Positioned between the breathtaking cave and the heavy waterfall, Hudson turned to face me. He licked his lips and dropped to one knee. I sucked in a breath. Oh.Oh.
“Cora Roberts, you already own my heart, my body, my soul. I would scorch the earth to protect you and walk through the fires of Hell to be at your side. Before you came into my life during a fateful night at The Pit’s speed dating event, I was going through the motions. I lived for the packs, but not for myself. You have taught me how to love, to laugh, to find pleasure in the smallest of things. The way you tuck your hair behind your ear when you are nervous. How you rub your temple when you are annoyed. The genuine smile you gift people. The fierce way you love and protect those in your circle. How you wear your hearton your sleeve even when you’ve been hurt. It is intoxicating to be part of your world, and I will never stop thanking the universe for your love.”
My hand trembled as he held it in his and continued, “I treat you with care and tenderness because I love you, not because I don’t think you are capable of handling me. You are the most precious thing in the world, more than the rarest of diamonds. And just like a diamond, your strength and love outshines all, and I won’t stop worshiping you like the queen you are.”
He rummaged in his jeans pocket and released my hand to flip open a small black velvet box. Inside was a pair of twisted platinum bands set with rows of tiny diamonds, with a round emerald positioned in the center. My heart pounded wildly, and I swallowed the knot in my throat. The bite on my neck pulsed with the reminder that we were already mated in the eyes of his people. This was for me. The ring was perfect, just like my mate.
“Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” I nodded as tears stung my eyes. “I’m going to need some words,” he said with a small smile. “Just so I can mark this in my memory.”
“Yes, Hudson Abbot. I will marry you.”
He slid the ring on my finger, and with it came the sense that no matter the enemy we faced, we would do it together. We could survive anything thrown our way in this life or the next, because I was his and he was mine.
He stood and kissed me. “Now strip, mate. I am eager to seal the deal.”
I chuckled. “The ring saw to that.”
He backed me up against the wall and caged me in. “Strip. I won’t ask again.”
“It’s cold.” He chuckled and tore my clothes from my body within seconds, then pinned me to the wall before sinking inside of me. I let out a low moan. “Will it always be like this?” I wondered.
“Like what?” he growled, continuing to move, making my eyes roll into the back of my head.
“Desperate, wild, needy, crazy.”
He snorted. “Only for the first decade or two. Now shush and let me love my wife-to-be, because she’s an insatiable witch.”
Oh boy.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Nobody likes to be wrong, but I sometimes hate being right.
“Does everyone know?” I asked as we pulled onto my drive, and the curtains in the parlor twitched.
“They do. Keeping a secret in that place is impossible.”
Improbable, but not impossible. My stomach flipped. I needed to tell him about the Serpents of the Dawn. I couldn’t start the rest of our lives on a bed of secrets and lies. If the rest of them didn’t agree, then I would leave. They could cast a spell to make me forget they existed, and I could go about my married mated life with a guilt-free conscience.
I sighed as the car stopped, and Hudson darted around the car so fast I hadn’t even gotten my seatbelt free. He smiled at me, and I narrowed my eyes. “Don’t you dare.” He chuckled, then did exactly what I suspected—dragged me from the car and swept me into his arms, cradling me against his chest. “We’re supposed to do this after we get married,” I pointed out.
“I’m practicing.” The carnal look in his eyes reappeared as he jogged up the steps and flung open the door. I wasone hundred percent here for where this was leading—until miniature explosions erupted around us, glitter and confetti flying everywhere. Did they not learn anything after the last time? I’d only just gotten rid of the last lot of exploding glitter.
“Congratulations,” Aunt Liz said. I hung my head backward to take in the group of grinning supernaturals. Oh goodie, the gang was all here. Even Dave looked less scowly than usual.
“Thank you,” I responded.
Rebecca pushed forward. “Let’s see it.”
Nothing we did in the last twenty-four hours was for public discussion. “See what?”
Rebecca chuckled. “The ring, silly. Although, if you want to recount the freaky sex, feel free.”
Maggie blushed.
“Please refrain,” Sebastian drawled.
I patted Hudson’s cheek. “Let me down.” He growled and held me tighter.
