Four days had passed since Van Helsing and Primitiva began clearing out the Bitten's dens, ridding the area of three more. Though all seemed to be going well on that front, the one at home had the First irritated. Shamira, being house bound, had begun to snap at what she considered even the smallest infraction. The dark haired mistress of the castle had made sure her guardian had not the chance to follow them on any more of their hunts, giving the younger woman chores that would take more than one person to accomplish, so that she could not slip from the house after the hunting party had left. The result was a shortening of Shamira's already short temper and said woman lashing out more and more frequently at the younger members of the house hold. Knowing something needed to be done before injury befell, Primitiva summoned her guard for a talk.
"I have decided you will be allowed out to run at least once a day." The First started as Shamira approached.
"I am no pet," the younger woman growled.
The little patience Primitiva had left for her guardian snapped. "I never said you were. Iif you do not stop being so rude around here, I will lock you in the dungeon until you give birth."
Shamira's eyes flashed, she did not like the threat. "If you would allow me to do the job I am quite capable of doing I wouldn't be so cranky." She paused a moment with a grimace. "That and if this morning sickness would leave me."
"You asked for this Shamira. You will take the responsibility."
"I am taking the responsibility. I can still do my job." She began to pace, as was her habit when agitated.
"You will endanger your children. I will not allow it."
"As you wish." The young woman left Primitiva where she stood, slamming the door on her way out of the room.
The First waited a moment then sighed, exiting the room as well to traverse the halls. It was an act that always calmed her, going through the home she knew so well, the home she built as a refuge from a world that would kill her should they find her secret. To anyone who did not live at the manor, the dark corridors and twisting stairways would be foreboding. To Primitiva they were the perfect chance to clear the mind and find solace.
"Having a bad day?" Van Helsing had seen the First escape down a narrow hallway and knew she must have been in deep thought. He had been following her for some minutes before actually speaking, and she had not sensed him.
"In a manner of speaking." His host continued her stroll though she was now pulled from her inner musings.
"Care to speak of it?" The hunter fell into step beside her.
"Shamira is in a tiff over the fact she became pregnant and I will not allow her to do her job."
"Very head strong. Are you sure she's not your child?" He grinned in bemusement at his own joke.
"She is a child of magic, though they used my blood for her wolfish traits."
"I see the resemblance," Gabriel half joked, having seen the two women bump heads on more than one occasion. "Have you spoken with Carl? Has he found anything more?"
"He has not." The frustration was apparent on the man before her. Primitiva knew it was due to things not progressing as quickly as he deemed they should be.
"Then what are we to do while we wait? Are there any sights to be seen here?"
The bark of laughter that escaped told there were not many. Primitiva had made sure that she built as far as possible from the nearest town and still be within a days ride, for supply purposes. "Sights?"
"You find that amusing?" Van Helsing cocked his head slightly watching her, wondering why she found that so amusing.
"Indeed." The True Blood smiled at him.
"Why?"
"What would you expect to find, to see, Mr. Van Helsing? There is little within miles of here."
"There are no towns, little shops?" Use to traveling and constant action, any lull bored him immensely.
"Several miles out."
"Then let's go. I'm sure Carl could use some time away from the library."
"Very well. I do not know what you expect to find or see." Primitiva shook her head.
"Anything is better than these four walls." Gabriel motioned to the interior of the manor.
Nodding slightly, the First went to see to the arrangements as Van Helsing went to collect Carl. Gossip always running faster than water, as it does in large homes, had Shamira waiting by the carriage for the other three. Seeing no danger in the young woman accompanying them, in fact hoping it would be a chance for Brother Carl and her guardian to work things out, Primitiva allowed her to join them on their outing.
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None of the group strayed far from each other as they made their way through the small town. Primitiva, who had been to town many times, paid little attention to the wares that were presented for sale. Instead, she chose to watch the inhabitants of said town. Shamira was likewise on guard, though when a little bauble or trinket caught her eye, the young woman took time to look it over. Carl not having seen Shamira since the night they had mated could not help but study her closely, if only when she was unaware of his attention. The mother of his children was not so unaware of his actions, though she showed no sign she did. Gabriel of all the companions was the only one to actually pay attention to the items set out so thoughtfully before him. Taking everything in even if he did gravitate towards items that would be labeled as weapons. A few ornate hair pieces reflecting the light caught the guardian's keen eye, causing her to stop and finger them lightly.
"Why don't you purchase one or more?" Primitiva stopped beside the younger woman.
