Page 38 of Bonded By Moons

Artie straightens again and adjusts his jacket and sword. “Damn, Ember. You pack a punch. You should consider training with us and maybe someone can put Willow in his place for once.”

She giggles and takes my arm again. “I might take you up on that. For some reason, the thought of punching Will sounds like a perfect therapy session after tonight.”

“I would happily train with you, my flame.” I smile down at her but she shows her teeth and bites at me like the little dragon she is.

“Careful, I bite when provoked.”

I laugh and we head together to my father’s study.

NINETEEN

Ember

Before me, Willow stands holding the door to The king’s study wide open. Except, I stand frozen in fear and remembrance of the way his father hurt him in the last memory dive.

“I…” hesitating, I choke on my words and fail to make eye contact with Will and Artie.

Willow lets go of the door and Artie barely catches it, trading places and waiting for us to enter. Will approaches me and slowly lifts a hand to brush a small strand of pink curls behind my ear. “What’s wrong, my mate?”

I can’t say the words out loud but I stare up into his eyes as I feel the warmth of our bond slide over me.

At the same time, I'm triggered by the way he claims me as his mate without my permission or consent. It’s driving me crazy that these moons have us both under a spell of infatuation and lust. I can’t control my thoughts or feelings lately.

I saw what happened here.

What do you mean?Willow cups my cheek and speaks into my mind.

I know what your father did, how he hurt you. I know that you tried to help me with Brooks but you were shut down, aggressively.

He freezes with his hand tangled in my hair and I watch as his lips part as he processes my words. And then, he continues brushing his hand through the strands of my hair.

“No harm will ever come to you. I will always protect you. Whether you accept my bond or not, I will always be here for you.”

His words pour over me with the same warmth that comes from our connection. The presence of our awaiting bond vibrates in my chest as I drink in the meaning of his promise.

I struggle to form words and respond, but before I can, he catches my gaze again and speaks into my mind one last time.

It’s okay. I know.

I lose control over my composure and a single tear falls down my cheek as my chest tightens. He knows I can’t love him back. That I may never have room for him in my life or heart, and he’s still committed to loving and protecting me from afar. If that’s not enough for me to crawl into bed and cry myself to sleep, I don’t know what more I can handle.

And the night has just begun. Stars help me.

Willow holds my cheek as he maintains my burning stare and brushes away my tears.

“Okay, let’s do this.” I exhale and collect myself. Closing off my empathy, I reach into my chest where the void of magic exists and build a wall around my power of empathy. The emotions await me when I turn my powers back on. I’ll deal with that mess of feelings later.

“They will adore you, you have nothing to fear.” Willow reassures me with so much sincerity in that kind, crooked smile of his.

I laugh and step around him, walking through the door that Artie still holds open and yell over my shoulder, “Oh, I know they will.”

I barely hear Artie laugh as I enter the room and find four of Will’s family members before me. This is the collective Lunar Throne that rules over our lands. They are beautiful, truly. His sister sprawls along the sofa like she owns this office. Will’s two brothers sit on the floor as they watch the fire burning along the far wall. In addition to Will’s siblings, his mother occupies the sofa opposite them.

She’s one of the most beautiful faeries I've ever seen. She’s practically glowing. Her caramel hair lays in voluminous waves around her shoulders, and she’s adorned in a golden and cream tulle gown, blank of all decoration and lace. She’s a symbol of modern design and elegance. I think I'm obsessed with her.

I remember Will saying I get to share their seamstress. I actually am bouncing with excitement just thinking of it.

“Good evening, Mother. Roserra, Aspen and Sage. I’m honored to introduce you to my mate, Miss Ember Amethyst.” Willow said by way of greeting and introduction for us. I’m not used to seeing his court manners. They’re quite charming and sexy.

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