Quinn looked around the hall, admiring the handiwork and the color scheme: red with hints of white and black. Perfect. “Yes, it does. Thank you for your patience, Aggie. I just want everything to be perfect for this evening. It has to be special for her.”
“I know that.” She leaned in, patting his arm. “Did the rings arrive?”
“Yes.” He smiled down at her upturned face. “They look wonderful and will look even better on her finger.”
“I’m sure they will.” Aggie smiled brightly, “Now it’s time you went and got ready while I add the finishing touches here. Scoot.”
He took one last look then nodded. “Thank you, Aggie, you’re a treasure. I don’t say it often enough, but I’d be lost without you here. The estate would grind to a halt without you at its helm.”
“Shush.” Aggie’s face flushed, she was never one to take compliments. “Away with you. I’ve still got work to do.”
Another bonus was in the cards, he thought as he did as he was bid.
He was sidetracked on his way to his room by Ace who wanted to go through the security for the evening, and by the time he arrived back he was running late. Checking his watch as he opened the door and walked in, he swore. “Shit, sorry, Amaya, Ace needed to go over some details.”
“That’s all right. Do I look okay?”
He stopped in his tracks, his breath stuck in his throat at the vision before him. She stood at the bay window, the waning light filtering through the stained glass like a halo. The red silk, strapless gown flowed over her like a second skin, skimming down until mid-thigh where it gathered more material and poured out around her to pool at her feet. Her ebony dark hair was pulled to one side, falling in ringlets over her shoulder, leaving one completely bare and so tempting. His fingers and lips wanting to run over her skin, kissing and caressing . . . and more importantly, the side of her neck was completely open to him. It was right there for him, ready and waiting for that final step, his final bite, the mating bond that would be their final step to make them true Bloodmates.
“Well?” She fidgeted from foot to foot, her hand reaching up to move her hair. “Is something wrong?”
“No.” He stepped forward then stopped himself. If he didn’t he’d rip the damn dress right off her. “You look perfect . . . well, almost.”
Cocking her head to the side she looked down at herself then back up. “What’s wrong?”
“Hold on.” He went to his bedside cabinet, tugging open the drawer and retrieving the box with the necklace. “I’ve got just the thing to go with your dress.”
“You do?”
“I do.” He slowly walked over, his hand trembling as he opened the box. “I had this made for you. I hope you like it.”
Amaya looked down, then up at him, then back down, a finger reaching to trail over the rubies. “It’s gorgeous, but those are rubies, Quinn, real rubies, and they’re freaking huge! It must’ve cost a fortune.”
He couldn’t help but chuckle at her as he removed the necklace. “Baby, take a look around, I’m not exactly penniless . . . am I?”
As he fastened it around her neck she looked over her shoulder. “Shit, that’s right and you did buy Thorne a Ferrari. It just didn’t register, it’s weird that you have all this money, it takes a bit of getting used to.”
“There’s something else,” he said as he reached into his pocket, pulling out the paperwork for the Estate. “Here.”
She opened it up, reading it and frowning. “What is this?”
“The Deed for this estate.” He flicked through to the end. “It’s been changed so that it’s now in joint names. Your name’s been added as of today.”
“Why?” She tilted her head, looking at what she held in her hand then back at him. “I don’t understand.”
“These past few days have taught me something, and that is, that nothing is set in stone.” He reached up, running a finger down the side of her face, “I was almost lost to the Thirst, Amaya, I was so damn close it scares the shit out of me. It taught me that I’m not invincible, so I’m making sure that you’ll be taken care of. My lawyer is taking care of things, but the paperwork is in place now. I’ve sorted out a Will and if anything ever happens to me, then you’ll be okay. Now, before you interrupt . . . this is for me, darling. I need to know things are settled now. That you’ll be okay. Indulge me, please.”
She let out a small sound, something between a sob and a hiccup, he wasn’t quite sure what it was but her eyes were suddenly glassy with tears as she nodded. “I understand but I don’t want this broadcast.”
“Why not?”
