Page 96 of Potions and Proposals
He never wanted her to leave his bed. Fuck the coven. Fuck the town. He’d block up the door and keep them away from anything that could shatter this perfect moment.
“Twenty-first birthday. Me and Rosie went to Willow Valley to celebrate our graduation and her permanent residence being granted,” Lucinda explained, half-asleep.
“Why a new moon?”
“Start of a new phase. We graduated and started at the library. Making it our own.”
He kissed a freckle on her neck, unable to resist. “Rosie has one?”
This got a small chuckle out of her; clearly giving up on the idea of sleep – not that he was planning on letting her get any – she rested her forearms under her chin. “Hers only lasted until the next full moon. Once she shifted, her healing took over, and when she changed back to human form it was gone. She was so upset because it had been her idea in the first place. It meant more to her, since she’d come so far alone. I wanted to do it with her.”
Benedict pressed his lips against the crease between her brows.
“Doesn’t matter now. For her birthday, I managed to find another pack that made jewellery for wolves. I had a new moon chain designed. It’s enchanted to change shape as they do. It doesn’t break or strangle her when she shifts—”
She bolted upright, nearly knocking him off the side of the bed.
“What the—?” Benedict stammered as she pulled the blanket out from beneath him and scuffled out of the bedroom. “Lucinda!” He found her half-hearted attempt to conceal her modesty amusing. It wasn’t like he hadn’t seen every inch of her already.
He followed her into the sitting area, jealous of whatever had stolen her attention.
“What was that?” he asked, playfully wrapping his arms round her as she rooted through her purse like a mad woman.
“I can’t give it to you if you don’t let go!”
“Maybe I don’t want it, then,” he said, trailing kisses along her neck. “There’s something I want much more.” Fuck, he didn’t think he’d ever not want her. He had always believed she’d be the death of him. Being in bed with her wrapped around him might not be the worst way to go.
“Benedict!”
Her stern voice caused him to surrender. She turned, struggling to keep the sheet from getting tangled around her legs, and he frowned, looking at the arm she held behind her back.
“I’m sorry I didn’t do this sooner,” she began.
“You’re not about to stab me with a letter opener, are you?” He arched a brow, but made no attempt to protect himself.
Lucinda sat on the couch, dragging him along with her. “Close your eyes,” she ordered.
“If you’re going to kill me, I want you to be the last thing I see.”
“I’m not going to kill you. Now close your eyes.”
Benedict huffed and closed his eyes, blinking once or twice until a glare made him settle. Lucinda took his hand. When he didn’t resist, she rewarded him with a kiss – he smiled – and placed a small box in his hand. He frowned, studying it before opening the lid.
“This is—” Benedict choked on his words as he stared at the ring she’d put her heart into. He lifted it out of the suede cushion, admiring the stones in the meteorite band.
“Do you like it? I had Mr Mulligan match the stones. I know it’s tradition, but the sunstone and amethyst stones match mine– except they aren’t raised like mine, so your signet ring will fit over it nicely,” she rambled.
Without any hesitation, Benedict slid on the binding ring. Lucinda let out a sigh of relief as it slotted perfectly with the Matherson signet ring.
“There are no words to express how much I love you. If only I could be worthy of you.” Benedict found himself welling up, suddenly terrified of losing her as he’d lost so many. To see the ring his father had given him matched so perfectly with the other half of his heart – his family, and the love of his life… He’d never known he could feel so much love.
Lucinda settled onto his lap, distracting him from his tears.
“Is that a yes?” she asked, wiping a stray tear from his cheek.
“I thought I was the one proposing,” he sniffled through his laughter.
“I think it’s only fair. Equality and all that.” She smiled, clearly waiting for an answer.