"It is unlike me to look at such things when there are more important issues."
The First smiled at the slight change in her guardian, since taking a mate she had softened in some respects. "Indulge. It will not harm anything."
Giving a slight nod, Shamira chose three barrettes placing them in a small bag after paying for them. "I need to think of names." "You should talk to Brother Carl." Both women spoke at the same time.
"Ask him to help you with them."
"He did not wish to be a father. He said as much when I told him what I wanted. He just could not control his body." The younger woman gave a brief snort.
"Do not be so sure." The First was also aware of the attention the friar was giving Shamira. She had seen the longing in his eyes.
"He looks terrified." The guardian looked towards her mate.
"He is not use to these things, nor are you." The older woman followed her gaze. "It will take time for him to come to full terms. You cope very well with things."
"He is a nervous sort of creature." Shamira watched the father of her pups openly.
"He has been sheltered." The First watched him as well.
"You will be their god mother?" The guardian turned to her mistress, placing a hand on her still flat stomach.
"Of course. I would be honored."
Doing something she had rarely done before Shamira gave the older woman a smile. "I will go see why their father pretends not to look at me."
"I will pull Mr. Van Helsing from the area so he does not intercede."
"Why would he?"
"He seems the type to make a comment out of humor, dry or not."
"Very well." Taking a deep breath, Shamira turned to approach her mate and Primitiva went to intercede with Gabriel.
Carl busied himself, making sure his eyes were on the items before him, though his interest in them was minimal. "Your children cause much morning sickness," Shamira stated as she took her place by his side.
Not expecting her to speak with him the friar looked up, blinking. His mate in turn studied the man before her. "I may be able to find something to help with that." At the mention of his children, a feeling started in the pit of his stomach, one of pride and wonder. The friar new in that moment he would do anything for them and her.
Not sure what to say herself, Shamira gave her mate a slight nod. "What are you looking for? I could help you find it." The dark haired beauty motioned to the table before them.
"Just looking." Carl skimmed the items once more.
"I have noticed." Her meaning was clear.
"I cannot help myself." The blond answered truthfully.
"Why?" The dark haired woman leveled her gaze upon her mate.
"I do not know. I am just drawn." Carl did not look up from the table.
Unable to keep the slight smile from her lips. "Primitiva thought you would like to help choose names."
"I could." The friar looked at his companion.
Seeing an opening, Shamira decided to ask. "What do you want?"
"Want?" Carl's confusion showed on his features.
"Yes, want. What do you want?"
"Concerning what?" Her question could mean anything.
"Nevermind. This seems to suite you." Shamira pointed to a different looking wool knit cap with flaps that covered the ears.
Not looking twice at the item his mate picked out, the friar handed over the currency for it and followed the guardian to the next booth. Stopping before a table full of knives. Shamira finally spoke. "My bed seems empty anymore."
"Empty?" The blond followed his companion. He was not sure exactly what this conversation was heading to. The woman in front of Carl had stayed away from him for more than three days, had not shown the least bit of interest in him beyond as a stud, and now she spoke of her bed.
"Yes, empty. I did not know it would feel so without my mate there." Shamira hoped her companion would get the implication. This was not easy for her.
"Mate?" The woman had a mate and had bedded him!
"What do you know about wolves?" Shamira suppressed a sigh. Was he really so dense?
"The Bitten I know a lot about." The blond replied honestly, not understanding what one had to do with the other.
"And regular wolves?"
"You mean wolf wolves or True Bloods?" The guardian had her mate's full attention.
"Either, they are very similar in many ways."
"They live in packs, act in family units, having a hierarchy." Carl began to ramble.
"And they mate for life." The Shamira cut him off.
This threw the friar. It took several moments for him to do anything but stare at his companion. "You mean that you are mated to me for life?"
"On my part, yes." The raven haired beauty gave a graceful nod. "You are free to do whatever you wish."
"And if I wish to be with you and my children?" Carl waited anxiously for her reply, hoping she would accept his offer, needing her to.
"Then you would join me tonight?" Likewise Shamira, though she did not recognize it for what it was, waited nervously for his answer.
Unable to vocalize his response the friar simply nodded. At Carl's response, Shamira took his hand in hers entwining their fingers. "May I give you a kiss?"
The guardian smiled in amusement at her mate's vigorous nod, before leaning in giving him a lingering kiss on the lips. It was highly inappropriate for public but neither person cared. When the kiss was complete, Carl smiled back at his mate.