“I’m not used to all this.” She waved her hand around, the paperwork fluttering wildly. “And in the human world people will just see me as some gold-digger who’s snared the mighty Quinn Alexander. I don’t care what they think of me, but I don’t want that affecting you or your business. So, let’s just keep this quiet for now, please?”
He couldn’t help smiling at her astuteness of the situation. She was probably right. “I’ll agree, but you have to know I don’t give a fuck what anyone says, or thinks.”
“I do, yes, but still.” She shrugged.
“Fine, now, I’m late so I’ll have to hurry.”
“Okay, I’ll just sit here and let all this sink in.” She shook her head looking at the paperwork again. “Maybe by the time you’re ready I’ll have calmed down.”
He hid the smile on his face by turning around, wondering how she’d react when he proposed to her and produced a set of beautiful platinum and diamond rings in front of everyone later. That was a statement to the entire world of just how much he loved her and would prove to everyone what he thought of her. He just hoped she didn’t up and faint on him. No, that wouldn’t happen. Amaya was definitely not the fainting type. She was far stronger than that. If anything, she’d probably punch him hard for putting her on the spot.
Aye, that was far more likely than her fainting on him. He chuckled as he used his Vampire speed to tear his clothes off and shower at breakneck speed before dressing in a charcoal Armani suit, white shirt with a matching silk tie. He transferred the precious box containing the rings and was back with his love in under ten minutes. She sat on the window-seat, staring out over the estate, a far-away look on her face.
“Amaya? Are you okay?” He went over, kneeling next to her, taking one of her hands in his, bringing it his lips and kissing it softly.
She jerked as if coming out of a dream, turned to him and smiled, a breathtakingly wide one that caused his heart to flutter wildly in his chest. “Yes, sorry, I was just thinking how lucky I am. I’ve found you, or rather, you found me. And now here I am in this beautiful place and I’m feeling so thankful for everything.”
“Me too, baby, me too.” He pulled her up, into his body and kissed her gently. If he deepened it then they’d never get out of the damn room. “We should go. Our guests will be arriving shortly.”
“Okay.” She shivered involuntarily. “I’m nervous. I don’t want to make a fool of myself. I’m not used to all this.”
“You’ll be fine.” He squeezed her hand. “Just nod and smile and if anyone says anything to upset you, tell them to fuck off. It’s what I usually do.”
“Quinn!” She giggled, slapping his arm.
“What? It’s the truth. Anyway, Thorne will be hovering around keeping an eye on things, and so will Ace, and I’ll be with you too. Don’t worry, darling, tonight will be the best night ever.”
And he prayed it would be. He just hoped he didn’t make a damn fool of himself when the time came to propose to her.
Chapter 17
The party was in full swing, with the Great Hall as large as it was it didn’t seem packed, even though there were over a hundred people present, and that didn’t include the staff. As Aggie had promised, everything was going off as planned, and everyone, including the Vampires present, seemed to be having a good time. Amaya had asked for the music to be changed up a couple of times, comm
enting it was a little too slow, and that had livened things up a little with quite a few people dancing.
It wasn’t quite how he’d planned the evening, but if she was having a good time then that’s all that mattered. He was plucking up the courage to ask Aggie to cut it off, any moment now. He had to get this over with because his nerves were shot to hell. Amaya was returning to him after having gone to get another drink, even though Thorne had offered to get her one. She’d shook her head and told him she was quite capable of getting her own. She definitely didn’t like being catered to hand and foot so Quinn had tipped his head and let him know it was okay, but then as soon as she’d walked away, he’d watched her every move until she was now on her way back, glass in hand.
He looked for Aggie, but didn’t see her in the crowd so instead whispered to Thorne, “Can you ask Aggie to cut the music please?”
Thorne wasn’t in on his plans and looked at the dancers and back again. “What? Why?”
“I have an announcement.”
“Oh, right, okay.” Thorne looked back at the dancers, shrugged and went off in search of Aggie.
