own and seal our mating bond for all eternity.
A few weeks ago, I might have thought it was too much, too soon. But if I’d learned anything over those weeks, it was that life was precious, fragile, and it could be taken in a heartbeat. Percy had worked so hard to prove himself to me, to show how dedicated he was to our baby and me. And there was nothing I wanted more than what he was offering right then.
I bit my lip as Percy’s eyes gleamed, full of hope.
“I want that too, Percy,” I whispered. “I want you to claim me as your fated mate.”
The look on his face was nothing short of relief. I pressed my lips to his then pulled back slightly. “Did you truly have any doubt?”
He arched an eyebrow. “Well, I do recall you saying something along the lines of how fate was wrong about us…” But then he smiled, and I knew he was only teasing.
“I’m so sorry for that,” I said, regret burning in my chest as I remembered that terrible night.
But Percy shook his head. “Don’t be. You have nothing to apologize for. I’m just so grateful we were given a second chance.”
Then he took my face in his hands and kissed me. Slowly yet full of passion and love and every other emotion he felt for me. I melted into his touch, giving myself over to him.
After a moment, Percy broke the kiss and stood, taking my hand in his again and tipping his head toward the stairway, a question in his eyes.
Oh. He wanted to claim me—right then. Heat coursed through me at the thought, my body instantly responding to my mate, to the idea of being claimed by him.
I bit down on the smile curving my lips and nodded. Percy smiled and kissed me again, then silently led me up the stairs and toward my room. The music I’d heard earlier grew louder as he pushed open the door, though it was still soft and sensual.
He’d gone all out. Not only had he laid a path of candles and rose petals all the way up the stairs, but they continued into the bedroom, and the rose petals were scattered all over the bed. Candlelight flickered off the walls, and combined with the music playing softly, it was easily the most romantic thing I’d ever seen.
“Aw, Perce,” I said, turning to him with a grin. “I didn’t know you had it in you.”
He gave me a look before wrapping me up in his arms again. “I guess I’m just full of surprises. And if you’ll let me, I intend to keep you on your toes for the rest of your life.” Then he went down on one knee, clasping my hands tightly. “Easton, will you be my mate forever and always? Will you let me claim you as mine?”
I nodded, unable to speak as my throat tightened with emotion. My heart pounded, my breath hitched, and Percy kissed my hands, so tenderly, I thought I might cry. Then he cupped my belly and pressed a kiss there, for our baby.
I watched as he slowly got to his feet and took me in, his eyes lingering. It was as if he wanted to remember this moment forever.
I smiled. “I love you, Percy.”
He looked humbled, awed. And I felt the same way, just as grateful as he was that fate had brought us together. When he kissed me again, there was a touch of reverence to it, and anticipation skittered across my skin, every nerve sparking to life where he touched me.
Never breaking our kiss, he backed me up until my thighs hit the bed, and then he began to undress me slowly. He took his time, kissing every inch of my now-blazing skin as he peeled my clothing away and tossed it aside. Then it was his turn. I returned the favor, stripping him and kissing him back, loving the taste of him, the feel of him.
When we were both naked, he scooped me up and placed me on the bed, taking a moment to rake his gaze over me. My body was already on fire, aching for him, and my cock throbbed with need as his focus lingered there.
Slowly, he climbed onto the bed, kissing my belly again, my chest, my shoulders, my neck. His mouth was warm and soft, and by the time he finally closed his lips over mine again, I was practically shaking with need.
I threaded my