Mate.
It’s so clear now that I feel like a blindfold has been lifted from my eyes.
This is where I should have been on day one: buried deep inside the most spectacular young woman I have ever met. I’ve never felt so happy, scared, comforted, and seen in the arms of another.
When my release subsides, I reluctantly pull my body free of hers and roll to lie beside her. A knot gathers in my throat and tears burn in my eyes. When Willow turns to look at me, I don’t hide the relief and awe I feel.
“Be my queen.” I don’t ask her. I don’t want her to think she has a choice. Willow’s body and soul are mine.
Willow smiles at me.
“I’ll be whatever you want me to be, my king.” She plants a kiss on my nose before rolling out of bed. I prop my elbow up and place my head in my hand. My eyes travel over Willow as she begins to dress.
Her body and soul may be mine, but I want it all. I’ll win her heart soon enough.
When she’s dressed, she looks over at me and quirks an eyebrow upwards. “Come on. It’s time to rally your troops. We have a few realms to save.”
My answering grin comes swiftly. Thanks to Willow, the daunting task no longer seems so enormous.
I’m ready to tackle this head on.
Chapter15
JONAH
When Willow brings Theo down for dinner, I can tell something’s different.
I watch from the couch as Willow heads into the kitchen and Theo stands at the bottom of the stairs, watching her disappear into the other room. Grabbing the remote, I click off the television. The news is reporting that last night’s events were due to a gas leak.
A freakinggas leak…
“I can smell Willow all over you,” Kwil says softly as he rises from the armchair where he’s been lounging. His eyes trail over Theo suspiciously. “Are you trying to stake a claim?”
I stiffen. “What?”
Theo? Willow hooked up withTheo?He’s one of the last people in the world who should be able to lay his filthy hands all over her. He stabbed her for crying out loud!
Theo looks at both of us. “We need to talk about many things, such as how we need to leave for Everlast in the next day or two. But first, we should discuss the role we play in Willow’s life.”
“Might as well include Viktor since he wants a slice of the pie,” Kwil grumbles as he gives Theo a dark look.
My stomach drops in surprise. “What does that mean?”
“What do you think?” Kwil continues his glare at Theo, who looks just as surprised as I am. “Viktor decided early this morning before our visitor showed up that he wanted Willow as his own, too.”
“Viktor?” I repeat, aghast. No, no way! He’s been an ass from the very beginning.
“What?”
I jump at the sound of Viktor’s voice as he strolls into the room from the back of the house.
“Ah, Viktor, there you are. We were just about to discuss Willow’s importance in our lives.” Theo clasps his hands behind his back as Viktor comes to stand beside him.
Viktor’s jaw ticks and his eyes harden, but he doesn’t say anything.
“What is there to say? Apparently, she’sourmate as much asweare hers,” Kwil states bitterly.
Theo eyes him curiously. “Does the idea of sharing Willow bother you?”