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  Propose to him? Ursa felt heat rise in her cheeks and when she looked up, Vans was grinning at her.

  “Have a normal ring, and a cock ring,” she suggested with a wicked little smile. “This weekend would be perfect. We’re going to Marcie and Mano’s. We can all celebrate!”

  She sensed the encouraging warmth from Victorious. Better to take what she wanted than let it pass her by. If he refused, then she could create a different plan.

  “Call the number.” Vans encouraged as though she sensed Ursa’s resolve faltering.

  Ursa let out a heavy sigh but delight from the sword rippled over her in waves. Vans grinned at her. She pulled her cell phone out and began to punch in the number when her phone rang.

  Marcie.

  “Hello, darling!” Marcie’s voice was all happy purrs as usual these days.

  “Hello yourself, lady. Shouldn’t you be working?”

  “I am allowed a break and a lunch most days. I wanted to call to see if you would drive up tonight to see us. It’s Friday night and you deserve a long weekend. I haven’t seen you in days. Please, say you will.”

  Vans peered at her curiously, head tipped to one side.

  “I think everyone is trying to get me to Yountville. Vans is here giving me the pep talk, too.”

  Marcie was quiet for a moment before she suggested, “Vans and Travis can come along, too. We can have our very own mini-party at our place.”

  Vans watched with curious interest as she listened to the one-sided conversation. Ursa reflected that the woman still had no idea what Travis had planned for her that weekend. The timing for the impromptu party was perfect!

  “Mini-party at Marcie and Mano’s tonight. Think Travis would be up for it?” Ursa savored the excited little thrill at the prospect of a party. Since the drama in Tahoe and Christmas, Marcie was taking a small break from the events at the house until she could regroup. But Ursa realized how much she looked forward to the kinky fun.

  “I’m sure he could find a way to leave work early and drive us up. If you can duck this joint.” Vans crinkled her nose as though she didn’t believe Ursa would actually ditch work.

  “Let me see if I can find someone to cover the end of my shift. We’ll be up tonight, though. I’ll get a ride with Travis and Vans.”

  “Sounds perfect, darling. We look forward to seeing your beautiful face.”

  When she hung up, Vans was smirking at her. “Just quit this place! I swear to God, Ursa, anything is better than this.”

  “I like the store and the books.”

  Vans swung her feet. “You could enjoy your books in your own private library and do something you love doing.”

  “What is it you do now, Vans?” Ursa asked as she looked for the number for her fellow employees to see who she could call.

  “I take care of Travis. It is a full-time job trying to seed the idea of him quitting that horrible place. He thinks he can save Guntram singlehandedly, you know. As if golden boy is a prisoner somewhere, held against his will. He thinks he’ll just fly in and rescue him.” Vans sounded worried.

  “We won’t let him do it alone. If he does ever find him. And if he’s being held somewhere I’ll do everything in my power to help. I swear, Vans.”

  Vans smiled and hopped off the counter. “See. You’re such a little badass, Ursa. You go after Leo the same way. Save him from a lonely life without his little owl! Travis tells me how sad he was before he met you. You are amazing, Ursa. You’ve always been a good friend to me, even when I was a complete bitch and didn’t deserve it. You have so much heart.” Vans hugged her tighter and then drew back, wiping her eyes. “All right. Call Chuck or Hank and let’s get the fuck out of here!”

  Chapter 5

  The Drive

  Ursa had butterflies in her stomach the whole drive. The friendly agent she called regarding the house was more than happy to show her today.

  Travis knew the perfect place to get both of Leo’s rings. Despite the obvious strain his work was putting on him, he was all smiles and encouragement for Ursa to pop the question. It was apparent the pair had plotted together to convince her.

  Now she held both an engraved cock cage and a golden ring flashing with diamonds. All that was left was to ask Leo to marry her. She curled in the backseat, hugging Victorious against her, trying to gain strength and reassurance from the blade.

  She took the sword everywhere. Not once did a stranger mention it hanging from her hip. Once her friends realized she had it, they seemed to notice it more, but sometimes, as now, she wasn’t sure they even saw it.

