Isla

I walked into Brodie and Payton’s home and was immediately pulled into my aunt’s hug. “Och, love, I’ve missed you.”

“Payton,” I admonished. “I just saw you yesterday.”

“But I’ve missed you just the same.”

I chuckled. “This is why you’re my favorite auntie.”

“Hey now,” Gillian said, pulling me away from Payton. “I thought I was your favorite.”

I grinned, hugging her back. “Welcome home.”

“Thanks, sweetheart.”

I greeted the rest of my family and then Gillian wrapped her arm around my shoulders. “Now, where’s this mate I’ve been hearing about?”

“He’s meeting me here—”

“Speak of the devil,” Catriona said, and Gillian and I turned to see Arric walking through the front door.

My heart fluttered, even though I’d just seen him a few hours earlier. He was magnificent, his long muscular legs showcased in a pair of dark jeans and motorcycle boots, his gorgeous hair left to hang around his shoulders, his black long-sleeved T-shirt barely hiding his muscles.

“Aren’t you a lucky girl,” Gillian whispered, and I grinned.

“Jury’s still out on that,” I retorted, and Arric made his way toward us, leaning down to kiss my cheek before going through the niceties with Brodie and Payton, thanking them for inviting him.

He then slid his arm around my waist and stayed connected to me as we followed the group into the great room. Arric was on edge but I couldn’t figure out why.

You okay?

Peachy, he replied, giving me a gentle squeeze.

I studied him for a few seconds, but we were distracted by dinner being announced, so I couldn’t pull him aside and grill him.

We were seated at the large dining room table, because even though it was just immediate family, there were still dozens of us.

Arric was seated between Gillian and me, and he got more and more distant as dinner wore on. I settled my hand on his thigh and he settled his hand over mine. But then he squeezed my hand and shook his head.

Don’t do that, he growled.

I’d been trying to pry into his thoughts, but he’d figured out how to block me, which I did not like on any level.

What. Is. Wrong?

Leave it, Isla.

I don’t want to leave it. I want to know what’s wrong.

He leaned over like he was going to kiss my cheek, but instead he whispered, “We’ll talk about it when we’re alone. Drop it for now.”

I scowled up at him but dropped it.

Sort of.

How are you blocking me?

He grinned, taking my hand, and lifting it to his mouth. I waited until you were emotional and followed that path.

You choose now to start listening to me?

Chuckling, he leaned down to kiss my cheek. “Behave.”

Brodie pushed back from the table, taking a knife, and clinking it against a glass to get everyone’s attention. “Welcome, everyone. I want to take this opportunity to welcome Gillian home.” He raised his glass. “Sláinte!”

Everyone else raised their glasses with a responding, “Sláinte!” and dinner wrapped up relatively quickly after that.

Dessert was being served outside so the group filed that way, but I held Arric back and pulled him into Payton’s office at the front of the house.

“What is going on?” I demanded.

He rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. “I really didn’t want to go there right now, Isla.”

“Well I don’t let things go, so let’s settle it now.”

“There’s something off about Gillian.”

“What?” I squeaked. “Why would you say that?”

He shook his head. “Not sure yet. Just something that’s not right.”

I waved my hand dismissively. “That’s just Gillian. She’s a phenomenal doctor, I mean, she delivered me and I’m pretty great.”

His mouth twitched.

“But she’s also hippy dippy and all about peace and love. Everyone has that crazy aunt or uncle, right? She’s ours.”

“I wouldn’t know.”

I wrapped my arms around his waist and smiled up at him. “I promise. She’s good.”

He leaned down to kiss me. “Gonna have to take your word on that.”

I tugged on his beard gently. “Then take my word for it.”

He kissed me again, then we joined my family outside.

* * *

Really?

I had just fallen into a deep REM state when Arric found his way into my head, albeit waking me sweetly with a kiss, but, still, I’d had a very emotional day and I was exhausted.

I figured it out.

I couldn’t help but smile. He was so excited to have figured out this new ability and the world we were standing in was one of wildflowers and sunshine.

Do you like it? I made it for you. You said you loved lying in the fields of heather as a little girl.

My heart swelled with love. Oh my god, honey, it’s perfect.

And I fuckin’ love it when you call me honey.

I’ll try to do it more often, I promised.

Arric kissed me gently. Do you want to go back to sleep?

I glanced around at our mythical surroundings. In a minute.

We stayed in our little bubble for longer than a minute, but it was well worth any sleep I might miss out on, especially now that Arric was finally starting to trust me. Just one more day and he’d know everything.

* * *

Arric

The morning of my twenty-fifth birthday, I’d hoped to start the day with increased clarity and strength, but instead awoke with a feeling of dread. It was the first night since I’d met Isla that I hadn’t been joined in a dream by her. I sat up and slid my legs over the side of the mattress, nearly doubling over with need.

