Page 79 of Master
"Like humans claim each other in a wedding?" Clara asked, eyes narrowing as she took in my words.
I knew the concept ofwedding. I'd seen mentions of Earth's formal mating ceremony in my studies.
"Yes. If the Valana accepts the mating, she bestows a blessing that binds the couple for eternity."
"What kind of blessing?"
My heart twisted, knowing as much as I wanted Clara, we would never have the kind of connection shared by a blessed pair. Still, I forced a smile to my lips as I answered.
"The Valana's blessing binds the couple. It keeps them…." I paused, thinking of the best way to describe it. "It keeps the couple in sync with each other, always."
"In sync? How?"
I let my fingertips trail again over her pulse for a second. "The valakana is the process where the heartbeats between two mates unify, forever beating in perfect unison until the day death parts them. It is an intense process and not without pain. Until your friend Emmy mated with our Chieftain, most believed the ritual was only survivable by Vaktaire."
Clara blinked at me, a wide grin splitting her face.
"Let me get this straight. Being blessed by your goddess means your heartbeat matches the rhythm of your mate's heart… right?"
"Yes," I admitted sadly. I did not regret the lie to keep her safe, but I regretted what it cost us.
Clara's eyes widened, and I stiffened, waiting for her upset.
Instead, she giggled.
More than a giggle. She threw her head back and laughed from deep in her belly.
I gaped at her, which only made her laugh harder. In answer to my stare, she picked up my hand, laying it between her breasts and over the steady beat of her heart. My first instinct was to jerk my hand away as though she'd laid it on a flame, but she placed her hand over mine, holding the touch in place.
It was torture… the reminder that no matter how much we cared for each other or how long we stayed together, the Valana would never bless us as true mates. My heart stuttered with sorrow, the beat skipping and slowing, echoing in my ears.
And under the palm of my hand.
My mouth opened and closed, disbelief and joy fighting a war to determine which escaped as sound.
"How… when?" I finally managed, pressing my hand more firmly atop her heart. The beat under my fingers thudded exactly as the organ in my chest.
Clara giggled at my reaction. "I don't know when it happened, but I noticed it a few days ago. When we danced."
"I never thought…." How had I not noticed? My mind flickered over the past few days, to moments when I thoughtmy heart moved from worry, fear, or desire in a beat not of my own making. Moments when I wouldn't let myself hope. I'd been so convinced I'd destroyed the chance for the Valana’s blessing with my lie…. I didn't let myself see the wisdom of my goddess. The Valana blessed us the first moment I claimed Clara as mate, knowing the truth of my statement, even when I didn't.
Clara's hands cradled my face, kissing my left cheek and in turn my right.
"No way your goddess couldn't bless us. I love you Tarook."
Her face held the remnants of happy tears, a salty taste I kissed away. My lips caught hers, relishing the softness and her taste.
Clara was mine. Truly mine.
"Say it again," I whispered, trailing kisses from her mouth to her ear and down the curve of her neck.
"I love you."
I caught her face between my palms. The words came easily, thick with emotion. "The Vaktaire do not use the concept of love with our mates. What we feel for them is… more. But know, I would give up everything I have... everything I've ever wanted just to stay by your side one day longer."
Tears shimmered in her beautiful eyes, although her lips curved upward as she linked her arms around my neck. "That's the most perfect definition of love I've ever heard." The smile faltered a bit. "But I don't want you to give up everything for me."
I nuzzled my nose against hers, ignoring the temptation of her lips for a moment longer. "You are my mate. My place is at your side."
