GAHRYE

Kalle, gasping, kissed him, deep, and frantic, and he was stunned.

He'd expected to have to lay out his plans, to show her that he was a male who would provide and ensure she was safe. An Anima female—even one in love, one who'd found their true mate—would make a show of thinking through what he offered, asking questions, and ensuring he truly sought to join with her. He'd expected Kalle to at least pretend to consider his proposal. To perhaps ask him questions. But she just launched herself at him, clinging to him, tears on her cheeks, and kept whispering

"Yes!

" against his lips.

Overwhelmed, Gahrye stood up slowly, still kissing her, wrapping his arms around her and holding her to his chest, his hands shaking and his breath thundering. But he wasn't finished. He had to… had to do all of this.

So, he pulled back just far enough to meet her shining eyes.

"But I haven't told you the ways I can provide, or care for your well-being, or our… our children—

"

"I don't care,

" she said, her voice too high and thin.

"I know who you are, Gahrye. I know how you see the world. That's enough. I just want what you are.

"

He gaped. He was left speechless for a moment. But she just stared at him, her eyes—green today—wide with delight and her hair falling down her back as she looked up at him. Then he remembered himself and closed his mouth and took his hands back to search his pockets.

"I have something for you,

" he said. Kalle blinked, covering her mouth again.

"I understand that humans are accustomed to the giving of rings as a symbol for their union. I'm sorry I don't have the resources here that I would have at home, had I known… but it doesn't matter.

" He shook his head and pulled the light leather ring from his pocket.

"When I learned that you were accustomed to rings, I didn't have the means to have metal smithed,

" he said softly.

"So, while this does not have the permanence of those materials, I want you to know what it is.

" His hand shook as he held out his hand with the ring on his palm so she could see it.

"One of my roles on Anima is as a merchant. I didn't have all the colors with me that I would have preferred, but I want you to know… the cords here are of the strongest leather I knew how to produce. The three strands symbolize me, you, and the Creator.

" He fingered the tiny ring in his palm, turning it over so she could see the intricate, tiny braids he'd used to fashion it.

"One of the strands was taken from a necklace I've worn every day since I was an adolescent. It was given to me by my mother. The second is from a bracelet Elia gave me after I became her Cohort, which is the most respect I have ever been shown by… well, anyone. And the third is… the third is from my wares. I only brought a handful of them with me in case I needed gifts. It is to demonstrate to you that, no matter what, no matter where I am, I will always see you provided for.

"

He gulped as she stared at the ring in his hand. She wasn't smiling. But it was too late to find something else now. If she didn't want it…

"I wonder if you would wear this as a symbol that you are mine,

" he said softly, his voice rough and husky.

"If you would show yourself before your people as mated—married. Once, for all time. I vow to you, Kalle… I want to give you forever. This ring is a circle that never ends, because I would ask you to forsake all other males. If you take me… take me whole. And I will vow to you that even if we are torn apart, I would never touch another female, would never yearn for any but you.

"

He trailed off, still staring between her eyes and the ring, his heart thumping painfully. What if she thought it wasn't enough?

"Oh, Gahrye!

" she cried suddenly, holding out her hand, splayed, so he could put the ring on her.

"I'm not even… I… Yes!

"

With shaking fingers he took the little ring and placed it on her finger pushing it down. Thankfully he'd measured her finger correctly and it fit well, not too snug, not too loose.

When it was in place, she looked at it and her tears spilled over.

"I love you, Gahrye!

"

"Oh, Kalle,

" he whispered and kissed her. She whimpered, throwing her arms around his neck.

"I'm not… I haven't even told you the ways I would vow to hold you—

"

"I just want you, Gahrye.

" She broke off with a little sob and kissed him again.

"We can figure out the rest later.

"

He blinked in shock.

"Thank you,

" he blurted.

"You're thanking me?!

" Kalle cackled a laugh, then clapped a hand over her mouth.

"Gahrye… you have no idea,

" she said when she'd gotten a hold of herself, her voice awed.

"If any other human woman saw you doing this, she'd be convinced that you could do so much better than me!

"

Gahrye grunted and shook his head. He didn't wish to offend her, but…

"Humans are strange,

" was all he said.

She smiled through her tears.

"And I'm so glad you think so,

" she laughed softly.

"Yes, I will have you, Gahrye. The question is, will you have me?

"

He blinked. This wasn't going at all how he had imagined. He'd prepared to prove himself, to demonstrate his intention and persuade her to take a chance on him beyond their physical connection. But Kalle was biting her lip, gripping his hands, and taking a deep breath. As if… as if she thought she had to ask for him?

"Kalle, you don't have to—

"

"No, let me do this, Gahrye. Please.

"

He swallowed and nodded as she braced herself.