Control (Blood & Bone Enforcers MC)

“I know we’re shifters and both of us were primarily raised with our kind, and not with humans. This is a total human tradition, something most shifters don’t bother with, since there’s nothing more binding than claiming your mate. But I want to tie myself to you in every possible way—human and shifter. I love you so much. More than life itself. Will you marry me?”

Tarun raised a trembling hand, pressing her fingers against her lips as she choked back a sob. Her heart felt like it was going to explode as Luke held up a pretty ring that glinted in the sunlight. She hadn’t ever once given thought to getting married. He was right, it was a human tradition that most shifters never considered.

So it took her by surprise just how much she wanted to marry him.

Taking a deep breath, she let her fingers fall away from her mouth, trying to keep the tears she felt at bay long enough to answer him. “God, Luke, I love you so much. I want to tie myself to you in every way, too. I’d love nothing more than to marry you.”

He smiled up at her, relief flashing through his eyes, and she realized he’d actually been nervous. Silly man. He’d said he would follow her anywhere, and the same applied for her. Especially if it meant following him into marriage and the rest of their life together.

Reaching out, he beckoned for her hand. She held it out, unable to stop her fingers from trembling slightly as he slid the ring on her finger. Holding her hand up, she turned it back and forth, admiring the ring as it glinted in the sunlight. It was silver, or maybe white gold, with a design etched into the sides, leading up to a small, square cut diamond in the center.

It was absolutely perfect.

“It’s beautiful. When did you manage to get this?”

He smiled, still down on one knee as he watched her stare at the ring. “I ran out and picked them up this morning. I guessed on the size, but it looks like it fits well.”

“It does. It’s perfect. In every way.”

Luke stood, taking her hand and pressing his lips to the ring before kissing her. She opened for the sweep of his tongue, arching into him as her blood heated. She was just about to grab his hand and pull him inside and up to their bedroom when he eased back.

“You ready to do this?”

She felt her eyes widen. “What, now? Don’t we need to find a preacher or something?”

“Believe it or not, Noah can marry us. We can wait if you’d rather, though.”

Her eyebrow arched as she glanced over at Noah. He was sitting on the porch with the other Enforcers, and he grinned at her with a shrug. “Hey, this is Nevada. Being licensed to marry people comes in handy.”

Looking back at Luke, she grinned. “No, I don’t want to wait. I like the idea of having the shortest engagement in history. And I want to be married to you as soon as possible. Let’s do this.”

His eyes turned golden as she watched, his lion making his presence known. Grabbing her hand, he pulled her over to where the others were gathered, pulling two more rings out of his pocket. Wedding bands for him and her, both silver with the same intricate design etched into them that her engagement ring boasted.

He handed them to Blake with a grin. “Be my best man?”

“Of course,” Blake replied gruffly, reaching out to take the rings. “You’re setting the bar pretty high for the rest of us with this romantic shit, though.”

Tarun giggled as Luke shrugged unrepentantly before turning to her and taking her hands in his. Looking deeply into her eyes, he whispered, “I love you. So fucking much.”

“I love you more.”

He chuckled, leaning in to kiss her. Their lips had barely touched when Noah made a clicking noise with his tongue. “Now, now. I haven’t gotten to the kiss the bride part yet. Patience, kids.”

Tarun laughed as they eased apart, her eyes caught in his. She was vaguely aware of Noah starting the ceremony, and she knew she should pay attention so she could look back and remember it clearly, but she was sucked into the moment as she and Luke gazed at each other. It felt like they were looking into each other’s souls, and it was a glorious moment—and really, what could be more perfect for a wedding?

There, under the bright Nevada sun, she and Luke pledged their lives to each other with their Enforcer family looking on. The moment felt surreal as they exchanged vows and rings, promising to love and cherish each other forever.

Her life had changed so much since she decided to leave Durga so she could warn the Enforcers in person. She never imagined her little adventure would end up the way it had—a new career, a new makeshift family—and being mated, claimed, and tying herself to Luke even further with a human ceremony.

She wouldn’t change a moment of it, though. She finally found a place where she belonged. She found a man she loved more than life itself, a crew of Enforcers who quickly became family, and a purpose in her life.

There would no doubt be challenges in their lives, especially considering Luke’s occupation—her occupation. But they’d face them together, and she had no doubt they’d conquer them all.

Wasn’t that what love did, after all?