In one brief moment of clarity, Westley was able to rip his mouth away, but the taste of her blood, of their bond, ofher, would be forever imprinted in his body.
He swallowed, and his magic expanded beyond the bounds confining it as it absorbed her essence.
Solveig turned to stare, her eyes wide with need, with understanding. He lowered his forehead to hers and slowly brought his mouth to the wound on her neck, licking one more drop before sending his magic to soothe and heal.
Only the scars of his bite remained, and the bond settled—though still incomplete—satisfied that she was marked. When he met her gaze, she smirked knowingly.
You did that on purpose, he said, surprised.
If you didn’t claim me in some way, you’d kill everyone who looked at me wrong, and while I’m insanely turned on by that, I don’t think our allies would be very happy.
How noble of you.He licked a drop of blood off his lips. Solveig’s eyes followed the movement, her gaze darkening.
I do what I can.She reached up to grasp his face with both of her hands.Are you okay?
Yes, I am better. Thank you, he said sincerely, kissing her gently. She noted his hesitation.
Something else on your mind?she asked.
You let me bite you.
Solveig raised a brow.And?
What made you decide to allow me that honour?
My heart.
Fuck, he was a puddle at her feet. She had so much control over him and she damn well knew it.
Now keep your asshole behaviour to a minimum from now on, she said, lightening the mood.
No promises.He laughed, slinging an arm around her shoulders, craving the contact. They walked over to where Steffen and Vali still sat on the ground, recovering from Westley’s attack.
He reached a hand out to Steffen and helped him to his feet. He didn’t let go of the Elven’s hand right away, squeezing it a bit too hard. The Elven didn’t flinch, and Westley’s respect for him grew.
Westley pulled him in so they were almost nose to nose. “The wedding is off.”
Though Solveig had confirmed it, he had to make sure the Elven knew as well.
Steffen grinned. “The wedding is off. She belongs to you.”
Westley shook his head. “That’s where you’re wrong. She may be my mate, but it is I who belongs to her.”
The bond hummed with satisfaction, settling even deeper into their souls.
“Adinner?Really?”Solveigcomplainedas she informed her mothers of her decision to not mate with West right away.
“Fully bonded or not, you found your mate, Solveig. That should be celebrated!” Koa exclaimed animatedly as she helped Solveig into a gown. It was green to match Westley’s eyes, and it hugged every curve, pooling on the ground at her feet.
A second skirt was placed around her waist, creating a train. The long sleeves held tight to her wrists before flaring out into draping points that reached her knees. She hated it.
The damn thing restricted her movements. The sleeves were going to get into her food when she tried to eat, and she was going to trip over all the fabric. There wasn’t even a slit in the side to free her legs or give her access to the daggers strapped to her thighs.
But apparently this was Idavoll’s style, and she was supposed to be showing honour to her mate’s realm.
The corset of her dress cinched her waist so tight she could hardly breathe. Her breasts were pushed up, bulging from the low neckline. The lengths of her hair had been curled and pinned up high, her neck exposed, displaying Westley’s bite marks.
She took a deep breath as she looked in the mirror.
