Page 21 of To Hell and Back
After briefly introducing Dario and Anika, he was relieved when Seneca seemed to accept them simply because they were his. Dario bowed his head in greeting, while Anika had cozied up to his mate as if they were long-lost sisters. He’d been worried that her abrasive personality might upset Seneca, but she seemed quite at ease with the talkative demon.
The only person who seemed to be having a problem was Killian.
He fully admitted that he didn’t like sharing his mate with any of them, even though he knew it was necessary. He never realized he was capable of feeling something as basic and frivolous as jealousy until meeting her, but now he felt like a raging beast ready to toss a few fireballs at anyone who breathed the same air as her.
As a reaper, Killian had never felt so powerless.
Yet, there he was, grappling with a slew of unfamiliar emotions that defied his usually controlled demeanor. It was a completely foreign sensation to him. Added to that, it made him feel vulnerable and exposed in a way he’d never felt before. As much as he despised feeling out of control, he was forced to admit that he also found it a little exhilarating.
At least he wasn’t bored anymore.
And he had a feeling with Seneca in his life, he never would be again.
She was a bright flame burning through his darkness. From the moment she had stumbled into his arms, her presence had awakened something fierce and primal within him. In an instant, she had become his entire universe. He’d wanted to experience something new and profound, and falling in love certainly fit that criteria.
The depth of his feelings for her was already soul-binding, and that was after only knowing her for a matter of minutes. He couldn’t imagine how insanely obsessed with her he would be once they spent a few centuries together.
He watched the source of his turmoil fondly while she spoke to Anika and Celine. He wanted to remain by her side, but he forced himself to give her some space. He knew she still felt a little nervous around him, and he didn’t want to make her uncomfortable by hovering over her. Leaning against the bar set up on the far side of the room where Arson and Gunner were pouring drinks, he simply let himself enjoy watching her.
As much as he hated anyone else being close to her, he liked seeing her looking so carefree and happy. He sensed that was something she needed after everything she had been through recently.
Dying couldn’t have been easy for her.
Neither, he imagined, was being reborn.
Figuring out exactly what had happened to her would have been a lot easier if they were fully bonded. Once their mating bond was complete, they would not only share hearts and magic. They would also be able to read each other’s minds and memories. Unfortunately, that was a step he didn’t think she was ready for yet. Because she was human, she most likely didn’t feel the mating pull between them as intensely as he did.
He could wait for her to be ready. Time was something they would have an abundance of since they would be spending the rest of eternity together. However, he would still do whatever he could to ease her into fully accepting their bond.
For now, he needed to concentrate on the task at hand.
The faster they stopped the upcoming attack, the sooner he could focus on courting his mate properly.
“So, there is going to be an attack tonight?”Dario asked from where he was watching the rain fall through the opening in the curtains.“How exactly does your mate know about this?”
“Because she was just reborn and has already lived through the attack.”
That caught Dario’s complete attention. Turning away from the window, he met Killian’s gaze directly.“How is that possible?”
He sighed.“I haven’t heard the full story yet. That’s what we are all here to find out. But first, my mate needs to eat. If I hear her stomach growl again, I may have to murder someone.”
Dario snorted in amusement.“I suppose the rumors about the mating pull are true. Even a ruthless bastard like you can be affected by love.”
Killian didn’t bother denying it.“Tell anyone, and I will shave you bald in your sleep.”
“Now, that’s just mean. Besides, I won’t have to tell anyone if you don’t figure out how to control yourself around her. Why don’t you just put a protection sphere around her to stop everyone from getting close?”
That sounded like a damn good idea. Unfortunately, he had a feeling she wouldn’t like it if he did that.“Or people could just learn to stay the fuck away from her.”
“There is that.”Dario paused before asking,“Is that umbrella she’s holding what I think it is?”
“Yes, it is the relic,”he confirmed.“It chose her right after we met.”
“Well, at least it will protect her whenever you aren’t with her.”
“I will always be with her.”
Dario sighed.“Unless you want her to think you are a total psycho, there will be times when you are not together.”