Amaya arrived, looking at him and then leaned up, “What’s wrong? My beast is worried, she can sense something’s amiss.”
“Nothing,” he lied, his belly doing somersaults as nerves started to slither up his spine, looking around at the crowd of people he wondered if he should rethink his plans. Goddess, what if he made a mess of this and a fool of himself in front of everyone?
“Don’t do that, Quinn, don’t lie to me.” Amaya scowled, her nostrils flaring. “I can scent the lie on you. That’s not a good thing to do, you know. Lie to your mate.”
“I’m sorry.” He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to the side of her neck. He didn’t want to mess up her lipstick.
“Don’t apologize, just don’t lie, and don’t think I’ve not noticed you’ve still not answered my question.” She tilted her head. “Is there trouble? Has something happened?”
“No, nothing like that.” He looked around for Thorne or Aggie. Where were they and when would this infernal music stop?
“Quinn Alexander . . .”
Finally! Silence. The music stopped, dancers looked around wondering what had happened and he strode into the center of the room. People moved out of his way, looking at him and wondering what was going on. Some had been drinking heavily for some time, very heavily, and gave him slaps on the back as he passed by, but he ignored them and waited until there was relative silence. Stopping and turning back to face Amaya.
“I’d like to thank everyone for coming tonight to help me celebrate my good fortune in finding that most magical of things . . . my Bloodmate.” He crooked his fingers at her, seeing her cheeks turning pink. “Amaya, would you join me please?”
Hands started clapping, a few cheers went up, and Amaya’s cheeks reddened even more as she glared at him. Shit. She didn’t look happy, but Thorne relieved her of her drink and gave her a gentle push to get her moving and once she was she continued until she was close enough for him to snatch her hand and stop her from running back. Thank fuck!
“Now, you’ve all heard the rumors about what happened, and I’ll tell you the truth. I was struck with A Vampire’s Thirst and I’ll admit I damn nearly succumbed to it. It’s the most awful thing I’ve ever gone through, if you’ve ever heard anything about it . . . it’s worse than you’ve heard. And then Amaya was kidnapped and held for ransom, but, with help, we got her back, and now we’re home, back in Scotland and she’s here with me. My Bloodmate, the most precious thing a Vampire can ever dream of having.”
A host of whoops, screams, yells and clapping filled the room. So much so that he had to stop. So he pulled Amaya closer, her red cheeks gone now as she stared up at him, mesmerized by his words. Quinn held his free arm up to quiet the crowd down before carrying on.
“I’ve got her here, in my home, in my arms, and I can’t begin to tell you . . . and her how I feel, but I’m going to try.” He focused on her face, turning his full attention to his love. “Amaya, you’ve filled me with something I never thought I’d have. Poured it into me without me even knowing it, lit me up from the inside and gave me something I never thought possible. Showed me that it’s here, right now, between us and it can never be broken or taken away. That’s what being a Bloodmate is and our love is strong, we feel it every time we look at each other, touch each other, kiss each other. I love you, my darling, but I want to ask you something . . .”
Amaya’s eyes were brimming with tears, her lip was trembling as he reached in and brought out the small velvet box, several gasps and “oohs” and “aahs” as well as “Oh my gods” filtered around the room as he flicked it open and dropped to one knee.
“You know what you mean to me, you’ve already taken me to the moon and beyond”—he lowered his voice to a mere whisper, winking at her—“several times”—then resumed a normal tone—“but will you do me the greatest honor of all and become my wife?”
A tear broke free to run down her cheek, a soft sob hitching in her chest, a long second passing and he was sure a pin could have been heard in the vast hall . . . until she gasped out, “Of course I will! I love you, Quinn, with all my damn heart and more.”
The roar that erupted around them was so loud that they both winced. People rushing forward to congratulate them, first and foremost was Thorne and Ace, who looked the happiest of all. Quinn was on his feet, placing the rings on her finger and explaining it was an entwined set, shrugging. Amaya kissed his cheek, whispering, “Just like us.”
