He couldn't even say who'd moved first. All he knew was that he needed her in his arms.
His strong, brave mate, who'd survived being imprisoned, and who'd never lost her love for life. Who could make him laugh—who could probably make him try garlic ice cream if she wanted. Who was forever curious and excited, as if life had dared her to take every opportunity offered to her.
And he wanted to experience it all by her side. After a lifetime spent underground, hiding from the world, he didn't just want to see the world; he wanted to experience it, be a part of it.
He wanted to travel with her by his side. He wanted to try every weird dish she saw, even if he'd turn out to hate them. He wanted to see all the things humans got up to.
And he wanted her. More than anything, he wanted her.
At that moment, he would have gladly given up all of his power as the master of fire if it meant that he could have her.
“You already have me, you idiot,” she said breathlessly when she drew back.
Her eyes were gleaming—he could see the reflection of the fire filling his own eyes.
“I'm yours! I want you—forever. As my mate. If you promise that we'll deal with any problem together from now on.” Her look made it clear that this demand wasn’t up for debate.
Braeden swallowed and nodded, drawing his finger along her full bottom lip. She'd never looked more gorgeous than she did now, framed by flowers, the ocean wind tugging on her hair.
He had no ruby tiara for her—not yet, at least.
/> But that didn't matter. Not now. In time, he'd shower her with treasure. For now, the treasure of her endless trust and faith in him was enough.
“I promise. And I want you, too,” he said hoarsely. His body was thrumming with heat, the flames of his desire burning through his veins.
“Then have me. Here, now.”
Deliberately, she grabbed her shirt and pulled it off.
Beneath, she wore a flimsy bra of red lace—one of the things she'd picked in the boutique the other day. As Braeden watched, she reached around and unhooked it, her luscious breasts spilling free.
A heartbeat later, his hands were on her, reverently cupping her soft curves. His thumbs sought out her nipples, gently stroking them as he leaned forward for another kiss.
The light of the mate bond was so bright now he couldn't see the darkness inside him anymore.
He didn't think it was entirely gone—but with her by his side, he could deal with it.
She'd been right all along. Together, they could face everything, even Steele's shadow inside his mind.
“Be my mate,” he said, gasping the words against her lips as his erection pressed painfully against his jeans. “Be mine, forever.”
“Yes,” she whispered back, arching against him, her fingers digging into his shoulder. “Forever. Now, Braeden, please!”
Chapter Fifteen: Alyx
Braeden groaned, his eyes ablaze with the flames of his power. Alyx ran her hands over his shoulder in appreciation, then pulled demandingly at his shirt. Every inch of her skin ached with the need to feel him against her, just him and her, no more barriers between them.
Hastily, Braeden pulled off his shirt, baring his glorious muscles to her gaze. The warm rays of the morning sun played over the rippling ridges and valleys of his stomach as he drew back for a moment, pulling off his jeans.
Alyx swallowed as she saw just how hard he was. Need spiraled through her, everything inside her tightening with how much she wanted him.
She pushed down her jeans, wriggling out of her panties. Her folds were already slick with arousal, her nipples tight and aching.
For a moment, Braeden stared at her, hunger and awe in his eyes.
No one had ever looked at her like that. Through the connection between them, she could feel his desire like the pulse of a heart, as if their need for each other had become alive, a living, breathing creature with a mind of its own.
And she ached to surrender herself to it. To surrender to him. To lose herself in his embrace until all thought was gone except for the ecstasy of being one with him at last.