Jared (The Protectors #2)(77)

“You okay?” Jared leaned over her, his hand tilting her face toward his.

She shrugged her shoulders. “How’s my face looking?”

“Beautiful.” He kissed her nose then chuckled at her frown.

“No it doesn’t.” She huffed. “I’m going to look terrible for Nicole’s pictures.” She poked at her face wincing at the bruising still there.

Jared’s face turned serious. “Be my mate Tessa.” Jared kissed her knuckles. “If you become my mate and share my blood I can take your pain away.”

Tessa looked away. She had waited for those words for what seemed like forever, but he had barely touched her since the bar. She looked back at him. “Do I disgust you now?”

“What the hell kind of question is that?” His eyes swirled darker as he sat straight up glaring down at her.

“Just a question.” She held firm. “Do I?”

“No you do not disgust me and I should blister your ass for even thinking that.” Jared took her lips carefully then backed off.

“But you haven’t touched me.” When he cocked an eyebrow at her she sighed. “I mean you haven’t….you know…touched me.”

Understanding lit his face and he carefully grabbed her up and held her. “Tessa it has nothing to do with what happened. I swear to you. I just don’t want to hurt you.”

“I’m not made of glass Jared.” Tessa said in his neck. “I won’t break. I want you. I need you.” She kissed and sucked the side of his neck.

“Are you sure you’re ready?” He groaned with hope in his voice.

“I’ve been ready, Warrior.” She sighed.

He gently pushed her back on the bed kissing her as he went. She ran her hands down his back wrapping her legs tightly around his waist. His hand ran up under her shirt.

“Make me your mate first.” She stopped his hand, turning her neck for him.

Jared prayed for control as his eyes spotted her throbbing vein. “Jesus.” He leaned down and licked the vein. “I love you.” He whispered before his fangs sunk into the thin skin of her neck as his cock found the softness of her center.

Arching up Tessa floated on the sensations of Jared pumping into her while feeding from her neck. Who knew how incredibly sensual it could be. “I love you more.”

His fangs slid out of her neck gently, his black eyes found hers. “Never.” He grinned down at her tiny frown. “You taste so f*cking sweet. In order to make it complete you need to take my blood Tessa. Are you ready for that?”

“Yes.” Tessa moaned when he stilled inside of her. She watched mesmerized as he bit into his own wrist, opening his skin for her. Blood seeped from the small wound.

“You have to take my blood freely.” Jared’s voice was husky and dark.

Grabbing his hand without hesitation, Tessa brought his bleeding wrist to her lips. Her eyes held his as she took his blood willingly, lovingly. She raised her hips to urge him to resume his love making.

“You have made me the happiest damn man in the world Tessa Pride.” Jared felt the bond as he pulled his wrist away and pumped into her. As their climax peaked so did their mating bond. It was done. She was his forever. “You are mine as I am yours….forever.” “Forever.” Tessa whispered against his lips.

********

The church was crowded with friends and family. Tessa stood waiting for her queue to start walking down the aisle. She turned to look at Nicole who was biting her lip nervously.

“Did he take off yet?” Mitch stood next to Nicole a grin on his face. “I tried to warn him.”

Tessa rolled her eyes. “Stop it.” She looked at Nicole who was staring at her waiting for the answer. “He’s still there Nicole. That man loves you more than anything in this world. He isn’t going anywhere.”

Nicole elbowed Mitch in the side for worrying her then let out a loud sigh. “If I start crying blood and ruin my dress I’m going to be so mad.”

Tessa handed her more Kleenex. The older woman who was playing the organ gave her a nod. “That’s my queue.” She turned and winked at Nicole. “You look beautiful. He is going to fall in love with you all over again.”

“Thank you.” Nicole sniffed. “Dang it Tessa, you’re making me tear up.”

“Sorry.” Tessa chuckled as she turned the corner and made her walk down the aisle. Her eyes found Jared right away and didn’t waver from him.

“Wow.” Damon grinned leaning toward Jared who was his best man. “You made her your mate. Congrats brother.”

Jared smiled still watching Tessa make her way toward them. “I was hoping to keep that secret until after your wedding. This is your day buddy.”

“Well she doesn’t have a scratch left on her so that means she’s either a very fast healer or she took your blood.” He slapped Jared on the back along with Sid and Duncan who also noticed Tessa’s quick healthy appearance.

Tessa blushed when she noticed all of their attention was directed toward her wearing huge grins. Jared winked at her and mouthed his love. Taking her place she turned to watch the doorway as everyone waited for the bride.

********

“You ready for this Callahan?” Mitch grinned down at her.