“There are no rules,” I told them.
Then I opened my hands, releasing the taut power as an individual portal opened beneath every female I had targeted.
They gasped a last gulp of air, my magic too quick to even allow them to scream, as they fell through the ground on their journey to begin the test of their spirits.
I heaved a sigh of relief as the ground swallowed them up. It was a sigh that echoed through the field as my royal lieutenants in attendance engaged their own portals to move to their next posts—either to a viewing area or to the trial itself.
But my attention went to my Virtuous Prince, the world around me disappearing for the moment as I calmed the energy around me and focused entirely on Melek.
“I’m sorry,” I said, grabbing him by the back of the neck and not caring who heard me. This male meant everything to me, and anyone who didn’t know that was fucking blind. “Forgive me?”
“Always, my king.” He gave me a sweet little smile, then pressed his lips to my jaw. “Are we heading to the club?”
“We are,” I confirmed, using my grip on his nape to pull him closer. “But first…” I captured his mouth in a savage kiss meant toclaim. And he welcomed it with a soft swipe of his tongue.
Mine,I told him.You can bond her all you want, but you’re still mine.
Yes,he agreed.
But I heard the whisper in his mind, the curiosity about what it would be like for him to claim her, to make herours.
I tasted the notion and allowed it to flourish a little, just at the back of my mind.I’ll go through that portal right now and bring her back for you,I told him.Just say the words.
I want to test her first,he whispered back to me.She needs to earn it.
She could die,I warned him.
It’s a risk I’m willing to take.He palmed my cheek, his tongue still dueling with mine.I’ll endure the pain of the loss if she fails.
I started to shake my head, but his teeth caught my bottom lip, holding me in place.
It’s my burden, Ty. Let me carry it.The sternness in his mental tone told me he wouldn’t be allowing me to argue. Which meant I had to see this through. Totrusthim, just like the book had advised.
All right, Melek,I whispered.We’ll play this game.
I wrapped my opposite arm around him and engaged my ability to phase through the realms.
Hold on to me,I told him.
Always. His arms encircled my neck.Let’s go watch our future.
I wasn’t sure what he meant by that but suspected it was a code word for his Camillia, the female he’d chosen for us.
Future or not, I did want to observe her.
If anything, just to see if I could determine any negative intentions.
Or perhaps she’d prove herself worthy.
Doubtful. No one was worthy of Melek. But I’d follow his lead on this. I’d play his game. And I’d see where it led us.
Thank you,he murmured, obviously hearing my acquiescence.
I would do anything for you,I vowed.Anything, Melek.
Likewise, my king. Likewise.
CHAPTERNINETEEN