Page 112 of Demons In My Head: Exposing the Exiled
The guys all started laughing, having seen how turned on Misha had gotten me. Rhodes focused.
“There are several steps here. We have to finish the ritual circle. Next, there’s the binding words and claiming marks, then we have to consummate the bond."
I raised an eyebrow. "Jasper and I didn't do all of that."
"You didn't need to," Felix said. "If this were just mate bonding, this would be simpler. Knotting you would've been enough, but since we're also trying to see if we can use the power of our mate bonds to bring Jasper back fully, we're taking extra steps." He showed me his hands that were covered in runes and designs. "The marks need to be drawn precisely, connecting our energies through the veil. It's delicate work."
"So even though it might be boring, it is potentially dangerous," Rhodes added, shooting Talon another look. "Especially with your unique abilities involved."
My fingers traced one of the runes carved into the wall. "Because I can manipulate the veil?"
"Exactly." Misha's deep voice rumbled through the chamber. "No one has ever attempted a claiming ritual quite like this before."
"Good thing I like being unique then," I quipped, trying to hide how their intensity was affecting me. "So, where do you want me?"
Six pairs of eyes darkened at my choice of words, and my inner witch did a backflip in victory. Ashland stepped forward, all controlled power and authority. "First, we prepare the circle. Then..." His ice-blue eyes raked over me. "We’re going to make you scream."
I swallowed hard, watching as they moved with practiced efficiency. Felix began drawing intricate patterns on the floor while Rhodes consulted his book, making adjustments to the design. Misha and Talon arranged various crystals and ceremonial items, their movements precise despite Talon's earlier flippant attitude.
Jasper drifted closer, his presence sending pleasant shivers down my spine. "Are you nervous?" he asked softly.
"A little," I admitted. "Not about the claiming part, just... I don't want to mess this up. There's so much power involved. There’s a lot at stake." I couldn’t look at him. He knew exactly what I meant. If this didn’t work…
"You won't mess up," he assured me, killing my unproductive line of thought. "Your power knows what to do, just like it did during the battle. Trust yourself."
I leaned into his mostly solid form, drawing comfort from his certainty. "I trust all of you. That's what matters."
"The circle is ready," Felix announced, standing back to admire his work. The floor was covered in sweeping lines of silver ink that seemed to move in the crystal light, forming patterns that made my head spin if I looked too long.
"Then it's time," Ashland said, his voice carrying that note of authority that never failed to make my pulse quicken. "Palmer?"
I stepped forward, letting my robe fall open slightly. "Where do you need me?"
"Right here," Rhodes murmured, guiding me to the center of the circle. "And lose the robe."
My heart thundered as I let the silk slide from my shoulders, leaving me bare before them. Their collective intake of breath made me feel powerful, desired. Claimed.
"Beautiful," Felix breathed, already reaching for his ink.
"Perfect," Talon agreed, his usual playfulness replaced by something darker, hungrier.
Misha's massive form blocked out some of the crystal light as he moved closer. "Ready,kukola?"
I looked at each of them in turn—my artists, my warriors, my protectors, my mates. Power thrummed through the air, making the runes glow brighter as our energies began to merge.
"Ready," I said firmly, tilting my chin up. "Make me yours."
The first touch of Felix's ink-covered fingers against my skin sent sparks of electricity through my body, and I knew there was no going back.
Not that I wanted to.
Felix's fingers traced delicate patterns across my skin, each stroke sending shivers down my spine. The runes seemed to come alive under his touch, glowing with an inner light that matched the pulsing crystals surrounding us.
"Hold still, little witch," he murmured when I squirmed. "These marks need to be perfect."
"Easy for you to say," I shot back. "You're not the one being painted like a canvas while six incredibly hot demons watch."
Talon's laugh echoed off the crystal walls. "Technically, five demons and a demon ghost. Though hopefully not for much longer."
