Page 49 of Witches and Wine
“Mates,” I repeated, trying to understand it. “Like—soulmates?”
Dion let out a breath like he’d been holding it until I reacted to him. “Not exactly. Every species refers to it as something different and has different customs, but in theory, it’s about the same, yes.”
I scooted to the edge of my seat and took Dion’s hands in mine. “But my sister and her husband are gods like you, andthey’resoulmates. What’s the difference?”
“Well, you, for one, my wicked witch,” Dion started, sliding a hand to the back of my neck and rubbing my skin there. “You arenota goddess, and since I have my beast, it makes this mating thing more—” He paused, tilting his head from left to right as if trying to produce the perfect word. “—carnal.”
My stomach flipped over itself, and an instant wetness pooled between my thighs.
“How does it work?” It came out in a breathy, sultry whisper, my gaze roaming his forehead where the horns were hidden.
Dion must’ve caught sight of my longing stare because those same horns slowly began to make an appearance until they were fully poised on each side of his skull. “If we accept it, we’ll share a bond.”
I reached for one horn, acting on impulse, fingers gliding over the grooved ridges. I wanted to hold them while he fucked me sunken between my legs, from behind as we lay on our sides and any other way I could get my greedy hands on them. “That’s it? We only need to accept it?”
Dion’s gaze darkened, the amber in his eyes growing iridescent, and he yanked me to him, encouraging my legs to wrap around his torso. My core pushed against his stomach, and he snarled. “You’re so fucking hot down there. What exactly are you thinking about, witch?”
Grabbing both horns, I pulled his mouth to mine, planting a quick kiss. “Tell me. There has to be more to it.”
Dion squeezed my ass. “I love the way you take command of my horns, Chelsea.” He lowered his nose to my neck, inhaling me and grazing his canines across my skin. “I’d claim you. Bite you. Leave my mark on you.”
The idea of being claimed by anyone might have rubbed me the wrong way years ago. It might have scared me or downright disgusted me. But Dion wasn’t just anyone. He was my frenzy god. My horned beast. Mymate.
I might regret what I was about to ask later, but I had to be sure. “And you’re positive this isn’t my magic talking?”
Dion let his head fall before peeling back. “Why did such a thought ever cross your mind, anyway, Chels?”
Curling my hands behind his neck, I nervously flicked my fingernails together. “The Crone.”
“The High Priestess?Shetold you your magic was messing with my mind?” Dion’s eyes searched mine.
“Yes. She said I didn’t know how to control it, and because I desired you, I was reeling you in with my power.”
Dion’s fingers drummed against my ass. “Did she say anything else?”
I rubbed my lips together, contemplating if it was worth saying.
“Chelsea,” Dion beckoned.
“She warned me about you. That you’re likely to stray if something did happen between us.” I couldn’t help but look away now, the very idea of it striking a painful chord in my stomach.
Dion turned my attention back to him with a single finger pressed to my cheek. “Do you think I would? The woman who has turned my life upside down, driven me mad with desire, and has consumed my thoughts since the day I met her?”
Tears stung my sinuses, and a grateful smile curved my lips. “When you put it that way?—”
“Come here,mate,” Dion snarled, using the back of my head to pull me toward him, fusing our mouths and devouring me with a sizzling, ferocious kiss.
Mate. I loved the sound of it and would make him repeat it until the label etched itself into my brain.
“Something’s bothering me, though,” Dion whispered once we’d pulled away.
“What is it?”
Riley squeaked and rose on his hind legs as if he agreed with Dion.
“That doesn’t sound like the Priestess I know.” Dion clenched his jaw and stared off into the distance.
“Do you think someone is posing as her?”
