Ironling (Monstrous World, #2)

by S.E. Wendel

“You have everything you need, vittarah,” he said. He hadn’t called Hakon little hammer in years. “You don’t need me anymore. But I need my mate.”

He rarely let Hakon or his grandmother pet him, let alone strangers, but was happy to make a fool of himself for the pretty heiress. That makes two of us.

Something heavy vibrated between Hakon’s ribs. Her sadness was apparent, and he hated it. A female such as this should never know sadness.

weeks and you’re already spoiling me.” The words were out before she could think, and heat pricked her cheeks. He had no mercy on her, that deep voice rumbling, “It pleases me to please you, my lady.”

With a little tug on his hand, she said softly, “Come with me?” He turned his face to hers, his expression full of hunger. “Anywhere.”

“You must be sure, vinya, for there will be no going back. Once I have you, you’ll be mine, do you understand?” He skimmed his lips across her brow, the whisper of a kiss, a promise of much more. “You’ll ruin me for any other, and I intend to do the same for you. So you must be sure.”

“Soon, you will understand you can ask more, much more of me. Anything at all, vinya, and you shall have it.”

“I am not noble, nor full-human. What I am is in love with you, my lady. You already have my heart, and no matter what happens today, whatever you decide, you will always have it and my loyalty.”

“My loyalty, my strength, my heart, all of it is already yours, whatever you decide. In return, I ask only for you. I do not want title nor position, only to stand beside you. To be your mate, your husband, and the father of your children should you choose to have them. That is all I ask, for that is all I need in this world. Just you, vinya.”