Super thanks to my girls for asking all the questions that make me think.
Edward bounds into the room, his long legs closing the gap between us in seconds, and he pulls me into his embrace. Honeysuckle invades my senses, and the warm scent brings instant calm.
I nearly weep with joy.
"She's fine," he soothes, running his hands up and down my back. "We were able to radio the transport before it made it to the kingdom gate. She'll be back at the palace soon. Father says there's no guarantee our nuptials will satisfy them, but we'll deal with it later if it becomes a problem."
Burying my face in his chest, I breathe him in.
Rose's savior.
My prince.
"When is the ceremony?" Alice is still here, and I huff a laugh. Edward and I are so tuned in, I'd forgotten about her completely.
"In forty-five minutes," Edward answers her over my head.
"How did you convince Father?"
This is another one of those things that should terrify me, but it doesn't. They're speaking of a ceremony that will make me Princess Isabella of Kingdom Cullen in such a casual manner, but that's because it is. It would physically hurt me to leave his side.
Destiny has spoken.
I'm his.
"It wasn't very hard," Edward assures his sister. "The entire room witnessed my reaction to her scent."
"And heard afterward," she mumbles.
Our bond glows light pink as affection sings between us. "Will you help Isabella prepare for the ceremony?"
I tilt my head up, meeting his gaze. "I won't be naked, will I?"
"No." He hisses his displeasure. "Alice will round you up something more appropriate than this robe."
"I know just the thing," she trills, hurrying for the door. She pauses before exiting. "Welcome to the family, Bella."
"Make sure my mark is visible," Edward calls after her.
I touch the tender spots on my neck where I can still feel the delectable pain of his bite, and it stirs all sorts of wanton feelings inside me. I'd much rather hide away in this haven with Edward than suffer through an entire pomp and circumstance ceremony.
"Will it be like a wedding?"
"I don't think any of us have a clue what the real ceremony is supposed to look like, so it'll just be a formal declaration. It's a must if we're to challenge the recall on your friend." A steady hum erupts in his chest as he sits on the bed and I straddle his waist. "I only hope I can refrain from staking my claim in front of everyone."
I should hope so, too.
But I don't.
Not really.
I scoot forward, thrusting my pelvis against his sheathed cock. He's already hard, and I moan at the pressure. "You could stake it now."
"Fuck," he rasps, a low growl rumbling in his chest. "We don't have enough time for all the dirty things I'm going to do to you."
"We can be quick," I whisper, rocking my hips. "I ache so badly."
He tugs at the tie of my robe, indecision flickering through our bond before he yanks it open to expose me. His nails dig into the pivoting flesh, and I don't know if he's going to stop me or help, but his slight pause only makes me wetter. I can already feel my orgasm building in the distance, so I press him to urge me on.
Lips at his soft, tufted ear, I whisper, "Please Edward. Make me come."
His response is immediate, our connection a bright, fiery red. "So fucking hard."
Where he grips me burns deliciously, and a low purr vibrates where we touch. His knot swells, a deep resounding throb building, and he rocks me against it at a frantic pace.
My clit pulses.
His lips ghost my ear, and his strong arms continue to drive me against him over and over. "Do you feel what you do to me? I want you riding me like this all night long."
Ecstasy brims behind my lids, and my head lolls.
My body quivers.
Our bond flexes and snaps.
Sparks ignite.
And I explode, falling, falling, falling until I land in a river of honeysuckle dew that's been kissed by the sun. I'm floating, boneless and carefree, more content than I've ever been.
The purr beneath my ear is so low that I'm sure only I can hear it. He runs his pillowy palm down my back. "You're so fucking hot when you come, Isabella."
Tingles make their way up my spine.
His nose flexes as he inhales. "So receptive," he purrs, lips pulling back to show his teeth. "We're going to have the sexiest fucking life."
A knock sounds before I can respond, and I jump up, pulling my robe closed. "Come in."
Edward slips behind a closed door just as his sister enters. "I found the loveliest material," she says, holding up a roll of pale blue silk. "We'll drape it and adorn it with family jewelry to hold it gathered. You're going to be breathtaking."
"She already is," Edward interrupts, joining us. He looks as fresh as ever, so that must be an ensuite. "I'm going to go to Garrett's room to get ready, love. I'll see you in thirty minutes."
I nod, our bond already turning a muddy color. "I can't wait."
"It's the last wait of your life, my mate." He dips his head and unleashes a heated kiss that I'll remember no matter how many others I get.
It's hot and possessive and downright nasty.
And I love every scintillating second.
He frames my cheeks with his hands when we break apart. "I love you, Isabella."
The sentiment startles me, and mud turns to bright pink as tenderness courses between us. "I love you, too, Prince Edward."
He's gone with a low growl.
"Well," Alice says, peppy and excited, "let's make sure to get you to the ceremony on time."
The first thing she does is shove me into the bathroom for a quick shower. "Sorry, Bella, but you need to get cleaned up."
Afterward, she adorns my hair with gemstones, wraps me in silk, applies jewels to hold it in place, and leaves my feet clean but bare. When I look in the mirror, I barely recognize myself, but the glow is evident. Two red indentions stand out prominently just above my clavicle, and I'm proud to have them. My cheeks are full of color and my hair is shiny.
I look young and happy and in love.
***I changed Jacob to Garrett. He's only been a minor part so far, but with an unfolding world, I need Jake the character elsewhere.
One more week of old, guys!
See you Monday :)