I give him a playful glare. “Any wife?” His eyes widen. “Or girlfriend?”

He shakes his head, a large smile spreading across his lips.

I narrow my eyes. He laughs, warmth flooding his eyes as he leans closer to me, just a foot separating us, as I continue, “Any kids or secret family?”

His grin grows darker as he bends toward me, just inches from my face, leaning in further until I feel his breath against my cheeks.

“There is nobody but you.” His hand reaches toward me, brushing a loose strand behind my ear before he trails his fingers down my cheek.

“Never anyone that meant more to me than this than you. And never will again.” His lips brush against mine gently.

“My mate, my family, and my home. You’re everything.” With this, his lips slowly brush over mine again as if wanting to savor every bit. He gently strokes my lips with his tongue, asking for entry. I part them, his tongue finding mine in a slow dance as he strokes and caresses me, each twirl and twist of his tongue sending light flutters to my core. Our tongues intertwine together, not fighting for control or dominance…just embracing the feeling and taste of each other and this moment.

This kiss is sweeter and more passionate than any other I’ve had before. A kiss so loving and pure.

So Jace.

Suddenly he flinches, his brows narrowed as he pulls back and stares between us, his eyes looking toward his chest. He pulls off the shirt he’s wearing, his firm abs fully on display.

And there on the top right shoulder lay a large black mark, almost like a tattoo, that continued to grow as we watched. It flickered to life, his skin darkening under the black ink, the marks swirling and twisting to different points to make its final shape…A black rune.

But not just any black rune, my rune. The same rune I wore on my own skin and on the same spot.

I pull at my shirt's neckline, tugging it down to look back and forth between his rune and my own.

“I…I don't know why…” I start until I feel his hand on my skin, tracing our now-matching runes. A slow warm smile spread across his face and into his eyes, so full of warmth and tenderness and of genuine joy.

My breath catches as I’m flooded with emotions; warmth, relief, and an overwhelming feeling of happiness. I definitely felt this way too, but these weren’t my emotions. I look up at Jace, his eyes so tender as he gazes at me. These emotions were his.

I wasn’t sure if this was a normal mated thing or more to do with me since it was my rune now on his chest. But whatever it was, I knew that the connection between us was now fully formed on both sides. It felt like something old and meant to be. Something fated.

I look at Jace, happiness etched across every feature as he gazes lovingly at me.