Bound by Blood (Cauld Ane Series) Read online

  “I’m sorry, love.”

  She took a deep breath. “Nope, it’s okay. I can live without cookies.” She narrowed her eyes. “Wine’s okay, though right?” He chuckled and nodded toward the bottle of champagne on the table. “Oh, right. Of course. I panicked a little. Life without wine would be too much to take.”

  “There’s a native flower in Iceland that’s extremely dangerous to the Cauld Ane. I highly doubt you’ll come across it, unless I take you there for a visit, so I wouldn’t concern yourself with it.”

  “What’s it called?”

  “In English, it’s called the Red Fang. Its Latin name is Decipio Décor, in Icelandic, Villandi Fegurð.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “Something decorate?”

  He chuckled. “Deceptive beauty.”

  “What does it do?”

  “It has a thorn that paralyzes us. Either by pricking the skin, or it can be ground into a powder and used in food and drink. The effects aren’t permanent, but they are enough to incapacitate us.”

  “Why would anyone want to do that?”

  “They probably wouldn’t.” He smiled. “If someone managed to slip it into our food or drink, it wouldn’t do any major damage. The only way to kill us is heat.”

  “What if you’re stabbed or shot?”

  “We’ll heal.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Seriously,” he said. “Anything above sixty-eight degrees Fahrenheit will kill us within a few hours or days, depending on how high.”

  “How high?”

  “We are sluggish in the seventies, lethargic in the eighties, and dead in the nineties.”

  “What do you do in the summer?”

  “Our office building and all of our houses and apartments are air-conditioned. It’s not a problem.”

  “But Pepper loves the sun! What if she wants me to go to the beach with her?”

  Kade squeezed her hand. “Sweetheart, we’re not vampires. The sun won’t harm us. You just have to avoid the heat...and the beach with Pepper if it’s over sixty-eight.”

  “You said we’re sluggish in the seventies. I can do sluggish.”

  “No. You. Can’t.”

  She pursed her lips. “So serious, my lord.”

  He sighed. “Perhaps not serious enough when it comes to you. I really should lock you away in the tower. That would at least ensure you’re safe.”

  “You have a tower?” she asked hopefully.

  He shook his head. “Sam.”

  She clambered from his lap. “You need to bind me.”

  “I will.”

  “Now. You need to do it now.”

  “Sam.” Kade stood and narrowed his eyes. “You’ve just found out your whole world is going to change. Don’t you want to sleep on it?”

  “Why? I want to spend the rest of my life with you. It doesn’t really matter what that process entails at this point. I’m kind of in.”

  “Kind of in?”

  She grinned. “Yes, I just want one promise.”

  “What?”

  “I want to get married in America, with my family. I feel like if we have a ceremony here after the binding I’ll be cheating them out of something.”

  “Are you sure you’re ready?”

  “Absolutely. Honey, your sister has waited long enough.”

  Kade frowned. “If this is about my sister—”

  “It’s not,” she interrupted. She placed his palm against her chest. “Listen.”

  Kade closed his eyes and took a deep breath. It didn’t take long for him to open them again and smile down at Sam. “Now?”

  She nodded. “Yes, please.”

  Kade pulled her from the room and upstairs to his bedroom.

  * * *

  Kade closed the door to his room and locked it. Sam rubbed her hands together and grinned. “Okay, what now?”

  “Once again, my love, that depends on you.”

  “Oh.” She frowned. “What am I supposed to do?”

  Kade stroked her cheek. “It’s our wedding night. Have you ever dreamt about how you’d like it to go?”

  She shrugged. “Sort of. I guess.”

  “I don’t want to rush this. I want you to have nothing but wonderful memories. So, you tell me what you want to do.”

  Sam worried her lower lip. “I guess I always thought I’d have a sexy nightgown and champagne and stuff. But I don’t need any of that.” She smiled. “Just you.”

  Kade kissed her. “Why don’t you head into the dressing room and open the door to the left of the vanity. I’ll get the champagne and meet you back here in fifteen minutes.”

