19

TWENTY

Ember

Holy shit.

I knew what I was signing up for when I agreed to come tonight. I understood that our matebond would become public knowledge. But, I didn’t expect it to feel so jarring at that moment.

We descend the grand staircase that leads into the middle of the ballroom. Willow makes me look way better than I feel. He’s so charming, strong, powerful and handsome. He carries himself with so much grace. Yet, here I am walking like a troll that’s missing several toes.

My dress sways and glides along the marble floors as all eyes land on us. Willow directs me into the center of the room where I get a good view of the thrones. Queen Sharynne is upholding her seat with straight shoulders and a kind smile. Why is she so kind and gentle, but the king is so cruel and violent? How does this beautiful woman allow her mate to harm and hoard her children in such a manic way?

I need to learn more about his family.

I’m so distracted I barely have a chance to register Prince Willow reaching for my hand and bowing, waiting for me to accept this dance. In the middle of the ballroom where everyone is staring at us. I suddenly become very aware of my surroundings, the prince, the fact the king is missing. My head starts to spin and I can feel my skin overcome with a flush.

Breathe. I will protect you, always.

I inhale, exhale, and place my palm in his. He slowly rises with a sideways smile on his face. I nearly faint just from the sight of it. He’s so handsome the way he only focuses on us, what we’re doing at any given moment, and tunes out the rest of the world.

He makes me feel important.

He makes me feel valued and cherished.

It took this moment for me to realize I never want to be without those feelings again. I haven’t felt adoration like this since I lost my parents.

Placing my hand on his shoulder, he grabs the lower part of my back and cinches my body against his. Together, we begin to move in unison and complete the most beautiful stride of steps, turns and dips. By the time we’ve completed our dance, the entire crowd is cheering and toasting to our presence. It feels amazing, truly.

I’ve never been celebrated in such a way before.

Blushing, we both take a bow and head to our private canopy to the right of the thrones. We’re hidden from every eye but still a part of the festivities in our own way. Here, we’re waited on by Will’s private staff. They deliver platters full of small cheeses, wine, small quiches, and fruit. My mouth is already watering and I realize I barely ate this morning when everyone was gathered at my apartment.

We have a direct view of the thrones from this alcove. Willow and I are kneeling and enjoying our wine and cheese when the king is finally welcomed into the room. He’s wearing a black suit that is garnished with golden threads and golden daggers. He looks ready to inflict pain but also extremely regal. Him and Willow have so many resemblances.

Because the fae age so slowly once you’ve reached your peak adulthood, which is different for everyone, then you grow at a painfully slow pace. His father seems to be just under 45 years of age. Although, he’s sporting silver hair like it was made for him.  History books say King Bryton is a fire and water faerie.

He glides across the room and everyone stares in awe as they bow to their knees before the king.

King Bryton is here before a large crowd finally opening the doors for his people. I wonder what the rest of the evening will provide. This is an occasion the fae have waited for my entire life.

“Tell me what’s on your mind,” Willow asks while sipping his wine. He’s currently laying on his side, propped up on his elbow, rejoicing in this celebration.

“Honestly, my head is full of so much right now. The thoughts are quite overwhelming.”

“Do you want to talk about it, little dragon?”

Deciding against informing him on all my overthinking, I choose to go with “Can I ask you a question?”

I gulp down the remainder of my wine. Willow refills it from the decanter.

“You may ask me anything your heart desires to know, mate.”

This is the first time I don’t internally cringe at the use of that word.

“If you could change anything about Estrallume, what would you change?”

He slowly sets his glass down on the table in front of us. Mulling over my question, he clears his throat and levels me with a look of curiosity.

“I would remove my father from his throne and begin making changes to aid society in recovering from the Decay.”

“Oh my stars, keep your voice down!” I hush in a panicked tone, glancing around at the guards and the thrones before us. No one seems to be paying us any attention right now and thankfully we’re pretty secluded. But, that was the exact answer I was looking for. I think implementing him into the Ascension will be way easier than I assumed it would be.

“Trust me, everyone is either too drunk, too high, or just fucking one another to pay attention to anything we do in here.”

