Control (Blood & Bone Enforcers MC Book 1)

by Grace Brennan

  Luke smiled, his blue eyes warm as he copied her stance, cupping her cheek and brushing his thumb under her eye in that way he had. They stood there, connected physically, their hands on each other’s faces, their bodies pressed together, their eyes locked as they stared at each other.

  More than physically, they were connected on an emotional and spiritual level that was hard for her to wrap her mind around. A large part of that was because they were mated and claimed, sharing an unbreakable bond—one she could feel burning in her chest in the best way.

  But she thought some of that was just because they were Luke and Tarun, and even if they were humans who couldn’t form a supernatural bond, they’d still be just like they were then. Completely locked into each other, devoted and in love.

  “Born to do this, right?” Luke said, his voice husky.

  It took her a minute to figure out what he meant, and when she did, she could feel heat rushing to her cheeks. “You heard that, huh?”

  He smiled, his light blue eyes crinkling at the corners as they roamed over her face. “I did. Honestly, before the fight yesterday, I was on the fence about it. No, that’s not entirely true. I wanted to give you what you wanted, but I didn’t like the idea at all. But you were amazing during the battle, and it’s clear that you can handle yourself. So, if you want to become an Enforcer, I won’t stand in your way. If it’s what you really want, then I want you to have it.”

  “How did I get so damn lucky to have you for a mate?” she whispered.

  “So, everything’s settled now, right? We’re staying here, you’re joining the Enforcers, and we’ve already claimed each other.”

  She nodded, her soul sighing at his words. “It’s all settled.”

  “Good. Then there’s only one thing left to do.”

  He pulled away from her and her brow furrowed as she watched him. She started to ask him what he was doing when he reached into his pocket for something and then dropped to one knee in front of her. Mouth dropping open, she stared at the scene in front of her, her mind sluggish and slow to comprehend what was going on.

  “I know we’re shifters and both of us were primarily raised with our kind, and not with humans. This is a total human tradition, something most shifters don’t bother with, since there’s nothing more binding than claiming your mate. But I want to tie myself to you in every possible way—human and shifter. I love you so much. More than life itself. Will you marry me?”

  Tarun raised a trembling hand, pressing her fingers against her lips as she choked back a sob. Her heart felt like it was going to explode as Luke held up a pretty ring that glinted in the sunlight. She hadn’t ever once given thought to getting married. He was right, it was a human tradition that most shifters never considered.

  So it took her by surprise just how much she wanted to marry him.

  Taking a deep breath, she let her fingers fall away from her mouth, trying to keep the tears she felt at bay long enough to answer him. “God, Luke, I love you so much. I want to tie myself to you in every way, too. I’d love nothing more than to marry you.”

  He smiled up at her, relief flashing through his eyes, and she realized he’d actually been nervous. Silly man. He’d said he would follow her anywhere, and the same applied for her. Especially if it meant following him into marriage and the rest of their life together.

  Reaching out, he beckoned for her hand. She held it out, unable to stop her fingers from trembling slightly as he slid the ring on her finger. Holding her hand up, she turned it back and forth, admiring the ring as it glinted in the sunlight. It was silver, or maybe white gold, with a design etched into the sides, leading up to a small, square cut diamond in the center.

  It was absolutely perfect.

  “It’s beautiful. When did you manage to get this?”

  He smiled, still down on one knee as he watched her stare at the ring. “I ran out and picked them up this morning. I guessed on the size, but it looks like it fits well.”

  “It does. It’s perfect. In every way.”

  Luke stood, taking her hand and pressing his lips to the ring before kissing her. She opened for the sweep of his tongue, arching into him as her blood heated. She was just about to grab his hand and pull him inside and up to their bedroom when he eased back.

  “You ready to do this?”

  She felt her eyes widen. “What, now? Don’t we need to find a preacher or something?”

  “Believe it or not, Noah can marry us. We can wait if you’d rather, though.”

  Her eyebrow arched as she glanced over at Noah. He was sitting on the porch with the other Enforcers, and he grinned at her with a shrug. “Hey, this is Nevada. Being licensed to marry people comes in handy.”

  Looking back at Luke, she grinned. “No, I don’t want to wait. I like the idea of having the shortest engagement in history. And I want to be married to you as soon as possible. Let’s do this.”

