Page 36 of Nice

"I'm counting on it."

Taking the knife, I make a small nick in my index finger, letting the blood drop down into the ice-blue liquid. The drops hang suspended for a moment before bursting to intermingle with the rest of the liquid. Taking a deep breath, I connect with my beast and say the binding spell.

“With my blood I share my life.

Flesh of my flesh

Blood of my blood.

I claim you as my mate.

Through life, I'll be at your side

As you will be at mine.

In death we will join the stars

In the heavens for all time.”

With a flash, the blood becomes one with the liquid. The whole cup glows for a moment before turning into a light lavender. Sitting on the bed, I lean down and kiss Caitlin, transmuting all my love and affection to her in that one kiss. I bring her head up and tilt her mouth open before slowly pouring the liquid into her mouth.

I sit and wait, holding my breath. Seconds go by like years. Nothing. Clutching her to me, I rock back and forth, murmuring nonsensical words and pleas. After an eternity, she heaves against me as a huge breath fills her lungs. I pull her back and look at her. Though pale and drawn, her eyes are open and she's somewhat alert. Bringing the glass up to her lips, I force her to drink the rest of it.

Setting the cup down, I scoop her up into my arms and take her out of the room. Heading down the hall, I make my way to my old room that Kringle let me use on those nights I needed to get away from my father. No one follows me, and no one says a word as I kick open the door and bring her inside. Setting her down on the bed, I close the door and pin her with a heated stare.

Slowly, I let the illusion drop, revealing my naked form. Her eyes glaze over as she looks me up and down, lust flickering in their depths. I walk towards her, letting her get a good look at her mate. Dropping down to my knees at the bed, I take her hands in mine, kissing the back of each one. I ease them over and kiss both of her wrists, hearing the sighs drop from her lips.

Looking up, I grip her hands in mine. "You scared me so much. Please, don't ever put your life in danger like that again."

Her eyes glisten as she pulls her hand out of mine. "I didn't mean to. I just wanted to get back to you." She runs her fingers through my hair before putting her hand back in her lap. "When I saw that bear I -."

I cut her off, unable to think about that moment. Just her mentioning it is enough to make my heart stutter. Motioning for her to scoot over, I join her in the bed, pulling her body into mine. She's still cold, and it reminds me of just how close I came to losing her. Sighing into her hair, I run my hands up and down her body, convincing myself that she's really alive and here with me.

Her little moans as she burrows into my warmth brings a smile to my lips. Looking up at the ceiling, I mouth a silent prayer of thanks to the Fathers for letting me find her and helping her live.

"You know I'm going to have to punish you for that."

Her face peeks up from my chest, concern etched into her features. "But I wasn't bad! I promise. I didn't sleep with Kris. I kneed him in the balls!"

I roar out with laughter and clutch her tighter. My little minx is a hellcat, and that's perfect for me. Ruffling her hair, I lean down and kiss her crown. "That may be, and I'm grateful for that, but you put your life in extreme danger. I can't allow you to think of ever doing anything like that again. Now that you're mine for eternity, I need to lay down the law early."

Pausing, I listen for any protestation. Just because she's my mate doesn't mean my needs stop. In fact, now that she's forever mine, I fear my needs will only grow more and more each day that I'm with her. Just the thought of turning her bottom a bright pink has my cock surging up. Tentative fingers wrap around my shaft and I groan at the contact. I allow myself a few shallow thrusts into her hand before I remove her from me. With a stern frown, I lay her down on the pillows.

"Not tonight. You almost died tonight. I want you to rest, and after that, we can see about that punishment. Perhaps I'll use your naughty ass to stroke myself. Does that seem fitting? Or maybe I'll just tease you until you want to scream, but still deny you the pleasure you seek." I tip her head up so I can see her face. "Either way, you're not to leave this bed for the next few days. Just so I know you're alright."

She rolls her eyes and I let her this time. She's been through a lot. Later, after we settle into a workable routine, I let her know just how much I detest it.

"What if I have to go to the bathroom?"

Frowning, I reach around and tap her ass. "There's a bathroom connected to the room. You may use that when you need to, just don't leave the room. Deal? And if you start walking about and not resting, I'll tie you to this bed and make you beg me to use the restroom. Are we clear?"

"Yes Sir."

Her faint whimpers make me twitch, as does the smell of her arousal. My beautiful mate is perfect for me. Not slacking my lust inside her luscious body will be a punishment for both of us, but if that's the penance I must pay for making her mine, I'll gladly pay it. Turning her around, I nestle her ass against my cock and pull her close. Within minutes, her breathing evens out and she's fast asleep. Kissing her head one more time, I tighten my hold and join her.

Chapter Twelve: Caitlin

Sun streams through a window, hitting me in the face. Groaning, I turn my head to escape the rays, and find myself squashed up against a warm body. Looking up, I determine it's for sure Asmon before snuggling back in. His soft snores are reassuring as I let them rumble into my body. Lying there for a moment, my brain whirls back through the last few days. I still want to kill Kris for being such an asshat but lying next to Asmon makes it seem distant somehow.