Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 141492 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 472(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 141492 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 707(@200wpm)___ 566(@250wpm)___ 472(@300wpm)
Her heart and soul wept for him. She had always been an empath, deeply feeling the emotions of those around her. Bound as she was to Petru, the feelings were amplified so much stronger.
“Ainamet andam. I give you my body.”
The moment he uttered that promise, color swept under her skin, covering her entire body. Tiny little flames flickered in her belly, where a knot the size of his fist formed.
“Sívamet kuuluak kaik että a ted. I take into my keeping the same that is yours.”
It was impossible not to recall the sensations his fingers had created. It was all she could do to stand still under the blazing heat of his eyes. It was difficult not to sway toward him, to turn her face up to his, knowing he was remembering the exact scorching moments together that she was.
You cannot tempt me with everyone so close, sívamet. I am no angel. A fallen one, perhaps, but I have little control when it comes to you.
She was grateful she wasn’t alone in her lack of control.
“Ainaak olenszal sívambin. Your life will be cherished by me for all time.”
I like the word “cherished.” She had never been shy, but admitting that to him made her feel even more vulnerable than knowing he was aware of how much she desired him physically.
Have no fears, Pelkgapâd és Meke Pirämet. You are cherished.
What is that you called me?
Fearless Defender. Sometimes I call you Demon Slayer. Sívamet is “of my heart.” Or “my love.”
She moistened her lips, unable to speak.
“Te élidet ainaak pide minan. Your life will be placed above mine for all time.”
When Petru stated that vow, he said it as if he meant it. Safia wondered why the man swore the vows and the woman simply listened. She knew that they were bound together and that when he had told her the ritual binding words would seal them, he spoke the truth. But why would only the man have to commit to these vows? There were so many unanswered questions.
“Te avio päläfertiilam. You are my lifemate.”
She knew lifemate to Petru meant his spouse. His wife but more.
“Ainaak sívamet jutta oleny. You are bound to me for all eternity.”
Her heart clenched hard in her chest. Eternity was a very long time. He would live for eternity. She would grow old and die. What would happen to him then? After all the dire warnings about him not being able to be without her, what would happen to him? Aura’s mother had lived a half life without her husband. In fact, she had all but abandoned Aura once he was gone. She didn’t want that for Petru. He’d suffered so much already.
“Ainaak terád vigyázak. You are always in my care.”
The last words had a finality to them. She was married to Petru Cioban. For eternity. Always in his care. A shiver went down her spine. She wasn’t certain if she loved the idea or was absolutely terrified.
A slow, brief, all-too-sensual smile lit Petru’s eyes. He tugged at her wrists until she stepped forward, so close her hands lay against his chest. With exquisite gentleness, Petru cupped her face between his palms and bent his head to hers. She watched him come to her, those lines carved deep, the epitome of sensuality.
There was desire in his eyes but not lust. He looked tender. Almost loving. His lips brushed hers. One corner. The other. Her stomach did a roll. He kissed the dimple he seemed a little obsessed with. Just a brief touch of his lips, but it was enough to send her pulse into overdrive.
His tongue ran along the seam of her lips, and then his teeth nipped her lower lip. The sting was barely there but enough to make her gasp. He took advantage, parting her lips, sliding his tongue along hers, pouring the hot masculine taste of him into her mouth and down her throat. Instantly, glittering embers spread through every vein and artery, carrying tiny sparks, igniting a wildfire until flames seemed to be leaping through her body and racing to her core.
Petru lifted his head and pressed his forehead to hers while they both took a moment to get their breathing under control.
Amastan cleared his throat. “Did this ritual satisfy both of you that Safia is your lifemate?”
“I never had a single doubt,” Petru said and straightened. Turning to face her family, he retained possession of her hand. “The ritual bound us together. In the eyes of my people and mine, she is my wife.”
The three men who had always meant the most to Safia regarded her carefully. She gripped Petru’s hand, terrified at the consequences of what had just occurred. She had stepped off the proverbial cliff. She did her best to keep fear from showing on her face, but she was trembling, and that was difficult to hide. The last thing she wanted was her family feeling as though they needed to fight for her. They had no chance of winning a battle against Petru and his traveling companions.