Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 44561 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44561 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
“I do.”
Jezebel’s breath hitched at the first sound of his voice. Strong and firm. Deep. And his name. Arion. She repeated it over and over in her mind until it slid fluidly into her thoughts.
His father set a huge palm on the top of her head, as she’d known he would do. “Jezebel, do you promise to love and honor your mate, Arion… To accept his guidance and care… To learn from him the ways of our pack… To lean on him in times of sorrow… To laugh with him in times of happiness… To accept his protection from harm… To obey his directives… To cherish him for eternity?”
Jezebel swallowed hard before clearing her throat and replying, “I do.” She hoped it was loud enough for everyone to hear.
Arion’s father removed his hand, and Arion replaced it with his own, touching the top of her head for the first time. His hand was enormous, his grip was firm, the pressure reassuring in an odd way.
His father spoke again. “I hereby declare in the presence of these witnesses, following the norms of our pack that have stood for centuries, that this couple is now mated.”
Jezebel didn’t move or lift her head. She wasn’t supposed to. Not yet. Her parents each set a hand on her shoulders and gave a gentle squeeze before exiting the room.
She knew from her teachings that Arion’s parents did the same to him before following hers out of the room. The door shut with a soft snick.
She was now alone with her mate, a man she had not yet seen, a man who had spoken only two words in her presence so far, a man who would soon know her better than anyone alive, inside and out.
To say she was nervous was an understatement.
Chapter Five
“Rise, Little one,” Arion commanded gently. “Let me see you.”
Jezebel’s legs were shaking as she tried to come to her feet as elegantly as possible.
Arion’s hand slid from her head to her cheek as she stood, and when she tipped her head back to take him in for the first time, she found him smiling.
His expression of pleasure eased her mind slightly.
He reached with his other hand to hold her face in both. “You are so beautiful, Little one.”
She smiled. At least he’d started their lives with kind words. He was also beautiful. Dark, thick hair that was almost black. Dark eyes. Strong features. His lips were full and turned up at the corners. Tiny wrinkles spread from the corners of his eyes, indicating he was pleased. His skin was pale like hers.
Arion stroked her cheeks with his thumbs as he stared into her eyes. “It’s so good to finally meet you in person, up close.”
A flush crept up her cheeks. “You watched me,” she murmured absently.
“Thousands of times,” he admitted.
“I could feel you,” she responded.
He lifted a brow. “Could you?”
She nodded slightly. “Yes. Or at least I thought I could.”
“Mmm. Sometimes I wondered. You would turn and look my direction as if you knew where I was standing even though you couldn’t possibly know that for sure.”
“Yes.”
“I don’t think that’s common among our pack. I’ve never heard of it before. My friends made fun of me.” He chuckled.
She felt lighter as she absorbed his laughter. It was huge of him to share such a vulnerability as his friends mocking him. Unexpected.
“Do not fear me, Little one. I will never intentionally harm you. Though we are mated now, and with that comes certain…expectations, I will take my time with you. I will not rush you. I will earn your trust before I take you to my bed.”
His words were so blunt, but they brought her relief. He wasn’t going to turn her around and mount her before they left this room. He had that right. He was her mate now.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
His hands slid down her arms until he reached hers. He lifted her fingers to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “I will take you to my home now. We will begin our lives together.”
She swallowed over the lump in her throat and nodded. That was what was expected. It was the way of their people. Matings were held in relative privacy, and then the newly united couple was given time alone.
Jezebel had heard her time with him might vary, but he would not return to his regular daily duties for perhaps a month. This gave the new couple time to get to know each other and develop a new normal together.
Arion reached into his pocket and withdrew a small vial. He cupped her face again and met her gaze. “I will put a drop of this on your tongue, and you will sleep while I take you to my home.”
She took a deep breath, trying to be brave. She’d known about this part also. She would be unconscious for the journey. It was their custom. She would not know where he’d taken her or even which direction they left town. It was for her protection and safety.