Page 231 of The Lands Defying
“I don’t know what you see, Darius,” I say quietly.
“I see your heart that’s bruised, torn and broken, yet you still give it to those who need it. I see your mind that’s been exhausted and full, whirling with memories yet intelligent. Quick and knowledgeable. I see your soul that’s stained in death, violence and blood, yet I see the light shine so clearly inside of it. And when I see your eyes…That is my favorite part of you, little wolf. Your eyes light up when you see something new, fill with so much innocence that I just want to wrap you around me and keep you safe. But they can also darken in anger, be brutal when you are protecting those you love, and they burn me alive when they are filled with desire. Desire for me.”
“It’s only ever been like that with you,” I say, chest rising and falling with his words.
“Only you,” he agrees, and I know he’s also telling me it is the same with him. “But most of all, they still shine like moonlight,like the very first time I got close enough to see it, and they captured me, just like when I first saw you.”
“Zahariss said they would,” I remind him.
He shakes his head. “You lured me with your presence, and your eyes took me under their spell, but what made me unable to leave your side, unable to escape? It wasn’t this bond between us, Rhea, it wasn’t the will of the Gods or the moon, or our souls. It was you.”
“Your strength, your beauty, your heart, mind and soul. When you look at me,reallylook at me and let me in. Fuck, little wolf.” His hands clench at his sides, like he wants to grab me but needing to get the words out. “I see everything that resides in them. My future, my salvation, my forgiveness, myhome. And with just that look, I would give you anything you ask for, and anything you are too scared to voice aloud.” His head hangs back on his shoulders as they rise with another deep breath. “Not being able to see your eyes is like someone taking the moon from the night sky and plunging us into complete darkness, Rhea, and I cannot be without it. That is what I see when I look at you.”
“Darius,” I choke out, emotions running through me rapidly at his words, at his declaration.
He tilts his head down and smiles. “Come to me, little wolf. Come to me and join our souls, come to me under the moonlight and become my Vihnarn. Just like you were always meant to be.”
My heart stops as he holds out his hand to me, at seeing the slight tremble to it as I now realize what this is.
A mating.
I sniffle, clutching the flower tighter in my hand as I watch a number of emotions pass over his face. Determination, adoration, fear and something so much deeper.
Am I ready to be his in the way of the Gods? Do I want to be tied to this male for the rest of my days?
I think back on everything we have been through, and everything that has happened since.
No male will take care of me like him, no other male could even come close. And I don’t want them…I want him.
This male that has seen every side of me and is still standing before me. Wanting me.
“Are we still enemies?” I ask softly.
“We could never be that again.”
“And you want me? Forever?” I ask.
He nods. I take another step.
“I told you we are effiniar. There is no end for us,” he says.
I let out a shaky breath, and then I’m another step closer.
“You will be just for me?”
“Yes.”
“Mine?”
“Always,” he replies instantly.
“No other?”
“There is no other but you. There never could be.” Just like I had always wanted, someone just for me.
I let out a shaky breath, my stomach fluttering with nerves and anticipation.
I take another step.