  His eyes turned golden as she watched, his lion making his presence known. Grabbing her hand, he pulled her over to where the others were gathered, pulling two more rings out of his pocket. Wedding bands for him and her, both silver with the same intricate design etched into them that her engagement ring boasted.

  He handed them to Blake with a grin. “Be my best man?”

  “Of course,” Blake replied gruffly, reaching out to take the rings. “You’re setting the bar pretty high for the rest of us with this romantic shit, though.”

  Tarun giggled as Luke shrugged unrepentantly before turning to her and taking her hands in his. Looking deeply into her eyes, he whispered, “I love you. So fucking much.”

  “I love you more.”

  He chuckled, leaning in to kiss her. Their lips had barely touched when Noah made a clicking noise with his tongue. “Now, now. I haven’t gotten to the kiss the bride part yet. Patience, kids.”

  Tarun laughed as they eased apart, her eyes caught in his. She was vaguely aware of Noah starting the ceremony, and she knew she should pay attention so she could look back and remember it clearly, but she was sucked into the moment as she and Luke gazed at each other. It felt like they were looking into each other’s souls, and it was a glorious moment—and really, what could be more perfect for a wedding?

  There, under the bright Nevada sun, she and Luke pledged their lives to each other with their Enforcer family looking on. The moment felt surreal as they exchanged vows and rings, promising to love and cherish each other forever.

  Her life had changed so much since she decided to leave Durga so she could warn the Enforcers in person. She never imagined her little adventure would end up the way it had—a new career, a new makeshift family—and being mated, claimed, and tying herself to Luke even further with a human ceremony.

  She wouldn’t change a moment of it, though. She finally found a place where she belonged. She found a man she loved more than life itself, a crew of Enforcers who quickly became family, and a purpose in her life.

  There would no doubt be challenges in their lives, especially considering Luke’s occupation—her occupation. But they’d face them together, and she had no doubt they’d conquer them all.

  Wasn’t that what love did, after all?

  Thief

  Book two in the Blood & Bone Enforcers MC series

  War Cats

  Zane

  Karis

  Jameson

  Vynn

  Kian

  Rocky River Fighters

  Heart of a Fighter

  Fighting for Keeps

  Fight Song

  Fighting to Win

  Red Moon Shifters

  Unexpected Mates

  Temporary Mates

  Forever Mates

  Bear Claw Shifters

  Starry Night Sky

  One Sunny Day

  Misty Autumn Morning

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  Grace has been writing all her life, but never imagined she’d ever let anyone read her work. Her eyes only, for years and years, even though being a published author had been her dream since she was in fourth grade. Then, she had a story in her head that wouldn’t stop taking over her every waking moment, and characters who wouldn’t shut up, demanding to have their story told. She decided when she sat down to write that this time, she was going to do it right and go all the way—and thus Starry Night Sky was born. Publishing it and letting others into her head, heart, and soul, was one of the hardest, and most terrifying, things she’s ever done, but incredibly worth it. She writes paranormal shifter romances because it’s her favorite genre as a reader, but she’s begun branching out into contemporary, publishing her first book, Finding Their One, book one in the Three Hearts Trilogy, under the pen name Khloe Thomas.

  She’s lived all over, but she calls Texas home at the moment. She has an adorable little boy, two dogs, and addictions to Gilmore Girls—watching it every night isn’t a bad thing, is it?—coffee, and tattoos.

  You can follow and reach her at the links above—she welcomes it!—or email her at

  gracebrennanauthor1@gmail.com.

  This one is for all my Gilmore Girls fans. The ones who get so excited anytime I mention the show in a book, and let me know about it in messages or in my reader group. I love that some of you share my obsession!

  And remember, Lorelai’s words are so true—If you’re gonna throw your life away, he better have a motorcycle.

  And it’s also for Adrienne Carrieri, who stepped in to be my PA for the Rebels and Readers signing when I freaked out about not having anyone at my table with me. Girl, you were a lifesaver, and continue to be one. I couldn’t have done the signing without you. And now that you’re my real PA, I don’t know how I functioned without you helping me before. Thanks for all the help, thanks for being my proofreader on this book, and thanks for being you. I value the friendship we’re developing so much, and I hope the advice and help I’m giving you as you begin your own career in this industry comes close to the help you’ve given me.