Page 140 of Given to the Black King

We move through it together until neither of us can keep upright.

I collapse onto his chest.

His arms close around me.

For a long time there is only breath.

Mine in my lungs.

His in my chest.

Both hearts slowing.

The bite at my throat continues to pulse, warm rather than painful.

Torgan’s palm settles over it, warm and broad.

“Does it hurt?”

“Less than the marks from the hunt.”

His satisfaction reaches me before he hides it.

I lift my head.

“You are pleased with yourself.”

“No.”

Satisfaction rolls through the bond before he can hide it.

“This bond may be badly designed,” he says.

“For kings?”

“For privacy.”

“You gave me your true name, your bite, and access to your feelings. Privacy was not your strongest negotiating position.”

He pulls me higher against him.

“My mate.”

The claim no longer catches anywhere in me.

I press my mouth to his.

“Yours because I chose.”

“Yes.”

“And you are mine.”

His claws flex over my back.

“Entirely.”

I rest my hand over his jaw.