Isla!

Jesus, I’d never felt so much pain. I was sure my heart was going to burst in my chest, and I couldn’t breathe.

Isla!

Why the fuck wasn’t she answering me?

Because I’m asleep... or I was.

I felt my pulse slow and the pain in my chest eased.

And that’s when I knew.

Everything.

She was everything.

I squeezed my eyes shut. Fuck, baby.

Welcome to the game, love.

I’m coming to you.

I pulled on clothes, slipping out of the castle unnoticed, and heading to Isla’s home. No one was around when I walked inside, rushing up to her room. The door was pulled open just as I arrived, and I stepped in, wrapping an arm around Isla’s waist and pushing her up against the door I closed behind me, and covering her mouth with mine.

Ancient words floated into my mind, and I projected them to Isla, Að eilífu maki minn. (Forever mate)

Aye, love.

I broke the kiss and stroked her cheek. “I’m so fuckin’ sorry, baby. I had no idea you’ve been suffering like this.”

“I did try to tell you.”

I smiled. “Yeah, I get that now.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t more patient.”

I kissed her again. “I’m sorry I pushed you to the brink of insanity.”

Her beautiful laugh filled my soul. “Do you still feel like you’re being forced to do something?” she asked.

“No. But let’s be honest, I would have chosen you even if we weren’t mates.”

“You think?”

“I know.” He met my eyes. “I’m just sorry I made you suffer with my ignorance.”

“Ignorance just means you don’t know something, love. Now that you know, we won’t ever have to deal with the uncertainty.”

I nodded. “What now?”

“Scottish tradition is to have a handfasting then bonding, but old timey tradition is to bond, then party. Which do you want?”

“What do you think?”

She grinned. “I’m pretty sure Mum and Dad figured that.”

“You think?”

Isla nodded. “Haddi has signed off on us taking a little time for ourselves, ergo, we’ll have security up the bum, which means, we can check into the Balmoral hotel any time after three.”

“How long will it take us to get there?”

“In my father’s helicopter? Not long.”

“He has a fucking helicopter?”

“Two,” Isla said. “One of them he shares with Uncle Kade.”

“Jesus,” I hissed.

“We could always drive,” she said. “It’ll take about four hours to get there.”

“Fuck, no,” I argued, kissing her again. “I want you bound immediately.”

“Helo it is.” She chuckled. “How long will it take you to pack a bag?”

I waggled my eyebrows at her. “We don’t need clothes, baby.”

She tugged on my beard. “I’ll tell Dad we’re ready to go, then?”

“Yeah, baby. Now.”

She nodded and grabbed her phone.

* * *

Isla

Arric took my hand, leading me into the lift and kissing me gently as the doors closed. We were staying two days at the Balmoral in Edinburgh before our handfasting ceremony. After the party, we were heading out on a cruise for a week. Our world had been filled with so much chaos, I couldn’t wait for us to be all alone for longer than a few hours.

The lift arrived at our floor and we made our way to our room, my heart racing the closer we got to our portal of love.

“Ready?” Arric asked, handing me his room key before lifting me.

I grinned. “So ready.” I unlocked the door, and Arric carried me over the threshold, letting the door close behind us.

I let out a gasp. “Wow.”

My parents had booked us the Scone and Crombie suite and it was stunning.

“Jesus,” Arric breathed out, setting me on my feet as we took in the room. Delicate blues and grays were the colors of choice, along with paisley bedding, and opulent drapes and tapestries. If I could design the perfect bedroom, this would be it.

I’m gonna keep that in mind.

I chuckled. “For when we find our dream home?”

“Yeah. If this is what you want, this is what you’ll get.”

I slid my hands up his chest, cupping his neck. “Anywhere you are will be perfect.”

I was suddenly overcome with love and I let out a quiet breath.

“Need to make you mine, baby,” he said, and I nodded.

“First, I have something for you,” I said, pulling away just long enough to grab my purse.

“I have something for you too,” he admitted, sliding his hand into his pocket.

“You do?” I asked as I pulled out the small box I’d painstakingly wrapped.

He pulled out a tiny velvet box and held it in his palm. We swapped gifts and I nodded to mine. “Open mine first.”

He grinned, tearing at the paper and prying off the lid of the cardboard box. Inside was an ounce of pure gold in the shape of a stone. “No way.”

“Do you get it?”

“Well, I get that you’re expecting sexual favors from me,” he said. “I’m not a sexual object for you to exploit, Isla.”

I laughed and he grinned, leaning down to kiss me. “I love it. Now, open yours.”

I lifted the lid of the box and gasped. Inside was a pendant, the white gold chain holding a diamond-encrusted penguin. “Arric,” I breathed out. “It’s beautiful.”

