Marcus chuckled. “He likes to show off sometimes.”
“Neat trick.” She turned back to him. “We need to get you into bed.”
He waggled his eyebrows. “I can think of nothing I would love more.”
She scowled. “I meant to heal, you big dope.”
Aidyn and Garin moved forward. “Let us help get you upstairs,” Aidyn said.
Garin grabbed Marcus by the arm while Aidyn placed a hand on Cassie’s shoulder, and they all flashed from the room.
Marcus settled into bed with Cassie by his side. He could hardly believe her story, even when she’d retold it from the beginning. Aidyn had come to see her, and how she, Seth and Baal had gone to the mountains in search of him. He held her tight when she regaled him with tales of Baal and his surrender to the slave trader in order to save her and Seth. He would remember to thank his friend. He already owed him more than he could ever repay. He beamed with pride when she told of the Draki attack and how she forced Seth to drink from her in order to save them both. That explained the climax he’d experienced, and her near-death.
He stroked her hair, inhaling her spiced honey scent. “I am so proud of you. You acted like a true guardian.”
She blinked, her emerald eyes softened. “Really?”
“Yes.” Then he scowled. “If you ever put yourself in danger like that again, I will...”
She pressed her lips into a thin line. “You’ll what?”
He nuzzled her neck. “I will die. I nearly died when I felt you slip from me, and I thought I’d lost you.” Aidyn had been right, she was a true gift. He stopped nuzzling and looked into those pools of emerald. “I am so sorry for all that has happened. More than that, I’m sorry I had to break your heart.” He palmed her cheek. “I had to do it. Odage and Eliza needed to believe you meant nothing to me. It was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, and now I ask your forgiveness.”
She ran her fingers across his lips. “I forgive you, now shut up and kiss me.”
He obeyed and pressed his lips against hers. Their tongues collided and performed a sultry dance. His erection rubbed against her thigh. “Baby, I need to be buried deep inside you,” he whispered in her mouth.
She cut the kiss short, causing him to moan. “Marcus, you need to heal.” She pressed her wrist to his mouth.
He smiled. “Oh no, sweetheart, not that way. Let me show you the pleasures I can bring you.” He then ran his tongue across her nipple, causing her to arch her back and moan with pleasure. Yes, he was going to show her how much he’d missed her. He would take his angel to the heavens and make her beg him to stop.
He slid his finger across her moistness. Yes, she was burning up, ready for him. He moved between her thighs and pressed the tip of his cock against her, holding back.
She sucked in a breath. “Yes,” she whimpered and tried to push herself against him. He couldn’t hold back any longer. He pushed deep inside her and let out a moan. Gods, she was heaven, a perfect fit made just for him. He slid out then back in, slow at first. He wanted to savor her warmth, never wanted to leave this moment. He rubbed his thumb over her nub, causing her to shudder and moan in delight. He sensed she was on edge, her body burning from his touch.
Mine.
“Yours,” she cooed. Her encouragements caused him to move deeper, faster until she spilled over the edge, screaming his name. Her body shuddered under him, and she pressed her knees into his hips.
When she finally relaxed, he ran his tongue up her neck. “Are you sure you want this, sweetheart?” Gods knew he wanted it, bad.
“Yes, more than anything. Take all of me, I belong to you.”
Her words caused his fangs to extend as he continued to slide in and out of her fiery body. He licked her nipple, grazing a fang across it and causing it to pebble. She pulled his chin up, her gaze meeting his.
“I want to see you.”
He obliged and parted his lips, giving her full view of his fangs and the chance to back out. His mind connected with hers. Do you wish to change your mind?
No. She traced a fingertip over his lips. They are as sexy as the first time.
She turned her head and exposed her neck. He suckled, bringing the smaller vein to the surface then sank his fangs deep. She gasped, her body meeting his, stroke for stroke. He took deep pulls of blood, its rich taste of spiced honey coating his throat. His groin began to burn, his need for release grew stronger with every pull he took. He moved faster, his animal instinct taking over as he pounded into her. She screamed, her body thrashing beneath him as she was sent over the edge, and he followed behind her. His own release erupted. His entire body a raging inferno as he pumped the last of his seed into her. He ran his tongue over the punctures and closed them, collapsing on top of her.
