The Blood Alpha's Mate.

Chapter 11.

“Skylar,”

She jolted. “Oh. I didn't see you there.“

He entered the library. “What are you reading?“

“Just this book.“

He took the book from her and read the cover. “Rites and Rituals of Blood Alphas.“ He read the opened page. “Due to their great power and the uncertainty of the success of the mating rituals, Blood Alphas are eligible to take multiple mates.” He shut the book and placed it back on the shelf.

“Why didn't you tell me?” She asked, voice accusing.

Nick sat at the edge of the table and stared at her. “You think I can do that to you, Skylar?”

“The book said - ”

He shook his head. "Never mind what the book said. Wait. Did you even read that page to the end?"

She shook her head.

"There's no chance of that happening. Me having multiple women. You're more than ten women combined, I can tell you that."

"It says that there's a possibility of death."

Nick dragged her close. "Not anymore. If we weren't meant to be, you wouldn't have made it through your days of abstinence."

"Was that why you didn't-" She didn't finish the question.

"Yes, partly." He kissed her head.

"But then I would have died."

"Not particularly. Just that s*x wouldn't have been so pleasurable for you - to mince words a little."

"So I'm fine?"

"What do you think?" He asked back.

She frowned at him.

"Yes," he said, "yes, you are."

****

Skylar shivered as she knelt on the bright forest floor, lanterns hanging from every tree near them. The witches surrounded her as they chanted and hummed.

Nick watched, wishing he could go to her, but the process was hers alone to go through now.

Skylar took the broth handed to her and drank. It had a metallic taste that was neither sweet nor bitter. She desperately needed this to end - it seemed that her reservoir of strength was exhausted. Her eyes sought Nick and she saw him, giving her a sad, little smile and she felt his voice resonate in her head, “Just a little while longer.”

The rest of the process was a whirl, almost as if it had happened to someone else. She collapsed on the spot, unable to move.

Nick took a large coat and wrapped it around her, picking her up in the process.

His scent and the warmth of his skin made her eyes open just a little.

"How was it?"

"You did wonderfully well. Thank you, Skylar."

"You owe me so much," she said and her eyes drifted shut again.