Seeing an identical knot forming on Ava’s third finger, I smiled inwardly. I knew that Binding knots varied for each pair, which meant that Ava’s knot would match only mine, just as mine would only match hers.

That knot showed the world that she was taken, that she belonged to me. It let people know there was someone who would go to deadly lengths to keep her and protect her from any external harm. It was also a sign that she wanted to be mine just as much as I wanted her to be – and that in itself was an absolute fucking phenomenon in my eyes.

“I love it,” Ava murmured. “You’re stuck with me now.”

I kissed her again, just because. “Then I have what I want.”

Once Chico and Jude completed their Binding, the Prelate gestured for the guests to rise. At that, they all got to their feet and clapped just as Sam announced, “Let’s eat, I’m bloody starving.” Diplomatic, as ever.

(Ava)

“Does it tingle?”

Salem blinked. “Tingle?” He cast his groin a glance, and I giggled.

“I meant your knot.” I lowered my voice so the rest of the table couldn’t hear. “When I touch mine, it sends a little shiver through me.”

His mouth curved just as his face took on a speculative look. “Does it now? Interesting.” I didn’t like the roguish glint in his eyes. “You look beautiful,” he said gruffly. I could feel his sincerity and admiration through our bond. The connection was so much deeper than I’d expected, so amazing and comforting.

I fingered his shirt. “And you look rather dazzling.” Honestly, when I’d seen him standing near the floral arch with Chico, Jared, and the Prelate, I’d almost groaned at how mouth-wateringly masculine and sexy he looked.

“Dazzling?” He sounded offended.

“Sorry, not manly enough for you?”

Lifting one of my hands, he traced the intricate vine pattern on the back. I could sense his confusion.

“It’s one of the prenuptial rituals for Bindings.” After being covered in exotic-smelling oils and given a full-body massage, I’d enjoyed a spicy wrap treatment. Then I’d been given a milk bath, followed by having my hands and feet painted with a glistening ink. I’d actually kind of liked the rituals, but the ever-so-impatient Jude hadn’t found any of it relaxing.

As his finger began to trace my Binding Knot, I gasped. And the bastard’s eyes lit with mischief and smugness. “Not here,” I hissed.

“You’re right. Let’s go.”

Knowing he was totally serious, I placed my hand on his thigh to stay him. “Not yet.”

“Then when?”

His pained expression made me giggle. “Soon, but not yet.”

“Why?”

“We haven’t even eaten, for one thing.” As tradition, the feast was taking place in the grand garden at the back of the mansion, which was adorned with butterfly lights, candles, torches, and banners. We were seated at the ‘head table’ with Jude, Chico, Sam, Jared, Luther, and Sebastian. “I spent a lot of time planning this menu, and I intend to taste it.” When his pained expression deepened, I guessed, “You don’t want to stay for Harvey’s speech, do you?”

“No.” Salem leaned closer, speaking matter-of-factly. “There’s also the little issue that having a great view of your legs makes me want them wrapped around me while I’m buried inside you.” He took the hand I’d placed on his thigh and laid it over the hard bulge in his pants.

Heat and need rushed through me, making me swallow hard. “Soon,” I promised again, giving his cock a gentle squeeze.

When Jared got to his feet, a respectful silence descended. “Before we eat and kick this party off, Harvey and I would like to say a few words. Before we do that, though, I have to thank Fletcher and his crew of very creative people who worked hard to organise the ceremony and after-party. Secondly, thanks to everyone for coming to witness and celebrate the two Bindings that occurred tonight.”

Jared looked down at me, Salem, Chico, and Jude as he continued. “All four of these vampires have dedicated their immortal lives to serve and protect their kind, and that’s no small thing. They deserve the happiness they’ve found.” He lifted a champagne chute. “Please raise your glasses and join me in blessing this Binding and wishing these vampires well.” Once everyone had taken a sip of their champagne-flavoured NSTs, he took his seat. “The floor’s yours, Harvey.”

As Harvey stood wearing a superior grin, I felt Salem’s tension and unease understandably increase. He and Chico were right: Harvey would take utter delight in giving a speech that embarrassed all four of us and undoubtedly featured a few pranks.

“As a good friend of both couples, I’d like to say –” He flinched as a series of loud popping sounds practically deafened us all and colourful streamers rocketed into the air. Only Salem, Chico, and Harvey were confused by the fact that every guest except for those on our table were setting off party poppers. Jude, Sam, and I exchanged a knowing grin that made Salem arch a brow at me.

Harvey cleared his throat. “I’d like to say –” Once more, numerous popping sounds split the air, bringing an angry flush to his cheeks. Raising his voice, he tried again. “I’d like to say congratulations to both couples and –” More loud popping sounds. “Oh, fuck it.” He slumped in his seat, sulking. Laughter spread around the tables that circled the man-made dance floor.

Salem narrowed his eyes at me, amused. “That was your idea, wasn’t it?”

“I wasn’t going to let him make you even more uncomfortable than you already do at our Binding.”

“I’ll love you forever for that alone.”

I laughed, straightening in my seat as a plate of food was set in front of me. Clearly the feast had now began. During all four of the delicious courses that followed, Salem insisted on turning eating into a sensual act. He lifted food to my mouth using either his fork or fingers, licked off any sauce or cream from my lips, and even fed me ice cream by taking a spoonful into his own mouth and then kissing me. The whole time, he never stopped touching me – whether it was to caress my nape, stroke my knee, or trace my ear. He was also sure to trace my Binding knot from time to time, the teasing bastard.

“Must you torment me?” I hissed, flushed with need.