  Sam tried not to look disappointed…or nervous. She took a deep breath and forced a smile. “Okay.”

  He kissed her again and then left the room. Sam made her way into the dressing room and opened the door Kade mentioned, her eyes widening in surprise. It was a closet, and it was filled with clothes. She ran her hands over the silks, satins, and chiffons. An envelope taped to the wall had her name scrawled on it with Kade’s bold handwriting. She opened it and pulled out the card inside.

  If you’re reading this, then one of two things has happened: either you’ve been snooping or you’ve agreed to marry me. I do hope it’s the latter. I love you, Samantha, and I will endeavor to make our life together as perfect as possible. Consider the gowns and lingerie just as much a gift for me as they are for you. After all, I will get to see you in them. Yours forever, K.

  Sam flattened the note to her chest and closed her eyes.

  You are too good to be true, Kade Gunnach.

  His chuckle sounded in her mind. Wear the white.

  Sam scanned the racks, found the white lingerie, and hummed in appreciation.

  It’s beautiful.

  I know. I too have been dreaming of our wedding night.

  Sam narrowed her eyes. Did Payton pick this out?

  Absolutely not. I picked everything in that closet. I didn’t even use Fiona’s personal shopper at Jenners.

  Oh. Thank you.

  Believe me, it was my pleasure. I’ll see you in ten minutes.

  Sam took the nightgown and made her way to her bathroom. After a quick shower, she brushed her teeth and combed out her hair so it fell in soft waves down her back. She stared at herself in the mirror and frowned. She looked a little pale, so she pinched her cheeks in an effort to look more alive.

  She smoothed lotion onto her skin and took a closer look at the lingerie. Her heart raced in anticipation. Sliding on the lacy boy shorts, she was surprised at how well they fit. She turned in the mirror and grinned. They enhanced her rear end quite nicely.

  Next came the chiffon top. The bra was fitted, enhancing her cleavage, and the sheer fabric attached to it fell to just below her bottom. She checked her appearance and her heart swelled. The design was almost identical to the blue top she’d worn on their first date. Kade seemed to remember everything when it came to her.

  A dab of her favorite perfume was the finishing touch, then she turned the light off in the bathroom and pulled on the matching robe as she made her way back to Kade’s room. She paused outside the door and licked her lips. Knocking quietly, she entered.

  Sam gasped. The room was lit with candles and the fire had been stoked to create a perfect romantic scene. Kade turned from the table and Sam’s stomach dropped. Shirtless and wearing black pj bottoms, he was beyond gorgeous.

  He set the champagne bottle back in the ice bucket and held his hand out to her. “You are stunning, love.”

  Sam made her way to him. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

  He slid her robe open and pushed it from her shoulders. “Och, Samantha, I couldn’t have imagined this more beautiful on you.”

  “It looks like…”

  He stroked her cheek. “What you wore to our first dinner.”

  “You did remember.”

  He ran his finger across her collarbone. “Do you know how hard it was for me not to bind you then? I thought I’d die on the
spot.”

  “You should have told me how you felt,” she joked.

  “How remiss of me.” He leaned down and kissed her, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close. Sam sank into him, her hands gripping his arms in an effort to stay upright. He broke the kiss and wove his fingers with hers. “Are you sure you’re ready? We can wait as long as you need to.”

  “I’m beyond ready.”

  “You may feel a bit weak.”

  Sam raised an eyebrow. “I always feel weak in your presence.”

  “Oh, I’m aware.” He grinned. “Repeat after me. Ég gef þér allt ég, allt sem ég vil vera og allt sem ég er að verða.”

  “I can’t remember all of that.”

  “Read my mind,” he suggested. “Try again. Ég gef þér allt ég, allt sem ég vil vera og allt sem ég er að verða.”

  “Ég gef þér allt ég, allt sem ég vil vera og allt sem ég er að verða,” Sam said, and she felt her knees weaken. She let out a frightened squeak. “I didn’t think you meant literally.”

  “I’ve got you, sweetheart. Just hold onto me.”

