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He stared intently into my eyes. “I vow to be the roots that ground you, the branches that help you reach for your dreams, and the shelter that forever keeps you safe. I will love you in every life.”

My lips trembled, but I managed to swallow past the lump in my throat, repeating his words. My voice cracked on the last sentence, and Lorian pulled me close.

“Not yet,” Galon said. As usual, Lorian ignored him, gently pushing the bracelet over my hand until it encircled my wrist. The magic woven into the metal instantly shrank the bracelet until there was just enough room for my wrist to be comfortable, but it could only be removed with tools.

“Fine,” Galon said with a wave of his hand that made everyone laugh. “Just as you are mated, so shall you be wed. I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may…”

More laughter.

I barely heard it, because my head was whirling as Lorian’s mouth met mine. I soaked in the feel of him. The taste of him. The scent of him.

He let out an exultant laugh, pulling me to him and spinning me around until all I could do was hold on, my chest lighter than air.

LORIAN

Prisca was my wife. She was also my mate. She was myeverything.

I barely tasted the wedding feast Rekja had provided, too busy focusing on the way Prisca beamed as well-wishers approached. She licked her lips, and my gaze caught on her mouth.

A cheery tune began playing, the musicians drawing couples from their tables. Rekja had even managed to arrange for music on such short notice. I owed him my gratitude.

Catching Prisca’s hand, I brought her knuckles to my mouth. Her eyes met mine, and I basked in her attention.

“Dance with me, wildcat.”

She smiled at me, allowing me to lead her from the table. Several people had been approaching from various directions. I sent them a warning look, and they immediately found someone else to talk to.

Prisca squeezed my hand until I glanced back at her. “Are you terrifying our guests during our wedding feast?”

I gave her my most charming smile. “I missed you.”

“I was sitting right next to you.”

“You were looking at other people.”

Her laugh rang out, and I drew her to the far edge of the tent, close to the musicians. When the music turned slow, I pulled her into my arms, kissing my way up her smooth, warm neck.

She let out a hum, tipping her head back, and I caught her lips with mine.

Gods, the taste of her.

I forced myself to lift my head, almost throwing her over my shoulder when her glazed eyes met mine.

“Are you happy?” I murmured.

She grinned up at me. “I’m so happy, I feel as if we got away with something we shouldn’t have. This feels like a dream.”

The music ebbed and flowed as couples danced around us. I drew her even closer, and she nestled her head on my chest. Pride swelled within me. Not long ago, the thought of being tender with anyone was unfathomable. The thought of risking my heart, untenable. Now, it was the thought of being away from this woman for even a few days that seemed unbearable.

“You clawed your way under my skin, wildcat.”

She angled her head, smirking up at me. “You deserved it. You were so grumpy and mean with your orders and threats.” She gave a mock shiver. “Very scary.”

I leaned down and kissed the shell of her ear, enjoying the way her breath caught. “You had no problem standing up to me.”

“Oh, there were problems,” she muttered, laughingwhen I nipped her ear.

“Hey, darlin’,” Rythos said behind us. “Can I cut in?”