“Okay,” Cydney said a little shakily. “I slept with an immortal warrior who can shape shift and has lived for over a thousand years. And you think I’m your mate.”
“I don’t think. You are. While you slept, I checked your back. Tiw’s mark has fully appeared.”
Cydney shot off the bed and rushed to the en suite bathroom. After flipping on the light, she turned her back to the mirror and pulled off her shirt. Looking over her shoulder, she saw in the reflection a black tattoo-like mark on her skin, the design of a stylized man between two wolves, the same as what Wulfric had on his shoulder.
She turned to look at Wulfric who had followed her in. “So what does this mean?
That we’re mated now?”
“It means I’ve claimed you, and that you’ve accepted. We won’t be true mates until Tiw grants you immortality.”
“And if I don’t want it—or you?”
Wulfric’s eyes turned bleak. “I’ll let you go. It’ll hurt like hell, since I already love you. But I would never bind you to me if that weren’t what you wished.”
Hearing Wulfric tell her he loved her sent a wave of panic through her. She could admit to herself she had strong feelings for him, but being tied to him for all eternity, she just didn’t know. She didn’t want a marriage like what her parents had had. And Wulfric asked to have forever with her. What would happen if her feelings changed, or his?
“You have to give me some time,” she said.
Wulfric nodded. “All right, but I’m not going to let you return to Canada without getting an answer from you.” He came closer and cupped her chin in his hand as he kissed her lightly. “I don’t want to lose you, Cydney.”
She nodded. A part of her wanted to throw herself into his strong arms and never let go, but the scared part held her in place. “I promise to give you my answer before I’m scheduled to leave.”
Wulfric stepped back. “I’ll hold you to it. And all things considered, I think it best Kamryn drives you and Maggie back to her parents’ place.”
“Thanks. I’m sure Maggie will appreciate that.”
He ran his gaze over her face one last time, then walked out of the room.
It was the night of the full moon and Wulfric’s heart wasn’t into the hunt as it usually was during this time. For one thing, Dolf wasn’t into it, either. The first time in over a thousand years they weren’t competing to see who could take down the most werewolves. The thrill just wasn’t there.
Almost a week had gone by since Wulfric had last seen Cydney. And it was hell being apart from her. He thought about her constantly. Only to himself did he admit he was more than a little scared he’d lose her. That she’d turn him down, get on a plane to Canada and never come back. Every time he thought about it, he broke into a cold sweat. He loved her with all of his heart, and no one would ever take her place. If she rejected him, he had an eternity of being alone to look forward to.
The only one who was in worse shape than Wulfric was Dolf. The warrior moped around the manor much as he did. Wulfric felt sorry for his friend. Dolf’s situation was even worse than his. His fellow warrior had attempted to see Maggie again, but she still wouldn’t have anything to do with him. She’d taken one look at him standing in her doorway and had slammed the door in his face. But not before Dolf had seen the absolute terror on her face first.
Finally, when the night drew to a close, Wulfric returned to the manor. He dreaded the thought of having to get into his cold, empty bed. The one night he’d spent with Cydney had him craving her presence. It had felt more than right to fall asleep with her in his arms and wake up with her still there.
Dragging his feet, Wulfric slowly walked up the steps to the upper floor.
Reaching the top, a scent tickled his nose. He took a deep breath, detecting the strong scent of drying paint. That couldn’t be right. Cydney had finished the first coat on his room a week ago, and nothing else had been done since.
The closer he got to his bedroom he was able to pick up another scent, one he thought he might never get to smell again. Seeing a light under his door, he pushed it open and quickly scanned the room with his gaze. It froze on the figure of Cydney standing by one wall, a paint roller in her hand as she stared at him.
“About damn time you got back,” she said. “Since I started so late I thought maybe I could hit you up to help me. But you can’t. I just finished.”
All he could do was stand there and stare at her. He found it hard to believe she was actually there.
Cydney put the roller on the paint tray at her feet and crossed to where he stood.
She put her hand on the left side of his chest. “Your heart is beating so fast.” She lifted her gaze to his, and said softly, “I decided, Wulfric. I want you.” He opened his mouth to talk, but she stopped him by placing a finger against his lips. “Don’t say anything. I need to get this out first. I’ve given us, and the feelings I have for you, a lot of thought these past days. And I found I can’t just walk away. The time away from you has shown me that I do love you, which I’m going to say scares the ever-living-hell out of me.
Seeing the kind of marriage my parents had—my mom showing my dad all the love she had for him, and him never being able to reciprocate the way she wanted—I promised myself I wouldn’t end up in that kind of relationship. I didn’t think I was made to make that strong of a commitment to anyone. You proved me wrong.”
Wulfric pulled her finger away and kissed the tip. “I’m not your father, Cydney.
I cherish what is mine, and you are mine. I promise to do everything in my power to show you each and every day that I’ll always love you, and that you own my heart.”
Cydney blinked and a sheen of tears appeared in her eyes. “And I’ll do my best to do the same.”
Unable to keep his hands off her any longer, Wulfric pulled her against him and held her tight. Cydney clung to him just as tightly. After a few seconds more, he tipped her head up and lowered his mouth to hers. He kissed her slowly, putting all the love he felt for her into it. As it became more demanding, a familiar voice filled his head.
Before you two go any further, I’m going to ask Cydney if she’s ready to become your true mate, Tiw said.
Cydney jerked away from his mouth, and said, “Who was that?”
“That was Tiw.”
“The Anglo-Saxon god?”
The one and the same, Tiw said with a laugh. What will your answer be, Cydney?
She locked gazes with Wulfric when she answered. “My answer is yes. I want to make sure Wulfric will be stuck with me forever.
The god’s laughter filled Wulfric’s head. Then so it shall be.
Cydney stiffened in his arms, then relaxed after a few seconds had passed. “Holy crap. That felt as if I just got shot with a huge surge of energy.”
You’re now as immortal as Wulfric. Now I’ll leave the two of you alone to celebrate in your own way.
Wulfric felt Tiw’s presence fade. He took hold of the collar of Cydney’s t-shirt, and using a clawed finger, cut the material completely down the front. He pushed it off her shoulders to drop on the floor.
“Impatient, are we? What am I supposed to wear tomorrow?”
“You can wear one of mine.” He went to slice through the front of her bra, but Cydney batted his hand away.
“Your bedroom door is wide open. I’m not putting on a peep show for the others. Plus I need a shower. I’m sure I have paint all over me.”
Wulfric let her go, shut the door and returned to stand before her. He scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bathroom. “A shower it is.”
Once inside the en suite, they were quick to strip out of their clothes. Wulfric started the shower, and when he had it the right temperature, he carried Cydney inside.