Dalton
HADDI HAD BEEN seated on my right at dinner, with Andi on my left. It worked out perfectly because I wanted to get to know the man who’d been advising Andi a little better.
“Andrea mentioned you both wanted to speak with me after dinner,” Haddi said.
I nodded. “If you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. I’m here to make sure she succeeds, so all questions are welcome.”
Andi’s hand slid to my thigh and I linked my fingers with hers, glancing to make sure she was okay. She was deep in conversation with Samantha, so I turned back to Haddi.
“Do you understand your role?” Haddi asked.
“As a man or as the mate to an Oracle?”
“Both,” Haddi said. “It’s all about her, really. You are essentially in service to the queen. You may find that difficult at times, but you’ll need to find a way to support her even when you want her to follow your lead.”
I chuckled. “Are you saying my alpha-male side may bristle if she’s in charge?”
“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying.” Haddi smiled. “Because you won’t win and that can be difficult for us men. We want our women to need us, but when the woman has more power, we can find that challenging.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I promised. “How exact do the words need to be?”
“Exact. But if Andi’s concerned about the language, if she focuses on the English while speaking the Icelandic, she will be fine.”
“That’s what she’s concerned about.”
“She’s ready,” Haddi said. “I’d recommend you bonding sooner than later.”
“It would help if that came directly from you.”
Haddi smiled. “Consider it done.”
The rest of dinner was relaxed and happy, and I hoped Haddi could convince Andi to perform the bonding that night. Luckily, I wouldn’t have long to find out.
* * *
Andi
I paced my bedroom, my heart racing and my palms sweaty. Tonight was the night. Haddi had put my fears to rest (kind of) regarding the ritual words, but I still wasn’t looking forward to Dalton being in pain. All of this was entirely too surreal.
A knock at my door brought Samantha and Jesska, and I forced back tears. “Hi.”
“Oh, honey, it’s going to be okay,” Samantha promised, pulling her in for a hug. “Dalton’s strong. He can handle this.”
“I don’t know if I can watch him go through this.”
“It sucks,” Jesska said. “Kaz nearly lost his mind, and Kade probably did too, but they survived and they’re the kind of men who’ve had people do everything for them.”
“Entitled,” Samantha agreed.
“Exactly.” Jesska smiled. “They made it through. You will too.”
“Just focus on the love part, okay?” Samantha suggested. “Don’t forget that first time together as mates. Worry just robs the joy.”
I nodded. “I’ll try.”
“Good. I bought you something sexy before we left,” Samantha said, setting a gift bag on the bed. “You get ready and we’ll prepare to make Dalton comfortable when the change happens.”
Both women hugged me again and then left me alone to my thoughts. I dumped the contents of the bag onto the bed and stepped into the bathroom. Samantha wasn’t kidding when she said she’d bought something sexy. I’d never worn anything like this before. Of course, I’d never had a reason to wear anything like this before, there was no way in hell I wanted Jeremy more sexed up than he already was. But tonight, trusting Dalton the way I did, I was looking forward to it.
“Andi?” Dalton called.
“In here. Don’t come in.”
“Are you gonna come out?”
I smiled. “Maybe.”
I checked myself out in the mirror. The all white lace baby doll teddy didn’t leave much to the imagination, and the matching crotchless panties gave all access, but all-in-all, it worked. I felt beautiful, so I peeked out of the bathroom door and made sure all was clear. “I’m coming out. Close your eyes.”
“They’re closed.”
I walked back into the bedroom and had to hold back a squeak. Dalton stood in the middle of the room, one hand over his eyes, the other crossed over his chest. I took a minute to admire his muscular chest and the black PJ bottoms that slung low on his hips.
“You can look,” I whispered.
He lowered his hand and let out a quiet whistle. “Stunning, sugar.”
I didn’t have a chance to respond, as he pulled me into his arms and kissed me to the point of speechlessness.
“I love you,” he said.
“I love you, too.”
“I have something for you before we start.”
“But I haven’t had a chance to get you anything,” I complained.