  Victorious thrummed warmly against her, the silvery kiss between her eyes was followed by sleepy affection. The guard will be pleased with the selection, Victorious whispered in the back of her mind. It is past time you put your claim on him for all to see. The way the green light twinkled was almost a wink.

  Again, she looked at the picture of the house. It was so easy to imagine herself in that library. Or walking in the garden. She could even see Vans and Travis getting married there. Could she get so lucky?

  They met the agent at the edge of the property. Ursa stared at the beautiful gate detailed with dancing horses wrought in twisting iron. The woman ahead entered the code and led the way up the road. It felt like coming home. Even Victorious approved.

  The hillside was dotted with oaks and then suddenly they were under lush redwoods and pines and the view vanished. When they came around the next curve the car slowed.

  Ursa felt her heart leap into her throat at the sight of the house. There it was! The stone building was poised on the highest peak. It looked like a small fortress. A castle!

  “Oh, my God,” she whispered, staring.

  “Perfect, right?” Vans asked, twisting around in her seat.

  “Yes,” she agreed, as her heart pounded faster.

  Vans and Travis both looked smug as the car continued up the road. It was something from a dream. Maybe she’d seen it in her dream-ventures.

  They pulled along the front of the house where a fountain bubbled cheerfully, surrounded by a bed of flowers and an arbor. Ursa stared around her as she got out of the car, feeling overwhelmed. She could picture her and Leo watching the sunset under the roses.

  “This property is just a perfect gem,” the agent said as she did the quick rundown. “There are over three hundred acres with both streams and a very large pond. Well, we will let you have a look inside alone.” The woman smiled and dangled the keys before offering them to Ursa.

  “Don’t you want to come with me?” she asked her friends as she accepted the keys.

  “We’ll come in after,” Vans said, wrapping her arms around Travis. “I kind of want to see the garden.”

  “Selfish brat,” Travis rumbled and squeezed her tightly. “Go ahead, Ursa. You have a walk-through first and then give us a tour.”

  Ursa hesitated for only an instant before she turned to walk up the steps. She unlocked the door and pushed it open and peered into the sunny foyer where flowers overflowed the table. There were long-stemmed, champagne-pink roses spilling over the vase with ivy and hydrangeas cascading from the table to the floor. A card read Welcome Home!

  They were so similar to the arrangement Leo had gotten her when they’d gone to Tahoe. The same color of pink even. She closed the door and noticed a trail of flower petals across the dark, wood floor. Biting her lower lip, she followed the path into the living room.

  Something was cooking, and the house was filled with the delicious scent of roasting meat and baked bread. Soft music played distantly in the house. The harp created a bright waterfall of notes that echoed through the space.

  A huge stone fireplace was showcased in the room and the sofa was an exact match to what Leo had in Oakland. The flower petals ended in a heart shape before the fireplace and she realized that there were pictures on the mantle of her and Leo at Christmas. She started and looked around.

  “Welcome home, princess!” Leo’s voice rumbled soothingly as t
he man came into the room. He was naked except for a harness over his chest and a loin cloth barely concealing his cock. His glorious wings fanned open and the feathers gleamed a tawny brilliance, the bars of gold and cream flashing as he spread them wider for her. His dark eyes burned with an intensity she’d never seen before. On bare feet, he padded to her.

  “Leo,” she gasped, drinking in his handsome body from the lush curls on his head down over his chest and abs. His dark flesh was all tight lines of muscles. “W-wha—”

  “Do you like it, my love?” he asked as he reached her, close enough to touch but rather than moving to wrap her in his arms, he gazed at her with a mixture of excitement and fear. His hands remained behind him.

  “I love it,” she gasped. “How—”

  “Lots of planning,” he whispered and drew his hands forward, showing her a harness that matched his. He crooked a finger at her. “Come with me.”

  She gaped from the harness to the man and took a step forward on quavering legs. Her heart pounded so hard and all she wanted to do was throw herself into his arms, but there was an intimidating energy about him that held her back.

