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“But I’ap, but it’s not twenty-five years!”

“What?” He looked so surprised that she alht…you don’t look any older than eighteen or nineteen cycles!” he protested

“Thank you,” Makenna said pri at him “But I can’t take credit for my youthful appearance My people e very well”

“But…but that olden eyes were suddenly hopeful “Fifteen years isn’t too much—our soul-bond should be able to handle the difference!”

Makenna frowned

“I don’t understand—what are you talking about?”

Rapidly, he explained about the soul-bond a Kindred forether and allowed the as there were no accidents or terminal illnesses

“But it only works that way if there isn’t tooall this tier thanyou away because I didn’t want to die first and leave you lonely and alone during the most vulnerable part of your life”

“Oh, Bard…” Makenna’s heart swelled with love for hiood—because you cared so much you didn’t want to leave me alone if you went first?”

“That’s right, baby girl” He nodded “I lost my first mate, Rilla, only six months after ere mated and it’s taken ain—for you” He pulled her down and gave her a kiss

“That’s why I was pushing you away—I thought you were too young for me Which you still almost are,” he added

“I am not!” Makenna protested “I’hh it”

She squeezed her innerhim that he was still buried deep inside her

“Molden eyes half-lidded with desire “Gods, baby girl—you’re so tight around ood!”

“It can feel better if youboth of theain,” she begged “Make me yours forever!”