He grinned and pulled a black leather box out of his pocket. “We’ll rectify that after we’re bonded. For now, tell me what you think of this.”
I took the box and pried it open, tears flooding my eyes and leaking down my cheeks. “Ohmigod, Dalton. It’s beautiful.”
“Yeah?”
I nodded and swiped at my tears. “It’s like you reached into my mind and pulled the exact ring out of my wishes.”
“It was my grandmother’s,” he said. “Mom sent it back with Samantha.”
“She did?” This news only made me cry harder.
“Why are you crying, sugar?”
“Because if your mom gave it to you, then she must approve of me and I’m so glad because I love your parents and if they didn’t like me, I’d be ruined.”
Dalton chuckled gently and pulled me against him. “Oh, honey, they do love you. Dad’s more excited about me marrying you than he was about Samantha and Kade. He said as much.”
“I’m sure it’s harder for a dad to let go of his little girl,” I sniffed.
“Maybe so.” Dalton kissed me gently, then knelt on one knee. “Andrea Lanie Rivers, will you do me the honor of being my wife?”
I nodded, and he slipped the ring on my finger before rising to his feet again and kissing me. “Ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.”
“That’s the spirit.”
I grabbed the piece of paper Haddi had given me with the words spelled phonetically, and I leaned against Dalton and started, “Ég gef þér allt sem ég er, allt sem ég vil vera og allt sem ég get verið.”
“Ég gef þér allt sem ég er, allt sem ég vil vera og allt sem ég get verið,” Dalton repeated. My knees shook, and Dalton held me tighter. “I’ve got you.”
I nodded and continued, “Ég er þinn að eilífu. Ég er þinn að eilífu. Eining okkar mun aldrei bresta.”
Dalton smiled. “Ég er þinn að eilífu. Ég er þinn að eilífu. Eining okkar mun aldrei bresta.”
“Ást mín er alger.”
“Ást mín er alger,” he whispered.
“Together.”
“Together, sugar.”
In unison, we spoke, “Ég gef þér allt sem ég er, allt sem ég vil vera og allt sem ég get verið. Ég er þinn að eilífu. Ég er þinn að eilífu. Eining okkar mun aldrei bresta. Ást mín er alger”
I sighed as we spoke the last words and dropped my head to Dalton’s chest. I give you everything I am, all I want to be and all I can be. I’m yours forever. Our bond will never be broken. My love is absolute.
Dalton lifted me into his arms and carried me to the bed, leaning down to kiss me, and then moving his way down my body, his face disappearing between my legs. I whimpered when his mouth connected with my clit, sucking it gently. I fisted my hands in the sheets and arched against him.
“Dalt,” I breathed out. “I can’t wait.”
He didn’t respond verbally... just put more pressure on my clit with his tongue. I anchored my heels to his shoulders and bit my lip, trying to keep my climax at bay. I couldn’t. I cried out, my body shaking as I came. Dalton kissed the inside of my thighs before hovering over me and sliding inside. I moaned with want, the feel of him almost too much. Linking his fingers with mine, he dragged them over my head and buried himself deeper in my body as he licked my bottom lip and then kissed me deeply. I slid a leg over his hip and arched into him.
“You feel amazing, sugar,” Dalton whispered.
“So do you.”
He grinned, kissing me again. “How hard, baby?”
“Hard, please.”
Dalton released my hands and slid out of me. “On your knees, sugar.”
I didn’t hesitate to roll over and push up on all fours. He squeezed my bottom as he slid back inside me, reaching one hand to a breast and the other to my clit. He worked my body again until I could barely breathe, and then he grabbed my hips and slammed into me over and over again until I cried out and collapsed onto the mattress. Dalton fell with me, then pushed up above me and continued to slam into me.
“Baby, I’m going to come again,” I warned.
“Wait.”
I whimpered, unsure I’d be able to do what he demanded.
“Now, sugar,” he rasped, and his body locked.
I let myself go and stayed connected to him as he rolled us onto our sides. “Never has it ever been this good.” He kissed the nape of my neck. “I love you, Andi. Don’t ever forget that.”