  His hands trembled as he put the harness around her and fastened it, and then checked it twice at all the buckles. Finally, he leaned in and brushed a kiss to her cheek. “Do you trust me?” he whispered softly, his dark eyes holding hers.

  “Yes,” she answered instantly and lifted her hands to his chest, lightly drawing a heart over his chocolate-dark skin before stepping in closer. “With my life.”

  He took her hands in his and brought first one and then the other to his lips, brushing soft kisses to her fingertips and then turned her hand over to admire the shooting star that marked her skin. His throat worked but no words came out. Instead he stepped away, holding on to her hands to pull her with him through a dining room filled by a long table that was set for dinner and was overflowing with pink roses.

  He consumed her attention as he drew her through the French doors and out onto a patio that overlooked a pool and the garden. He kissed her cheek and then swept his hand out with a proud smile. “All yours as far as the eye can see.” His whisper tickled her shoulder as he stepped behind her and let her admire the view. There was a small hill and where it sloped down, she saw the twinkle of water.

  She heard the soft click of metal and felt the harness pull up sharply before Leo’s arms slid around her stomach and he lifted her off her feet. His wings whispered through the air, beating powerfully as they created wind around them. She let out a shocked squeak as she realized he was actually going to fly with her.

  “I’ve got you, princess,” he whispered, squeezing his arms around her as he lifted off the ground.

  And he did.

  They were flying!

  She let out a cry of delight as he carried her over the hillside and the trees, heading for the gleam of blue.

  “That’s the lake. You have to see it up close to appreciate it,” he called over the sound of his beating wings.

  It was over too soon. Even though he circled the lake twice before settling on the sunny bank, it wasn’t enough. She had never felt as close to her Leo as at that moment, when he’d flown with her. His heartbeat drummed through her shoulders, and Victorious roared through her, too—a brilliant song of joy. Old memories of battles by air whispered in the back of her mind. A mystical tangle of energies from those warriors who’d once carried the sword were still bound to the weapon. They, and the sword, remembered.

  He landed lightly and held her, nuzzling his face against her neck and shoulder before unclasping her and lowering her to her feet. There was a blanket and towels and a basket with wildflowers strewn on top.

  Turning, she blinked at him, tears in her eyes. “That was amazing!” she cried and threw her arms around him.

  “You are amazing, princess!” Both his arms and wings slid around her, pulling her close to him. His mouth was warm and sweet when he kissed her. The familiar mint-and-chocolate taste of him filled her as his lips parted and his tongue teased against hers. This kiss was more intimate, somehow. He’d just shared the joy of flight with her, and here in the sunshine with Leo’s perfect love wrapped around her, Ursa’s heart became almost too large for her ribs.

  “I love you!” she said between kisses and he rumbled a low, sweet encouragement as she grasped his harness. His fingers slid down her back to her hips, squeezing her tightly.

  “It was torture leaving you this morning. I never want to see that look of fear in your eyes again.” His nose brushed hers as he held her gaze. “My lovely Ursa. My princess. My little star and night huntress.” He drew away just enough to sink down onto his knees before her.

  Taking her hands, he squeezed them, drawing them to his face so he could kiss her knuckles and then he turned them over, looking at the curious burn mark on her palm—a shooting star that streaked brightly across her palm from thumb to pinky finger, arcing upward.

  Her heart skittered around in her chest. She really enjoyed the way the mark felt. Not a burning sensation as much as a tickling tingle, particularly when Leo was touching her hand. Like now.

  His breath teased over her skin, warming her up along her wrist to her elbow. Her toes curled within her boots, and she rubbed her thighs together, feeling breathless and sweetly trapped by his dark eyes.

  “You know what this means, princess?” he asked, nibbling her thumb, not taking his eyes from hers.

  She moaned, loving the white contrast of his teeth with his dark skin against her pale flesh. “Leo,” she gasped out his name and pushed herself closer to him. When his tongue flicked out to lick her skin, she moaned out, “Yes!”

  “It means I am yours,” he continued in a soft, purring reminder. “I love you, Ursa Myller.”

