Not understanding what Eddie was referring to, Thomas answered with a questioning look.

“You were able to fight the dark power with my love. Together we’re stronger than the evil in Kasper’s blood. Much stronger. Because we love each other.”

Eddie’s gentle press against his shoulders urged him to lower himself back onto the sheets.

“You can’t be sure of that.”

“I am sure. Our love will protect us both.” Eddie rocked his hips against Thomas’s groin, eliciting a soft moan from him. “Now let me ask you again.” He looked down to his knees, which were braced to either side of Thomas’s hips. “Guess I am on my knees after all, just like I’d planned it.” Raising his gaze back to Thomas, he continued, “Will you blood-bond with me?”

The love and affection shining from Eddie’s eyes invaded Thomas’s entire body, capturing every cell and spreading warmth and peace. Instinctively, he knew that Eddie was right. They would defeat the dark power together, because their love was stronger.

“Yes, I want to blood-bond with you.” And now that he’d made the decision, he couldn’t wait a moment longer. “Now.”

“Yes, now,” Eddie agreed. “With your beautiful big cock inside me.”

Thomas couldn’t have imagined it any more perfect. He flipped them, bringing Eddie underneath him. Gazing into the eyes of his lover, he spread Eddie’s legs, making space for himself. “I’ve waited for this for so long.”

His hand trailed down to Eddie’s cock, squeezing him briefly before sliding over his balls, caressing them softly. Then he slipped a finger farther back, and noticed how Eddie brought his knees up, placing his feet flat on the bed.

Eddie hissed out a moan. “I missed your touch.”

“You’ll never go another day without my touch,” Thomas replied.

“Promise?”

Thomas smiled up at him. “You’re going to beg me to give you a breather, that’s how often I’ll touch you.”

“I don’t need a breather,” Eddie whispered. “I need your cock. Now!”

Thomas bent over him, bringing his mouth to Eddie’s lips, capturing them with a kiss.

Eddie’s lips parted, and his tongue immediately stroked against Thomas’s, inviting him in to explore him. Thomas groaned out his pleasure, reveling in Eddie’s masculine taste, a mixture of leather and wood, of musk and innocence. As he delved deeper, he felt Eddie’s arms pressing him closer, one sliding onto his ass, squeezing him, while Eddie ground his cock against him in the same rhythm as his tongue responded to Thomas.

Even the night Eddie had sucked him, his kiss hadn’t been as passionate as it was now. It was as if all barriers between them had finally been removed, and they were free to show their love for each other.

Breathing hard, Thomas ripped his mouth from Eddie’s and stared into his lust-drugged eyes.

“I can’t wait any longer.” His cock was aching for release. And his heart was impatient to claim his mate.

“Then take me. Make me yours forever.”

Thomas lifted himself off Eddie and reached for the bedside table. He opened the drawer and pulled out a tube of lubricant. When he turned back to Eddie, he noticed how he was turning onto his stomach.

“No,” Thomas stopped him, meeting his questioning look. “I want to look into your eyes when I’m inside you. Turn onto your back.”

Eddie complied without a word, stretching out on the sheets, his knees raised again, his thighs spread wide. “Like this?” he asked and swept a seductive gaze over Thomas, before resting his eyes on Thomas’s erection.

Thomas moved closer and squeezed a dollop of lubricant onto his fingers. “Perfect.” As he settled between Eddie’s thighs and brought his hand to his crack, he continued looking into Eddie’s eyes.

“I’ll be gentle. Just relax into it.”

Thomas slipped one lube-covered finger into Eddie’s crack and slid farther back.

Automatically, Eddie brought his knees closer to his torso, giving him more access, opening himself up. Thomas felt the tight ring of muscle that guarded Eddie’s dark channel and rubbed his finger over it, slowly and gently.

Eddie’s eyelids fluttered. “Oh!” he let out on a sigh.

“Yes, just relax,” Thomas cooed. “Let me take care of you.” He continued rubbing against the spot until Eddie pressed against his finger. Adding more lubricant, Thomas pushed against the muscle and breached it, his finger slipping inside it to the first knuckle.