23
Larz
She was beautiful. More exquisite than I ever could have imagined with her newly elongated limbs, onyx black eyes, sharp claws and tail.
As soon as the venom had finished spreading, Ilona collapsed into my arms. She was exhausted and I admired her as she slept on my chest.
I reached over the side of the bed, gently to not wake her, and grabbed the small, velvet box hidden just under the mattress.
I took a moment to admire the deep, red ruby ring I’d picked out for her before slipping it onto her delicate finger.
It sparkled against her warm skin with all the radiance that she was.
I pulled it to my lips, kissing every knuckle on her hand. Another century of life suddenly didn’t seem so bad with her by my side.
I severed the mind connection the second she fell asleep, but I could still feel her emotions within me. Everything I had been feeling for her was mirrored completely. I had no doubts in my mind that she’d wanted it, no doubts that she was as happy to be mine as I was to have her.
After walking these forests alone for almost a century, I could hardly believe it had come to an end. Never again would I have to swallow down my grief or hide in the shadows. As long as I had Ilona, I was seen. I was whole. I was new.
I kissed her skin. Each time my lips parted from her, a gentle excitement bloomed within me, anticipating the next time I’d feel her against me. It was like I had been operating on half power my whole life, and connected to her, I was a fully functioning being.
For the rest of my days, I would protect her precious heart. I would cherish her. I would give her my very soul if hers was broken. As she shifted in my arms, snuggling closer, I realized that I’d never really known love until I laid eyes on her. She was passion personified, and she was all for me.
After a few hours of rest, she stirred in my arms. Immediately, I tightened my hold on her and planted kisses across her forehead.
“How are you feeling, my love?” I imagined her first time shifting and the aftermath of your entire DNA rearranging could be exhausting.
But she smiled up at me, nothing but pure joy in her eyes.
“I feel perfect.”
I lifted her hand to my lips again, “You are perfect.”
I couldn’t help my smirk as her eyes widened. She ripped her hand from my lips and pulled it right up to her face.
“Oh my-” she gasped, struggling to find her words. “What is? Is this-?”
“I figured since you were so open and willing with the traditions of my kind, then I would follow the customs of yours.” I pulled her hand to me again, running my thumb over the stone. “So everyone will know that you’re mine. Forever.”
“It’s perfect,” she leaned in and kissed me softly. “I love it.”
“I lo-” I was cut off by the thundering rumble of Ilona’s stomach. Her cheeks burned an adorable shade of red.
“I’m so sorry,” she said, slapping her hand over her face. “I don’t mean to ruin the moment…but I am just so hungry.”