Page 183 of Wolfkissed
“It’s true, then?”
“Valen never told you?”
I shake my head. “Not in so many words.”
“It’s tricky, realizing you share a bond with someone. You don’t want to affect their feelings and decisions by telling them. Sometimes a bond is only one-sided.”
“That can happen?”
“It has happened a number of times,” Darian says quietly. “It’s always hard on the one who has felt it, but that’s how life is.”
“But then his feelings...”
“Are real. The bond is a pull, but it’s not always accompanied by love. There are stories of fated mates who hated each other.” He smiles. “If Valen says he loves you, it’s the truth. He never lies. Besides, one has to be blind not to see it. He lights up when he’s around you. When he talks about you. Hells, he’s wearing your collar.”
“What does that mean?”
“That he belongs to you. He’ll make a good husband. Devoted. Faithful. Loving. That rascal is a good man.”
“I know.”
“However, if he ever hurts you, come to me. I’ll kick his ass down the mountain.”
I snicker. “Ouch.”
“He told us to protect you. And we will. You are family now.”
“Aw…”
“And you will be officially family after the ceremony.”
I blink at him. “What ceremony?”
“The bonding ceremony. He didn’t mention it, either?”
“No.” Nervousness grips me. “I suppose it involves eating, drinking, dancing, that sort of thing?”
“Oh, no. It’s a private affair, though you can invite your friends and family for the party afterward. It involves knotting, rutting, and biting.” He frowns. “What is Valen doing? Hasn’t he even explained this much to you? Maybe he deserves a kick in the balls.”
“We were talking about other matters,” I say, flustered.
“You’re defending him!” His brows rise. “Oh yeah, this girl has feelings for the big bad wolf.”
We have spent most of our time here kissing, truth be told, though I’m not about to tell that to Darian. He teases us enough as it is. Valen was right. His friends are like overgrown puppies, annoying and lovable.
That’s what he called me. Lovable.
My heart melted then, and it’s been a pleasurable ache in my chest ever since. That’s me when I’m with him: a puddle on the floor, undone by his desire and affection.
“Fucking Gods,” Darian says, “you’re thinking about him, aren’t you? Can’t even hear a word I’m saying.”
I wince. “Sorry, sorry…”
“No, you’re not.” He laughs. Then sobers up. “After what happened to him once his mother vanished, it’s so fucking great to see him happy again.”
I frown. “What are you talking about?”
“He didn’t tell you about…?” He swallows hard. “He didn’t tell you. I see.”
