Page 77 of Stalked

“I own the building. I knew what salary would bring you back to Ravenwood.” I trace her cheekbone with my thumb. “I've been waiting, planning, making sure everything was perfect for when you finally came home to me.”

The shock in her eyes gives way to a more complex emotion.

“You manipulative bastard,” she whispers, but there's no real heat behind it.

“I prefer determined.” I kiss her again, gentler this time. “Fifteen years, Lia. Did you really think I'd leave anything to chance when I've been waiting that fucking long?”

Before I can continue my confession, Lia leans forward and captures my lips with hers, effectively silencing me.

“Shut up,” she whispers against my mouth. “Just shut up for a second.”

Her kiss is fierce, like she's trying to convey an emotion she doesn’t have the words to express. Her fingers tangle in my hair, tugging just hard enough to make me groan.

Xavier's voice breaks through the fog of desire. “The traditional claiming period begins now. You have until dawn to decide if you wish to keep your prey for the full year, as outlined in our contracts.”

I pull back enough to look into Lia's eyes, ignoring my brother's droning explanation of rules I've known since we created this fucking event.

“You're mine,” I murmur against her lips. “In one hour, I'm claiming you in front of every hunter here.”

Her pupils dilate, breath catching as my hand slides up her spine. “And then what?”

“And then you get twenty-four hours to go home and make preparations to move in with me. To our home.” I tighten my grip. “The home I've been preparing for you since you left.”

She shivers against me, pressing her forehead to mine. Her lips find mine again. I respond with equal fervor, my hand sliding up to grip the back of her neck.

“It's time,” a female voice announces, breaking through our bubble. “The prey must prepare for the claiming ceremony.”

I growl against Lia's mouth, my arm tightening around her waist. The thought of letting her go, even for an hour, feels physically painful. What if she disappears again? What if?—

“Vane,” she whispers, cupping my face. “I'm not running. Not this time.”

I search her eyes, looking for any sign of deception, but find only sincerity. With every ounce of willpower I possess, I loosen my grip and let her stand.

“One hour,” I vow.

She nods, walking away slowly. “One hour.”

I watch as Lia follows the female attendant toward the preparation chambers. The blanket she'd been wrapped in trails behind her like a cape as she glances back at me one last time before disappearing through the arched doorway.

One hour. Sixty fucking minutes.

I adjust myself and zip up my pants, scanning the room. Most of the hunters remain, my brothers among them. Xavier stands at the head of the table, talking with Landon. They both look in my direction, and I know they're discussing my broken protocol. Let them. I don't give a fuck about tradition right now.

“Well, well, well.” Knox's voice hits my ears before I see him, and then my youngest brother is sliding into the empty seat beside me, his blue skull mask hanging around his neck. “That was quite the display, big brother.”

I grunt in response, reaching for my drink.

“I've never seen you like this.” Knox's tone turns teasing as he leans closer. “Vane Blackwood, the heartless enforcer, looking at a woman like she hung the fucking moon. You're so in love it's actually disgusting.”

Something hot and volatile erupts in my chest. “Fuck off, Knox.”

“Whoa!” Knox raises his hands in mock surrender, his grin widening. “Hit a nerve, did I? Come on, you know I'm just?—”

“I said fuck off.” I slam my glass down, whiskey sloshing over the rim. “Not now.”

Knox's smile falters, genuine surprise crossing his features. We've always traded barbs easily, our relationship built on sarcasm and mutual mockery. But right now, with Lia finally in my grasp after so many years of obsession, I can't handle his juvenile bullshit.

“Jesus,” Knox mutters, studying my face. “You really are gone on her.”