Page 171 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

Still, Daemonikai pushed through. With every ounce of dwindling strength, he closed the distance, seized the assassin, and fought. Blinded by pain and rage, he ripped the dagger from the assassin’s belt and plunged it into him. Going for precise, vital points, again and again, until he collapsed—bleeding out and twitching.

“Daemon!” Vladya came crashing through the brush, in his male form, blood streaked across his robes. “Are you all right!?”

“Toxins,” Daemonikai gritted. “Take care of him. I need to get Emeriel.” He spun and tore through the woods, the only thing guiding him now—his love.

He found her unconscious and fragile.

Lifting her into his arms, he took off again, feet pounding the earth, back toward Ravenshadow. Pain shot through his limbs. The toxins felt like fire in his veins, his blood boiling under his skin. His arms trembled from the effort of carrying her—but hedid not stop.

“Stay with me,” he whispered, over and over as he ran. “Stay with me, my angel. My radiant star.” He kissed her forehead, never slowing. “You fought so hard like the lioness you are. I’mso proud of you. Now, hang in there for just a little longer, love. Stay with me.”

***

Vladya’s primal instinct was all over the place as he stormed through the Blackstone grounds, hunting for Aekeira.

Emeriel was already in the care of healers, and the specialists had arrived to treat the toxins used on Daemonikai. He had waited long enough, just until he knew the healers had arrived, but it'd takeneverythingin him to stay that long.

Every part of him screamed:Find her. Reassure yourself she’s safe. It could have easily been her.

The clanging of those thoughts sent his beast into a near-uncontrollable frenzy. His people scattered at the sight of him, parting quickly as he stormed through. Some tripped, others bowed and scrambled away. They saw his face and didn’t ask questions.

He followed her scent to the library.

He shoved the door open, the wood slamming into the wall with a force that rattled the hinges.

People gasped as he barged in. A few scholars were seated at the long wooden tables, others browsing the tall shelves, flipping pages.

“Aekeira!” he barked.

The librarian hurried toward him. “Your Majesty! it’s an honor to have you in the library. The Princess is—”

“Get out of my way!” Vladya strode past. “Aekeira!”

She stepped out from one of the far corners, a book in hand and a bright smile on her face. “My Lord, you’re—ooh!”

He’d grabbed her by the waist, pressing her back to the nearest shelf, shoving his face into her neck. Loud sniffing noises.Really loud sniffing noises.

“Vladya…?” she said in the gentlest tone, worried. “Are you alright?”

“Just keep still.”Fuck,he couldn’t stop growling.Sniff, sniff, sniff…!

Her scent drowned him, every inch of his being, until all he could smell, all he could breathe, washer.

“I’m here. I’m right here,” she mumbled against him, melting into him. Her hands went around his neck, pulling him closer. She understood how much he needed this. Somehow, she always did.

Scenting her wasn’t enough. He needed more. His instinct demanded more.Fuck.

“I’m trying to control my…” He spread his palm over her protruding stomach. They were fine.His woman, his child—they were fine.“Fuck, Aekeira, I’m trying so hard… it’s not working.”

“It’s okay. You don’t have to try so hard.” She stroked the back of his neck. “I’m here. I’m fine. Maybe if I say it enough, that big bad beast of yours will calm down.”

“I don’t think it’s going to hit home until I’ve buried myself inside you, released in you. Watched my cum drip out of your pretty little pussy, trailing down your legs.”

Her breath caught. “R-right here?” she squeaked.

“Right here. Right now.”

“B-but this is a public library!”

---