“Champagne! Get the champagne!” Thorne was shouting, his arm waving wildly in the air. “And music, get the music back on. We’ve got something to celebrate.”
Quinn grabbed him, whispering, “You carry on with the party. I’m taking Amaya away for some alone time.”
Thorne frowned. “What? No, you can’t leave now!”
“Yes, we can and we are.” He turned, picked Amaya up in his arms, cradling her against his chest and started to walk away, shouting, “Out of the way!”
The guests parted, whooping and making lewd comments as they departed, Amaya’s face now beetroot red as he carried her out of the hall. “Put me down,” she complained, but he refused.
“No,” and continued until they reached the gazebo which was lit only by the candles he’d instructed be set up.
Chapter 18
“Oh my.” Amaya looked around as he placed her on the bed gently before opening the champagne, handing her the glass and then offering her the chocolate covered strawberries. “What’s this? They’re my favorite!”
“Yes, Aggie told me so here you are,” he quipped, before starting to undress, allowing his clothes to lie where they fell. Hell, that was a first. His OCD had disappeared. For tonight anyway.
Naked he stood before her, staring down at the woman who’d changed his life, a vision in red that had his cock hardening and lengthening so fast that Amaya almost choked on the strawberry she was enjoying. “Wow!” She took a quick gulp of her drink before placing it on the ground next to the bed. “I guess I should get out of this dress.”
“Let me.” He joined her, reaching behind and slowly tugging the zipper down, lower and lower until the material fell away exposing her back before pulling the dress off and throwing it over his shoulder to reveal nothing more than a pair of lace panties. She hadn’t worn a bra, her full breasts now free for him to devour and the panties would be gone soon too, his fingers slipping into the sides and hauling them off quickly. “Finally,” he groaned. “I’ve been desperate for this all evening.”
“Me too.” She stretched, her body arching and her voice a purr, all cat as she smiled up at him. “Come to me, Quinn.”
He crawled up her body, caging her in with his arms either side of her head, and finally they were ready to cement their bond. Her eyes hooded, desire already pooling between her legs . . . he could smell it clearly in the air around them, her tongue darted out licking along her lips
before she announced, “I’ll have to mark you as mine,”
“I know.”
“No, I mean not just the bite you spoke of when you told me about a Bloodmating. I’m a Tiger, my claws will come out when we mate properly, and I won’t be able to stop myself from raking across your thigh. I’m sorry.” She looked chagrined as she spoke, her eyes flitting away.
“Don’t apologize, baby.” He leaned down, catching her nipple between his teeth for a quick nip. “It’s who you are and you never have to say sorry for that. Not to me, not to anyone.”
She turned back, the silver in her eyes glittering in the moonlight, her smile bright. “I love you, my mate.”
“I love you, my Bloodmate.” He nudged at her entrance, her thighs parting to allow him in, his cock throbbing with need as it slid inside. “This will be hard and fast, baby.”
“Good.” She wrapped her legs around his waist, digging her heels into his ass and thrust up, hard.
They set a fast pace, their bodies in sync as they both sought a fast release . . . and to reach that zenith so they could finally finish their bond. It was what they both craved, needed, desired more than anything. More than sex, more than desire, more than anything they yearned to feel that true connection of being fully bonded and now was that moment. Their bodies feverishly slapping together, lips crashing together, tongues lashing against the other’s in a wild ride to reach that goal.
He’d been desperate for this, the last few days had been torture. Absolute fucking torment but now they were near, so damn near, his balls tightened, Amaya gasped, her head falling back, his fangs descended and the moment was now! He reached down, his mouth searching and latching onto the side of her neck as hers mirrored his, fangs piercing her soft skin and drinking down her sweet blood as his orgasm blasted through his entire being. Her bite was swift and her claws scraped across his upper thigh but he barely felt it through the euphoria that filled his body. Between her blood filling his mouth and dripping down his throat and the ecstasy flowing through his body there was no pain whatsoever as he flew higher and higher, his hips thrusting again and again as his seed emptied deep inside his one, his only true love: his Bloodmate.
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