“I won’t, honey. I love you, too.”
Breaking our connection briefly, I faced him, running a hand down his chest. His pecs were dusted with dark, soft hair and I couldn’t seem to stop touching him.
He slid his hand to my neck and tugged me forward gently. “Do you know how beautiful you are?”
“You certainly make me feel that way.”
“It’s a fact, sugar.”
I giggled. “You might be a little biased.”
“I can’t be—” His words were cut off by a hiss.
“Dalt?”
“I’m okay,” he rasped. “Fuck! No, maybe I’m not.”
“It’s too soon,” I squeaked, and shot off the bed, grabbing a robe from the closet. As I walked back into the room, a sharp pain in my abdomen doubled me over and I cried out. It was gone almost as quickly as it came, but I could see Dalton still writhing in agony. I’d been warned I’d feel some of his pain, but if this was even a smidgeon of what he was experiencing, I didn’t know how he hadn’t passed out already.
“Okay, honey,” I crooned, covering his lower half with a blanket. “I’m going to fill the tub.”
Samantha had instructed that I fill the bath with cold water as soon as Dalton felt pain. Jesska’s staff had half-filled it with ice earlier, so I turned the cold tap on and left it to fill. Luckily, it was an infinity tub, so water wouldn’t spill, which meant I could check on Dalton immediately. “Honey, can you walk?”
He shook his head.
“Okay, as soon as you can, we’re going to get you in the tub and then I’ll get Kade.”
Kade was a medical doctor, specializing in Cauld Ane general medicine, so he would be monitoring Dalton as he went through the change. Dalton refused to let Samantha do it, and I didn’t blame him. It was creepy on several levels.
I settled my hand on Dalton’s forehead and forced myself not to panic. He was burning hot. Hot enough to kill someone. “Honey, I’ll feel a lot better if you’re in the water.”
He pushed himself up with a groan and hobbled toward the bathroom. I tried to wrap my arm around him, but he hissed in pain. “I got it, Andi. Just give me a minute.”
I stepped back and followed him slowly to the tub where he lowered himself into the water, a sigh of relief relaxing me slightly. “Better?”
“Yeah, sugar. Much.”
“I’m going to get Kade, okay?”
He smiled, his eyes closed, his lips dry. “Can you get me some water first, please?”
“Oh, sure.” I grabbed him a glass and helped him take a few sips before he nodded and relaxed against the porcelain again. “I’ll be right back.”
I rushed out of the bathroom and yanked open the bedroom door. “Kade!” I called, hating the sound of panic in my voice.
He appeared immediately, almost like he’d teleported to me… I didn’t know if that was a thing, but I filed it in the back of my mind to ask.
“Is he in the bath?” Kade asked.
I nodded. “He’s really hot.”
“I know, lass. It’s all normal.”
We’d almost reached the bathroom when pain hit my legs and I lost my footing, falling with a thud to the floor. Samantha rushed into the room and knelt beside me. “Kade’s going to take care of Dalton, honey. I’ve got you, okay?”
I couldn’t speak. The pain was so intense it knocked the wind out of me. Thankfully, it didn’t last long, and I dragged myself off the ground. “How much worse is he feeling this?”
Samantha gave me a gentle smile and I knew it was severe.
“Damn it,” I whispered.
“He can take it, Andi. Promise,” Samantha assured. “Come have a seat. I’m going to wrap your legs with ice. It’ll help cool your whole body.”
I shook my head. “I’m okay. I need to be close to Dalton.”
“The pain’s only going to get worse.”
“I’m okay, Samantha, but I need to be with him.”
She smiled. “I get it.”
I took unsteady steps toward the bathroom, kneeling in front of the tub and taking Dalton’s hand. He pulled away.
“Am I hurting you?” I asked.
“If she touches you, it will help, brother,” Kade said. “Both of you.”
“You’re in pain?” Dalton rasped.
“It’s nothing, honey,” I promised, taking his hand again.
“Why’s she in pain?” Dalton demanded.
“She’s taking on some of your pain,” Kade explained. “This is all part of the process.”
