Because of course I can’t have a normal conversation with Gabriel. Even one as important as this one.
Even though I feel the same way, I hadn’t dared hope Gabriel would love me back. Because he’shim, and well, I’m... me.
He inclines his head, green eyes glinting. “So fucking much, it hurts.”
A beat passes, then a smile stretches across my face. “Burning suns, Gabe. I love you, too.”
“Truly?”
“Yes. I think I’ve been in love with you for longer than I even realized.”
A look of sheer relief courses through his eyes, and then he slants his lips over mine. He kisses me hard, like he needs airand can only get it from me, and I cling to his shirt, holding him close. Needing this as much as he needs me.
This kiss is full of emotions and depth and passion and...
It’s over as quickly as it began.
Gabriel pulls away, resting his forehead against mine. “I love you, Birdie. I love you like the stars adore the moons, delighting in remaining by their side night after night. Like flowers love the suns and crave their warming light. I love you so much, you consume my thoughts.”
A strangled sound slips from my lips as Gabriel drops to one knee.
“I have been falling in love with you for a long time, little bird. Even before I knew we were fated to be together.” He gazes up at me like I’m his whole world, and I stare back at him.
Can he hear the thundering of my heart? Does he know what the sight of him on his knees does to me?
“What are you doing, Gabe?” He isn’t... This isn’t a proposal, is it?
The Hunter is a lot of things, but I never thought he was insane. And proposing to me right now would be exactly that—insane.
Because even though I have a firmer grasp on my magic, even though my sisters are here and Gabriel and I love each other, we’re still being hunted by the king. Not only that, but the next Giving Season is steadily approaching.
This isnotthe time for a wedding.
I thought that was obvious, but it seems Gabriel and I may not be on the same page because he gathers my hands, kissing them both before squeezing tightly.
“Before you came into my life, I was living in shadows. I was merely existing, going from one day to the next. But you barged in, with your Mark and your kind heart and your hatred of running, and you upended everything. Changed my world.You were brave and strong and courageous, even while you were dealing with things that no one should ever be faced with.”
By the suns, perhaps he has lost his mind.
My Mark pulses. “Gabriel?—”
“I want to seal our bond, Wren.”
Oh.
Oh.
Thank the blessed, burning suns and everything that is holy. This is about our connection.
“That’s what this is about?” I stifle the relieved laugh trying to claw its way out of my throat.
There’s a slight twinge of disappointment in my stomach, which is wholly out of place and something I’ll have to deal with later, but overwhelmingly, I’m just relieved.
“Yes. Our lives have been filled with so much uncertainty and danger, but what we have connecting us is a gift from the gods.”
Despite how I feel about the gods, I can’t deny my connection with Gabriel has been growing stronger with the passing weeks. I can feel it—a steady thrum in my chest encouraging me to get closer to the Hunter no matter where we are or what we’re doing.
Making it permanent feels like the natural next step.
