Page 63 of Hexmate

I took a deep breath, centering myself. The room was still filled with the vibrant plant life my magic had conjured, and I could feel the energy thrumming through every leaf and petal. “We need to complete the familiar bond,” I explained. “It’s the only way to break the blood curse and protect us both from my father.”

Atlas nodded, his expression serious. “Tell me what to do.”

I reached for the small bag I’d brought with me, pulling out a silver athame and a small vial of shimmering liquid. “We need to exchange blood,” I said, “and then I need to fuck you.”

Atlas licked his lips. “Okay. Can we drink some water first?”

I smiled. “Of course.”

He reached up, cupping my face. “I know this is fast, Caden. But I really meant it when I said I loved you. More than anything. I don’t regret any of this.”

I nodded, kissing his fingers one at a time. “I meant it too,” I replied. “And being your mate… even without the magic, is a dream come true.”

Chapter 25

Atlas

“Are you ready?” Caden asked, his gaze already heavy with desire.

He’d just been mated by me less than fifteen minutes before and he was already rock hard and ready to go. I had to admire his tenacity. He might’ve been shy most times, but once I got him started, he was insatiable. I loved that about him, and I couldn’t wait to reap the benefits once we were both safe from his father and whatever was wreaking havoc on campus.

“Yeah,” I nodded, draining the rest of my water bottle. “Let’s do the ritual.”

Caden put his bottle down, grabbed my hand, and walked me to the center of the room. Lifting the athame in his hand, he held it high and began to chant an incantation under his breath.

The air around us thickened, heavy with the scent of ozone and something deeper, earthier—Caden’s natural magic coming alive. His freckles seemed to shimmer against his pale skin, constellations mapping power across his body. I watched, entranced, as tiny threads of green light sparked between his fingers, winding around the athame. Through our newfound mate bond, I felt his power surge.

“Blood freely given binds the oath,” he whispered, his voice carrying despite its softness.

He drew the blade across his palm with a wince, then held it out to me. I took the athame, my fingers brushing his. Even that small contact sent a jolt of lust through me. Fuck, that mate bond was a lot stronger than I anticipated.

I sliced my own palm, hissing at the sting, then pressed my bleeding hand to his. Our blood mingled, warm and slick between our palms. Caden’s eyes fluttered closed, those long lashes casting shadows across his cheekbones. A soft moan escaped him.

“By blood, by breath, by body joined,” he continued, his voice growing stronger. The green threads of light coiled around our joined hands now, pulsing with each word.

“We pledge ourselves as one,” I finished, the words coming to me instinctively through our bond.

The light intensified, wrapping around our arms and chests, binding us together. Caden’s eyes flew open, blazing with an otherworldly green fire. His lips parted on a gasp as the magic surged between us.

I felt it too - a wild, primal energy flooding my veins. Every nerve in my body lit up, hyper-aware of Caden’s proximity. The scent of his skin, the heat of his body, the rapid rise and fall of his chest - it was all I could focus on.

“Mine,” Caden growled, his usual shyness evaporating as he yanked me closer.

His mouth crashed into mine, hungry and demanding. I matched his intensity, my free hand tangling in his soft blonde hair. Our joined, bloodied palms pressed tighter together as the magic swirled around us.

Robes were hastily shed, falling to the floor in a messy heap. Caden grabbed a handful of my hair, forcing me down to my knees in front of him. He stared down at me, his eyes ablaze withgreen fiery magic. All he had to do was look at me and I knew what I had to do. This ritual to make me his familiar was all about submission. He’d submitted to me to form the mate bond and now it was time for me to return the favor.

My gaze lowered to the throbbing cock in front of me already dripping with pre-cum. I leaned forward, my tongue darting out to taste the glistening tip. Caden’s breath hitched, his fingers tightening in my hair. The magic pulsed around us, urging me on. I took him fully into my mouth, relishing the weight of him on my tongue, the salty-sweet taste of his arousal.

Caden’s hips jerked forward, pushing himself deeper. I relaxed my throat, taking him all the way in. Above me, he let out a strangled moan, his free hand bracing against the wall for support. Our joined hands, still slick with blood, pressed against my cheek as I worked him with lips and tongue.

“Fuck,” Caden gasped, his usual shyness completely gone. “So good, so fucking perfect.”

I hummed in response, the vibrations making him shudder. The magic swirled faster, green tendrils caressing our skin like ghostly fingers. I could feel Caden’s pleasure echoing through our bond, amplifying my own arousal.

Suddenly, Caden pulled back, his cock slipping from my mouth with an obscene pop. Before I could protest, he yanked me to my feet and spun me around, pressing my chest against the cool glowing wall.

“Need you,” he panted against my neck, his voice ragged with desire. “Need to claim you completely to complete the ritual.”

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