin.
I gasp from surprise. Seconds later, his tongue drags along the surface, and in that instant, the pain turns to immense pleasure as I feel him seal the puncture with love.
“Are you okay?” He rests his forehead against mine again as our friends and family cheer.
“Is it time for our honeymoon yet?”
Stone laughs. “Hold on, Mrs. Flint. Let me fix your robe and present you to the crowd.
Chapter 31
Stone
“Don’t you need to look where you’re flying?” Camilla asks as I look down at her cradled in my arms.
“I only need to keep my eyes on you. I fly here on autopilot.”
“Your apartment?” She asks as I land.
“We have to figure out where we’re going to live,” I say, opening the door with her still in my arms. “But for tonight, I want to welcome you into my home. My bed. My life.”
Each second that passes grows heavier with the expectation of what’s to follow. “I’m nervous,” she admits, “and I have no idea why.”
“I do.” I pull her close. “Because tonight I’m going to make love to you,” I pepper kisses along her neck as I untie the ribbons in her hair. I listen to Cami’s breaths grow as her hair falls to her shoulders. “I’m going to make you feel things you’ve only dreamed about. I pull on the tie keeping her robe closed.
