Chapter Eighteen #2
“I dreamed of being normal, but I’ve changed my mind.
I never will be, and I’m proud to be a witch.
Using my touch to get justice for others never occurred to me, and I was shocked to see my spells at work in a way I didn’t think possible.
Everything is possible when I’m with you.
I feel like I can take on the world when you are on my side.
You allow me to be myself, and at the same time, you’ve changed the way I see things.
You’re bold, sexy, strong, and have confidence in who you are.
I’m inspired by the way you use your magic.
It flows through you with every movement.
Your loyalty to Archer and love for your family are beautiful.
I want them to be mine too. I want you to be mine.
Don’t doubt my love for you. I haven’t touched anyone for a very long time, and when your skin was against mine for the first time, I was overwhelmed with need.
I’ve craved the loving touch of another, but that’s not why I want us to complete the soul bond.
You see me. You see every part of me. When you look at me, you make me feel like I’m the only person in the world.
Your patient and have respected my need to take it slow.
My desire for you is…” I swallow hard. “Something I’ve never felt, and it is difficult to put into words.
Yes, I know the pleasure you will give me will be on another level, but our connection is what I crave.
” I bite my lip, staring into his intense eyes.
“My heart has never let a man into it until you. I’ve waited for forgiveness for the things I have done, but I don’t need it anymore.
I did what I did out of love, love for my sister, and I shouldn’t feel guilty about it anymore.
You showed me that I should be proud of how far I'm willing to go for my family. I want to be your family, and I will fight for you for the rest of our time on earth. I love you, Rome,” I breathe.
He looks at our hands for a moment before meeting my eyes again.
“I ignored humans, but you knew your purpose was to help. I admire you. The pain of the emotions you have been forced to live with is unimaginable. Many would have hidden away from the world and never left their house. You still started a business with Lace and protected her fiercely. I hate the things you went through, and you shouldn’t feel any guilt.
You did what you had to, and Lace is safe because of it.
I wish your mom were still alive because she would see what an incredible woman you have become.
” I suck in a sharp breath. “Wherever she is, I know she is proud. I have taken my family for granted. My mom and aunt are intrusive, but that’s how they show their love.
They are your family now. Be prepared to be showered with advice.
Archer will be loyal to you and respect our bond.
He will watch out for Lace and be a friend you didn’t know you needed.
I love you desperately,” he whispers fiercely, and my eyes water.
“I’m lucky that the universe thought I was good enough to be your bond.
I didn’t do anything to deserve you, but I won’t question it.
You are mine, and I am yours. Our magic, souls, and bodies will be connected in a way no one can understand.
I want to start our lives together. Have children.
” I gasp. “Kids with your black hair and fierce spirit. Do you want to be a mother?”
“Yes, I didn’t think I would be able to because of my touch.” I gave up the dream of having a house full of children.
“Dream big, my Mara,” he rumbles, cupping my cheek. “Nothing can stop us now. We will build a home full of love, touch, and magic.” The lights flicker. “Are you ready to join our souls?”
“I don’t know what to do,” I whisper, and he removes his hand.
“Our spells will guide us.” He sits up and holds up his hand.
I place my hand in his, and the room fills with light.
I sit in front of him. “We have always had the ability to bond; our minds needed to catch up with the desire of our bodies. Once we accept our connection and complete it, we will merge our magic. Our life forces will be tied together. I will always be able to find you just by looking inside myself. If you are ever hurt or scared, I will feel it. I believe once it’s done, your touch will never overwhelm you without you willing it to see the emotions of others.
” He places his arms across his bent knees and holds his palms up.
“My ability to take power from emotions will also be yours, and you will share your touch with me.”
“It won’t hurt anymore.” I know it now. We will balance each other.
“No, it will never be painful again.” He smiles tenderly. “All you have to do is want it. Want us.” I look at his hands. They are strong and will hold my heart with care.