“What if someone heard us?” I squirm and try to readjust my skirts. I’m mildly uncomfortable and paranoid now.

“Are you referring to our conversation, or is there something else you’d like to do to pass the time, little dragon?”

“Willow!” I laugh. “You’re ridiculous. We can’t do that here!?”

His eyes darken and he shines that annoyingly delicious crooked smile. “Why not? You don’t think I want to spread you out in every room we’ve ever walked into? Anytime I’m near you all I can think about is shoving those pretty little skirts around your waist and filling you with my cock. I don’t care who sees, you’re my mate and I’m dying to worship you in front of anyone that wants to witness it. They should know you’re my goddess now.”

I can’t believe he’s talking like this with so many people nearby. A blush floods my cheeks and it suddenly feels very warm in here.

He’s been such a gentleman ever since we met but this is a whole other side to Willow Bryton. The way he talks makes my stomach twirl with butterflies and warmth. I don’t know if I can handle this version of him.

“I… I don’t know if this is the most appropriate place.”

“It wasn’t very appropriate earlier when you grabbed my dick in the front courtyard, either. There’s nothing to be ashamed of, mate. Everyone knows we belong to each other now.”

“Willow, about that–”

“Hello, son.” The king appears out of thin air and is standing inside our canopy now. He leans over and grabs a handful of grapes. Popping them in his mouth one by one.

“Father.”

“Ah, and who do we have here?”

“This is Ember, my moon-bound mate.” Willow introduces me through clenched teeth and curled fists. I can sense his tension down the strings of our bond. I use my skills of empathy to stroke calmness over him. He slowly loosens at my side.

“Hello, your majesty. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” I quickly greet him but reluctantly give him my hand to kiss.

He takes it, slowly running his fingers along my palm and pressing a soft, wet kiss to the top. It sends chills through my body in the most uncomfortable way. I’m utterly disgusted by his touch and presence.

He can go fuck himself.

“Well, son. She’s truly beautiful like you said.” He nods to himself. He levels me with a scrutinizing glare. “Now, do you mind addressing why you ran from my son on the night of your pairing?”

Letting in a small gasp, I look to Willow for some lifeline or assistance in dealing with this brutal question.

“Father, please. Things have been going well. We are just getting to know one another.”  Willow reaches to lean closer to me, resting his arm along my back and rubbing slow circles into my hips. It’s the reassuring presence I needed.

“Right, and have you found my son acceptable for bonding now? It’s not common to hear of fae postponing a moon-bound pairing. Especially when mated to a crown prince.”

“Um, we’re making progress,” I say sheepishly. I hope this conversation ends soon.

The king turns his attention on Will and narrows him with a glare. His stare feels like a branding of hot iron. “Last time I checked, the next eclipse is in 3 days. However, that’s the least of my concerns right now. Willow, please update me on the status of our new weapons facility. Did demolition and construction go according to plan?”

Demolition and construction? I think he’s referring to whatever I saw in that memory dive. I turn my attention to Willow.

“Oh yeah, We finished the renovations just this morning.” I’m barely listening since Will is still drawing tiny circles along my hip. It’s causing a parade of sensations and thoughts to escape my mind. I barely resist tackling him and kissing him right here. Why are the moons making me mad? This is clearly not the time.

What did you build? I ask through the bond.

I don’t get a response. Instead, he continues to rub circles into my hip. It’s starting to tickle now.

King Bryton turns his head and examines Willow carefully. “Can I confirm we begin delivering supplies in the morning?”

“Well, that may be hard considering they are admitting new children into the orphanage in the morning for their grand reopening.” he smugly smiles at his father.

I slowly tilt my head to peer up at Willow. Did I miss something? I don’t remember him mentioning anything about an orphanage.

His father’s skin pales a fraction before he erupts. Like an unpredicted star fall. His emotions completely change from calm and collected to crazed and barbaric.“You mean to tell me,” he heaves in a deep breath, “you renovated the orphanage instead of following orders?”

The king’s fangs shoot out as he pounces across the table like a rabid animal, throwing food and wine everywhere. A bowl of berries fall onto my lap and I jump back in shock, examining the stain now left on my gown. He grabaWillow by the throat of his jacket and hauls him over our heads with such raw force it’s then I remember the king is also a brute.

