Page 45 of The Demon King's Destiny

Chapter 11

When Marrok opened his eyes, he was on the path he’d walked with Evelyn a month ago. He could scarcely believe he’d managed to keep away from his saatus for so long.

Thankfully, the blood exchange had been enough to help him with his focus and to remain clear-headed. Even in the dreamworld, their combined lifebloods held true power.

If this moment was indicative of their bond, he would now be able to enter her dreams easily. Some of his anxiety over being apart diminishedbelieving he could reach her when he needed to.

His entire core flexed with every step, brimming with anticipation to be reunited with his mate. Rounding the small bend, the clearing came into view. He was surprised to see Evelyn’s barrier was already down. Or, perhaps, she’d never bothered to put it back up.

His lovely mate was already there, scanning the tree line, presumably looking for his arrival. This night, she was clad in nothing but her white nightgown, sleeveless and hitting just above her knees. Marrok walked faster and her head jerkedin his direction. When she smiled, Marrok ran.

He hauled Evelyn against his front as his mouth slanted down over hers. The prickling sensation from the saatus bond tickled his lips. He could hear her heartbeat quicken, matching his own frantic rhythm. He lovedhowhe could affect her as much as she affected him.

Marrok allowed himself to get lost in their kiss, content in one of the simplest, albeit most intimate, acts between lovers. He reveled in the feel of her soft, pink lips touching his. He adored the tentative press of her tongue, exploring and curious.

Even more, he basked in the calm she brought to his demon spirit. Centering him. Soothing him. Reminding him nothing else existed in this moment.

The attachment he was forming to her was overwhelming. Each and every day, Marrok thought of his little mate constantly. Even when he was being attacked by rogues, she was there in the back of his mind, a reminder he must prevail.

“I’ve missed you,” he admitted, rubbing his cheek along hers, as many demons did to show affection. Her small hands fisted the front of his shirt.

“You hardly know me well enough to miss me,” she replied playfully, throwing his words from a month ago back at him without any real heat in her voice.

Evelyn could feel the stretch of his grin against her face. Puffs of warm air tickled her ear with his chortle. He planted a chaste kiss to her temple and drew away. She bit her lip, staring into his darkened eyes, rimmed with bright amber.

“Your keen memory could be problematic for my ability to remain in nothing less than your good graces.”

“Then I suppose you’ll have to hold your tongue.”

Marrok’s grin grew wider. “Cheeky female. I missed your playful barbs, as well.”

Evelyn’s face warmed and her lips rounded over her teeth, a habit of her nervousness. He was in such a good mood, she hated to ruin it with what she needed to tell him.

Her hands flattened against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. Her eyes remained fixed on whereher fingers pressed into the fabric of his shirt. Her hands flexed just before she pushedaway. Marrok’s hold on her tightened and shewentnowhere.

“Why are you pulling away? I think I’d like to have you in my arms a little while longer.”

“I need to tell you something. Personally, I don’t think it’s very important, but I thinkyoumight think it’s very important, especially after how you reacted the last time, so I told myself I would honor your need to be knowledgeable of my time away from you and—” her voice cut off when his fingers pinched her lips shut.

Marrok couldn’t take her rambling, not after her lie scraped across his skin and stabbed at his psyche. Whatever she wanted to saywasimportant to her in some way.

Movement over her shoulder had his head snapping up, his spine going ramrod straight. He spun Evelyn behind him, shielding her from the threat who had snuck up on them.Fool!he cursed himself, thinking he should have told her to leave up the barrier.

He could feel Evelyn try to move around him and he used both arms to keep her from being exposed. His blackened eyes stared down the figure acrossthe way.

The light-haired male appeared to be young, possibly not much older than Evelyn. Marrok perused his body for weapons and found none. He wasn’t even in an attacking position. In fact, the intruder stood in a relaxed pose, with his hands in his pockets.

He couldn’t place why, but Marrok wanted to wipe the young male’s knowing smile right off his face. Preferably with his claws.

The longer Marrok stared at the male, the less of a threat he knew him to be. Something about his form wasn’t quite right. He wasn’t a demon, so he couldn’t be dreamwalking. The green eyes gave him away as a being of Gwydion.

Elementals couldn’t break into dreams. No, he was part of Evelyn’s subconscious, part of something on her mind.I need to tell you something. Yes, apparently she did.

Lowering his arms, he finally allowed his mate to move. She remained close, brushing hisarmas she shifted next to him.

“This is Jasper, I presume?” he asked without looking away from the male.

“How could you possibly know that?”

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