"I…We have much to prepare for." Shamira caught herself.
"Yes, we do." The friar agreed with another nod.
The wolf in Shamira couldn't help but pat the friar's butt, giving it a light squeeze. Carl, having never had anyone be so forward jumped, unable to hide his surprise. At her mate's reaction the dark haired woman gave him a seductive growl, causing the friar to give a slight cough and to tinge red.
"A nervous creature indeed." The statement was more to herself, though Carl did hear.
"I am not nervous."
"And you are not a field man and in all actuality are a friar." Shamira spoke as if reciting a lesson. Over the past few days, though he did not know, she had been keeping an eye on him and heard him grumbling about being in the field.
"Yes."
"And now you can add father and mate to your list." Carl coughed in reply, those terms sounding odd when used to describe him.
"Why do you do that?" The guardian cocked her head slightly.
"What?" He returned her gaze.
"Cough like that. Are you catching cold? Should I put you into bed when we get back?"
"I'm fine." The blond assured his mate.
"I will put you in bed when we get back anyway." There was a promise in her eyes that made Carl cough again, as they came to where Primitiva and Van Helsing stood.
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As Shamira set about working things out with her mate, Primitive headed Gabriel in another direction. Not interested in the wares displayed in the chance someone would buy them, the First instead watched the people who fluttered around them.
"So what is our next plan of attack?" Van Helsing finally broke the comfortable silence, looking at the limited assortment of supplies shown.
"Patience is not your strong point," Primitiva commented casually, slightly amused. In her long years, she had learned the value of patience.
"I see a beast and kill it. It is usually very simple."
"You do not have to help us if you do not wish. Nor do you have to do as we do. You are your own man. You could see to things in your own way."
"It is my job. Besides my new side kick has made things complicated." Gabriel motioned to the spot where Carl and Shamira stood deep in conversation. "When the Cardinal finds out, he will be most displeased."
"I do not discredit your God, nor do I say that I believe in him. Your Cardinal does not rule over men. He may be higher in the job line, but that is all."
"That does not mean the Cardinal will be any less displeased. Carl is one of our best inventors."
"Then he should accept things and move past them. Mortals have a funny way of getting hung up on things." The First shook her head. It was silly for two people who had feelings for each other to be denied in the name of God.
"You may tell him that if you wish." It was not that Van Helsing feared the Cardinal, the thought of the woman before him glaring down the man was amusing.
"Should I have the chance, I would not hesitate. I fear no man of God." The elegant set of her jaw and slight lift of her head spoke that Primitiva found it preposterous she would fear anything.
"Yes, but you know the Church as well as I do. They could make things very hard for Shamira and Carl."
"They have a home with me. I will protect them from the Church. Any religion where the God loves all his children should not judge when children are to fall in love with one another." The conviction in his companions voice left no doubt in Gabriel's mind that the elegant woman before him would defend the duo with her last breath, though he doubted they were in love.
"She knew him for all of five hours, how could she be in love? I was under the impression that she did it just to have her offspring. Though, I am not sure what possessed her to do such a thing now of all times."
"She felt it inside of her. She herself does not understand. In time, things will fall as they are meant to be. You must have trust in them." Again Primitiva's conviction made Van Helsing want to believe everything she said.
"I put my trust in one person, two if you count Carl." He fought the want to put his faith in her words.
Giving her companion a sad smile as she nodded, Primitiva could feel the conflict with in the warrior. The First wished she could reach out to him. In the end, she knew it would not be accepted. "One day you will see that yourself is the last person to put trust in because we always let ourselves down in the end."
And others as well. Van Helsing silently added. Again the dark haired woman saw a glimmer of sadness in her guest's eyes, but let it lay as she continued their walk.
"What do you find joy in Mr. Van Helsing? Do you find joy in anything?" The First questioned seemingly out of the blue.
"I have no time for such things. There is always another 'monster' to dispatch, more innocents to save."
Primitiva could do nothing but nod, feeling a wealth of sadness for the man before her.
Sensing her discomfort, Gabriel changed the subject. "Who gave birth to your guardian?"
"A mortal woman that was a mate to one of my descendants. She volunteered."
"You receive much loyalty." Van Helsing nodded. He knew her well enough to understand she would force no such thing on someone.
"They give freely what I do not ask for." The pride in her pack showing in her green eyes.
"It is getting late. We should return to your manor." Gabriel suggested.
"I agree. Let us gather the other two."
