He was devastatingly handsome and fiercely masculine. And she was so happy for him she could’ve thrown herself around him and squeezed with all her might.
“Henrik? I called Jakob.”
He stepped down off the curb and came close enough she felt the heat from his body through the cold night air. Why wasn’t he saying anything?
Her heart was doing quadruple time in her chest, nearly making her breathless. “And, if you still want me—”
The kiss was a full-body experience. She hadn’t even seen it coming. Arms tight around her, he picked her up, claimed her mouth and made it blazingly clear just how much he wanted her. She was dizzy and breathless and recklessly aroused by the time he returned her to her feet.
He gripped her shoulders, his hands strong and warm. “I want you with everything I am, kjære, but I need you to be sure. What about all you will sacrifice?”
She shook her head. “I have no family, no real career. You live in the best possible place in the world for me to do my photography. And, if your blood can’t cure me, I can find a doctor here.” Kaira stepped tight against his newly big body. “I’m sure. This feels like what I’m supposed to do.”
His eyes flashed. “I am strong now, because of you. My blood will work. I feel it.”
The thought of being healthy again sent a shiver of amazement over her skin, but that wasn’t why she was choosing him. “Either way, I love you, Henrik.” The words were out of her mouth before she’d thought them through, but she immediately knew their rightness.
He groaned and held her tight. “You are my heart and my light, Kaira. I love you, too.”
“I want to do this now. The mating.”
“So do I. But your ceremony starts in—” he looked at his wrist, so much thicker than it had been before “—eight minutes. You’re not missing it.”
“But—”
“No buts. I’ll not have it any other way.”
She bit back a smile. “You know, that’s not always going to work with me.”
“What?”
“That line. I don’t know if that works with your guys, but you need to know that sometimes I’m gonna say ‘too damn bad.’”
His eyebrows raised to his hairline. “Will you, now?”
She lost the battle against the grin and finally just gave in. “I will.”
“And, is this one of those times?”
Kaira was nearly mad with her need for him. Her hand tingled. Her core ached. Her throat was oddly dry and scratchy. She was hungry for him.
But the show was its own once-in-a-lifetime, wasn’t it? And it was only an hour. Surely, she could wait an hour. Right? He licked his lips and flashed the promising tips of his fangs. Oh, he didn’t play fair. No, she could do it. Besides, where else was she going to wear a gown this gorgeous? She heaved a breath. “No, this isn’t one of those times.”
“Very well.” He turned and offered her his arm. “May I escort you, then?”
A thrill shot through her. “I would love for you to escort me tonight.” She snuggled into his side.
His eyes smoldered and flared with blue light. “And tomorrow?”
“And all the tomorrows.” Heat bloomed on her cheek.
A low growl tumbled out of him. “Let’s go collect your prizes and get out of here.”
Kaira laughed. But she loved his faith in her. And she loved his plan.
Because she was completely taken by her vampire king. Now and forever.