“Stop!” I shout after the king. I take a few steps out of our canopy to chase after them, summoning my water magic, when I’m suddenly frozen in place midstep.

Willow is flung in front of the dais and the crowd is screaming and gasping, their festivities being interrupted. Several high lords and fae run for the doors, some of them still partially dressed from pleasuring one another in the shadows of the room.

“You dare defile me?!” The king bellows as he stomps towards Willow.

I can’t move. I can’t talk. I can only think, like a shell of a faerie. I don’t know what to do, I’m frozen in place. I’m being forced to watch this whole catastrophe unravel. Why is no one rushing to help Prince Willow? Even Queen Sharynne isn’t moving to help her son, who currently is laying at her feet in a crumpled mess.

A look of horror and pain invades her features.

By the moons, this man is a monster.

Willow is coughing and clutching his stomach. I pray to the moons he’s not too injured. He’s a brute, so he has to be able to fight back. Right?

I spoke too soon because the king began kicking his son in the stomach, which earned more gasps and screams from the audience. He’s not even trying to hold back his brutality.

“This.” kick. “is.” kick. “what happens,” spears of red fire blast into Will’s side. “when you disobey me.”

My chest tightens and burns. My mate is in danger and I can’t physically do anything to help him.

A giant wave of water shoves Will to the opposite side of the room, landing at the feet of several guests. Their shoes begin to soak and their dresses are saturated and wet.

No ones moving, still. What the hell is going on?

I can think, I can breathe, but I can’t talk or move.

Willow struggles to raise his head as he focuses on the king, “They’re only children. We–” cough. “We don’t have enough orphanages as it is. I’m sorry but those children needed us. We are supposed to protect them, not leave them homeless and starving.”

Willow attempts to stand but is pushed to the ground by some invisible force. What powers does the king truly have? We’re all locked in invisible chains and he’s beating the shit out of his son, my mate, even while standing on the opposite side of the ballroom.

“Here’s a lesson for everyone tonight as I’ve opened up the Lunar Court for the high fae once again. If you disobey me, you will receive the same treatment as my son. No one is above my command.”

The king begins swirling flames above his head, creating rope and large hooks from thin air. The thick ropes dangling from the ceiling just above Willows bent over body. Will’s chest is heaving, he’s bleeding from his abdomen, and his fangs are out on full display.

He looks like a fallen angel in this state.

I desperately need to heal him. My blood is boiling to save my mate and I’m furious, growing with palpable rage as I can’t escape these invisible chains. I’m screaming but no one can hear me.

I’m stuck, what is this? How can I help you? I shout down the bond.

Again, there’s no response. I can’t even reach him through our connection. What is the king?

My skin is itching to rescue my mate.

Before I’m able to do anything, we’re forced to watch as the king of Estrallume snatches the large hooks out of the air and pierces his son’s velvet black wings. He tore straight through the membrane. His wings ooze blood that drips onto the marble floors. Willow screams and it cracks my heart in pieces.

I can feel tears pouring down my cheeks.

My empathy is like wildfire right now. There’s a flood of projected emotions throughout the room such as fear, anger, disgust, and terror. Everyone hates him. We all hate our king, and it seems like he hates us too.

TWENTY-ONE

Ember

All I remember is fury, rage, and despair as I watched Willow get lifted into the air by his wings. A display for all fae on what not to do.

I blacked out at this point from pure hatred and rage for the tormenter of my mate. Or, from the overwhelming magic the king was emitting in the room.

That’s all I can recall before waking in Prince Will’s bed. The morning sun is glaring through his large windows. The silk sheets are tangled around my limbs. There’s fresh coffee and pastries waiting on the coffee table. They’ve already hung a robe up for me and there’s a steaming bath drawn in the bathing room.

There’s a soft knock on the door.

“Come in!” I sit up quickly.

Last night didn’t go at all how I had hoped. I had planned to confront the king regarding Brooks, but right now the only thing I can focus on is my mate with this growing bond in my chest.

Artie enters and closes the door softly behind himself.