"I think they have found their way back to us." The dark haired man could not help but smirk at the sheepish look Carl wore or the lustful gleam in the guardian's eyes.
"I wish to speak to you in private when we return.' Shamira spoke to her mistress as they approached.
"Let us make haste to home. The clouds are not in our favor." Primitiva looked towards the sky and the storm clouds that gathered overhead. Shamira gave the older woman a nod going to retrieve the carriage, making sure everyone was settled before starting for home.
Once the vehicle was underway, the First looked to Carl with a smile. "You look like she means to ravish you." Causing the friar to flush profusely.
"No use flushing now. We all know what you have been up to," Gabriel joined in smirking.
"I can smell what he is to be up to. Brother Carl is quite excited to get home." The First caused Carl to go crimson coughing again and Van Helsing to chuckle.
"Is he now? I'm surprised he is not up top with Shamira then." Gabriel winked at his friend.
"We would not make it home if he were."
"I fear we may learn nothing more about our task if he is to remain tucked away in bed for several days." Van Helsing and Primitiva began to speak as if Carl were not present.
"Very true. I will speak to Shamira about it."
"Of course, from what I hear, since she is pregnant we should give her some leeway." The dark haired man smirked at the blond again.
"Yes, that is true." Primitiva grinned.
Van Helsing gave a nod before turning his attention back to the now silent friar. "I do have one question for you, Carl, what is it with you and couches? They cannot be that comfortable."
"I'll have you know we'll be using the bed this time." Even to himself Carl came off a little haughty.
"If she can wait that long, you mean." Gabriel could not help but say what was on his mind.
"He will have time to get to bed while she speaks with me." The First cut in.
To Carl's intense relief the remainder of the journey was made in silence. Of course the lack of conversation gave the blond time to think about the activities he was about to partake in, making the rest of his trip pleasant. Van Helsing lost himself in his thoughts as the silence over took him, going over his next plan of action. Primitiva was drawn to memories of her late husband and the love they shared, wondering if she would ever again feel the arms of her mate holding her close. By the time the carriage came to a stop in front of her home, depression was taking hold of her. She begrudged her guardian nothing, but her new found mate and pregnancy brought bittersweet memories.
Moments after they stopped, the carriage door opened to let the passengers out. Exiting the vehicle, Carl went directly into the house and with some direction made his way to Shamira's quarters. The blond had every intention of having his mate in a proper bed. Once there, he paced nervously, hoping she would not change her mind.
Van Helsing like wise entered the house, going to the library to work on their current situation. Having no idea where to begin, the hunter picked a book from the nearest pile of books strewn around the room, quickly closing it when he realized it was a detailed account on the mating habits of werewolves. Something he did not need to know. After a short search, Gabriel finally found what he deemed suitable text and began reading.
Shamira walked with Primitiva to the house not sure how to begin, finally coming up with. "I feel weird."
"Weird?" This was not something the First was accustomed to hearing from her guardian. She had many conversations concerning mating with her offspring, but to hear Shamira echo these things was something Primitiva never thought she would hear.
"You know I was not given human emotions. I do not have regret or the like and when I mated to conceive my children I knew it was for life. I didn't know I would..." The guardian struggled for description. "...miss his presence, his scent when not immediately around him. Is this normal?"
Primitiva could not help but smile at Shamira. She was beginning to find her emotions. "Yes. He is your mated, a part of you now."
"It was like this for you?"
"I have emotions, Shamira, but it was." The First felt as if she were a mother again, as if she were giving counsel to her daughter.
"Then it is normal." The guardian gave a nod, satisfied these occurrences were not unheard of. "I have a mate to see to."
"Have fun." The older woman could not help the smirk that played across her lips. Shamira raised an elegant eyebrow, but said nothing as she entered the house, seeking out her mate.
Primitiva followed her guardian into the manor, seeing about the house duties, before making her way to the library. Seeing her guest deeply immersed in one of the tomes, she smiled as a frown creased his brow. "Having fun?" She stepped closer to him.
"How Carl does this is beyond me. I have read several chapters and they all seem to contradict each other." Gabriel closed the book.
"You must consider the source above all else."
Sighing, the dark haired man placed the text back on the pile and stretched sore muscles. "I hope she does not wear him out. We need him back here."
"He will be." Primitiva ran an index finger down the spine of the closest book, her beautiful eyes unfocused. Though her body occupied space in the room, her mind was a hundred years in the past. What was happening in Shamira's life affecting her more than expected.
