Page 7 of Arion
To say she was nervous was an understatement.
ChapterFive
“Rise, Little one,” Arion commanded gently. “Let me see you.”
Jezebel’s legs were shaking as she tried to come to her feet as elegantly as possible.
Arion’s hand slid from her head to her cheek as she stood, and when she tipped her head back to take him in for the first time, she found him smiling.
His expression of pleasure eased her mind slightly.
He reached with his other hand to hold her face in both. “You are so beautiful, Little one.”
She smiled. At least he’d started their lives with kind words. He was also beautiful. Dark, thick hair that was almost black. Dark eyes. Strong features. His lips were full and turned up at the corners. Tiny wrinkles spread from the corners of his eyes, indicating he was pleased. His skin was pale like hers.
Arion stroked her cheeks with his thumbs as he stared into her eyes. “It’s so good to finally meet you in person, up close.”
A flush crept up her cheeks. “You watched me,” she murmured absently.
“Thousands of times,” he admitted.
“I could feel you,” she responded.
He lifted a brow. “Could you?”
She nodded slightly. “Yes. Or at least I thought I could.”
“Mmm. Sometimes I wondered. You would turn and look my direction as if you knew where I was standing even though you couldn’t possibly know that for sure.”
“Yes.”
“I don’t think that’s common among our pack. I’ve never heard of it before. My friends made fun of me.” He chuckled.
She felt lighter as she absorbed his laughter. It was huge of him to share such a vulnerability as his friends mocking him. Unexpected.
“Do not fear me, Little one. I will never intentionally harm you. Though we are mated now, and with that comes certain…expectations, I will take my time with you. I will not rush you. I will earn your trust before I take you to my bed.”
His words were so blunt, but they brought her relief. He wasn’t going to turn her around and mount her before they left this room. He had that right. He was her mate now.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
His hands slid down her arms until he reached hers. He lifted her fingers to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “I will take you to my home now. We will begin our lives together.”
She swallowed over the lump in her throat and nodded. That was what was expected. It was the way of their people. Matings were held in relative privacy, and then the newly united couple was given time alone.
Jezebel had heard her time with him might vary, but he would not return to his regular daily duties for perhaps a month. This gave the new couple time to get to know each other and develop a new normal together.
Arion reached into his pocket and withdrew a small vial. He cupped her face again and met her gaze. “I will put a drop of this on your tongue, and you will sleep while I take you to my home.”
She took a deep breath, trying to be brave. She’d known about this part also. She would be unconscious for the journey. It was their custom. She would not know where he’d taken her or even which direction they left town. It was for her protection and safety.
“The journey is not far, but you will be more comfortable asleep in my arms.”
“Yes, Sir,” she responded. She had yet to call him by that honorific as was expected of her. He hadn’t mentioned her oversight, but he gave her a slow smile now as if he were pleased.
“I will protect your delicate skin against me as I climb the mountain. You will not come to harm. Many other Alpha Protectors will surround us at a distance to ensure our safe passage.”
Jezebel nodded acceptance again. She wasn’t certain what implied dangers they might encounter on the route, but she thought it best not to ask at this time.
