As if sensing the sudden hardening of his renegade body, Jocelyn stirred in his arms. The heavy lashes lifted as she regarded him with a sleepy smile.

"Lucien."

"Shhh, my beloved," he murmured, gently stroking her hair from the pale countenance. "It is very late. You should be asleep."

"This is very nice," she said shyly. "I think I shall enjoy sharing a bed with my husband."

Lucien swallowed a groan. Great Nefri. Did she not realize what she was doing to his poor, tortured body?

"Yes, my sweet. Now go back to sleep."

Pulling back, she regarded him with a puzzled expression. "What is it, Lucien? Is something the matter?"

He heaved another sigh. She would not be satisfied until he revealed the truth.

"Nothing is the matter. It is merely difficult for me to hold you so closely and not wish to make love to you again."

A delightful color stained her cheeks. "Oh." There was a long pause before she slowly lifted herself onto her elbow. "Lucien?"

"Yes?"

"I am prepared."

"No." He reached out to cup her cheek. "We have an eternity to be together, my sweet.

There is no need to rush on this night."

She gave a shake of her head, an oddly resolute expression upon her countenance.

"I mean that I am prepared to bond with you. As a vampire."

Lucien caught his breath. "Jocelyn."

"Please do not argue with me, Lucien." An odd smile curved her lips. "You said that we would know when the time was right. And I do know. I cannot say how, but something within me is telling me that this is the moment."

As if on cue, the Medallion about her neck suddenly began to glow in the silver shadows.

Lucien regarded the powerful amulet before giving a slow nod of his head. He, too, felt the anticipation that tingled in the night.

It was the moment.

The perfect moment to entwine his soul with his true mate's.

Allowing his fangs to lengthen, he held the shimmering blue gaze as he lowered his head toward her neck. He took but a taste of her blood, his entire body trembling as the sense of her filled his mind and his heart.

"My love," he whispered softly, raising his arm to draw blood from his wrist and placed it against her waiting lips.

Sighing, Jocelyn readily completed the ritual, allowing them to become one.

"My eternal love," she pledged as the Medallion flared to golden life.

* * * THE END * * *