"Something troubles you." Gabriel studied his companion closely for several moments before speaking.
"Hmmm." She pulled herself to the present. "No. I merely lost myself in thought."
"What were you thinking?"
"That they are lucky."
"You have had one mate at least and many offspring. You are lucky as well." Gabriel's words did not soothe as they were meant to. They did the opposite.
"I am lonely."
"I am here." Being male, Van Helsing took the most literal meaning of the word.
"I do not think you understand."
"Oh." The dark haired man's eyes lit up with recognition.
"There are many men around here you could have your pick."
"There is more to it than that." Primitiva shook her head.
"What more?" To him it was simple. She could find another mate.
"The more I spoke of today." She gave a sigh. "Perhaps you truly do not understand."
"You are in love?" Gabriel tried to recall all they talked about earlier.
"No. I am lonely because I have no one to love or to love me in return. Not that true love that means so very much." She knew he could not possibly understand. Feelings that had long lain dormant were surfacing.
"You will find it again." He spoke as if such things occurred every day.
"I can hope I will not die before then." She felt the weight of her years press down upon her shoulders. Even if she could by chance find another love to share her life with, Primitiva would eventually have to watch them grow old and die. The First remembered clearly when the father of her children had finally subcome to old age, how it felt to hold his fragile body as he drew his last breath. She had wanted to join him and yet had lived on.
"You are immortal." The hunter's simple words sliced into her heart. Primitiva knew he had not meant them to hurt but it did.
"But I can be slain." She reminded
"We will have to see that doesn't happen." Van Helsing tried to give the woman before him a slight smile. He did not like seeing her like this for reasons he would not admit even to himself.
Having no words to counter his statement the First simply nodded.
"I won't allow you to be slain." Gabriel looked deep into his host's eyes, trying to reassure her.
"Why do you care so much if I am or not? I am a monster remember?" A trace of sadness entered the woman's voice.
"You are a monster but not evil."
"Isn't that contradictory?"
"If you knew a certain person that I do, you would know it is not." Van Helsing smiled, wondering where his large friend was and what he was doing.
Again Primitiva nodded, she had heard rumors about his last mission. "Alright, then answer the other question."
"What is the other question?" Pulled from his own musing, Gabriel did not grasp what she was asking.
"Why do you care?"
"You are the key to this. If you are slain, darkness will take over." And I will not lose another good person. He added silently.
"So you protect me to protect the rest." She started. "Commendable. If you would excuse me." The First turned to leave. Van Helsing sighed, knowing she hurt but not having a way to help her. He allowed the First to exit the library.
Once out in the dark hallway, Primitiva leaned against the heavy wooden door trying to choke back a sob. She wished with every fiber of her body that she had not been born. That the curse of being the First had not been brought upon her. The dark beauty had never asked for the responsibility, never wanted it. The wealth of her pain and sorrow was not hers alone to feel, as she stood in the dark hallway her future matching her surroundings.
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Carl looked up at Shamira as she rode him hard. Just the sight of his mate above him, lust for him alone, had the friar so close to release it would only take a few more thrusts of her hot tight body for him to spill his seed. It actually took the blond a moment to realize that his lover had stopped moving and was removing herself from him and the bed, "Huh? What?" Carl's blood deprived mind took a moment to start functioning again.
"I will return." Shamira felt her mistress' pain pulling her, the need to be by Primitiva's side out weighing everything.
"What!" he sat up slightly, watching stunned as she grabbed her robe.
"I said I will return." Shamira left the room closing the door on anything else her mate was to say.
Following the First's sorrow, it did not take long for the guardian to find her mistress. "You are upset." Shamira looked to Primitiva with concerned eyes.
"I am fine." The older woman caught scent of their sex and realized the young woman had left her mated during. "Go back to Brother Carl."
"I feel your pain. I will get you some tea and you will rest." The guardian put a comforting arm around her mistress.
"It is an old pain. Tea will not help this. Go back to Brother Carl. I will lie down."
"I will walk you to your rooms."
"No, I have a few things to see to first." Primitiva patted the other woman's hand.
"You are sure?"
"Yes." At the First's answer, Shamira had no other option but to return to her mate. If Primitiva would not let her, she could do nothing.
By the time Shamira returned to her rooms, Carl had gone from confused to extremely put off. How could she just up and leave as if this, he meant nothing to her. The friar had finally pulled the sheet over his painfully hard erection as he settled back intending to have several words with this mate when she returned.
