Forsaking (Vampire Assassin League Book 26) by Jackie Ivie Page A

heart broken more than once. I learned. I’m not going to be the one pining while you’re out enjoying yourself.”
    “Enjoying myself?”
    “With other women.”
    Bram chuckled. She gasped and latched tighter to him.
    “Marielle. Sweetheart. It must be true. I am really poor with words. You are my mate, love. I am yours. This isn’t possible with anyone else. Ever.”
    “You’re all mine?”
    “Yep.”
    “What if it doesn’t work out?”
    “I think I’m really likin’ the domination idea, darlin’,” he replied.
    “I’m trying to be serious...here, Bramwell Stark.”
    “Fair enough. You want serious?” His words were followed by several deep thrusts. The sway of the bed accompanied. He stopped. Pinned her with a gaze. And said three words that made her heart swell. “I love you.”
    She threw both arms about his neck, pulling him down for a kiss. Then all she had to do was hold on.

 

CHAPTER TWELVE
    His phones were set to the opening bars of William Tell’s Overture. Akron had laughed when he’d first heard it. He’d mentioned something about the appropriateness of Bramwell’s selection. Bram hadn’t paid too much attention at the time. Right now, the sound of violins made a spectacular entrance into the bedroom. The call startled Marielle from her position on his shoulder. Her sudden move initiated the lighting system. The lantern above them sparked to life, instantly shedding a golden glow through the room. He didn’t react. He wasn’t resting. He had too much to consider.
    He had his mate!
    It was as impossible as it was unbelievable. And it was a puzzle. Why him? And why now? He still strove toward atonement. Redemption. He was ill-prepared. Unworthy. Undeserving. That hadn’t changed anything. His mate was still here. Right beside him! Their skin touching...almost everywhere.
    His opinion hadn’t altered, either. Not in the slightest. She was beautiful. Intelligent. Sassy.
Whoa
. He truly was one lucky son-of-a-bitch.
    Marielle had slept all day, her body curled against his. Now she sat, rubbed a hand across her eyes, and looked down at him. Long, straight, dark hair fell about her, highlighting all kinds of things. Her small perfect breasts. A tiny waist. Ample hips. Her hair spilled like a waterfall to the sheets. Her breasts peeked through. And her belly button. The top of her thighs. He knew better than to glance down, but didn’t exercise enough control. One look and his body gave him trouble.
    He lurched. The bed followed. She smiled, tucked hair behind her ear, and his heart warmed further. His eyes stung as if he’d been in a ten-day dust storm. Behind a huge herd. Bram pulled in a shaky breath. Blinked rapidly. He couldn’t even return her smile.
    Another crescendo of orchestration filtered through the chamber, and then the quick staccato of violins started up again.
    “Uh. I have to answer that,” he told her.
    “You have the ‘Lone Ranger’ as a ringtone? Oh. That’s just...classic.”
    She giggled. He shoved beneath netting, snagged a pack of slim cell phones, and was back before she’d finished. He settled onto his ass before her. Crossed his legs. Exactly like her. He might have startled her with the speed of his move. She was no longer laughing. And her eyes were huge. He slid a phone out and opened it with a thumb. Put it to his ear. Watched Marielle’s lips and throat as he answered. He didn’t dare gaze into her eyes. It was too addictive. He might sound like an idiot.
    “Uh. Hello?”
    “Good evening, Bramwell.”
    It was Akron. Bram frowned slightly. He could have sworn the instructions were for him to call in. Not vice-versa.
    “Sir?”
    “How it the mating progressing? Things going...in a positive direction?”
    “Uh. Yeah. Wait. How did you know?”
    “Excellent extra-sensory skills. And a very adept internet liaison. Lizbeth? Join the call, please.”
    Bram heard a beep as another line connected. Marielle tipped her head to one side. Pursed her