Night's Promise (Children of The Night 6)

“Do you need to ask?”

“Not really,” he said, grinning, “but it’s nice to hear every now and then.”

“Yes, Derek, I forgive you. For everything.”

“Good. I forgive you, too.”

“Me?” Her brows rushed together in a frown. “What did I do?”

“Nothing, wife.” He laughed softly as he caught her hand in his. “I just wanted to see your eyes flash with anger.”

She laughed with him. A year ago, she would have sworn she couldn’t love him any more than she already did. But since that time, her love for her husband had grown into something beautiful and rare. Having him know what she was thinking, being able to read his thoughts in return, had created a bond between them that grew stronger with each passing day. She was his equal now, no longer in need of his constant protection. Of course, because he was a male vampire, his urge to protect her was instinctive. And kind of sweet.

He had taken her all over the world, showed her wondrous places inaccessible to humans, sights that few knew existed.

Her friendship with Mara had also grown, due in part to their shared love and concern for Derek. He was still compelled to turn into a werewolf when the moon was full, but as long as he drank a little of her blood before the moon rose, he was able to control the urge to kill. A few days before the moon was full, they went to Mara’s castle in Romania or to some other uninhabited spot where he could run wild and free. When Derek was certain he could control the werewolf, Sheree often shifted to wolf form and ran with him. It was exhilarating, racing through the night beside him. Mara and Logan occasionally ran with them.

At home, the desire that was never far from the surface sparked to life. Making love to Derek was always an adventure. Tonight was no different. They undressed each other as they made their way into the bedroom, leaving a trail of clothes, like bread crumbs, strewn behind them.

Lying in bed, he kissed her leisurely, starting with her lips and slowly making his way to her toes and back up again.

He whispered love words in her ear as, with hands and teeth and tongue, he aroused her, bringing her to the brink of fulfillment again and again until, with a low growl, she sank her fangs into his throat. He nipped her in return and the resultant sensual pleasure carried them both over the edge.

“I’ve married a wild woman,” he murmured when they lay panting softly in each other’s arms.

She raked her nails over his chest. “Do you love me?”

He lifted one brow in wry amusement. “Don’t you know?”

“Yes,” she said, “but it’s nice to hear the words now and then.”

He laughed as she repeated the words he had said to her earlier. “I love you, wife. I loved you from our first kiss, and I will love you to our last.”

“Love’s last kiss.” She gazed deep into his eyes, her heart and soul swelling with emotions too deep for words. “May it be a long time coming.”

After I finished Night’s Mistress, I was certain it would be the last book in my Night series. Just proves how wrong you can be. Derek’s story just seemed to write itself, always a nice perk for an author. All I had to do was write it as it unfolded. Turns out, it’s one of my favorite books. I loved Derek, I loved Sheree, and it was fun to spend more time with Mara and Logan.

I’m hoping Abbey Marie’s story is lurking somewhere in the back of my mind. I guess time will tell.

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