Page 54 of The Missing Sentinel
“Ducarius?”
“Yes, love?”
“There is a great deal of darkness in my life just now, but you offer a ray of light that beckons me. Whenever the paingrows too difficult for me to bear, I can settle in your arms until my heart can bear what lies ahead. I am grateful to have you. I wanted you to know that.”
Ducarius set his knife down and cupped Drexley’s jaw. “You offer me the same lovely glow. It burns brightly in my soul and spreads each day as we grow closer. I am grateful to have you too. I will ensure you never forget that.”
“I was right.”
“You are right about many things; could you be more specific?”
“The kitchen is a stupid place to discuss love. I want to be held, but I have turnips to chop.”
“I do not even like turnips.”
“A ridiculous fault, but I love you anyway.”
“Kiss me and keep chopping,” Ducarius ordered as he leaned in close to Drexley and relished the slight tickle of his facial hair. “And do it quickly; I want to make love to you before dinner.”
“My dressing gown will be sad to miss it, but I am most eager to have your hands on me.”
Ducarius winked at his mate, planted a firm kiss on his mouth, then snagged his knife from the table.
“As long as we do not burn the stew, I will consider this entire day a rousing success.”
Chapter 24
They burned the stew. But that did not keep Drexley from enjoying his portion. Ducarius scooped out every spoonful from his bowl as well. However, Adney took a few bites and fell into a deep sleep. Drexley had checked in on him several times before dragging Ducarius into their now-shared bedchamber, but Adney had not awakened.
It was horrifying and saddened Drexley. Adney was slipping away. Drexley’s grief was already a heavy burden, and there would be far more to endure soon. But Drexley refused to focus on that part of himself so he could care for his mate. The last thing Drexley wanted to do was ignore the budding love wrapping stealthily through his heart.
Drexley trusted heavily in Fate, and his devotion had resulted in Ducarius’s presence. Fate had peeked into Drexley’s soul and brought him a partner who fit him. One with a broad chest that made a perfect pillow, and a surprising sweetness. They were lying in a bedchamber illuminated only by the fire in the hearth and the glow of Ducarius’s weapons.
They were both naked, and Drexley’s desire was sated thanks to the exquisite way Ducarius had made love to him. Now, the man he adored was dropping small kisses on Drexley’s head and sweeping a hand down his back. It was a beautifulmoment in a realm being torn asunder thanks to Adney’s dissipating magic.
“Did I mention that I love you?” Ducarius asked.
“Yes, in the kitchen. It was not the charming scene I imagined I would have when you first declared your heart.”
“An expert on love could argue that it did not matter where it happened so long as it did.”
Drexley shifted and lifted his chin so his eyes met Ducarius’s satisfied gaze. “Tell me about modern matebonds. In my romances, it is a small, quick ceremony celebrated with family.”
“I cannot speak for everyone, but the ones in my extended family are long affairs that include many traditions from different communities. While I applaud any couple eager to combine their lives, they take forever. Everyone is dressed up, and we must sit through floral wreaths, rings, at least one gift, speeches with explanations of why things are happening as if we have not gone to every damn previous one, necklaces, and mating marks as a usual minimum. Each part has people assigned to assist, and if you exclude someone, they could feel slighted. It must be stressful for the couple involved. Someday, you and I will slap smiles on our faces and likely be forced to endure it. I love you, but I am not excited about the ceremony.”
Drexley bit his lip to hold in his laughter at the consternation on Ducarius’s handsome face. The Skeleton Lord clearly had not enjoyed the ceremonies he had attended.
“What if we chose something different for ourselves?”
“What do you mean, love?”
Scooting up to kiss Ducarius, Drexley took a gamble. “I want to know that I can speak to you no matter where you are. When we are in a room together, I want to feel your emotions. I am not against following the traditions of your family, but mustwe wait to bind our souls? I welcome the chance to belong to you now.”
“Drexley, if you are asking me if I want to bind myself to you now, the answer is yes.”
Drexley grinned as relief and love filled him. “I want to be your fully bonded mate.” Tugging on the covers, Drexley scrambled up so he was seated. “Grab your daggers; do you have to remove the green poison to ensure we can be cut?”
To his delight, Ducarius mirrored his position. But instead of getting his weapons, he rubbed Ducarius’s thigh through the covers.