He paces around the foyer before entering the room,

“Good morning, Ember.” He says softly.

I rub my eyes and laugh. “Oh cut the bullshit, Artie. What the hell happened? Where is he? And how did I get in here?” I start hounding him.

“Whoa, whoa.” He holds up his hands in surrender. “Princess, I’m not entirely sure what happened last night. My men have never experienced the king in such a severe state before…” He trails off like he’s lost in some terrible memory. “My number one duty is to protect Prince Willow and some sort of invisible force kept me and everyone else from interfering last night. That’s never happened before.”

“Yeah, I was there. I know.” I cross my arms and roll my eyes. “Artie, where is he?”

He scratches the back of his neck. Looking more uncomfortable than normal. “He’s still up there.”

“What?! You left him up there!” I yell and flip the covers back. Running past Artie, I dash for the wardrobe and take out my leathers. I turn around and head to the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind me and quickly changing. I don’t even give Artie a second glance. I braid my hair and am ready to face this damn Lunar Court. I can only think about getting my prince back. Even if I have to drown the entire palace with my magic.

Opening the door, I find Artie sitting on the sofa with his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. I slow down and remember they’re also best friends. “Artie, it’s going to be okay. I will get him down, I promise you.”

He looks up at me with so much pain and regret. “I don’t want you to think I didn’t try. I did, but the king has him on 24-hour watch and there’s no news of release anytime soon.”

“Bullshit. The king hasn’t dealt with me yet. Take me to him.” I demand.

“Oh whoa there, dragon. You saw what he did to Willow.”

Yeah, that’s true. But the king did that to make a powerful statement. Now I believe he wants something and I’m going to find out what.

I walk over to Willow’s side table and rummage through his collection of daggers. I found this hidden stash the first time I snooped in his room. “Take me to him. Now.” I grab two daggers and strap them to my thigh.

“Alright, sweetheart. It’s your death sentence.” He exhales and stands up, crossing the room and holding the door open for me. “Willow’s going to kill me for this.”

Artie escorts me to the king’s study. We don’t pass the ballroom and truthfully, it’s a waste of time to go look at my mate who’s hanging in agony right now. I need to be out here doing everything I can to save him from suffering any longer. Not crying because we’re in this situation. We pass the gallery, several libraries, and dining rooms before approaching the king’s study.

Artie walks up to the royal guild members and informs them of my request to speak with the king. One pivots and enters the room, and after a few moments pass he returns and lets me enter.

“I can’t go with you, but I’ll be here if anything happens,” Artie reassures me.

The door opens and I step through.

And there he is. Sitting poised in his royal office. He looks all the more like a selfish, crazed ruler.

I begin a stroll around the room, examining more and more empty bookshelves like they are the most interesting things. I can’t make eye contact with him so this pacing tactic will have to do. “So, do you want to explain how weird it is to not have any decorations in this room when this is where you spend most of your time as the king?”

“Well, I’m glad to see you too, Miss Ember Amethyst.”

I ignore his pleasantries and turn to face him, leveling him with a snarl and a glare. “Release him. Now.”

“I don’t take well to being demanded of things.” He warns with a smirk on his face. He is disgusting.

“Yeah? Well, I don’t take well to having my mate skewered.” I growl.

“Ah, then It seems we’re at an impasse. I will agree to release your precious mate–”

“Your son! For fucks sake!” I laugh and drop into the seat in front of him. “Why? Why are you doing this?”

He clears his throat. “I will release my son if you agree to become his mate.”

“Are you serious?” I glare at him. He has to be kidding me. Why is he so set on us bonding? Why won’t he answer my questions? Either way, I think the past 24 hours have taught me that Willow is everything I never knew I needed and nothing I thought I wanted. I want to bond with him when the eclipse comes, but I want it to be my choice. That’s the whole problem from the beginning is that I had no choice in this.

“Very.” He smiles at me. He’s obviously planning something here.

“What are you planning?” I lower my voice. “Why is our bond important to you?”

“As you know, once bonded both of you will have access to double the power. He’ll need your added strength to fulfill his upcoming duties.”

“That’s it? This is a power play?”