  “Okay.”

  “Ég er þinn að eilífu. Skuldabréf okkar mun aldrei vera brotinn.”

  “Ég er þinn að eilífu. Skuldabréf okkar mun aldrei vera brotinn.” Sam gripped Kade’s arms. “I’m going to fall.”

  “You’re not going to fall. I have you. It’s part of the bonding. Just relax and trust me. Ready?” At her nod, he continued, “Ást mín er alger.”

  “Ást mín er alger.”

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  She smiled. “Definitely.”

  “Can you say it again in full?”

  She drew her eyebrows together. “Um. I think so.”

  “I’m going to hold you tighter. Ready?”

  “Yes.”

  “Together,” he instructed.

  “Ég gef þér allt ég, allt sem ég vil vera og allt sem ég get verið. Ég er þín að eilífu. Skuldabréf okkar mun aldrei vera brotinn. Ást mín er alger.”

  As they said the last syllable of the last word, Kade swept her into his arms and kissed her. She looped her arms around his neck and held on for dear life. If he hadn’t picked her up, she knew she’d be in a puddle on the floor. He carried her to the bed and settled her gently on top of the down comforter.

  “Kade?”

  “Hmm?”

  “I know what that meant.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “What?”

  “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. Right?”

  “Yes, exactly.”

  She grinned and sat up on her knees. “Say something else.”

  He gave her a Cheshire smile and said, “Ég er í ást með brjálaður mann.” (I’m in love with a crazy person.)

  Sam gasped and then giggled. “I’m no crazier than you!” She clapped her hands. “More.”

  “Ég er að fara að kyssa þig núna og þá er ég að fara að gera þér öskra.” (I’m going to kiss you now and then I’m going to make you scream.)

  Sam’s heart stuttered. “Oh, my.”

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  KADE TOOK HIS time making love to her. His emotion was overwhelming and when he felt hers as well, it nearly sent him over the edge. As the fire started to die in the room, he pulled the covers around them and settled her firmly on his chest.

  “I love you,” he said, and kissed her hair.

  Sam sighed. “Not nearly as much as I love you.” She kissed his chest then grinned up at him. “Are we done?”

  “With the binding process, yes. With making love, only if you want to be. Tomorrow would typically be the day we meet with the parson and sign the paperwork, but we’ll do that after we have our human wedding with your family and friends.”

  “Thank you.” She laid her hand on his chest and settled her chin on top. “I thought I might have ruined it.”

  “Ruined what, love?” he asked.

  “The binding. All my talking. I was afraid I talked us out of being connected. But it was so fun to know I could understand you.”

  Kade chuckled. “The only things required are the ceremonial words and the physical consummation. Outside of that, it can be as fun as we make it.”

  “Are you happy?”

  “Och, love. Ég hef aldrei verið hamingjusamari.” (I’ve never been happier.) He kissed her again and ran his hands along her back. Suddenly, she broke the kiss with a whimper. “Sweetheart? What’s wrong?”

  “My stomach hurts a bit.” She took a deep breath and smiled. “It passed. I’m okay.”

  He pulled her closer.

  “But I am really hot. Will you please douse the fire?”

  He glanced at the hearth. “It’s dead, love.”

  “Really?” She whimpered again. “Ow.”

  “Your stomach?”

  “No.” She took several deep breaths and started to pant. “My legs.”

  “You’re burning up.” He pulled the covers from her body.

  She slid across the sheet. “I feel like I’m on fire.”

  He turned the lamp on and let out a curse. Her skin was a blotchy, unhealthy red, looking much like a sunburn.

  “Kade!” she screamed. “It hurts! I’m burning.”

  “Hold on, sweetheart.” He scrambled from the bed and rushed into his bathroom. He turned the cold water on and put the plug in the bath. He grabbed his medical bag and ran back to Sam, setting it next to her. Looping his stethoscope around his neck, he leaned over her. “I’m going to listen to your heart.”

  “No. Don’t touch…” She grasped the stethoscope and yanked it from his neck. “Make it stop. Kade! Please!” she screamed.

