Page 15 of The Nightbound Soldier

The chase aroused him.

He presses against me, cold hands encircling my neck, his thumbs pushing up my jaw, forcing my head to tilt up so I can look at him. My heart’s beating so hard in my chest, it’s as if it wants to escape. I want to escape, yet I don’t.

We’re trapped in the safe cell that’s not safe anymore. The baddest predator in the dungeon occupies the space with me.

He speaks in an old fae language until his subjects stop snarling.

His gaze is on my lips, and he doesn’t hesitate to dip his head and brush his mouth over mine. “Your magic owns you and your better judgment. It’s very powerful chaos. I can help you control it.”

Many have tried. The commander and I have been training all my life. “You can’t.”

“But you want me to. You need me to. It’s what draws you to me. Thrice now.”

“Thrice?”

“I’m afraid so, but let’s be sure.” He sniffs my hair, and his nostrils flare. A growl rises from his chest, and his hands squeeze my throat more tightly, but then he blinks and, seemingly composed again, releases his death grip without removing his hands. “You are the most irresistible female I’ve ever met.”

Males have complimented my beauty all my life, and yet I feel heat rising to my face as if I’m blushing. It must be the lack of air, though he’s not squeezing me tightly, just holding me in place in a very controlling way.

“We saw each other twice, not thrice, and the first time I came upon you was a coincidence. This time, curiosity,” I say.

“Or fate.”

“I doubt the fates would arrange this.”

“Ask the fate and find out.”

Maybe I will. “My brother will want those prisoners returned.”

“They’re not his prisoners. They’re my soldiers.” He’s whispering against my lips, kissing me, coaxing my mouth to open. I won’t, but oh, I don’t feel as if I’m the irresistible one.

“There are no notturno soldiers, for the notturnos don’t have an army. Or a general, for that matter. Are you aware of that?” Maybe I’m dealing with a delusional vamp. They come in all kinds.

His head bobs, and he sighs. “Oh, my flower, I am painfully aware of that, which is exactly why I was awoken.”

“Do you mean someone woke you up to create an army?”

“Correct.”

“But why?” There’s only one reason, but I want to hear him say it.

“Because undead magic is returning to the fae world, and I will rise with it.”

“You will rise with the undead magic?”

“Mmhm.”

“Like the Nightbound Soldier from the story?”

“Just like him.”

“The Nightbound Soldier doesn’t exist.”

“That’s a lie your ancestors told you so you could sleep better at night. Ask the fate.” He kisses me, then uses his speed to escape, leaving dust, confusion, and chaos in his wake.

8

FLEUR

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