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He shudders once more before he wraps his arms around me and pulls us both onto our sides. He’s still knotted inside me as he seals his mouth over mine in a searing kiss.

When he finally pulls back, he cups my cheek and rests his forehead gently to mine. “You are my heart, Rapunzel.”

Tears prick my eyes as I touch his face. “And you are mine, Ren.”

He skims his nose along mine as a deep purring sound vibrates in his chest. “I need you again,” he murmurs against my lips. “Will you take me?”

“Yes,” I whisper, and he rolls me beneath him.

I cling to him as he kisses me passionately and begins to move deep inside me once more.

CHAPTER 51

REN

It is nearly dawn and although I know we should return to the castle, I cannot make myself move just yet. Rapunzel is sprawled across my chest, her silver hair like a river of moonlight, her bare skin glowing faintly under the dawning sun that filters through the willow’s sweeping branches.

My heart clenches. She’s breathtaking, perfect, and all mine. Just as I am hers.

Fierce possessiveness fills me as I gaze at the claiming mark on her neck. Even though I know Prince Theron has relinquished any claim to her, I love that she carries my mark and my scent. Every male will know she is my mate.

She shivers and when I pull her closer, I love how she nestles into my chest. Trailing my hand down her delicate form, a low rumble of contentment vibrates in my chest as I press a tender kiss to her temple.

“You are my heart,” I murmur into her hair. “My beautiful amira.”

“I’m yours, and you are mine.” She gives me a lovely smile. “My handsome and charming fox prince.”

Although we made love most of the night, I already want her again, but it will have to wait. Far in the distance, beyond the trees, the stone towers of the castle rise like sentinels against the morning sky.

“We should return to the castle before anyone realizes you’re missing. And before Finik eats your family out of house and home,” I tease.

She laughs, and my heart fills with warmth. As I gaze at my mate, I send a silent prayer of thanks to the gods for placing her in my path. She is everything to me and I never want to be without her.

Rapunzel rides on my back in my fox form, her hands curled into the thick ruff of fur along my neck as I pad silently through the misty castle gardens. When we reach her balcony, I shift back into my two-legged form and lift her into my arms.

“Hold onto me,” I whisper.

Clutching my shoulders tightly, she releases a startled squeak as I leap up onto her balcony.

As soon as we land, I set her on her feet. She turns to me with wide eyes. “I didn’t know you could jump that far.”

I smile. “It’s one of the many perks of being mated to a Fox shifter.”

Rapunzel laughs. “You’re impossible.”

I give her a sly grin. “And all yours.”

She stretches up onto her toes and brushes her mouth to my own. “All mine,” she whispers against my lips. “Forever.”

My heart is full as I pull her against me, curling my tongue around hers and deepening our kiss.

When we finally pull back, she looks up at me. “We should go speak with my family.”

“Yes. We will let them know we’re now mated.”

“Maybe leave that detail out,” she says, her cheeks turning red. “And instead tell them we’re betrothed.”

I open my mouth to ask why, but she continues. “My parents expect us to wait until after our wedding to consummate our marriage.”