The Blackest Night (Dusk Before Dawn 3)

Eventually, I felt full and sated, my orgasm receding, and my consort’s shudders began to ease. I retracted my teeth and licked over the wound, sealing it closed. Then I pulled back and stared into Bronwyn’s face as she ran her tongue over her brand-new fangs. Her expression held wonder, but as her eyes dropped, resting on the place where my pulse beat hard against my chest, they were swirling with need. I eased her legs down and released her wrists before cupping the back of her head and guiding her mouth to my heart. “Drink, angel. Take my blood inside you and seal our bond forever.”

After only a moment’s hesitation, she sank her canines into me and took deep pulls, sucking my blood into her body. I’d had no idea how erotic that would be, and though I’d just come twice, a small orgasm raced over me, and my shaft spurted more come into my consort’s womb. It had already occurred to me that we weren’t using protection, and I couldn’t help being satisfied that I’d filled her up with so much of my seed in the past twenty-four hours.

Finally, she’d had enough, and her fangs retreated back into her gums. She looked as exhausted as I felt, and I fell to her side before shifting her to lie on top of me and wrapping her up in my arms.

“I love you so fucking much,” I murmured.

Bronwyn gasped, and her head flew up, her eyes searching my face. “You love me?” she whispered after a few beats.

I smiled and gently hugged her. “You are everything I could ever want in an eternal companion. My very own angel. I fell for you the moment we met.”

Her cheeks turned pink, but her smile was blinding when she replied, “I love you, too.”

“Forever,” I rasped before sealing our mouths together in a promise of love for an eternity.EpilogueBronwynStanding in the ballroom of the home I shared with Stephan, I couldn’t believe how much my life had changed over the past six months—like the fact that I owned a house with a ballroom. But the upgrade in my living conditions had nothing on the true bounty of what Stephan had given me. Neither did my bank account, which had so many zeroes that I still couldn’t quite wrap my brain around how much money was in there. Luckily, I had as many years as I needed to get used to all the wonderful ways Stephan had changed my life since I was immortal. But it had taken me no time at all to adjust to the best gift he’d given me.

I twirled around to take in each of the Bancrofts who were present, the skirt of my gown billowing out around me. Stephan’s family had done more than take me under their wing. They’d accepted me as one of their own. After spending so many years on my own, it had been a welcome change to be surrounded by people who wanted nothing more than to show me how much they cared. Stephan’s parents showered me with affection. Both of his brothers treated me like the little sister they adored. Their wives were my best friends. Their children were my beloved nieces and nephews.

I was a part of a big family with whom I could take down my walls because they were never going anywhere. Daywalkers lived forever, unlike my parents.

Strong male arms wrapped around me from behind, pulling my back against a familiar muscular chest. Warm lips trailed down my neck, making me shiver. “You look happy.”

I leaned into Stephan’s hold and tilted my head back to grin up at him. “Since I met you, I’m always happy.”

His bright blue eyes gleamed with satisfaction as his lips curved up in an answering smile. “Excellent point, my angel. I suppose I should correct myself—you look happier than usual.”

Daywalkers had excellent hearing, but I spoke a little louder to make sure I had everyone’s attention. I’d wanted to make this announcement while surrounded by our family, and tonight was the perfect opportunity. I’d had such a hard time keeping my secret for the past few days, especially since the bond between Stephan and I was wide open. I couldn’t count the number of times I’d forced myself to sing a random song so I wasn’t thinking about the one thing I didn’t want him to know until I was ready to share. “I have an excellent reason to be happier than usual.”

“You do?” He cocked his head to the side, a wrinkle popping up in the middle of his forehead.

“Yup.” My grin widened, and I bit my bottom lip to hold back a giggle. “One so good that happy doesn’t even begin to explain how I’m feeling.”

He pressed down on my lip with his thumb to free it from my grip. “I’m the only one who gets to bite you, angel. And mine is the only skin your teeth ever sink into. That pleasure is all mine.”