“You also know what I’ve done. The mistakes I’ve made.” Her voice was soft as she spoke, even though she never looked away from him. His female was strong. She was willing to face her demons even though he could see the shame in her eyes.
Gerick stepped closer, unable to bear only a couple feet of distance between them. She didn’t step back, a promising sign. “I know we all make mistakes.”
She snorted, the sound full of disgust. “Murder isn’t just a mistake. It’s abhorrent.”
“You obviously feel great remorse over what you’ve done,” he pointed out. “Does that count for anything?”
Her eyes took on a faraway look, as if she was remembering something. It was a memory that, based on her crestfallen look, must have been painful. “Maybe,” she finally answered. “I wanted you to know that I will understand if you don’t want me as your mate. You’re a respected warrior, the leader of your queen’s army. It would disgrace you to have one such as myself at your side. I will not bring that upon you.”
Gerick felt his stomach tighten at the thought of losing her. He’d only just found her. On impulse, he reached out and grabbed her hand, pulling her close so that their bodies were nearly touching. He took several deep breaths, attempting to calm his raging emotions. When he was sure he could speak and not simply growl at her like a possessive beast, he said, “I need you to listen, and listen closely. Can you do that for me?”
She nodded.
“Words, mate. I want your words.”
“I can do that.”
“Good girl,” he said as he reached up with his free hand and ran a thumb across her bottom lip. “There is nothing that could keep me from your side. Nothing. I would be honored to have you at my side, where you belong. The Great Luna has given you to me as my mate, and I am choosing to gratefully accept the amazing gift that you are. You don’t have to like it. You don’t have to want it. You can even deny me. But you might find it incredibly awkward to have a warlock general following you around all day, glaring at any male that gets near you. You are mine, Myanin. I care not for your past. Whatever you’ve experienced has shaped you into the woman you are today. The woman standing before me now is the woman I want.”
Her eyes took on a glassy sheen as she stared at him. He could see the slight trembling in her body as she tried to control her emotions. He imagined Myanin wasn’t one who lost control of herself very often. She’d have to learn that if there was anyone she could be vulnerable with, it was him. “Even after everything you heard, everything I told Perizada, you still want me?” She sounded shocked, but he could also hear the hope in her voice.
Gerick leaned down and pressed his forehead to hers. He breathed in, taking in her sweet scent, which was mixed with the smell of the cotton candy treat she enjoyed so much. “If you knew how much I wanted you, you’d probably run away.” His voice was gruff with his need for her. But he wouldn’t hide from her, not any part of himself. She’d bared her soul to not only Peri, Lilly, and Lucian, but to him as well. He would never make her feel shame for that. She would only ever know his love, his acceptance, his open arms, always ready to hold her, protect her, and offer her anything she needed.
“Where do we go from here?” she asked in a soft voice, her forehead still pressed to his.
He figured saying “my bedroom” was not the answer she was looking for, though it was tempting. “Where do you need to go from here?”
“I need to face my elders, my judgment,” Myanin practically whispered. The fear he heard there almost broke his heart, and it scared him as well.
“Then that is what we will do.”
She pulled her head back, and he loathed the space it created between them. If it were up to him, they’d never stop touching. He still held her hand in his, which would have to be enough for the moment.
“You would face them with me?” Myanin’s brow furrowed as she stared up at him.
“Where else would I be? I still don’t think you understand how this mate thing works, my sweet. Me by your side and you by mine, always.”
This time her tears fell. Gerick watched as they slowly trailed down her beautiful cheeks. She pressed her lips tightly together as she seemed to gather herself. “Then, I need to speak with Perizada and ask her to take me to my elders.”
Gerick entwined their fingers and motioned toward the door. “Lilly can contact her.” He began leading her from the room, trying to steady his beating heart. He was terrified they would take her from him, and even more afraid of what would happen when he refused to let them have her. The general didn’t want to start a war with the djinn. He had no doubt Lilly would back him if he did, but they would never win, not against the power of Myanin’s race. But there was no
