Moon Sworn (Riley Jenson Guardian 9)

"For which I'm extremely grateful."

"So you should be. What, then, is this oh-so-serious question?"

I hesitated. Not because I was uncertain or scared, but because I really wanted to savor the moment and relish the anticipation. "It really just requires a yes-or-no answer. Nothing too difficult."

He raised an eyebrow. "So ask."

I smiled and placed my hands over his. "Will you marry me, Quinn O'Conor?"

Chapter 14

For once, his vampire expression failed him. His response was right there on his face, in full view and easily read. He went from surprise to disbelief then hope and sheer, utter joy all within a split second of each other, then he let loose a huge whoop of delight and swept me into his arms, hugging me fiercely.

"That is the one question I never, ever thought you'd ask." He cupped my face between his hands and kissed my nose, my lips, my chin, then moved up to my lips again. It was almost as if he were in such a state of excitement, he couldn't concentrate on one area.

I laughed softly and draped my arms around his neck. "To be honest, I never really considered it before. But if these last few days have taught me anything, then it's been crystallizing what, exactly, I want from my life. And making our relationship official is my number-one priority. Well, that and breaking free of the Directorate's leash."

"And a more perfect way of celebrating your return I could never have imagined. I will adore marrying you."

He kissed me again, softly and sweetly. "I guess we now need decide just how soon and what type."

I grinned. "The vampire sounds anxious."

"The vampire has long considered you his, but to make it official - " He stopped and simply looked at me for a moment, and in his gaze and expression was enough love and joy to light up our solar system. " - that was a dream I'd thought impossible. So yeah, let's get this done quickly."

I laughed softly. "I'm not going to change my mind, you know."

"I know that, but fate hasn't exactly been kind to you over the years, so let's get this done before something stops us." He dropped another kiss on my lips. "As to how, I don't really care. Human mode or wolf, whichever way suits you."

"Swearing our love at dusk, on the night of the full moon, will take away the emotional desire for others, but it doesn't actually kill the ability to have sex with anyone else. But the lack of desire might prove a problem considering you can't live entirely off my blood and you prefer to take blood during sex."

"Prefer, not must. And if swearing to the moon brings you and me together as one, then I will top up my blood the regular way - donations via the arm or neck of willing participants - or via that revolting synth stuff."

I frowned. "I thought you didn't like the blood whore clubs?"

"I don't. But there are certain establishments that cater to those who prefer their donations from those who aren't hooked on the giving, or who prefer little or anonymous contact."

I raised my eyebrows. "How can a donor be anonymous when you're sucking their neck or arm?"

"By the careful placement of screens."

"How come no one knows about these establishments?"

"Because their whole purpose is to cater to the rich and/or the famous - those who don't want to be seen consuming in public, and who can afford to pay for the privilege of anonymity."

"Ah. These things always come down to money."

"Of which I have plenty," he said. "So, how swish do you want our wedding?"

I laughed. "A werewolf ceremony is a simple one. You, me, close family - because we sure as hell won't be swearing anything without letting Rhoan and Liander in on the action - and the moon. Clothes are optional."

"Now, why am I not surprised about that?"

"It also involves sex."

"Given it's a werewolf ceremony, I'd be surprised if it didn't." He paused, and said reflectively, "Maybe that's why the ceremony with Eryn didn't work. We said the words but didn't go through the motions."

Eryn Jones was the wolf he'd been engaged to before I'd met him. Only, she'd used an experimental "love"