Series: Lee Savino
Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 66414 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66414 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
But my smile is huge, stretching my face. He did it. I’m claimed.
He licks my skin, lapping up blood, I realize. His growl is more of a purr. My body is boneless in the aftermath of his bite and my orgasm. I’m floating, weightless in his hold.
He turns me over and licks my face. Licking up my tears.
“Wife.” The concerned note in his voice makes me blink at him. He’s searching my face. His own expression is the familiar Dr. Hunk one I know and love—calm and in control. “You okay?”
“Mmmhmmm.”
“You’re high on neurochemicals.” He chuckles and lifts me into his arms. “I should've done this on the bed.”
“No.” My knees are red from taking his weight. Still. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” I touch his lips, inhaling his delicious scent. I’m coated in it now. I hope I smell sandalwood everywhere I go. “Mate.”
“Mate.” He nips my fingers. His lips are soft and strong. He carries me to his bed, where he checks me over. After I drink some water and take some pain pills, he lays down and pulls me against him. I snuggle up to him, and it feels so right.
I feel like I have someone who will be my rock. Someone who will share my hopes and fears, who will hold me when I cry and laugh at my bad jokes.
Someone who sees the real me. Someone who will never let me go.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
“No, sweet wife. Thank you.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Maisy
I never celebrated Valentine’s day. I never had a date, never had plans other than telling cafe customers about our signature red velvet latte made with sweet cream and red sparkling sugar. I’d never been kissed.
This year, everything’s different.
I stand in front of my bedroom’s full-length mirror, straightening the collar of my off-the shoulder wedding dress. The neckline shows off my diamond necklace and mating mark, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
My ring finger feels bare without my wedding band, though.
There’s a knock on my door, and before I’m finished murmuring “come in,” Daisy sails through.
“Happy birthday, darling girl!” she cries. “It’s a gorgeous day.” She sets a bright yellow mug of coffee on my dresser then turns and gets a good look at me. Her breath catches. “Oh my.”
“Daisy?” My grandmother has recovered most of her energy, but she’s changed. She seems…softer. She cries more easily. Like now. Her face fills with wonder, and her eyes grow glassy with tears.
“Darling girl,” she whispers. “You look stunning.”
I cross the room to take both her hands, holding tight in case she falls.
“Oh, my Maisy.” She squeezes my hand with strong fingers. “You’re all grown up.”
It takes a moment to stop my lip from wobbling. Missy did my makeup, and there’s no way I’m messing it up. “Will you zip me?”
She spends the next few minutes fussing over my gown. She’s in a stunning dress of her own, bright turquoise with pops of yellow and a daisy pin. Lana had it made by an up-and-coming designer.
We both have coats that match our gowns.
“There, all set. Oh, you look like a snow queen.”
I glance at the mirror. Missy did use a lot of shimmer on my cheeks and eyelids. I look ethereal.
“Thanks for walking me down the aisle.”
I asked Daisy to walk me down the aisle. I wouldn’t want Allen here. Besides, Matthias told me he’s been mind-wiped by a vampire and is now living his best life as a waiter in Vancouver.
“Of course. I’ve never seen a more beautiful bride. If your mom could see you now… but of course she’s looking down on you from heaven.”
“Don’t make me cry.” I tip my head up and blink my tears back.
Outside our door, someone honks a horn.
“That’s our ride. Before we go, let me say this.” She cups my face between her hands. “I never thought there’d be a man who deserves you, but you found him. That man won't ever leave you lonely. I swear he looks at you like you’re his whole world. I know when my time is done that he'll take care of you.”
“Stop.” I sniffle. “You’re living a long time. Don’t you want to hold your great-grandbabies?”
Our ride honks the horn again.
Daisy opens the door and hollers, “All right, keep your shirt on,” at Axel, who’s parked by our mailbox in one of his project hot rods, a sky blue convertible. Even though the air is frosty, he has the top down. He hops out, swinging his long hair like a K-pop star. All his tattoos are hidden under his tux, so he looks very conventional and dashing, like a Jane Austen hero.
“Daisy.” He bows low as he opens the door for her. “You’re looking lovely.”
“Yes, thank you, young man. I feel sixty-two again.”
“Maisy, I have something for you.” He grabs a black velvet box and presents me with a sparkling tiara. “One last touch.” He sets it on my head as I play with the diamonds on my necklace, feeling breathless. “Perfect.”