And then Brand’s lips met her in a kiss so sweet and tender it nearly took her breath away.
She was able to keep breathing, however, which was how she first inhaled the mesmerizing scent coming from the big Kindred. It was spicy and warm and somehow comforting, which made absolutely no sense at all.
But then, none of this was making sense. Allara had expected her new husband to be harsh and rough with her. Instead, he was treating her like she was precious and breakable. Why?
Don’t ask so many questions, her aunt’s voice whispered in her head. And don’t worry—I’m certain he’ll be harsh enough to make up for all this tenderness later. He’s probably only acting this way because others are watching.
Before she could analyze what was happening further, Brand drew away and smiled at her.
“Can I help you down?” he asked softly.
Unable to speak, Allara simply nodded.
Once more, the big, warm hands were at her waist. Her new husband lifted her as easily as he had before and placed her back down on the ground. Looking up at him uncertainly, Allara realized she had been right in her earlier reckoning—the top of her head came just past his elbow.
Smiling down at her, he took her hand in his. His fingers were so much longer than hers that Allara felt like a child again for a moment. But what child plans to kill as soon as they can? She wanted to look away but she felt trapped by those golden eyes of his. Then the sound of clapping startled her into looking back at the assembled people.
Kat and Liv and Sophie and Lauren were all clapping their hands together and so were the Kindred warriors at their side. After a moment, Allara realized it was a gesture of good-will—they were clapping for her and Brand.
They wouldn’t be clapping if they knew what I have in store for him, she thought but she managed not to let it show on her face. Instead, she smiled as well as she was able and waved with her free hand—the one that wasn’t caught in the big Kindred’s grip.
“That was beautiful, doll!” Kat came up to her, followed by two large Kindred who were much taller than her. As a matter of fact, now that they were all standing, Allara could see that all the Kindred men were much taller than the Earth women. But none of them towered over their mates quite as much as Brand towered over her.
Truly, it is like walking beside a tree, Allara thought as she smiled and nodded mechanically to the Earth women and their Kindred husbands. Kat was saying that it was time for the reception and waving for them to follow her.
In less time than she would have thought possible, Allara found herself leaving the site of her Joining to the evil one and wondering what was coming next.
Six
Gods, she was beautiful! With her creamy caramel-brown skin and those big, indigo eyes… Brand reflected that he’d never imagined his new bride being half so gorgeous as she was. And she was so tiny and delicate too—like a doll, almost. He would have to be extra careful of her, he thought.
One thing he really liked about her was the fact that she had the figure of an Elite. Despite her diminutive size, at least she wasn’t stick-thin. Her full hips and breasts and ass made her seem more substantial than many petite females he had seen.
Something to hold on to, he thought and imagined filling his palms with the luscious globes of her ass or cupping her heavy breasts. But that was for later, he reminded himself. Possibly much later, depending on how long the Claiming period was drawn out.
As long as it takes to win her trust, he promised himself. He had felt her trembling when he kissed her hands and her soft lips and he didn’t want her to fear him. Getting her to be her true self around him and not shake in fear when he went in for a kiss or a hug was going to be a challenge.
He smiled down at her and tugged gently on her hand.
“Come on, baby,” he murmured. “Let’s go see what Kat has planned for our reception.”
She looked up and him and nodded hesitantly.
“All right.”
“It’s this way,” Brand told her. He wished he could pick her up and carry her—he longed to hold her close to his chest and feel her sweet, curvy body against his own.
But he reminded himself sternly that his new bride didn’t even know him yet.
Slowly, Brand, he lectured himself. Give the little female time.
And, sending a quick prayer for patience to the Goddess, he led her away from the Sacred Grove and out to their reception.
Seven
Allara wondered what could possibly be next? What was this “party” that Kat had planned for after the wedding ceremony?