Chapter 21 #2
Skylar laughed. “Rafe, I don’t understand. I mean I guess friends can enjoy a sunset.”
The butler gave a bow and smiled at Skylar before resuming a place next to the table, ever watchful of Rafe. “Thanks, Henri.”
Skylar smiled at the sight of all the rose petals. What could he possibly be doing? “Are you sure you’re okay, Rafe? I know we all went through a lot the past couple of days.”
“I’m better than okay. I’m great. This past week. I went back home. Ran with my old pack. I finally got to sleep in my own bed. I got things in order for this winter. But…I couldn’t stop thinking about us.”
Skylar’s heart pounded in her chest as he spoke. Rafe closed the distance between them.
“That night we met in New Orleans, my life changed. There was something about you from the beginning. Dancing with you that night? I think I knew then. But when we decided to be just friends?” He laughed.
“That was a lie. I wanted you so much. I couldn’t even feed after being with you, because you were my soul mate.
You. I knew long before you shifted. Long before the spell. ”
Skylar’s heart ached, her entire body wanting to rush into his arms. She bit her lip, willing her patience to hold steady as he continued.
“And for a minute after the spell, when I was certain I was no longer a vampire, it was still you. I was so pissed at Greyson for taking you home. I couldn’t stop thinking about us.”
Skylar put her hand in his as he reached for her, her gaze on his.
“I know you’re human, Sky, so I want to make sure I do this in a way that is you know…not like us shifters do. I mean, when we meet our mate, we just know and that’s pretty much it. But humans? You are interesting creatures who require a little more…what do they call it? Dating? Courting?”
“Are you asking me on a date?” Skylar laughed. “I thought we pretty much decided this wasn’t happening.”
“Did we?” He raised a questioning eyebrow at her.
Skylar gasped as he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her toward him. His finger traced over her neck and she sighed.
“This mark here.”
Skylar’s skin tingled, desire rushing through her as his fingers teased over her delicate neck. “I think someone must have bitten me.”
“Indeed, but this pattern? It’s special, you see. This is from a wolf. This is from me. This mark? You are mine.”
“I’m not your human,” she protested.
“There are some bonds that can’t be broken, Skylar. You are my mate. I’m yours.”
Skylar’s pulse raced at his words, afraid to allow herself the indulgence. How was it possible? Her mind spun with questions as she reached for his collar and inspected his neck.
“But you don’t have one? What I have is probably just an allergy.” Her heart sank.
“Sky. I’m a wolf. I am an Alpha. Trust me when I say that mark means you’re mine. The reason I don’t have one yet is because I need my mate to claim me.” Rafe smiled. “You.”
“No. Are you sure?” A broad smile crossed her face, her spirits soaring. “Does this mean?”
“You are my mate, Sky.” He beamed.
“You’re serious…oh my God.” Tears welled in her eyes, her heart full.
“I want to make this official because you have two very lovely parents up there who I don’t imagine will be quite impressed with me simply saying I’m your mate.”
Skylar’s eyes widened as Rafe knelt on one knee before her and retrieved a small blue box.
“My beautiful Sky. Ever since we met, I haven’t been able to stop thinking of you. Being with you? I’m in awe. Your strength. Your humor. Your kiss…I want it all with you. Not just a day or a week, but a lifetime, an eternity. I love you, Sky.”
Skylar wore a broad smile as he opened the little box, revealing a diamond ring.
“You see, we wolves don’t normally do this kind of thing, but I want to start off our life together on the right note.”
She nodded, tears in her eyes. Never in a million years had she imagined her dreams coming true, finding and keeping the love of her life.
“I love you, Sky,” he confessed.
“I love you too,” she declared.
“Would you come on an adventure with me, Miss Hemlock? One to last a lifetime? Will you marry me?”
“Yes…yes!” Tears streamed down her face as he slid the diamond onto her finger.
Skylar melted into Rafe as he took her in his arms and pressed his lips to hers. Breathless, Skylar relaxed as he slowly broke their kiss. Henri played a Cajun waltz on his accordion, music filling the air.
“May I have this dance?” Rafe asked her, his voice low and raspy.
Skylar gave a hazy smile. “How did you do this?”
“Magick, baby, magick.” He winked.
Her heart bursting with love, Skylar gasped as he spun her in his arms, gazing up into his eyes as she moved with him. The same song played as the first night they’d met and her heart celebrated with a joy she’d never truly experienced until this very moment.
“I can’t believe this is happening.” Skylar hopped onto the bed, taking in the sight of the enormous stateroom. A loud pop sounded and she laughed.
“Where would you like to go next?” Rafe asked.
“I’ll go anywhere with you.” She rolled onto her side, watching as he poured the champagne.
“That’s the spirit. You know, I used to make fun of Viktor with his boat but now?
I’m loving the idea of touring the world.
” Rafe rocked the bottle back into the ice bucket.
“When I got back to New Orleans, Henri came to me and apparently Ilsbeth arranged for me to execute the details of her estate. Hazel and the others will watch over the two mansions in New Orleans while I’m away. ”
“Is she really gone?” Skylar asked, her tone somber.
“It feels that way. You know, I can still remember her looking at me. I don’t think she wanted to tell any of us she’d planned on dying. But I think she knew. I think Greyson knew too.” Rafe shook his head.
“I believe in karma. I think that she earned it.”
“If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be here.” Rafe smiled.
“She’s probably up there with the Goddess right now. Having a cocktail and going for a swim.”
“That’s optimistic of you. But who knows?”
“So…this boat. It was hers?”
“Apparently Viktor bought her this yacht after she saved me, but she’s never cared much for the water. When I was in Wyoming, a parcel arrived with ownership documents and a letter from Ilsbeth gifting it to me. It’s been sitting in Seattle for a couple of years. She’s fully serviced, of course.”
“How did she know to send it to Wyoming?”
“It was postmarked the day we’d stayed with her in New Orleans.
My best guess is she sent it off before we’d left for the desert or had Henri do it.
Even in death, he won’t spill her secrets.
But I think she knew if she told us she wasn’t coming back we would have tried to stop her.
I don’t know if we’ll ever really know. All I do know is from the looks of things, she’d already had the paperwork done months before.
My guess is the minute she saved me with her blood, she knew Zyaire would come after me. The clock had started ticking.”
Skylar shoved up in the bed, accepting the glass from Rafe. “So where is Greyson?”
“Off to Europe somewhere. I don’t know…for someone who genuinely didn’t care for Ilsbeth, he seemed pretty upset.”
“I get it. I didn’t know her a month ago, and I was sad. I guess given their history it makes sense.”
“Ilsbeth knew what she was doing. Given everything that’s happened, everything she did for me, I think you’re right, she’s earned that karma she was looking for.” Rafe slid next to Skylar and raised his glass. “She gave me my future. You. Us. Everything in between.”
“To Ilsbeth.” Skylar held up her glass and sipped the bubbly.
“To us.” Rafe shot her a sexy smile. “You know my lovely little raven, my wolf has not been claimed by his mate yet.”
“Hmm…considering we just got engaged,” she set her glass on the table, and lay back onto the bed, “I think we should rectify that immediately. You’re mine.”