“I wanted you to know that even if we hadn’t been mated, you would always be my penguin.”

Tears slipped down my cheeks and I tugged it gently from the satin. “Help me?”

He nodded, sliding it around my neck and securing it as I held my hair back. I slid my hands to his face. “I love you.”

“Love you too, baby.”

Our souls were burning to be one, and I stroked his cheek. “Do you know what to do?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Are you concerned I’ll fuck it up?”

I ran my thumb over his lower lip. “Never.”

He sucked my thumb into his mouth and nipped it gently. “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,” I repeated, my heart racing.

Arric kissed me, then continued, “Ég er þinn að eilífu. Ég er þinn að eilífu. Eining okkar mun aldrei bresta.”

I smiled. “Ég er þinn að eilífu. Ég er þinn að eilífu. Eining okkar mun aldrei bresta.”

“Ást mín er alger.”

“Ást mín er alger,” I whispered.

He stroked my face. “Together.”

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 bit my lip as we spoke the last words and dropped my head to Arric’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.

His lips covered mine and he picked me up, carrying me to the bed. After quickly divesting me of my clothing, he removed his, then kissed me again.

“I’m gonna go slow.”

“You don’t need to go slow, love.”

His eyes burned with desire. “Thank god.”

I laughed as he picked me up and gently dropped me onto the mattress. Settling a knee on the bed between my legs, he leaned over me and smiled. “I never thought I’d ever feel like this.”

I cupped his cheek. “Same, love.”

His hand slipped between my legs and he pressed his palm against my clit as his fingers dipped inside of me. As he worked my pussy, he drew a nipple into his mouth releasing it and blowing gently before doing the same to the other, and I mewed as I arched into his hand.

You are so fuckin’ beautiful.

His fingers slid in deeper as he buried his face in my neck, kissing my pulse, then he moved his hand away and hovered over me. “Touch me, baby.”

I reached between us, wrapping my hand around his cock and swallowing. “You’re... ah... quite big, love.”

He kissed me. “You freaked?”

“Not in the slightest. I trust you.”

Leaning on one arm, he gripped my wrist gently as I held him. “You show me how deep.”

I bit my lip and nodded as I guided him to my entrance.

He pressed against me, his breathing shallow as he tried to control his desire. I released him, gripping his arms, and arching slightly. “All the way, love.”

“Jesus, you sure?”

Get the worst part over, Arric. Quickly.

Before I’d whispered the last word in his head, he thrust into me, tearing my virginity away, kissing me so he could take the breath of my painful cry into his mouth.

He paused, kissing me deeper as he slid his hand between us to finger my clit.

“Arric—”

“Hush, baby. Let your body adjust.”

I let out a frustrated growl. “I’m not in pain, honey. I need you to fuck me.”

He grinned, leaning down to kiss me again as he buried himself to the hilt. Linking my fingers with his, he dragged my arms above my head, holding them hostage with one hand while his other rolled my nipple into a tight bud.

He moved slowly at first, but as he quickened his pace, I was suddenly in his head and I couldn’t stop myself from crying out at the beauty I felt.

It was almost as though I was having an out of body experience. I could feel his emotion.

No, I could see it.

Touch it.

I had never known love like this. It was all-powerful, all-encompassing and I thought my heart might explode from it.

Arric.

I feel it too, baby. Jesus, I love you.

I smiled against his lips. I love you, too.

I tried to pull my hands out of his, but he held firm, burying himself deep again. Over and over, faster and faster.

Oh, god.

Don’t come yet, baby, he ordered, dropping his forehead to mine. Breathe.

I kissed him, drawing in his very breath as he thrust deep, finally releasing my hands when I could no longer hold back my climax. I screamed out his name as my walls contracted around him and he thrust once more before coming inside of me, kissing me again as he rolled us onto our sides. We were facing each other, still connected and he ran his finger down my cheek as we worked to catch our breath.

“Is that what you feel?” he asked. “About me?”

I smiled. “I was going to ask you the same thing. I think we connected on a whole new level.”

“Ya think?”

I chuckled. “Mum tried to give me the sex talk when I was about nine, but this wasn’t part of it. The side mates feel when they’re bonding.”

“Maybe it’s different for everyone so she couldn’t know how we’d be together.”

“I think we’re just unique.”

He chuckled. “No doubt.” He kissed me gently. “Are you sore?”

I shook my head. “I feel amazing.”

“If that changes, you tell me.”

“I will, love.” I grinned. “I understand the tub in here is big enough for two.”

“What are we waiting for?” he challenged, sliding gently out of me, then pulling me off the bed.

We headed into the bathroom, continuing our bonding in the giant tub.