Authors: Stacey Kennedy
“No,” I shouted. Kyden held a sword, a sword that could rain terror along a body. “He will hurt Magnus, he could kill him.”
Zia and Talon exchanged looks of disbelief, which left me confused. Why was this surprising them? They needed to protect Magnus for me. Protect him against anyone that was wishing him harm.
“I am sorry, Nexi,” Zia said grimly. “It has already been done. The challenge has been issued for an hour from now.”
Footsteps came behind me, I spun around, Kyden was slowly approaching. My teeth clenched as I ran at him, wanting to hurt him for even thinking of this.
When I collided with him, he grabbed me in his arms. The second we connected, the rage changed to terrifying panic for Kyden. “Do not do this. He has magic. You can’t fight against him. He will kill you, Kyden,” I cried, feeling drained.
Zia and Talon both stared at me with blatant confusion. Obviously, the battle going on inside me was now exposed.
Kyden’s expression was fierce and unwavering. “I will do fine.”
“No, you won’t,” I screamed holding his arms tightly, not wanting to break the connection that was here. “This cannot happen.”
Suddenly, Finn entered the hall with Haven in his arms. “I can’t ease her,” Finn said worriedly.
Haven was sobbing uncontrollably, the only state she seemed to be in lately. All it did was annoy me. She was weak, pitiable. I wanted her to just go away.
Zia approached her quickly, rested her hand on Haven’s shoulder. Seconds later, Haven fell fast asleep just as Finn adjusted her head to rest on his chest.
“I will wake her when this is over,” Zia said, looking back to me. “It is only going to get worse.”
Finn nodded and carried her away. Before he left the hall, he glanced back at Kyden, and the look they exchanged sank my heart. They were going to lose each other. Two Guardians that had been as close as brothers were now saying goodbye.
As much as I couldn’t understand the reason why it hurt me deeply, I only knew it did. It cut into my stomach, and forced me to sink to my knees while my hands trailed down Kyden’s legs.
“No,” I whispered in agony.
An hour later, Kyden held my hand tightly in his own, as Zia and Talon followed in behind. Misa led us past Magnus’ home toward a large stone building that adjoined a forest. The closer we got the more I realized that it was an auditorium or something very similar.
When we stepped through the glass doors, I gasped. “Jesus.” The entire place was full of demons, witches and warlocks—looked more like a Dallas Cowboy game than a challenge—even had the grass turf and all.
Suddenly, I froze.
Kyden glanced at me, arching a brow. “You alright?”
“I…” Something stirred within me, pulled deep. I searched the room quickly. There was something I needed to find, something here that wanted me. Just then, Magnus stepped into the center of the room and my heart leapt with joy.
Mine, it said.
With that, the last of my connection with Kyden simply vanished. He was just a guy I was once with who now held no meaning to me whatsoever. One that I wanted in my past.
“Magnus,” I whispered.
Kyden’s hold on my hand tightened. “Fight it,” he said urgently.
My gaze snapped toward him. “Why are you holding me?”
Why did Kyden prevent me from going to Magnus? It made me hate him because he wanted to keep me away from Magnus. He was nothing to me, a lover at one time, but I felt nothing for him. Why was he doing this?
His entire body slumped, the green in his eyes nearly black with despair. “You belong to me.”
“No. I do not,” I shouted. “Let go.” I pulled frantically at our joined hands. “Let go of me.”
He frowned. “No. I cannot.”
I pulled again, but his hold was so tight. “Let go, right now.”
“No,” he roared.
With all my might, I pushed out, sent him falling back. The second we disconnected, I spun on my heels and ran toward Magnus. Zia let out a loud cry and Kyden yelled my name loudly, but I needed to get to Magnus. Needed to connect with my soul mate, needed it beyond reason.
A second later, I slammed into Magnus with such force it sent us both flying backwards. Without a second to lose, I took his lips passionately. He reached up and gr
asped my face, met me with pure intensity. Nothing else mattered except that I was here with him now. Finally, the anger that had been burning inside me released. Magnus soothed me. It was him¯all him¯who made me feel good again.
He was right. He would make everything better with his delicious lips against mine, teasing my tongue to make me wild, I couldn’t wait to have more of him. I reached for his pants. He stopped me, chuckling. “I would love to indulge that thought, but now is not the time.”
