Suddenly faint, I can’t even manage a nod. So, I just stare at him, waiting for him to announce the truth I already feel in my heart, the frightening yet somehow comforting truth of what we are to one another.
I’m terrified by the idea of belonging to a powerful, highborn fae lord and all it means.
It means he truly won’t ever let me go, not even if I spend the next few thousand years begging him for freedom.
My stomach flips.
If we consummate our union, that is how long I will live. For thousands of years. My lifespan will match his, whether our mating union is a happy one or not.
Yes, I am terrified, but I am also very attached to Merak. If we suddenly went our separate ways, I really would miss him. Not only that, but I would also mourn the loss of him. Yes, I think it would break my heart.
I remind myself that I trust him. Even though I’m scared of what belonging to him means, I trust that he won’t hurt me. I trust that he cares about me. I can easily sense the depth of his affection, an emotion so strong and pure that it makes my throat constrict.
Merak shifts his hands into my tresses and leans closer. In response, I tighten my hold on his hair. As we stare into oneanother’s eyes, I try to come to terms with what he’s about to tell me. I sense he’s finally ready to reveal the truth, but he’s choosing his words carefully. I pull my mind back from his briefly, wanting to give him the space to think, hoping that when I need space in a similar way, he will be quick to grant it.
His stare grows more intense, and his eyes darken.
He draws in a deep breath, preparing to announce what we are to one another, the way our lives will forever be entwined. Not just our lives, but our very souls.
“We are fated mates, my dearest.”
He leans his forehead against mine, and I exhale a shuddering breath as the truth settles over me.
We are mates.
I am fated to belong to a highborn fae lord from the Winter Court, a male who should by all rights be my enemy.
A male who is technically my master…
But his words from earlier abruptly echo in my head, bringing me much-needed comfort… words he spoke directly into my mind.
You need not fear anything, my dearest.You are mine, just as I am yours. What we are about to do is just the beginning of the intimacy that is already growing between us. Trust me to give you what you need. Trust me to take care of you.
CHAPTER 12
MERAK
I hold Gwen’s gaze,watching her expression for any hint of despair, even though I can easily sense her emotions and thoughts.
It pleases me that she is drawn to me. Part of her even takes comfort in the knowledge that we are mates. But another part of her, a rather large part, is frightened.
Given how we met and that we are on opposite sides of a war my people are winning, I cannot say I blame her for having such fears.
I need time to think about this, she says down the bond.Alone. In private. But… later. Right now, I still want… I am still eager to…She flushes as her voice trails off in my mind.
I will allow you the time to think later,I promise her.Alone.
“Thank you, Merak,” she whispers, then she shifts on my lap again, her bottom grinding down on my hardness.
A growl reverberates from my throat.
Gods, I want her.
I ache to fully claim her.
But I understand that she isn’t ready yet. She needs time to think. Time to process the fact that we are mates.
What will I do if she eventually rejects me?
