Beyond the Darkness (Guardians of Eternity #6)(103)

She breathed in his rich, musky scent, allowing her gaze to savor the magnificent sight of his smooth bronzed skin stretched over chiseled muscles, and the spill of raven hair that framed his lean, starkly beautiful face.

A sexy, dangerous predator that made her heart skip and her blood heat.

Easily sensing her appreciation for his raw masculinity, Salvatore wrapped her in his arms and studied her upturned face with a promising glow in his eyes.

“I like the way your sister thinks.”

“Yeah, that’s kind of obvious.” She wiggled against the hard thrust of his arousal. “Behave yourself.”

“I’m trying.” He buried his face in the curve of her neck. “Mmmm. Sweet vanilla.”

Harley’s eyes fluttered closed as a heady rush of pleasure exploded through her, the feel of his teeth nipping at her vulnerable throat nearly sending her over the edge. But with effort, she forced herself to arch away from his exquisite nibbles.

Salvatore was way too talented in distracting her.

“So, do you have a hit squad out for Caine?” she demanded.

His eyes narrowed. “Would it bother you if I did?”

Would it?

“I…don’t know.”

Salvatore scowled, not pleased by her hedging. “The bastard nearly helped to destroy the Weres, not to mention holding you hostage for the past thirty years.”

Harley grimaced. Hell, she wanted revenge as much as the next person. She’d been used and manipulated and terrified by the damned cur.

But that was all in the past.

Nothing mattered now but the future.

Her future with Salvatore.

“I could care less about Caine, but he does have a large number of curs who are loyal to him.” She framed his face in her hands. “It’s time for peace, Your Majesty.”

He heaved a rueful sigh. “There’s no hit squad. I’ve simply made it clear that I would be pleased with anyone who could give me information on the cur’s current location.”

She snorted, well aware that any pureblood who managed to get their hands on Caine was going to make his life pure misery.

“You make it sound so very civilized.”

He arched a raven brow. “You wouldn’t be implying that I’m a savage, would you?”

Her thumb brushed the sensuous curve of his lower lip. “When you want to be.”

The gold of his eyes flooded the room as he studied her with smug pleasure.

“You can be something of a savage yourself, cara.”

She chuckled. It was true. With Salvatore’s urging, she’d become downright aggressive in bed.

With stunning results.

“I haven’t heard you complaining,” she murmured, draping her arms around his neck.

“Never.” His eyes darkened with a tender emotion he kept hidden from all but her. “You are perfect in every way.”

“I’m your mate. You have to say that.”

His hands skimmed up her back, pulling her close as he gazed deep in her eyes.

“Not just my mate,” he husked. “What we have between us is more than biology or ancient powers, Harley. I adore you. I crave you. And most of all, I love you.”

Her heart clenched with a joy she’d never dreamed possible. “Forever?”

“Beyond eternity.” He bent to brush a gentle kiss over her lips.

Her knees threatened to buckle. Damn him. He knew how emotional she became when he was all sentimental.

“I love you, too, Salvatore Giuliani,” she husked, her voice thick with tears.

With a last lingering kiss, Salvatore pulled back, a teasing smile on his lips.

“Naturally.”

She punched his arm, but secretly she couldn’t deny a flare of relief. It was going to take time for her to become comfortable with the mushy stuff.

“Your modesty overwhelms me.”

He chuckled, his eyes flashing with wicked amusement. “I have a better way to overwhelm you.”

Amen to that.

She shivered, but once again she resisted the urge to give into temptation.

“Do you intend to wait here until Caine is discovered?”

His smile faded. “I know you wish to spend time with your sister, cara, but the packs are anxious to meet their new queen. We must begin our grand tour soon.”

Harley wrinkled her nose. “Grand tour?”

“Our mating has brought back traditions nearly forgotten by the purebloods.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “In the ancient days, the King of Weres would perform the Sylnivia when he became mated.”

“And just what does this…Sylnivia entail?”

“Nothing too outlandish.” He shrugged. “We will travel to meet our various packs and receive the blessing of our people.” He paused, the smile slowly returning to his mouth. “It’s supposed to ensure our fertility.”

Harley abruptly cleared her throat.

She wouldn’t get a more perfect segue.

“Actually—” She licked her suddenly dry lips. “I don’t think we’re going to be needing help in the fertility department.”

Salvatore froze, his hands gripping her with a sudden tension. “Harley?”

She shifted, feeling awkward beneath the searing intensity of his gaze.

“When I woke up this morning, I felt weird.” She unconsciously pressed a hand to her stomach. “At first I assumed it had something to do with our bond. It’s been…a little erratic.”