Honeythorn (Honeythorn, #1)

by Marina Vivancos

There was a slight pause as Raphael finally raised his eyes. “I’m surprised you want more of my company.” Milan’s lips tilted into a half smile. “We are to be bonded, Alpha. Why would I want anything else?” Milan knew that it was bold to call Raphael ‘Alpha’ without further honorific. It was a possessive term that might as well be, ‘my Alpha’. They looked at each other. For the first time, something heated stirred in Milan’s belly as he looked at Raphael.

“You’re all right,” Raphael whispered as if he would make sure of it. Milan bit his lip before letting himself ask, “You won’t…I’m safe with you?” Raphael’s expression crumpled, eyes closing as if the question had been a lance through his chest. When he opened his eyes again, they were in turmoil, but his answer was strong. “Yes.”

With absolutely no control over himself, Milan suddenly began crying. Great, gulping sobs that made his body scream out in pain. He understood perfectly what was happening. The bond was not broken. He was not free. Instead, Lord Raphael had waited until Milan was at the brink of death only to swoop in, the saviour, to pull him back. Milan could foresee his plan—Lord Raphael would do it again, and again, and again, until either Milan’s body or his mind gave in. “Please,” Milan choked out. “Please, he’s killing me. He’s killing me.”

“It was I who kissed you. Should I be the one checking if you are offended?” “I’m not offended,” Raphael said quickly. “Quite…quite the contrary. I am glad.” A giddy jump in his pulse had Milan almost rushing to his husband, but he managed to restrain himself. Raphael cleared his throat. “I was wondering if you will allow me to court you,” he said, a flush rising to his cheeks. Milan gaped. “Court me? But we are married.” “Yes, but…I would like to know you, your mind, and to be sure that you are with me because you are willing, because…”