She kissed his forehead. “I missed you.” Her voice breathless.
He planted a kiss on her swollen lips. “Cassie, love. Is there something you wish to tell me?”
“Yes.” Her emerald eyes glistened. “You’re going to be a father.”
He grinned. “I wondered if you were ever going to tell me.”
“How did you know?”
“I sensed her presence when you were in the cell with me. I’ve already connected with her.” He brushed a kiss on her lips. “I promise to take care of both of you. No harm will ever befall you. I love you, Cassandra Jensen.” The next day, he would ask her to be his mate and his wife. That night however, he would keep her tucked in his arms and make love to her all night.
Mine.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Cassie awoke in Marcus’s arms. She hadn’t slept this well in ages. As she watched him sleep, she realized he was fully healed with no visible signs of his wounds or broken bones. All bruising had disappeared and he was handsome as ever. She wondered, now that he was back, what lay ahead for them in the future. She knew she had to mate with him, otherwise she would die in childbirth if she made it that long. Would he still want to mate with her? He’d said he loved her, but that didn’t mean he wanted to commit.
Marcus opened his eyes and smiled at her. “Good morning, sunshine.”
She couldn’t help but smile back. She was still reeling after last night. “Good morning. You are looking much better.”
“That’s because of you.” He kissed then placed his hand on her belly. “And because of our daughter. I am the luckiest man in the world.” He sighed. “However, as much as I want to stay here and keep you naked, we must rise. I need to speak with the others.”
“Yes, I have things to share as well.”
He frowned. “Like what?”
She kissed him. “I learned things from Lowan that might prove useful.”
He picked up a strand of her hair and brought it to his nose. “You are a wise woman. We can talk later after I ravish you.” He pressed his lips against hers, sending heat to her core.
“Marcus!”
Cassie moaned. She recognized the voice that called from the other side of the door. Lucan. So much for being ravished.
“Wait here while I kill him.”
“You will do no such thing. We can pick up where we left off later.”
He brushed another kiss on her lips. “I cannot deny you anything. He’s lucky. You have saved him a serious ass whipping.” Marcus grabbed the blanket, wrapped it around his waist and headed for the door. When he was gone, his warmth went with him, leaving her chilled. She placed her feet on the floor and grabbed her clothes. Might as well see what’s for breakfast. After dressing, she exited the bedroom to find Lucan and Marcus conversing in hushed tones.
“Come here, love,” he said holding his hand out to her. When she took it, he pulled her next to him and placed his arm around her waist. “You are a part of us now. It is your right to know what is going on.” He kissed the top of her head. “Aidyn has called a meeting. We will go back to Vandeldor as soon as you’re ready.”
“I’m ready, let’s get this done.”
“I’ll throw on s
ome clothes then we can leave.” Marcus stepped from the room and returned minutes later dressed in jeans and a black T-shirt. Lucan opened a gateway, and the three stepped through directly to the king’s home. Everyone waited. Aidyn, Seth, Garin and Gwen all sat around a fire in the great room. Aidyn approached.
“I’m glad to see you are in much better shape.” He slapped Marcus on the back. “And you, little one. I am most happy to have you back.” He kissed her cheek.
Marcus bowed his head. “My lord, I owe you a great debt for looking after Cassie in my absence.” He glanced around the room. “I owe all of you.”
“It was our honor and pleasure. We are just happy to have you back.” Aidyn motioned. “Come join us.”
Marcus and Cassie moved to the couch and settled in. He opened a bottle of water and handed it to her. “Go ahead, sweetheart, tell everyone what you’ve learned.”
She took a sip. “Lowan is Eliza’s son with Drayos. He told me that my blood placed on some amulet...oh what did he call it?” She wrung her hands.
Marcus took her hand. “Take your time.”