“I do accept it. I love you.” I put my hands on top of his, and thunder booms. My wide eyes look into his.
“I love you. We will be one. I give you my heart, soul, and my power.” The bedroom door slams against the wall, and wind whips through the room.
“I give you my heart, soul, and power,” I say, my voice deep.
My spells float through my words, and I can see the magic flowing between us.
I was scared of the unknown, but my magic knows what to do, and the words I need to say come from deep inside.
My hair blows around my face, and light emanates between our palms. The bed begins to shake, but I don’t look away from Rome.
His life flashes within the depths, and I feel his experiences.
His love for his family and me is strong.
The heartbreak he has felt becomes mine, and my body takes some of his burden away.
Sparks shoot through my spells, and they expand and grow.
His energy fills my soul, and we begin to merge.
Our spells become visible. Mine are red, and his are green.
They twine together, flowing between us, dancing together.
I gasp when his slams into me, and I know my eyes are glowing.
His head tips back when mine do the same to him, and he groans.
Desire starts to flood through me, and his love finds its way to my heart.
I don’t wonder if the words he said were true; I feel what he feels.
My tattoos start to brighten, I can feel them burning, but it doesn’t hurt me.
I glance at his chest, and colors flutter over his skin.
The thunder continues outside, and I can feel the electricity from the lightning as if it’s inside the room.
My world expands. We will forever be together, and our magic will be great.
Rome straightens and looks into my eyes.
I feel his surprise as my emotions tangle with his.
I know he can see into my head and will never doubt my love or need for him.
He will live in my memories and will see all my experiences and heartbreak.
The day we met is pushed from me to him, and his mouth parts.
The wonder of the moment, and my craving for him, is shown clearly.
Secrets are no longer between us. I cry out as the final step is taken and we complete the merge, our souls connecting.
Rome yanks me forward, and I collide with his chest. His breathing is short and choppy.
Our hearts are racing to the same beat. I climb onto his lap, straddling him, and wrap my arms around his shoulders, cupping the back of his head.
His forehead hits my shoulder, and the warmth of his breath skates over my collar, and I shiver.
The wind slows, the lights dim, and the world outside becomes quiet.
We don’t speak as our bodies settle into the new reality of our being one.
I feel different. Alive. Rome’s power is inside me. I’ve been waiting for him.
“Are you alright, my Mara?” he asks, pulling back. He cups my neck, his fingers spread over my chin.
“I don’t know how I could feel better.” I grin.
“I do,” he rumbles and pulls me close. “Curious?”
“Yes,” I whisper.
“I want inside you,” he says, and I suck in a breath. His lips brush mine as he speaks, and my body trembles.
“Yes, please.” He closes his eyes, a groan emanating from his chest.
“I like that,” he hums, and licks my lips. “Say it again.”
“Please,” I breathe, and he kisses me. Everything is different. There is no hesitation. No holding back.
He squeezes my neck lightly, holding me where he wants me, his tongue tangling with mine.
I grasp his shoulders, letting him lead.
My experience is limited, but I’m not afraid, knowing he will take care of me.
My mind does not know what moves to make, yet my body naturally gives in to his.
He drags his hand down my chest to my waist and slips under my shirt.
I chase his mouth as he eases back. “Arms up,” he demands, and I raise them.
My shirt clears my head, and he cups my waist, urging me to lie flat.
I stretch out on the bed, and he moves over me.
He squeezes my hips as his gaze travels from my face down my body.
Dipping his head, he tastes the skin between my breasts before licking down the center of my body, stopping at the waistband of my jeans.
I suck in my stomach when he bites lightly.
He sits on his heels and unbuttons my pants.
My hands flex in the blankets at my sides, my desire rising.
I watch his muscles bunch as he works the fabric down my legs and throws it to the floor.
“Gorgeous,” he says, and cups my ankles. “So soft.” His hands move up the outside of my legs, the pads of his fingers skating lightly, and I inhale sharply. How can a simple touch bring me to the edge?