Red Moon Secrets (Deadly Beauties 3)

He takes a deep breath, as though he's nervous, and I tilt my head in bemusement.

"When you're angry, it'll turn lycan orange," he says, his smile returning as he teases me a bit.

I can't help but let a snicker free. Then he continues, "When you're irritated, it'll turn incubus red and green." Again I laugh. "When you're scared, it'll turn widow purple."

I shiver. Those creatures still creep me out.

"What about when I'm sad?" I ask. I'm met with his hesitant exhalation.

"Changer yellow."

My moment of laughter and lightness has been weighted by reality and doused with a strike of pain.

"Oh," I mutter, restraining the tears.

He gives me my moment, and then I look up to see his soft greens staring into mine, promising so much more than words ever could.

"And when I'm happy?" I ask, wondering why he hasn't mentioned that emotion yet.

His eyes shift, changing from green to blue in that moment, and I smile as he does.

"Night stalker blue."

I chuckle and sniffle at once as I wipe away my remaining tears. He leans down, kisses my head, and then draws back, still keeping the ring out of my grasp. When I reach again, he pulls it back once more.

"I still can't have it?" I ask, pouting for emphasis.

I'm rewarded by his incredible laughter, and then a sweet brush of his lips against mine.

"On one condition," he says, grinning as he leans away. "You have to say yes."

I tilt my head, curious and intrigued. "Yes."

He chuckles loudly, and I stare at him, confused.

"You haven't heard the question."

I lean forward, kiss his chin, then trail my lips up his cheek very slowly. "I'm sure I'll say yes no matter what it is. I love you, you know."

I expect a laugh, a smile—anything other than a harsh breath. I pull back to see the deep concern in his eyes. He looks… nervous? What the hell is he going to ask?

"I hope so," he murmurs quietly while climbing off the bed and walking around to my side.

I sit up and swing my legs around so that I'm facing him. He kneels before me, trying to shrug off his nerves, and suddenly my heart almost stops beating.

"I meant it when I said I want eternity with you. This time I bought a ring to prove it. I love you so damn much, Alyssa, and I swear I'll do everything in my power to keep you safe, happy, and—well, sane."

My happy tears invade my laughter. His smile spreads a little easier as I watch with a still heart, a tingling body, and a catch in my throat.

"You and I were in love before we knew destiny's warped plan. It's real—it always has been. I'll go to the depths of hell and back for you, and you know it. All you have to do is say yes."

My eyes move from his night stalker blues to the ring a few times in quick repetition. After I remain silent for a few, long, drawn out minutes, he laughs nervously.

"I'll stay on my knee all damn day if I have to, but the suspense is killing me, baby."

I smile as I finally look up and hold his gaze. "You didn't ask a question."

His smile grows bigger, stronger, and the angst starts to drift out of his eyes.