What the f**k?
I stared at him, sure I'd misunderstood him. Declan looked back at me calmly.
Waiting.
"I'm sorry, I don't think I understand," I said carefully. "What do you mean, 'me'?"
"Exactly as it sounds. I'm proposing that you choose me in place of Laignech. Bonded and mated, as is his intent with you."
"That-uh, that doesn't seem like a viable option, though," I said, uneasy. Declan's eyes were still on mine, almost burning with intensity. "I mean, I can't see how Laignech would ever allow-"
"I can deal with Laignech," Declan countered. "And you're right, he'd never allow it. Leave that to me.
"He can be subdued, just long enough for me to mark and mate you.Once that's done, thebraighdeán-the 'binding'-would be absolute. Not even Laignech could break it."
I hesitated. f
