“My grandmother came to pave the way for my arrival.”
“Aye, she loves you greatly. That I understood well. She also gave me her word you were a man of great honor.” An intriguing smile lifted her lips. “Will you show me your other form, that of the bear?”
“’Tis too soon. I dinnae wish to frighten you.”
“Your grandmother promised me you’d never be able to do so. And there is naught that frightens me.”
“Did she also explain what this night would entail?”
“Aye.” A mischievous glint lit her eyes. “That should we complete the bond then we would form an unbreakable merge of the mind. I must warn you though, I’ve always suffered a rather impetuous streak. I couldnae help but sneak out to meet you afore you arrived at Tainfield’s gate. I wanted to speak with you first in private.”
“Glad I am then for your rash behavior, and aye, I promise you’ll never regret meeting me here.” He lowered to one knee, took her tiny hand in his and spoke the words drawn deep from within his soul. “You’re my mate, the one woman I wish to share my life with. Will you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?”
“I should insist you speak to my father first.”
“Aye, you should.” He swung her into his arms and carried her to his horse. “Allow me to take you home.”
“I’d rather no’ return this eve.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, buried her nose in his shoulder-length hair, and whispered, “My answer is aye, I wish to be your wife, and my soul aches for more this very night. I desire the bond and all that it entails.”
“As I desire you, to complete the bond and merge fully as one, although we have only just met and I have no issue if you wish to wait.”
“Mayhap I forgot to mention my impetuousness?” She smiled, her lips lifting into a playful grin.
“I see.” Grinning back, he carefully set her upon his horse, slid in behind her and with his arms around her, slapped his reins against his destrier’s neck and rode toward the quaint inn he’d passed at the edge of the forest some miles back.
Tonight was their night, and no other’s.
He would woo his mate as she deserved and if she truly wished for more, he would gladly join with her. Bethia was his, now and forever.
Chapter 7
Isla stood unclothed before her mate, her towel lying in a puddle at her feet next to the gurgling river meandering through the forest near his cabin. This was the most beautiful place, so private and secluded and it was just them within this little slice of paradise.
“You should have warned me you were about to do that.” Iain, his thumbs still stuck inside the waistband of his black silk boxers, stared into her eyes.
“Do you still intend to shift with me?”
“Absolutely. What my lady asks for, she shall receive.” He slid his boxers down his muscled legs then kicked them on top of his pile of clothing. Every inch of him was on delicious display and although she’d touched him earlier in the day, made him come with her hand alone, that time together paled in comparison to the intensity and raw intimacy of this moment.
“Need to touch you.” Ragged words as he stepped closer. He trailed a finger down her neck then gently, carefully, he cupped both her breasts, dipped his head and licked one nipple. The heavy rasp of his tongue across sensitive flesh sent a flurry of need pulsing through her core. “I long to make you mine, Isla.”
“I’m already yours. I was from the moment I was born.” She dropped to all fours and for a miniscule moment, pain seared through her as her bear broke free. The Change was swift and fast, the pain leaving her as quickly as it had come.
Iain grumbled, dropped and in a sizzling display of fireworks, made the Change beside her. One large bear with silky black fur lumbered closer, his beast twice her size as he nudged her muzzle with his own then rose up on his hind legs and roared. His thunderous growl stated his claim, that she was his and for all others to remain far away, not that they weren’t already alone.
Grinning, she plodded into the shallow water at the edge of the river then went deeper and paddled across to the other side. She trod up the far bank, shook the water from her body and sent drops flying. Happiness exploded inside her. This was the most glorious place on Earth. In a patch of sunshine, she sat and rolled onto her side, the grass tickling her muzzle and belly. Such a moment of perfection.
Iain followed in her wake, plopped down beside her and dropped one front paw over her rump, his claws lightly scratching her pelt then with lightning speed, he made the Change, fur retracting and muzzle shortening in a shimmer of bright light until the man lay beside her. He stroked her head and rubbed between her ears. “Your bear is beautiful, Isla.”
A purr rumbled from her.