“Why not?” I demanded, meeting his gaze.
He nodded out toward the crowd.
I followed his gaze, now aware of just how many watchful eyes were getting a free show. “Er…forgot about all of them.” I squirmed off him, jumped to his feet, and helped me to mine.
Now resuming a non-horizontal position with my mind leaving my erotic needs, I glanced through the crowd, my gaze stopped on Zia. She was crying, and Talon was restraining Kyden. Something in me tingled. I couldn’t understand why Zia was crying. What was making her so unhappy? It began to eat at me a little. I was annoyed she wasn’t happy for me. She should be happy for me.
Kyden’s expression just stunned me. This did not look like a face who was about to have a challenge. That gave a thought to rise. “Why is he challenging for me?” I asked Magnus.
For the life of me, I just couldn’t remember the reasons for it. Kyden was nothing to me. There were no feelings there. What could this be about? Why was he so intent on keeping someone who cared nothing for him and wanted to be with someone else? None of it made any sense.
Magnus gave me a reassuring squeeze and a soft smile. “He is after something that does not belong to him is all. Don’t fret, this will not take long and then we can be alone.”
I nodded, fully confident that he would handle Kyden quickly. The Guardian didn’t stand a chance at defeating him, which made me wonder why he would even bother. He was committing suicide. My confusion deepened, I had better things to do than witnessing this stupid fight. “Make it fast,” I told him, giving him a quick peck on the lips.
Magnus’ eyes flared with heat as he read my lustful intentions. “There is something we must do first and I want the Guardian to see this.” He pulled me into the center of the auditorium, then turned to the crowd, his voice rang out with authority. “Welcome all.”
When he wrapped his arm around me, I sank in beside him. It felt so right to be encased in his warmth. So good in fact, I could only wonder how I ever lived without him.
Magnus continued, “Before we see to this challenge, it is in my right to claim what is mine, and I will do so.”
The room applauded and I laughed. Most looked as thrilled as I was. This was perfect in every way. Finally, my life was going to settle into something great and I owed that to Magnus. I wouldn’t see death anymore—no more pain—just happiness.
“Azar come to us. Seal our bond.”
A Warlock stepped forward. He was old and powerful, and looked oddly familiar, but I just couldn’t place him. He had long white hair that swept across his body in the most masculine way. His face was scruffy, his gray eyes deep.
He stopped in front of me and took my hand in his. “It is a pleasure, Lady Nexi.” Then, held up a long black dress that was cut low in the front and the back.
Magnus stepped in front of me, unclipped my bra, then let my kilt fall to the floor. His gaze roamed over my bare breasts and smiled sensually. Normally, I’d feel embarrassed standing naked in a room of strangers, but with Magnus’ smoldering eyes at me, I could hardly care.
Desire burned through me.
He ran his hands down my arms, lifted them above my head, and slowly draped the dress down my body. When it settled into place, it fit perfectly—everything was perfect.
“Now you look just as you should to rule the Underworld.” Magnus smiled, and lightly kissed my lips. Then, he backed away and turned to Azar, giving him a nod to begin.
“Lord Magnus you have been given a wonderful gift in our Lady Nexi. Is it your wish to take her as your Lady?” he asked Magnus.
Magnus smiled gloriously. “It is my wish.”
I gave him a little kiss for that.
Azar looked to me, happiness nearly glowed on his features. “Is it your wish Lady Nexi to accept Lord Magnus as your Lord?”
“Nexi,” Kyden roared a desperate plea.
My gaze hit his, Talon had him on the ground now, forcing him still¯by the look of the strain on Talon’s face, it wasn’t an easy task. Only adding to my confusion of what this was all about. Why was he so angered?
A finger came under my chin before I could finish my thought. I allowed my head to turn, Magnus gave a soft smile. “It is time to hear your answer,” he said.
Focused back on him, I returned the smiled. “Yes, it’s my wish to bond with you.” Tears glistened my eyes. How could I be so lucky? Magnus was everything I ever dreamed of. Tall, dark and handsome—perfectly mine.