“I suppose if you need to look at it like that, then yes.” He shrugs nonchalantly.

“Fine. Release him and I’ll bond to him.”

“Very well.” He snaps his fingers and magic sparks between the tips. “It’s done.”

His smile slowly grows as he watches me realize his actions. It takes me a moment to register that he just released Willow from his constraints with the snap of his fingers. That type of talent and power is unimaginable. Where is he getting this power?

But with Willow supposedly released, there’s not a moment to spare as I stand and sprint through the doors. I don’t even say goodbye or thank you. He doesn’t deserve any more of my time. Willow is waiting for me.

My mate.

I dash out into the hallway and Artie follows after me. We run together to the ballroom. We turn a corner and I see the golden doors ahead of me. Guards try to stop me from entering, but I encase them in vines and thorns as I slam through the doors with my shoulder. I find Willow on the ground in a crumpled mess of blood, twisted wings, and tattered clothes.

“Will!” I cry out.

He doesn’t make a sound.

“Oh moons, please let him be okay.” I plead.

Artie and I rush to his side and delicately rearrange his torn wings so that his back is no longer crushing them. They’re so fragile and broken now. My heart tears for the beauty that they once were. My hands tremble as I trace the lines that once were.

I kneel next to him and brush his hair away from his face. Leaning over him, I whisper “I’m here now. It’s going to be okay. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” Hot tears are running down my face as I take in the sight of my tormented mate. I could feel his pain and agony the entire time he was up there, and now I feel nothing as he lay here.

Artie shouts for another guild member to help hoist Will up onto his feet. Together, we quickly return him to his bedchambers while the healer is called in to begin tending to his wounds. Will passed out from the pain and so they had to have 3 guards help carry his large body.

We entered the bedroom and I let the guards carry him to the bathroom. He’s bleeding still from the wounds in his abdomen and the tears in his wings. This is way more severe than I realized. I pray to the moons that they called on the best healer in the capital.

I sit against the bathroom door as I listen to them shout at each other behind it. They’re attempting to undress him and bathe him, but the prince seems to be waking up now and he’s screaming in pain. My heart is twisting with every yell, shout, and cry. I don’t know how he survived the night and now I feel an immense amount of guilt for sleeping soundlessly while he suffered.

I decided to try sending my love and warmth through the bond, thinking it will reach him and bring him some form of comfort. I hear the tub splashing and he’s growling at all the butler’s trying to help him but slowly the shouts and sounds become less. He must be feeling my touch through the strings of our bond.

Time passes and I slowly fall asleep leaning against the bathroom door.

Someone kicks my foot. “Miss Ember, the healer is here and we need to get into the bathroom now.”

“Oh, of course.” I rub my eyes and yawn. Quickly standing and stepping aside, the guild member ushers the healer into the bathroom and they shut the door again. I hate being shut out like this.

I stand up and pour a cup of coffee. I need something to distract myself while I wait for the results from the healer. It feels like hours have passed and exhaustion gets the better of me again. I fall asleep on the sofa when the healer finally comes out and softly wakes me from my slumber.

“Hello, dear. I have some news to share with you regarding the Prince’s state.”

I groggily sit up and gaze around the room. The bathroom door is open and it seems everyone except the healer has left. I turn around and find my Prince laying on his side of the bed, where he’s resting with a bandaged abdomen and some stitches on his head. I instantly feel a wave of relief seeing him here, in the bedroom with me, safe and sound.

“Yes, please tell me. How is he?” I turn to face her. “Oh, and I’m so sorry. What was your name?”

She laughs softly. “My name is Cleo. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Princess.”

I ignore the fact she called me princess even though I’ve yet to complete the bond.“Thank you. So, how is he?” I ask.

“He’s going to be okay. I wasn’t able to heal all of his broken ribs, nor was I able to repair his wings but I did leave several elixirs for him to take for pain.” She says with apologetic eyes.

“I don’t understand, there’s nothing we can do to heal these remaining injuries?” I ask, crossing my arms and glancing back at the sleeping prince.

She sighs. “I’m afraid not. The magic that was used to cause these injuries is nothing I’ve seen before from the king. It was nearly impossible to untangle the damage but I was able to counteract some of the spells eventually.”