“You didn’t say she’d be in pain, Kade.”
I squeezed Dalton’s hand, drawing his focus back to me. “I’m okay, honey. Let’s just focus on getting you pain free, okay?”
“Damn it,” he rasped, his body contorting as his head dropped hard against the tub.
“His head.” I reached to pull it away from the porcelain, but Kade stopped me.
“He’s alright, lass,” Kade assured.
“He’s in agony,” I snapped. “How is that alright?”
“His body must go through the change. The pain is part of the process.”
“Is there anything we can give him? Dilaudid or something?”
“It won’t work,” Kade said.
Before I could rain hell down upon him, pain shot through my stomach, and it took everything I had to keep hold of Dalton.
Dalton sat up with a roar. “Help her!” he bellowed.
“I’m okay,” I forced out.
“God damn it, Kade!” Dalton snapped. “Samantha!”
“I’m here,” Samantha said. “I’m not coming in, but I’m here, big brother. Andi’s okay.”
“Take her somewhere,” Dalton ordered.
“I’m not leaving you,” I countered.
“Andi.”
I lifted his hand to my lips and kissed it gently. “Don’t bother trying, Dalton, it’s not happening.”
“I’m monitoring her, Dalt,” Samantha said. “She’s wired for sound so to speak.”
She was right. I had pads over my heart and one on my forehead keeping track of my temperature.
“I’m good, baby.”
You better be telling me the truth.
I heard his voice in my mind and gasped. “Do you realize you didn’t say that out loud?”
His eyes closed, and he smiled. Yep. Try it.
I closed my eyes and concentrated. You’re freaking me out.
I’m fine, sugar.
“His temp’s coming down,” Kade said.
I laid my hand on Dalton’s forehead. “He’s still very warm.”
Kade squeezed my shoulder gently. “By human standards, aye, but this is a good sign for the Cauld Ane.”
I nodded.
“If his temperature continues to drop, he can leave the tub. Jesska’s already got the ice sheets on the bed.”
“Okay. Thanks, Kade.”
He nodded, and I focused back on Dalton.
It took another hour for Dalton’s temperature to drop enough for Kade to feel comfortable letting him out of the tub. We’d had three more severe pain instances, but they were relatively quick for both of us, so I wasn’t as panicked.
Kade had wanted to carry Dalton to the bed, but curse words I’d never heard out of my man’s mouth before stopped that. Dalton struggled, but he got himself out of the tub and to the mattress.
Samantha made herself scarce, but I know Kade was updating her telepathically, which was why when Dalton was finally under the ice sheets, I opened my eyes to find Samantha and Kade leaning over me.
“What happened?” I whispered.
“You passed out, honey,” Samantha said. “Just stay still for a sec. I’m going to check you.”
“What the hell is going on?” Dalton snapped. “Someone better start talking.”
“She’s okay,” Samantha assured.
“I want her here… next to me,” Dalton ordered. “Now.”
Kade lifted me like I weighed nothing and settled me next to Dalton.
“We should get your robe off, Andi,” Samantha said. “Let the ice do its thing.”
Kade turned his back and Samantha helped me peel off the robe. Weak though he was, Dalton pulled me against him and I sighed. The ice felt amazing. I’d never felt anything so comforting in all my life. It also didn’t hurt that I was settled against Dalton and that felt best of all.
I love you too.
I glanced up at him, but his eyes were closed. Get out of my head.
He smiled. No. I like your head.
I kissed his chest. “How do you feel?”
“I’m good, sugar. I think the worst is over.” He slid his hand to my hip. “You okay?”
“Yes, just really tired.”
“Don’t sleep yet,” Samantha said. “I need to do some checks and make sure you don’t have a concussion.”
“I’m okay,” I said. “I don’t have any of the signs of concussion.”
Samantha smiled. “Don’t be a bad patient, Andi.”
I rolled my eyes. “I didn’t take you for bossy.”
“I hide it well,” she retorted.
After she ran through my vitals and asked me a series of questions, she freed me to sleep. I didn’t hesitate to snuggle up to Dalton who was already deep in snoozeville.