ETHAN’S MATE (Book One: The Vampire Coalition) by J. S. Scott Read Free Book Online Page B

Ethan had entered her life. Now she was
ready to live. She would live a glorious life with Ethan by her
side.
    She was dressed in the traditional, full,
transparent, ankle-length gown and it trailed along behind her as
she walked down the narrow hallway. She had chosen a scarlet red
that matched her mood today. Her hair had grown quickly, restored
to its normal shoulder length and she had left it down over her
shoulders.
    Brianna had been bathed in sensual, exotic oils. Her
skin was still slick from the scented oil that had been applied
after the bath.
    The women all stopped at the mating chamber door and
Kristin moved forward to pull the heavy ornate door open, moving to
the side to let Brianna enter.
    Brianna stopped, her eyes sweeping the room. Ethan
stood on the platform in front of a huge, elevated bed. The bed was
covered in black silk, a few black silk pillows scattered over the
massive surface.
    Brianna smiled. The chamber preparation was Ethan’s
choice. She guessed he was in a “dark” sort of mood today.
    As Brianna entered the room she noticed that it was
just as Kristin had described. A circular, small room with darkened
windows all around the upper walls. They were for the observers.
The witnesses. Everything was lit with candles that were placed on
a ledge that circled the windows. She was guessing that the
witnesses would get a hell of a good view.
    She locked eyes with Ethan. His were almost
completely black and intense. She longed to speak with him
telepathically, but she didn’t. She knew it only made things worse
for him when he heard her voice and couldn’t yet touch her.
    Brianna could feel the electric vibrations in the
room and her hair lifted like it was blowing in the wind.
    It’s ancient magic, Brianna. I’ve never heard of this
happening before. It’s probably because of my age. But it’s not
evil. Don’t be afraid.
    She started as she heard Ethan growling in her mind,
surprised he could still use his magic to speak to her this way.
She could feel his need and her body responded. Her body jerked as
she was assaulted with his mating instincts. She wanted to lay on
those black sheets and satiate this vampire any way he wanted
it.
    She nodded at Ethan, her eyes never leaving his, to
let him know she understood.
    “Strip her.” Ethan ordered, his voice low and
commanding.
    Kristin came to her side, frowning as she saw that
everything was moving. The gown swirled and Brianna’s flowing hair
fluttered as though the wind were carrying it.
    Kristin hesitated, perplexed.
    “It’s okay, Kristin. Do it.” Brianna whispered to her
softly.
    Kristin lifted her hands to the ties of Brianna’s
gown. “Do you agree to this mating with Ethan Hale?”
    “I do.” Brianna answered, her eyes burning into
Ethan’s.
    Kristin released the gown and it shimmered to the
floor. She picked it up and draped it over her arm.
    “Leave us.” Ethan choked out the demand.
    Kristin left, Brianna’s gown still fluttering over
her arm. She closed the door and locked it behind her. The loud
click of the lock on the door should have sounded ominous, but
Brianna felt exhilarated. She was finally going to mate with
Ethan.
    “Come to me.” Ethan instructed, his eyes leaving
Brianna’s to sweep over her body with hunger and desire.
    Brianna eagerly responded, climbing the few steps to
arrive in front of Ethan next to the elevated bed.
    Ethan didn’t touch her, but his eyes burned over her
naked body as he started reciting the ritual words of the bonding
in his native language. She didn’t understand, but she loved the
lyrical flow of the ancient language, the syllables rising and
falling. As the last word trailed off Ethan’s tongue, he lowered
his forearm to her hip and sealed their markings. She could see his
arm trembling right before he joined the marks and pressed them
firmly together.
    Brianna’s body jerked. Ethan grasped her around the
waist with his other arm as the flames shot through her