“Hmm.” That’s very curious. I knew there was something off about the king’s abilities.

She gathers her things and starts to head for the door, but before she leaves she turns around and says, “There is one thing you could try. Blood sharing is rare but some mate bonds are blessed with the ability to heal one another through the ingestion of their mate’s blood. You could give it a try, it never hurts.” And with that, she turns and leaves me alone with my prince.

I inhale and exhale, dragging my attention back to his sleeping form in the bed. I’ve never heard of blood sharing. It truly must be rare if that’s not something I learned through the markets and vendors of Amara’s Sparkles.

I’m still in my leathers from earlier this morning, and I decide to quickly change into my robe before I approach him. I can feel him again through the bond, like a constant source of heat, as if his neon blue flames are seeded inside my heart now.

I sit down next to him and pull the blankets tighter around him. His stomach has stopped bleeding, but the bandages cover nearly all of his ab muscles. He’s truly handsome, even in this state. His wings are wrapped with bandages as well, and I’m not sure how long the recovery process is going to be. I should have asked Cleo about that. Shit. I got distracted by the blood-sharing idea.

Deciding to give it a shot, I extend my fangs and raise my wrist to my mouth. I slowly pierce two holes in my wrist and taste my blood wash over my tongue. I don’t feel or taste anything special but maybe it will be different for Willow. He’s sleeping still but I only need to get him to swallow a droplet.

Raising my wrist to his mouth, I press my skin against his lips and watch in awe as he slowly drinks in my blood. There’s a current of electricity that flows through my body at the touch of his lips. He reaches his hands to my forearm and secures my wrist against his mouth. Waking from his slumber, his eyes flutter open as they take me in and what I’m doing. He continues to gulp down my essence and color slowly returns to his face. His eyes darken and my lips part as I move closer to him.

Something changes between us in this moment and I can feel my core tingling and aching due to his firm grip.

I feel a heat growing low in my stomach and he begins to trace circles and swirls along my arm, rubbing and massaging me as I feed him my blood. He’s healing and it’s the most amazing thing to witness. I can’t believe my blood is returning life to him. His wings are straightening, his face wounds are rejecting the stitches as his healing skin pushes them out, and he’s breathing deeper. There’s a relief I feel in my chest as I realize I was finally able to help my mate in the exact way my body craved.

He moans as he continues to drink my blood and my skin turns to gooseflesh as I shiver from the sound. I want to own more of those noises from him. That was the best sound I’ve ever heard but now I want him moaning between my thighs instead. He parts his lips even wider and licks circles around my bite marks with his tongue. It makes me wish he was kissing and licking a different part of me.

Fuck. When did this become so hot?

I wonder how his lips would feel all over my body.

I crave him. I need more of him.

He licks my blood up one last time and I watch in awe as the holes close and heal from his kiss. With darkened eyes, he releases my arm and licks his lips with the final drops of my blood.

That sight sends a shiver down my body. I feel it start at my head and run to my toes.

I can’t think straight as the moons decide to intoxicate me with arousal to a nearly painful point. All I can focus on is the size of his large hands, which I wish would explore every part of my body. I can only focus on his lips and how badly I want them to caress my skin.

He smiles at me with my favorite, crooked smile. “You taste divine, my flame.”

With my blood dripping from his lips, the way he speaks is honey and sugar, sweet and sexy. I want more of this version of Willow.

I’m at a loss for words right now with how turned on I am. I’m waiting for his touch. I need to go clean myself up and cool off for a bit before I can face him again. I clear my throat and decide that’s probably the smartest. “I’m glad to see that worked. I’m going to clean up and have dinner brought in for you. Are you cold? Do you need more blankets?” I ramble off nervously.

Quickly standing, I start to walk away but Willow grabs my wrist and tugs me back towards him, causing my knees to collide with the bedframe. He’s sitting up at this point and the blankets have fallen past his waist, revealing a particularly large and hard cock through his boxers.

“Don’t hide from me, Ember.”

Flustered, I trip over my words. “I’m not hiding. I just can’t control myself right now. I need space.” I try to back away but he keeps a soft, yet firm grip on my wrist. I divert my eyes everywhere other than his waist. “Please.”

