Free Blood Bought: Cruentus Dragons Book Two by Brynn Paulin Page B

on her stomach.
    “How do you feel?” she asked. “I mean…you ended the mating.”
    His breath caught and he leaned over her, emotion bright in his eyes. “To protect you. Only to protect you. Athena, I want to…be with you…forever.”
    “Forever’s a long time.” She frowned. He seemed to have trouble with that word, forever. Part of her wanted to leap at his offer. But most of her still felt he wanted to be with her from obligation, a forced bond, and now the child. “And if I say no?”
    Panic filled his eyes before he quickly hid it. “The pregnancy will likely kill you. At very least, you will lose the children.”
    Children? Not child, but children. Whether it was one or ten, her answer was the same.
    “All right,” she said faintly, eternity looming before her like…well, an eternity. Most people in bad situations had the luxury of a death even fate couldn’t stop, but she and Jonah wouldn’t. She took a shaky breath and looked away. They could discuss living arrangements later.
    She didn’t suppose he’d want to be far from his children, but she wouldn’t share a bed with a man who was forced to be with her.
    * * * *
    No Dragon bride had ever looked so lovely. As Athena stood across from him on the dais that had been erected in the enormous main hall of the Cruentus compound, Jonah couldn’t help but stare.
    Her cousin had produced a white silk and lace dress with a portrait collar that left a good deal of Athena’s neck and shoulders bare. Her hair was swept into diamond-studded clips, and his commitment ring rested on her slim finger. Pain lined her eyes and he knew it was sheer will keeping her upright.
    Scarlett stood behind her; Janos then Riven behind him.
    Athena’s hand landed on his chest as she swayed. He wore only white pants, inked with Dragon sigils. More sigils had been painted on his torso, spells for happiness, faithfulness, and protection.
    He caught his mate to him, knowing it was time. His teeth sank into her shoulder. Athena gasped at the pain of the bite and the instant pleasure of the aphrodisiac he knew flowed through her. She moaned and he felt Janos move up behind them.
    Jonah lifted his mouth enough to tell her, “Open your eyes. You want to see this,” then sealed his mouth to her shoulder again, drinking the sweet nectar of her blood.
    Janos touched his back. Ready?
    Yes. I’ve been ready for this moment for centuries.
    Jonah’s arms tightened on his mate, knowing she’d flinch when she saw the blade Janos drew.
    Tell her she’s safe, Jonah told him. One hand cupped the back of her neck, readying her.
    “You’re completely safe. The knife is for Jonah,” Janos murmured quietly. “Cruentus clan,” he said, addressing the crowd who’d gathered for the ceremony. “We’ve gathered to witness the final joining of my wingscion, our revered healer, Jonah Genjhury and his chosen mate, Athena Xanthopoulos.”
    A cheer went up, and a responding thrill skimmed over Jonah’s skin. A chill followed as Janos drew the blade across Jonah’s chest, inches above his nipple. Jonah pressed Athena’s mouth to his chest. Her eyes were wide as she lapped at his blood. The lap turned to suction as the change began and she lifted on her toes, her eyes half-lidded.
    “Here in our sight, these two will be eternally joined.” Janos’ hands landed on both their shoulders. “Be united now. Let the gold show the love in your union.”
    He stepped away, and Jonah lifted his head. Gazing up at him, Athena lifted her head as well. Still, holding her, he looked into her eyes, hoping to convey what filled his heart.
    “I love you, Athena. You are my perfect mate, and you fill my soul.”
     
    “Jonah…” She felt the joining start in her toes, creeping up her legs and into her groin. He squeezed her hands and the sensation seemed to starburst through her body like an enormous orgasm. The pain in her middle immediately released. Instead, she felt her children moving for the