Page 18 of Hidden Magic

“I love you.” The words were out, and Brant had never been so sure or so nervous in his entire life. But there was no going back, not with this woman. “And I would be honored to mate with you.”

Kat sighed and smiled. “Now, what’s the plan?”

He couldn’t help but laugh at the sunshine that was her. “Start moving, beloved. That’s step one.”

She did as he asked. “Sex is step one? That’s a unique engagement.”

“Not an engagement. When we are done, you will be mine for eternity. As I will be yours. There is no coming back from this.” He wanted to sound ominous, so she knew the truth. It was a serious matter and not to be taken lightly.

In response, her body started moving, finding that rhythm that was uniquely theirs. Pleasure mounted as it always did, fast and overwhelming. More proof of their forming bond; it was way past physical. It was deeper than skin and sex. It was already who they were together. The lost look on her face, her ragged breathing and the mist making her skin glow was the most erotic vision he had seen in his life. No other human, shifter, or creature had made him feel so unsure and certain of everything.

Keeping his hands lightly on her thighs, Brant knew he had to act before he completely lost control. Magic was already swirling between them. When he spoke, it was a mix of the man and the beast that said the words in unison. “Repeat after me. I willingly bond with you, my beloved.”

“I willingly bond with you, my beloved.” Kat’s voice was breathless but steady.

“And forever I will lay my life at your feet and offer my heart to your care, as I can only breathe when I’m with you.”

As she repeated the words, Brant felt her shiver. The magic clung to their skin now, the pleasure heightened and powerful. Not used to being under assault from magic, Kat leaned forward until she could cling to his shoulders while still moving her hips. Brant found it more and more difficult to resist touching her, but that was the price to pay for bonding. It had to be the female’s decision.

“You are my life and mate. Soul bonded for eternity.”

Magic now pulsed strong. His skin was alive with her touch, his body ready to explode. Kat mewled, accelerating her thrusts. He thought she wouldn’t say them, those final words, but shivering, she finally took a deep breath and did it. “You are my life and mate. Soul bonded for eternity.”

Magic hit him like a brick wall first. It was a surprise because all this time he thought despite his desire, magic wouldn’t allow the bonding. He was happily wrong.

It was like losing himself for an instant. Frightening in its intensity. But just as he thought all was lost, his body erupted. Crying out with a pleasure so intense, Brant instinctively reached for Kat, and he found himself. For the first time in his life, he wasn’t alone anymore. Pushing through the fog and the aftermath of the most intense experience of his life, Brant cradled Kat in his arms as her body collapsed, making him slide out of her warmth. Her hammering heart on top of his, he couldn’t be more content or happy. He had found the greatest gift there ever was.

His hands followed the curves of her spine up and down, her hair tickling his chin as he breathed.

Gently rolling her to the bed, he pulled the sheets over their naked bodies. Smiling as his beloved had probably passed out from what just happened, he pushed her wealth of chocolate curls to reveal her face and gasped.

Her familiar pale eyes were as white as before.

“Kat! My Kat! Damn it.” He’d thought bonding would have made her emerge from the coma permanently, but he had been wrong. His love hadn’t been enough. He hadn’t been enough to entice her to stay with him. Taking her unresponsive form in his arms, he buried his head in the crook of her shoulder and wept.

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