As Shamira stepped back into her room the sight of her slightly rumpled mate had her ready again. Disrobing quickly she walked to the bed, knowing he enjoyed the sight of her naked body. Giving him a slight smile, she crawled up the bed then his body to kiss him. Carl had not intention of smiling back or returning her kiss, keeping his hands firmly behind his head. Not understanding her mate not reacting to her, Shamira cocked her head, before trying again. Kissing him gently running her hands over his chest, still there was no reaction. The friar remained still, willing his body not to react, which was not difficult as upset as he was. The blond could not believe she was acting as if nothing had happened, as if she had not just gotten up and left in the middle of their passion.
"Carl?" Shamira pulled back, studying him.
"Hmmm." He looked more over her shoulder at the ceiling than at her.
"You do not wish to continue?" She sat back on her heals, straddling his lap.
"I lost the urge." It was a fight but he kept his voice even and monotone.
"Why?" Being new to this side of life, she could not comprehend why after he had been so anxious earlier, that now he did not want her.
The look Carl threw her way clearly stated he felt she were nuts. To think he would still be in the mood after what had occurred. Again Shamira cocked her head trying to figure her mate out.
"You up and leave like this means nothing and you expect me to stay in the mood?" His voice was now laced with disbelief.
"I had to see to Primitiva." That should explain everything. Shamira was sure of it.
The disbelieving look she got stated he thought it could not be dire, she was not gone very long.
"You would not understand." She looked away from him almost submissively.
"And you won't give me the chance." Carl sat up straighter.
"I feel her pain. I was created to serve her."
The blond nodded. "And her pain? You were not gone long."
"She feels alone and lost."
"Then why are you not with her now?" Shamira looked at her mate, was he questioning her loyalty to the First?
"She told me to see to you. She would not allow me to see to her needs." The guardian again removed herself from the bed, collecting her robe and redressing. Silently the young woman set about getting a bath ready. Unable to see to her mistress, and having her mate upset with her, had Shamira feeling useless.
Carl did not move from his place as his anger slowly left him. When his lover did not immediately come back into the room, he got up to follow her, watching as she pored the steaming water into the big copper tub. Not sure what to say, he stood quietly out of the way. Noticing the slightly unhappy expression she wore, he stepped forward. "I've upset you. I am sorry." His voice was full of regret.
"It is not you. I no longer know where I belong." She sat back into the water.
"What do you mean?" Carl stepped closer to the tub.
"She does not wish for me to see to her as I once did." Shamira looked at her hands just below the surface of the water.
"Perhaps you should talk to her about it." Carl was beginning to feel like an ass. It was clear these things had upset his mate more than he realized.
"You are upset with me as well."
"Not upset with you as much as with the situation." Carl went to his knees besides the tub. "I guess I should have thought instead of being just disappointed, but I was looking forward to you." The friar gave his lover a small smile.
"I would never leave you if I were not drawn to do so." The dark haired woman finally met his eyes. "It is hard to explain."
"I know that." Carl reached out to stroke her arm gently. "I do understand in ways, it is like my calling to the Church, just stronger."
"I have never felt this turmoil before. I had one purpose."
"I am sorry if I'm causing that." There was a sadness in her mate's eyes that called to her.
"Do not be. It was I who wished to mate and have children. I am now uncertain I can be a proper mate to you."
"I'll take what I can get from you." Carl's slight smile saddened Shamira more.
"You should not have to. You should have a proper mate."
"I am a man of faith. I never expected to have any mate, and they can't get much more proper than you."
The blond was happy to see his mate smile ever so slightly at his words. She was a strong woman and to see his Shamira so hurt and lost ripped at his heart. On the other hand, it served as a reminder that though she was stronger and faster than he, she was also a woman and needed his strength as her mate to soothe her.
"You should have a mate that would see to your every need without question or interference."
"There is no such person. There is always the possibility of question or interference."
"I am learning." Shamira met his blue eyes with her own dark ones. "This will take time, but I can promise our mating does mean something and I will never leave during again."
The guardian's pledge earned her a nod and smile from Carl.
"Would you like to join me?" She motioned to the bath.
"Alright." Carl slipped out of his robe and into the warm water.
Once her mate reclined into the tub, Shamira nuzzled into his neck, lovingly licking at his throat. "I am yours until my dying breath." Making the pledge to him as well as herself.
Carl kissed her then, hands running over her back. The rest of the bath was spent giving and receiving gentle kisses and light caresses.