“Tobor... yes, that’s it. Anyway, somehow my blood and the amulet would open a gateway for him to leave his realm and come to the human realm.” She looked at Marcus. “He intends to make us follow him or kill the human race. He is responsible for the war with the dragons as well.”
“It’s worse than I feared,” Aidyn said.
“He was going to force me to mate with him.” She touched her belly. “Said our daughter would one day kill her father.” Tears streamed down her cheeks. “Will I ever be safe from him?”
Marcus pulled her close. “You’re safe, he can’t leave his realm, and neither Eliza nor Odage would dare show their faces here.” He brushed her cheek. “I’d like you to go with Gwen back to Daniel’s home while we talk. She can get you something to eat.”
“Okay.”
Minutes later, Cassie sat happily stuffing a cheeseburger and fries in her mouth. The sharp flavors ran across her tongue like it was gourmet food. She looked over at Gwen who watched her eat.
“Thanks for going and getting me lunch.”
Gwen waved a hand in the air. “Think nothing of it, anything to help my niece grow.” Gwen picked up a baby magazine and started flipping through it. “You do realize, of course, that this child will be spoiled rotten? I mean, she will be the first child born in almost two hundred years. And not just by me, mind you, but the men are already talking about the gifts they will bestow upon her. It’s actually rather funny to hear them speak about it.”
Cassie swallowed a fry then grinned. “I have no doubt that this little girl—” She reached down and patted her stomach. “—will have several vampires wrapped around her little finger. Her father being her biggest fan.” It warmed her to think about all the love this child would receive. She knew if anything ever happened to her or Marcus, their daughter would be well taken care of. That she was sure of.
Both women lifted their heads when a presence entered the room. Marcus stepped toward Cassie and kissed the top of her head. “I’m glad to see you’re eating. Do you need more?”
She swiped a napkin across her lips and leaned back in her chair. “No, I’m full but give me an hour or so.” She certainly had an appetite. If she kept eating like this, she would soon be so big she’d be unable to move. Already she was starting to show, her clothes too tight. Gwen had also been kind enough to bring her back something to wear along with her lunch. She hoped Marcus might take her shopping later.
“Did Daniel’s father, Dr. Johnson, stop by to see you?” Marcus took a seat next to her and pulled her hand into his.
“Yes, he said our daughter is growing normally.”
Marcus reached out and touched her belly. Closed his eyes and warmth spread over her body. The same white light that she’d seen him cast on Jill when he’d healed her, now shimmered over Cassie’s belly. She glanced at Gwen.
“What’s he doing?” Her voice low so as not to disturb him.
“He is merging with his daughter. It is the gift of a healer. He can stroke her and talk to her and make sure she is all right.”
Cassie stared at Marcus whose silver eyes sparkled. “When you become one of us, you will be able to touch her as well.”
Gwen cleared her throat. “I have some things I need to take care of. If you two will excuse me?” She was gone before they could even respond.
“Cassie, I’m sure Dr. Johnson told you about the gestation period for our children?”
He had, and that’s what frightened her. “Yes, he said they grow much faster than mortal children.” Which explained her already expanding waistline. “Rather than nine months, they are born in five.” She struggled to hold back her tears. If he didn’t want to bond with her, then she would have to go to Aidyn. How long should she wait?
“Sweetheart.” He bent one knee, still holding her hand. “Will you become my wife? Will you bond with me in the tradition of my people?”
She looked at him, noticed he held his breath while waiting for an answer. “Yes, yes, I will.”
He kissed her hand. “You realize what is involved? We will belong to each other for eternity.”
She had been schooled already in what the ceremony entailed. She would not lie—it scared her. “I can do anything as long as you’re by my side.”
He smiled, his eyes softening to a light gray. “I will always be by your side.” He reached into his pocket then fisted his hand. “While I’m down here...” He opened his hand to reveal a beautiful pear-shaped diamond. “Will you marry me in the tradition of your people?”
“My god, I never expected this,” she gasped.