  She loved when he kissed that mark. How could it possibly send that fierce lick through her heart and down deep and hard through her sex? Whispering out his name, she sagged against him, knees too weak to support her and his arm slid around her, catching her, as he still nuzzled her palm.

  “Will you share my life with me, love? Here in this house I found for you? Please, tell me you will grace your humble pet with the honor of being your husband.” He bowed his head enough to shoot a look through his impossibly thick lashes. His heart filled his dark eyes, giving himself completely over to her.

  Tears welled in her eyes. “This house? You bought this house?”

  “Yes. I can’t stand not knowing if you want to do this with me. I know I have these strange wings and I’m moving you far from home but—”

  “I love your wings! I love you!” She flung herself into his arms. “Yes! Leo, yes! I will marry you! I want you to be mine forever!”

  “I am yours forever, princess.” He wrapped her tighter, nuzzling himself against her breasts. “I love you. I love you so much.”

  She realized he was crying, his broad shoulders trembling as he clung to her.

  “Leo! Oh, my love! Leo, what is it?” she asked and kissed him lovingly. Sweetly.

  “I was afraid you had given up hope on me. After Marcie and Vans…And you didn’t seem interested at all in taking this step with me. I was afraid you—”

  She kissed him, smoothing tears from his handsome face with her fingertips. “I was afraid I wasn’t good enough for you,” she whispered. “You would want a Valkyrie.” She shook her head slowly. “I really am so happy for Marcie and Vans. I didn’t want you to feel obligated if you weren’t ready.”

  “Never!” Leo said fiercely and tightened his arms around her. “What I feel for you goes beyond silly wings. My biological parents gave me up because I wasn’t the right sex. I would never do that to my child. Our child! I want you to be the mother of my children. I want a life and family with you.” He rested his cheek against her breast, stricken features softening. “You don’t know how much light and joy you bring into my life. I love you desperately, Ursa.”

  For a long time, they stayed that way, her soothing him and whispering her lo
ve for him and him clinging to her—and his sweet, possessive growling. She stroked down his back, squeezing and petting through his glorious wings as she kissed his face.

  “Oh. Oh! I forgot the—” He drew back with a laugh and fumbled with the straps and drew out the ring box. He dropped it once before getting it open to present to her. “The ring.”

  They laughed together, and she kissed him again and again. It could have been a ring-pop for all she cared. When she cleared the tears from her eyes to focus on the ring, she nearly fainted. Sweeping around the center stone were a fan of feathers all glittering with diamonds set into each plume.

  “Oh, Leo,” she cried as he took her hand and kissed her ring finger. As usual, his generous nature overwhelmed her. It was more than she deserved, this huge, gorgeous ring. But the way he looked at her made her want more than anything to be worthy of it and of him.

  “Wings for my night huntress.” He smiled up at her, still on his knees and slipped the beautiful ring onto her finger.

  It was too much! It gleamed like a star on her hand and Victorious delighted in it, approving. Quite fitting for my champion. The guard selected wisely. The tone drove out Ursa’s objections and the last linger doubts.

  “I…have this for you.” She blushed and dug into her pocket and held his gaze. “I had no idea you had all this planned. I had my own idea.” She caressed his chin. “Since the first time I saw you behind your mask, I’ve been smitten by you. You bring so much joy into my life. You are patient and understanding and careful with my heart. You coax me out when I am timid. You make me feel strong and let me break you. You are everything to me and I realized with some help from a friend that I can’t let you go. And…this morning, I thought you were going to leave me.”

  “Me, leave you?” He actually laughed. “Never!” He squeezed her to prove he wasn’t going anywhere. “I had to arrange your surprise.”

  She opened the ring box and flashed the pretty gold band and he gasped. “Leo Wolfe, will you marry me?”

  He gaped at her, blinking from the ring into her eyes. “Oh, love.” He swallowed as the tears started again. “Yes, love. Yes! I will marry you, Mistress.” She slipped the ring onto his finger with a grin and pulled the second ring out. Well, an elaborate cock cage, actually. His eyes widened, and he whimpered, “Oh, Mistress!”