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Emotions, tumultuous and conflicted, flickered across her face. Her body trembled. “I’m scared. What if neither of us can handle this thing inside of me? What if it consumes us both?”

“Let me share your burden,” he persisted. “I want all of you. Both your pleasure and your pain. Join with me. Together we will weather the storm.”

Lightning flashed, illuminating her confusion. “You really want me, don’t you? Just as I am—fractured, dangerous, spinning out of control? All of me, both the good and the bad?”

“Yes,” he growled. How could she doubt him when every dark instinct he possessed was slashing his insides, demanding he claim her? “As my Chosen, you were bonded to me without your consent. With the bond broken, you have a choice. Choose me. Choose us.”

Silence followed while his heart hung suspended in his chest.

Thin brows slashed above her turbulent eyes. She jutted her chin. “You’re wrong. I didn’t have a choice before, and I sure as hell don’t have one now.”

An icy fist slammed into his gut, and his heart sank. Still, she refused his claim. He squeezed his eyes closed, lowering his head.

“Look at me.” Her gentle palm cupped his clenched jaw. “Even without your mark, the connection between us isn’tbroken.Not even death could break this bond.” A bittersweet smile quivered on her lips, turning her gorgeous features into an expression that was part joy—part torment. “There is nochoiceto be made because I’m already yours.”

She softened against him, uttering five little words that would be forever etched in his memory. “Make me your Bride, Jericho.”

Victory sang in his blood.

He surged forward, plunging into her welcoming depths. Alex cried out, clinging to his shoulders. She rolled her hips, eager for every long, deliberate stroke. He supported his weight on one arm, freeing his other hand to clasp her breast. His hard, possessive grip startled a gasp from her mouth.

Cheeks flushed with passion, silver eyes burning with desire, she stole his breath. He devoured the vision of her, this beautiful, courageous woman. His Bride. He clasped her nape, and she turned her head, instinctively baring her throat.

Hunger swept through him. Hot. Aching. The pulse in her neck beckoned, inviting him to take what he wanted. He lowered his mouth to her enticing flesh. Urges, ancient and powerful, stirred.Claim your mate. “Duo corda, amor unus,semper. Two hearts, one love,forever,” he chanted in a guttural voice.

The power of the bond swelled in his chest, expanding like a bright, burning star until it threatened to crack him wide-open. He pierced her neck, and sweet ambrosia rolled over his tongue. From the deepest part of him, his soul reached for her.

Connected.

Alex’s essence flowed through him, enticing and pure. The depth of her emotions consumed the shadows, filling the dark recesses with light. Energy spiraled through his body, twisting and swirling until they were no longer two separate entities but one.

He withdrew his fangs from her neck, and the enchantment sealed his mark. Twin punctures branded Alex as his Bride. A heavy weight lifted from his heart, taking with it years of pain and loneliness.

Withholding their pleasure, he held himself above her. The need for his mate’s bite flooded him with carnal longing. Their gazes met, and he lost himself in her passion-glazed eyes. “Join with me. Complete the bond.” He gathered her in his arms and guided her to the curve of his neck.

Shock fractured the euphoric haze,dragging Alex back from the edge of bliss. Jericho wanted her to feed from him? She tensed, chewing her lip. “I don’t know how.”

“Close your eyes and take a slow breath.” His voice was hypnotic. Soothing. “Allow the instinct to rise inside of you. I sense your hunger. It pulls at me, demanding I provide for my Bride.” He cupped the back of her head, urging her to take what he offered. “Don’t think. Feel.”

The protective guards he placed between them faded.

Jericho’s need washed over her in a flood, stealing her breath. She sensed this was something he’d wanted for so long, yet never thought he’d have. Part of him still feared her rejection, that she considered him unworthy.

After tonight, Jericho would never feel unworthy again.

She took a deep breath to calm her nerves, filling her lungs with Jericho’s sandalwood scent. Only, instead of soothing her, it sent ripples of hunger tumbling low in her belly. With a low groan, she narrowed her gaze on the pulse thrumming in his throat. Heat lanced her gums, and her teeth ached as though she’d bitten into ice.

She skimmed her tongue along the front of her teeth.Fangs!Her heart slammed against her ribs. “Jericho?”

“I’ve got you.” Waves of reassurance wrapped around her, safe, secure. “Don’t fear the craving. Embrace it. Remember the pleasure you found in my bite? Let me share it with you.”

Oh yes. She was quite familiar with Jericho’s erotic bite. In fact, the endorphins still pumped through her veins. Would her bite do the same? The thought sent a dark thrill coursing through her.

She pressed her lips to the warmth of his skin. Thick muscle strained in his neck. Her powerful, fearless warrior was—holding his breath. She slid her tongue over his speeding pulse, and hunger unfurled in her gut.

Hunger for her mate.

She pierced his flesh with tender fangs, and his groan of relief rumbled in his chest. That first swallow shocked her system. Never had she experienced anything like it. It flooded her senses, demanding she take more. She curled her arms around his neck, drawing deep. Heaven help her. She could grow addicted to this.