“I know how important this is to you, and if you want a big wedding, then you shall have it.”
“Yes, I will also marry you too.” Tears fell like a waterfall as he slipped the diamond onto her left finger. “Marcus, it’s the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.” A single pear-shaped diamond, set in white gold. The band started at the widest part of the pear and circled around. At the narrow end, another band circled and was encrusted with diamonds.
“It pales compared to you.” He pulled her down onto the floor with him and kissed her, his tongue sliding between her lips. She groaned and pressed into his erection, her core boiling with the contact.
“Oh...Oh Christ, get a room, would ya?”
They both stopped to find Daniel standing over them, looking like he was ready to vomit.
“I’m going to kill him,” Marcus whispered.
Cassie patted him on the chest. “No, you’re not.”
He let out a long breath. “As you wish.” Then he glared at Daniel. “Count yourself lucky that my female has taken a liking to you.”
Daniel lifted his shoulders. “Whatever, dude.” Then he looked at Cassie. “He’s all talk. He’s really just an oversized teddy bear."
“I am no teddy bear,” Marcus growled as he reached for the boy’s leg. Daniel managed to make a quick escape, but that didn’t stop Marcus from yelling after him, “I’ll bleed you dry, boy!”
She slapped him on the shoulder. “Stop it, you really are a big teddy bear.”
He grinned. “That may be, but I do have a reputation to uphold. Now, back to you becoming my wife. We must perform the bonding ceremony before the marriage. It will ensure your safety. I don’t want to wait, would tomorrow be too soon?”
“Tomorrow is perfect.”
Cassie was both overjoyed and anxious about the upcoming ceremony, aware of what would take place. Being told about it and living it were two different things entirely. Marcus had gone off to shower while she tapped her nails on the kitchen table, waiting for her sister Jill to answer the phone. One good thing about being back in New York, cell reception.
“Cassie? Everything all right?”
“Yes, I’m calling with some good news.”
“You found Marcus?”
“Yes...and he has asked me to marry him.” She braced herself f
or what she knew would come next.
“What? My god! When?”
“Well...”
“Where? We are going to have to go shopping and...”
She rolled her eyes, waiting for her sister’s tirade to end so she could get a word in. “Yes, of course, we will shop. I’m not sure when or where yet. Those details haven’t been worked out.” She wasn’t sure she wanted to tell Jill yet that tonight she would actually become a guardian. She’d surprise her later.
“I’m so happy for you. Finally, you’ll have what you’ve always dreamed of.”
“Thanks, sis. I have to run, but I’ll call soon, and we’ll make arrangements for you to come visit.”
“Okay. Oh hey, send me a picture of that ring. I can’t wait to see it.”
She laughed. “I will, love you. Talk to you later.” She hit the end button on her phone then set it on the table. Picking up a baby magazine, she started flipping through it, looking at all the cute furniture. She and Marcus were going to have fun fixing up the baby’s room. She rubbed her belly and smiled. If things moved along as they should, soon she would experience her daughter’s first kick. She looked across the room. Aidyn, Seth, and Gwen sat playing a video game. She smiled. They were like three small children trying to outdo each other. Through the window, she noticed Lucan pass by, he and Garin were outside checking the grounds. She should be safe but still felt vulnerable.
Marcus entered the room, giving her the comfort she had missed. Rising, she moved in his direction, but horror crossed his face as he and the others ran toward her. Sharp pain shot into her back, and she tried to suck in air before she hit the floor.
“Cassie!” Marcus yelled.
“Marcus belongs to me,” Eliza screamed.
“Grab her,” Aidyn commanded.
Liquid warmth flowed down her spine, and a haze grew over her eyes. Why was Marcus crying? Everyone looked at her with horror on their faces. Blackness covered her in a cold blanket.
“Nooo!” Marcus yelled.
“You can’t have her if she’s dead. How does it feel to have the one you love taken from you?” Eliza’s face lit with joy. She had shoved the dagger deep into Cassie’s back. “Now you will watch her die, and your babe will go with her.”
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