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“Ah, gods. That’s it,” he praised in a rasping voice, pulling her closer. “Now join with me.”

Whirling up from her toes, something ancient and instinctive reached for him, connecting her with her mate. Jericho’s energy coiled inside of her, swirling deep, deeper than she believed possible. His essence filled the empty void in her heart, joining their two souls. His strength, his desire, everything that was Jericho became a part of her. This connection, it went deeper than mere feeding. It bonded them together in such a way they’d never be separated again.

At once, everything became clear.Duo corda, amor unus—two hearts, one love.

She withdrew with a gasp, watching in awe as the eternal ritual sealed the wound. Her heart swelled as if some missing piece of her shattered world had settled into place.My mark. That’s my mark branding my mate.

“Alexandra, my Bride,” he grated, thick heat swelling inside of her, stretching her like never before. “Your bite… Can’t hold back much longer…” Jericho’s firm shaft pulsed in her core, and she rolled her hips, aching for more.

Lord help her. If she didn’t orgasm soon, she’d incinerate. Adrenaline surged through her muscles, banishing the lethargy stealing into her limbs. This male was hers. Something dark and instinctive roared to life. Her sire, her mate. A maelstrom of emotion welled inside of her. Possessive.Hungry.

With a burst of strength, she threw her leg over his hip and rolled him beneath her, straddling his hips. Jericho’s hands clamped down on her thighs, and a dominant growl of warning rumbled in his chest. “What’s wrong?”

“I… I’m not sure.” She rubbed her palms against her forehead, holding back the feral urges rising within her. Before feeding, the transition to vampire had left her weak and exhausted. But now? Now, Jericho’s blood nourished her body, giving her strength.

Fire licked through her veins, warming her skin. No longer cold. No longer weak. Something primal had awakened—and it refused to be tamed.

He levered up on one elbow and reached for her, curving his palm around the back of her neck. “Look at me, Alex.” She braced her hands against his thick pectorals and peered at him through heavy lashes. “You’re stronger from feeding, even more so since I’m not human. Your body is responding to my blood.” His voice resonated with masculine pride.

He studied her closely, eyes darkening with concern. “Strange, though, the first feeding usually leaves newborns exhausted.”

Except, Alex wasn’t like any other newborn.

Hunger for Jericho burned at her center. “Guess I’m breaking the rules again,” she groaned. She could feel her body strengthening, empowered by his blood, but instead of sating her, she thirsted for more.

Jericho’s eyes slid closed, clenched as though pained. “My Bride hungers.” His firm lips slammed against hers, bruising, punishing.

Desire ignited in her bloodstream, and molten need curled in her abdomen. Her tongue tangled with his, scraping along his elongated fangs. Dark urges clawed to the surface—raw and unfamiliar. She ground against his hardened length.

Jericho shifted upright, bringing them chest to chest. He grasped her hips, lowering her onto his shaft. She dropped her head back on her shoulders, lost to the sensation of him filling her. Still, she wanted—more.

Dry, prickling heat scraped her throat. She’d never experienced such hunger, such need. It was too much, the intensity overwhelming. Shaking, she wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders.

“Don’t let me go,” she pleaded.

Jericho’s thick arm circled her back. Possession ravaged her senses. “Never,” he grated.

She flexed her thighs, sliding along his velvet shaft. Jericho’s desire slid along her spine in a scorching caress. Her arms tightened, and she buried her face in his neck. His thrumming pulse beckoned her.

She swallowed hard, stomach clenching. No. It was too soon.

“Take from me, my Bride.” Jericho’s demand pushed at her resistance, and she was helpless to deny him. She surrendered to the compulsion and sank her fangs into his vein.

Jericho grasped Alex’s hips,urging her to a faster pace. His mate’s hunger beat at his senses. He could sense the darkness stirring within her, wild and untamed. A perfect complement to his own.

Sweat slicked his skin, and he struggled to hold them both in check.

Her lips at his throat filled him with satisfaction. Endorphins coursed through his veins, fueling both their pleasure.

The stiffened peaks of her breasts grazed his chest, and her silken channel drove him to madness. Still, he held his own release at bay. The flames of Alex’s desire burned through their bond, blazing brighter with each thrust of her pelvis. His chest heaved with each labored breath he took.

With a sharp cry, she withdrew her fangs from his flesh, hips rocking as she exploded around him. Her head fell back, and the silken strands of her hair brushed his thighs. The thin thread of his control snapped, and he surged into her depths, joining her as shards of fiery pleasure ripped through their bodies. Together they soared, two souls intertwined. No end and no beginning.

Quiet panting filled the silence. Alex sank against him, limbs loose, muscles quivering with exhaustion. Jericho’s chest swelled. His Bride, sated in every way possible. Ripples of contentment lapped at his heart like pebbles dropped into calm waters.

He eased her to her side and drew the blanket over them. Head on his chest, she exhaled a sigh and curled one shapely leg over his thigh.

Jericho nuzzled her forehead. “I sense you inside of me, my mate,” he murmured, then pressed his lips together, speaking through their psychic pathway.“Do you sense me inside of you?”