Page 108 of Garrett's Destiny

She shuffled her feet. “I know we mated, and you were trying to save my life. But—”

He kissed her. She’d have no doubts with him.

She returned the kiss, her fingers curling into his chest. She broke away and drew in breath.

Damn it. He needed to take it easy on her. The day had been difficult. He brushed a curl away from her face. Her skin felt like silk. “The storm passed, and the sun is out. How about a ride?” He had a jacket and helmet waiting on his bike for her.

Anticipation lit her expression. “I would love to go for a ride.”

“Good.” He took her hand and led her out of the lodge, grateful to have this time together before everyone descended on them. He put her on the bike, facing him. Then he helped her into the leather jacket, making sure she was warm enough. This was the right place. Where they’d started. “My life isn’t going to be an easy one, Dessie.” It was only fair to tell her.

Her eyebrows rose. “Are you warning me off?”

He grinned. “No. There’s no getting away from me.” He said the words casually but meant them to his soul. She’d given herself to him, and he’d protect her with his last breath. “You need to know that Ulric is just getting started, and my job is to stop him. The Seven took vows, and we’re at war.”

“I understand.” She patted his hand. “We’ll figure it out, Garrett. It’s going to be all right.”

It was sweet of her to reassure him, but his first goal in any situation was to guarantee her safety. He’d trained his entire life to do so. “Whatever we go through, we go together. I promise it’ll be worth it.” He’d be worthy for her. Their story had started with a whirlwind, but she was an old-fashioned girl, and she deserved the dream of happily ever after. So he dropped to one knee and held out a box, flipping open the top. “Marry me.”

She gasped. Then she leaned closer and looked at the ring. Her next gasp moved her entire body. “Garrett.” Her voice was reverent.

He’d figured she’d like sparkles. The diamond solitaire was probably too big for her small hand, but she didn’t seem to care. “You need to answer.”

“Oh. Yes.” She couldn’t take her eyes off the ring.

“I know the way to your heart is through books, but you can’t wear one on your hand. So I’ll give you this as well as the key to the family library, which has books older than you can imagine. It’s all yours.” He slipped the ring onto her finger. Yep. Definitely too big.

“I love it,” she whispered, holding her hand to the sun and watching the diamond send off sparks. “Both the ring and the key to a library.” Happiness flooded her face.

Then she’d keep both. “I love you, Dessie. Completely.” He stood and kissed her, finally feeling himself settle. “I’ve been dreaming about you and hunting for you for so long.” He’d taken his dangerous little assassin and made her his. Forever.

She smiled. “I dreamed of you, too.” She leaned up and kissed him. “You saved me years ago, Garrett. Whether you remember it or not.”

Truth be told, she’d saved him. Now that she was healthy, he could feel her enhancements all around them. And he could feel himself in her. The mating mark was strong, and she was his. Now he’d take her on a nice ride and let her feel the sun and wind on her face before he took her home and double-checked that marking. His hand pulsed in agreement. “Are you warm enough?”

“I love you.” She said the words with strength, meeting his gaze. “Completely and forever. It’s you and me, Garrett Kayrs.”

His entire being felt the rightness of her words. Fate had ruled him for years; he’d been seeking and trying to find her most of his life. He grinned, feeling alive for the first time in way too long.

He tunneled his hands in her hair, cupping her head and kissing her. Deep and hard, he took her where he wanted them to go, enjoying the little sigh of pleasure she gave against his lips. He leaned back and smiled. “I knew if I never gave up, I’d meet you. I held on, and I found my Destiny.”