Suddenly, Marcus's large muscular arm wrapped around her waist and brought her up against him. Without opening his eyes, he asked, "Is this better ?" She held her breath. Up close, the smell of him became stronger, the heat from his body was better than the furs that covered her. The feel of his naked skin against hers made her want to touch him, explore the hard planes of his chest and flat stomach, to place her lips at the hollow of his throat. "Yes, thank you." She whispered and forced her eyes to close. *** The air was filled with excitement and tension the next evening. It was the night of the mating ceremony. Katarina, being Elizabeth's closest relative now helped her into the silky white robe. With a comb carved intricately from wood -- a gift from Marcus -- Elizabeth's hair was bru
