“Is it common for Seraphim to perform a blood bond?”

She shook her head. “No. It only happens when the Fates dictate it as necessary, and occasionally…” She drifted off, her gaze leaving his for the wall. “Seraphim seldom join unless there is a rationale for it, but I’ve heard of a few who bonded because they wanted to.”

“For love,” he translated.

Her pupils dilated. “Yes. As you can imagine, it’s frowned upon, but it has happened.”

“Once you form the bond, can you tie yourself to anyone else?”

Her irises lit with a fire as her attention shifted back to him. “No. That would defeat the purpose of joining in blood.”

Hence why she stated it would be eternal. He studied her angelic features, so fragile in appearance but underlined with a ferocity he adored. A warrior masked under a sea of beauty. The perfect mate. The mother of his child. The woman who owned his future.

“A commitment of eternity,” he whispered.

“Yes.”

“That’s a lot to ask.”

“As is the blood bond of a Seraphim,” she returned.

Fair. It wasn’t just his commitment but also hers. “We would be tied together forever, angel. You sure you want that?”

“I never offered.”

His lips lifted at the edges, his voice soft. “Yes, Caro. You did.” Just not with words. Everything in her demeanor telegraphed her intent, especially her eyes. “Would bonding enhance my connection to Astasiya as well?”

“Yes.”

“Thereby improving our ability to protect her.”

Caro swallowed, her gaze returning to the wall. “Yes.”

He brushed his knuckles over her cheek before sliding his palm to the back of her neck. He wanted her focus on him, not on the boring paint job in this room. “What other benefits, angel? Would you be able to pick up on my feelings and moods?”

Sadness tinged her blue irises as she met his gaze. “Yes, just as you will be able to sense mine. Our gifts would also mingle. Meaning, I should be able to persuade, perhaps even hypnotize, since you mentioned that being an ability from your mother’s line. And you will be permanently hidden, as is the purpose of my bloodline.”

“I see.” He ran his thumb over her pulse. “What else?”

“We will be able to telegraph messages to each other, as Gabriel does to me.”

“Hmm.” He studied her closely. “It’s quite a commitment, Caro.”

Her lashes fell, sweeping her cheek as she nodded. “Yes.”

“We’ve only known each other two months, and eternity is a long time,” he added.

She nodded again, her mouth flattened into a line of tension that disabled her ability to speak.

He leaned in to brush his lips against hers. “It’ll be difficult,” he whispered. “And I’m certain we will have moments of regret—likely on your behalf more than mine. I’m overbearing, ruthless, and very set in my ways. And perhaps, most importantly, I am not someone a woman should choose as a faithful partner.”

More nodding, agreeing with all his comments, or more likely, accepting them. Because they were truths, not opinions.