Page 33 of The Demon King's Destiny

“Perhaps.”

“The bigger question is, what else might you find in your bed the next time you wake?”

Marrok’s abdominals tightened, picturing himself awakening with Evelyn in his arms. Whether it was out of excitement or dread, he wasn’t sure.

“I don’t want her arrival to the fortress to be accidental. I’ll want every precaution in place for her safety. Even then …” Marrok trailed off, wrestling with his decision.

“She is young still. There is time. Let us secure the Southland and then we will welcome your mate.”

“Favin, we’ve been trying to secure Sundari for decades.”

“Yes, but that was before you found your mate. Not only will you be stronger because of it, your spirit should be settled. Logical. Also, what better motivation could you possibly have?”

Marrok recalled the elation he’d felt last night. Touching Evelyn, feeling her shudder against him as he’d held her close and stroked between her thighs. He’d felt truly linked to someone for the first time in a long time. He didn’t want to give that up.

Favin was right. Selfishly, there was no better motivation to bring peace to his land.

“I would advise sharing the fact you’ve found your saatus with your people.”

“No. I’ll not risk Evelyn becoming a target or even an accidental casualty.”

Favin sighed. “Fair enough. If not the kingdom at large, then at least tell your men.”

“Why?”

“Do you not think they yearn for the same?”

Favin’s question gave Marrok pause. He had not yearned to meet his saatus. He’d been too caught up in his grief after losing his wife, then in dealing with Brennen and the rogues.

Thoughtlessly, he hadn’t considered his soldier’s desires. He’d callously believed their combined focus to end their troubles to be their only focus, that the mating bond would come second to their duties, that it was something to think about in the future. He pondered if he would have felt the same had his wife not ripped his heart out of his chest.

“I’ve been remiss in my duties to my men, it seems.”

“I wouldn’t go that far, Marrok. There’s a reason we all follow you.”

Favin’s words touched a dark place inside Marrok. Sometimes he wondered what he’d done to deserve such loyalty. He cleared his throat and continued his assertion he’d let them down.

“Still, I hadn’t given much thought to anyone in the ranks actively seeking their mate, not with the way things are. I’ll tell them soon. I’ll need their cooperation anyway if I’m able to bring Evelyn here.”

Favin dropped his shields, his pleasure obvious. “It will be a gift to them.”

“A gift?” Marrok mused. “Of what?”

“Hope.”

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