“I do. Love you,” she whispers. “You let me be whatever I need to be. You accept me and don’t even blink while I steal your friends’ things. I love your kindness, honesty, and loyalty. Plus, you're sexy as fuck.” She grins, tapping her finger on my hand.“Most of my life, I have worn a mask. I had to be tough. I couldn’t let Turner see how his abuse and carelessness affected me. I haven’t been able to be myself. Weakness was never allowed. The only time I could cry was alone, in the dark, while I was in my bed, which I could barely sleep in. Letting my guard down for one minute could have meant my death.” She curls her hand over my arm, pushing up my arm back and forth. “The pain in my legs was nothing compared to the pain in my heart. It was empty, filled only with agony. Wondering if I would ever see my brother or know where I came from.” She slides her legs out of the covers and sits on the edge of the bed. I move back to make room for her and cup the back of her knees.
“You filled me up with acceptance and passion. I suddenly had hope. I finally had someone to lean on. Someone who valued my words and trusted my worth. I know it must have been hard to see me close to the men who controlled my life. Being able to fight for my mom, my brother, and for myself gave me the justice I craved. I love seeing your willingness to fight for me, but I needed that. I craved you from the first second I saw you fly through the forest, immediately defending me. I craved the life you brought into mine and the love that was possible. I want to complete the bond. I want to be yours. Will you be mine?”
I yank her forward, and she slides easily onto my lap. “Love,” I whisper, running my hand over her hair and then cupping her neck. “I have seen the worst of humanity, but I have also seen love and kindness. The life of a vampire is very lonely. I’ve seen people die so many fucking times. I tried to remain cautious and never get too close. I decided long ago Maddy was the only friend I needed. Ryker and Bash were a surprise, but I was grateful they weren’t human. I have protected humans and have tried to be distant.” I move my palm to her chest, pressing it to her heart. “One night in the woods changed my life. I met this fierce, loyal,brave, beautiful woman. I was sitting in a tree, wondering if my life was worth living anymore.
“A delicious scent reached me, and I knew. I knew you would change everything. I didn’t expect to love you, but I fucking love you. I will give you everything you need. My world was black and white, and this woman ran through it, filling it with color. I have been blessed with three women who are my best friends. You, my mate, are the only one who will hold everything I am in the palm of your hand.”
“Micah,” she breathes.
“I want to complete the bond. Will you give me the gift of you? Be bound to me forever? I will carry you when the pain in your legs becomes too much. I will guard your heart, and anyone who dares break it will die by my hand.” I trace her lips. “Will you give yourself to me?”
“Yes,” she says.
“I will take care of you in every way. You can steal my watch whenever you want. I’ll buy more.” I grin.
“I’ll have a collection of watches.” She grins back and then sobers. “I’m a little anxious,” she admits.
“Tell me,” I encourage.
“What will I be once I’m turned?” she asks, biting her lip. I pull her lip with one hand and squeeze her thigh with the other.
“You will be Daisy. Fierce. Magnificent. Mine.” I pull her closer, eliminating any space between us.
“You will be mine, too,” she says.
“I have been yours since I smelled your scent,” I rasp.
“Micah,” she whispers.
“Are you ready, pet?” I ask, playing with the collar of her shirt.
“Yes.”
“What is your word?”
“Chains.”
“What do you call me?” I ask, my voice deep.
“Daddy.”
“Good, pet.” I stand, and she gasps, grabbing my neck. I palm her ass and pull down the sheets. “Let go,” I order, and she drops her arms. I place her on the bed and take a step back. “Gorgeous.” I drag my fingers from her feet up to her breasts, circling her nipple. “Let's play first, pet.”
I lean over her and suck her nipple through the shirt, pulling hard, and her back comes off the bed.
It’s time to claim my mate.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Daisy
His mouth on me demands I forget everything but him. His scent is thick in the air, and his energy commands my attention. His hands are flat on the bed on either side of my body, and his mouth is the only thing touching me, but it doesn’t matter; the anticipation causes my need to rise.
He opens his mouth and glides his teeth over my hard nipple. He switches to my other breast, giving the same treatment, but pulls away too soon.
“Sit up and take off your shirt,” he says and steps back. His eyes track my movements, and the heat within them makes my hands fumble with the fabric. “Good, pet,” he hums as I throw the shirt to the floor. “Lay back.” I resume my position and watch him trace the curves of my body with his blazing gaze. “Years ago, I promised myself when I did find my mate, I would make completing the bond as pleasurable as possible,” he says casually, circling the bed. “Move to the middle,” he orders easily, and I don’t waste time doing as he asks. “Arms above your head.”My fingers hit the headboard as I do it quickly. “Don’t move.” He walks away.
My breath comes in short bursts as he disappears into the closet. The only thing I move is my eyes to the empty doorway while I wait for his return. Trust is necessary in any relationship, but as a shifter, it needs to be complete. Micah has earned every ounce of my trust.