He tilts his head like he’s trying to assess my words. “What if you gave into those urges of yours and stopped fighting this?” His eyes remain darkened and the hard length of him under the blankets twitches. My eyes betray me as they grow wider while I fully take in the length of him. I don’t know if I can even get my mouth around that.

“I’m certain I’ll fit perfectly in that little pussy of yours.” He begins rubbing circles around my wrist and loosens his grip on me. I bit my lip. What’s the worst that can happen if I give in to these urges? I’ve already decided to commit to this bond but Willow doesn’t know that yet. I don’t know how much longer I can suffer through this internal battle before I give in to him.

I shake my head of those thoughts and pull my arm away from him. There’s an emptiness that surrounds me with the lack of his touch. I slowly back away, “I’m sorry.” and head towards the bathroom. I hear blankets russel before footsteps start pounding behind me. I turn around just before entering the bathroom and find Willow charging after me.

“Why!? Why are you fighting this? I deserve the truth.” He demands as he corners me against the wall. I try to push him away with my hand but find my hands tingling from touching his chest muscles. He cages my body in and places his forearm next to my head, leaning into me. I feel a warmth blossoming in my core again as he towers over me, his power and strength a strong addiction.

“Willow I–” I breathlessly try to defend myself but he leans in closer, causing my head to swirl with thoughts of him sliding his cock through my currently wet sex. “I think you need to continue resting and working on your recovery.”

“No. What I need is to know why my moonbound mate is set on denying us.” He growls.

I exhale and get more frustrated. Waving between me and him, I explain. “I’ve never done this before, Willow. I only did one-night stands. I’ve never grown attached to anyone before. With you, it’s different. I guarded my heart my entire life, swearing to never repeat the mistakes of my parents, but I can’t even control my thoughts around you.” Tears begin rolling down my face. I’m frustrated mentally and sexually since I’m still aroused from our blood sharing and can’t breathe with him this close to me.

He’s heaving breaths and trying to collect himself. He looks equally as torn as I do. “I can barely control myself too.”

He rests his forehead against mine, rubbing our noses together and causing me to hold my breath. He feels so safe. I’m scared about what the future holds but I’m not scared of Will. I know he’ll always protect my choices in life. But it’s my life. This is my destiny.

I decided then I should explain to him my agreement with the king.

Moving past Will, I tie my robe tighter and sit down on one of the sofas in front of his fireplace. The neon blue flames warm my skin and it feels like a lover’s touch. Although I’m a water faerie, the flames Will produces feel like home.

I pour a glass of wine from the decanter sitting in the center of the coffee table and take a long gulp. “There’s something I need to tell you since we’re on the subject of our bond.”

He joins me on the couch and takes my hands in his, running circles and swirls along the inside of my palms. “What is it, my flame?”

“Well, I had to agree to a deal with your father to bargain for your release.”

“What?!” Willow bellows. He lets go of my hands and stands up abruptly, quickly pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace. He’s clearly processing exactly what this means. “What kind of deal, Ember?”

I sigh in embarrassment, “It was the only way to release you. I don’t know why, but he’s adamant about us completing our bond. To free you from your suffering, I agreed to complete the mate bond.”

He stopped dead in his tracks and faced me. His lips parted slightly before he rushed to his knees before me. He’s finally at eye level with me at this height where I sit on the sofa. Before I could respond, he grabbed my face with both hands and kissed me passionately. He tastes of promises and unconditional affection, my favorite combination. His lips fit perfectly with mine like they were created to complement one another.

I let in a small gasp of air and Willow takes the opportunity to caress my tongue with his. He deepens our kiss and I relax further into his arms.

His taste and touch feel like a wave of shivers that overcome my entire body. I reach my hand up and run it through his hair, grabbing onto the nearly black strands and sucking on his lower lip, biting it, then releasing him to look into his eyes.

They’re dark and full of smoke. It’s as if the flames of his magic are burning him from the inside. My magic is humming in response to his touch, craving more. I never want to stop kissing him.

The sideways smile he gives me is enough for me to break.