Page 54 of The Storm
“My beloved is a fox on the mountainside.
“She ran from me until I whispered gently.”
Renata angled her neck as the sable brush traced over her shoulder and down her arm. He wrote his spells in the Old Language, the language of heaven and the angels. The language she would sing as they made love.
Come, my beloved
Come to my hand
Come to my bed
My Renata, born in love
Born again in blood.
I will ever be your cleft in the rock.
Ever your faithful shelter
Ever and always the blade in your sure hand.”
Max finished the mating mark over her heart, writing the words of his vow where they would glow as the two of them made love. He knelt before her and kissed her lips, careful not to mar any of his work before the ink dried. “I love you, Renata of Fatima.”
The air around them was heady with magic. He had marked his vow on her body as he would mark her own vow on his, using the sacred ivory needle to tattoo her promise over his heart. Every moment of passion would become a reminder of their pledge. Every time their magic rose, they would be linked.
Renata closed her eyes and let her head fall back in pleasure. She felt Max all around her, not only in his brush, but his scent and his magic. She was covered in him, covered in his extraordinary love and unwavering devotion.
Creator, I thank you for this man. Of all men, you have given him to me. Let me always guard this treasure.
When she could feel the henna cracking, feel the magic sink into her skin, she pushed her lover back onto the pillows she’d set before the fire. Rising over him, she joined their bodies together, placing both hands on his shoulders as she let her head fall back in pleasure.
She let go.
Sorrow had no place here. Joy was everything. Peace was in each touch.
“I love you,” she whispered. “You are the most beautiful man I have ever known.” Renata opened her eyes and saw the shine in his eyes. “Don’t you know that, Maxim? You brought me back to life.”
He brought his hand up to cup her cheek. His finger traced her lips. “Sing to me.”
Renata opened her heart and sang:
“Maxim of Riga, I name you
My beloved. Heart’s redeemer.
I heard your call as I wandered
In the wasteland.
You found me bloody from my enemies and
You spoke softly to me
Calling me back to life.
Beloved mate of my choosing
Steward of my heart
