Page 92 of Crimson Heart

Shock went through her. “But⁠—”

“I want more. I don’t just want to be your lover. That’s not enough.”

Her heart swelled with hope. “Then what would be enough?”

His gaze briefly dropped to her neck, and a pleasant shiver traveled down her spine. “You know that already.”

“I want you to say it.”

He chuckled softly. “Alright then.”

He let go of her shoulders and dropped down to one knee. “Charlotte, will you mate with me?”

New tears threatened to rob her of her ability to speak. She swallowed them and took a breath.

“Yes!”

Byron rose to his feet and took her into his arms. Their lips fused in a passionate kiss, and every worry was forgotten. She pressed her body to his, eager for his touch and the feel of his hard body, losing herself in the desire that burned like a hot flame between them.

He released her lips. “I know your parents will be against it. Your father doesn’t exactly like me. But Jude is on our side.”

“Even if they’re all against us, I wouldn’t give you up,” she replied.

“Then let’s make sure they can never tear us apart again.”

She knew what he was saying. There would be no long engagement, no wedding to plan. She didn’t care. In fact, now that she thought about it, she realized that she’d never dreamed of a white wedding like other girls when they were young. She’d only ever dreamed of a wolf making her his, even if it happened on the bare ground or a bed of straw.

“I’ll help you pack your things,” he suggested. “Austin needs his room back.” He grinned at her with a sparkle in his eyes. “And I need you in my bed.”

“Careful what you wish for. I might never let you out of that bed again.”

“Works for me. The big bad wolf has a big appetite.”

“Then why are we still talking like we have nothing better to do?”