  “Shite.” He lifted her from the bed, grabbing the stethoscope and trying not to react to another agonizing yelp of pain. He carried her to the bathroom and settled her into the cold water. She squealed in shock, but then she took a deep breath and relaxed against the cool porcelain of the tub.

  “Better?”

  She licked her lips and nodded. “Hmm-mmm.”

  “Can I check your heart now?”

  “Hmm-mmm.”

  He laid the stethoscope diaphragm over her chest and frowned. Her heart was racing. He checked her pulse and sighed. “Sweetheart, your pulse is dangerously high. I need to find out what’s going on. I’m going to call my mother. Are you all right with that?”

  “Huh?” She closed her eyes and shook her head. “You don’t need to call your mom. I’m okay now.”

  Kade warred with her desire for privacy and his need for answers.

  Within minutes, though, her eyes flew open and she whimpered. “Maybe not. I’m hot,” she rasped.

  Kade felt the water and frowned. “I think your body may actually be heating the water.” He pulled the plug and turned the cold water back on. Switching it to the shower setting, he adjusted the nozzle directly over her.

  She licked her lips and sighed. “Thirsty.”

  Kade grabbed a glass from the counter and filled it with cold water. Holding her head gently, he tipped the water into her mouth. She drank greedily and then slumped against the back of the tub.

  “I’ll be right back, love.” He stepped into the bedroom, pulled on pj bottoms and a T-shirt, and unplugged his phone from the charger. He scrolled down to his mother’s number as he rushed back into the bathroom.

  “You’re bound,” his mother said.

  “Aye.”

  “I’ll contact the parson.”

  “Sam’s sick, mum. We should wait. Do you know what’s going on?”

  “Oh, aye. It’s the change. It’s going to get worse before it gets better. I’ll get the book and come to you.”

  “The book? What book?” he asked as he knelt beside Sam and felt her forehead. Still too warm.

  “Our family history. It’s filled with information, including ways to ease the suffering for humans when they make the change.”


  “I don’t recall seeing anything in the books I have.”

  “I have the book I refer to in my private apartments.”

  Kade took a deep breath. If his mother had been standing in front of him, he might have been tempted to commit matricide. “You don’t think this knowledge would have been good to have before I put her through this?”

  “If you’d known she’d go through this, Kade, would you have still bound her?”

  He glanced at Sam, her body red and her face pinched in agony. “Absolutely not.”

  “I’ll be right there,” his mother said, and hung up.

  “Sam?” Kade felt Sam’s pulse. It was racing. “Sweetheart?”

  “Can’t talk. Pain.” She licked her lips again and grimaced. He grasped her hand, but she pulled it away. “Don’t touch.”

  “If I touch you, love, I can ease the pain. You’re going through the change—let me help you through it.”

  She blinked and turned glassy eyes on him. “It hurts.”

  “Ég veit, elskan. Ætlar þú að láta mig reyna?” (I know, baby. Will you let me try?)

  She pressed her lips together and nodded. He took her hand again and laid it against his, palm to palm. She took a deep breath and squeezed her eyes shut. Her face relaxed, and he realized his body had been on alert as he felt the air fill his lungs again. His phone rang and he would have ignored it, had it not been Connall.

  “Bad time, Con.”

  “I can feel it. What’s wrong with Sam?” he asked.

  “She’s sick,” Kade snapped.

  “I’m hanging up now,” Connall said.

  Kade set the phone on the floor and focused back on Sam. She was smiling at him. “Better?” he asked.

  “A little. Connall’s worried about you, honey.”

  “I know,” he said. “But I don’t have time for his worry right now. I have my own to deal with.” He felt her pulse again. It was beginning to slow down. “I’m so sorry, Sam. If I’d known this was going to happen, I would have never put you through it.”

  Sam’s eyes widened. “Yes, you would have. I would have made you.”

  He shook his head.

  “I love you, Kade. I’ll take this if it means being with you. It’s just a little pain. If women couldn’t handle pain, there’d never be children.”