“Before you followers, and as my right within the Underworld, I hereby declare that Lord Magnus and Lady Nexi have now recognized their wish to seal their bond before us.” Then, he nodded toward Magnus. “Take her my Lord, seal your bond.”
Magnus wistfully pulled me into his arms and kissed me deep enough that left me weak in the knees.
In an instant, my soul screamed out in happiness as our bond settled into place. A joining, which had me feeling him deeper, experiencing what he had, tying our magical abilities together. I felt stronger than ever. I never needed nothing, or anyone else besides him. He was all I ever wanted, and I would make it my job to see that he was always happy, cared for, and safe.
When he drew away, he wiped the tears off my face with his fingers. “I knew my plan would lead us to this.”
“I’m sorry I have been so difficult,” I whispered, shamefully. And I meant it. I was wrong to reject him, and shame sunk deep that he had to go to such measures to get my help when he needed it. That would never happen again. More than that, too, I refused his interest in me. Which at the present, I couldn’t quite remember the reasons for denying him for so long. The only thing I knew was that I had. Nothing about that felt good.
“That is long forgotten,” Magnus smiled gloriously, “Nothing will separate us, now.” Then, he kissed my lips softly. Not desire filled, but showing that he wanted nothing more than to share his life, his duty as Lord of the Underworld with me.
“Let us rejoice in our new leader,” Azar shouted, sending the entire crowd to erupt in screams of delight.
Just as the crowd silenced, Azar took my hand in his and with it came a blast of pain between my shoulder blades just at the base of my neck. “What was that?” I screamed out, then reached up to touch the mark of pain. My skin felt raw and sore.
“You have been marked as a ruler of the Underworld.” He handed me two mirrors, which appeared out of thin air. “This is the mark you have been granted.”
I raised the mirrors and moved my hair to the side to reveal a black willow tree that looked more tribal than anything. It was beautiful. The longer I looked at it, I noticed it slowly moved, weaved around itself.
A willow tree.
Here was that damn tree again. What was and the connection between me and this friggin tree? My confusion continued as I met Azar’s gaze. “Why a tree?” My voice was puzzled.
“This is the mark you have been given,” Azar told me simply. “It holds special meaning to you.”
What special meaning?
Azar took the mirrors and when he did, they simply vanished. “It is an exquisite mark for a unique being.”
“What mark do you have?” I asked Magnus.
He turned around, and removed his shirt to reveal a black serpentine that was gloriously dark. I ran my fingers across it, marveled at its beauty. It seemed to move with my touch, followed my movements.
“This is my family’s crest,” Magnus told me quietly. “Now that you have been granted yours, your followers can draw this mark into their ruin to serve as an offering to you.”
“Oh! Does that mean that I have accepted the darkness now?” I asked hopeful.
Azar shook his head, answering for Magnus. “Not at this time. We will save that for another time.”
My heart sank. I wanted to accept it. To be a complete part of Magnus realm.
Magnus looked inquisitively at Azar. “Why wait?”
“Let us make it a beautiful thing,” Azar responded with a grin. “These ceremonies were necessary, but I believe that you and Lady Nexi will get more enjoyment out of the process if you are alone.”
Magnus eyes went molten. “Yes, you are right,” he told him. “It will be quite enjoyable alone.”
“I don’t want to wait,” I told him angrily.
He laughed and kissed my lips before he said, “I want you to be naked, and my body pleasuring you when I give you the magic. It will make for a more intense experience.”
Warmth spread right through me and lingered right between my thighs. “Mmm, sounds good,” I purred, slowly rubbing my hand down his chest until I met the hard bulge in his pants.
Magnus groaned at the contact.
A deep gasp drew my eyes away. I glanced toward it to see Kyden shaking tremendously. Why was he looking so unhappy? “What…” I started.
Something stung within me. Just as quickly, it vanished, leaving only questions to remain.
Why wasn’t Kyden thrilled like everyone else? If he respected me at all, he would be ecstatic that I have finally found my soul mate. He was being selfish, and that thought made me hate every bone in his body. He was just jealous of my happiness. Now, I was only too glad that Magnus was going to make him suffer for it.
Magnus took my chin in hand, drawing my eyes back to him. “That is no concern of yours. Go stand with Misa, let me deal with this.” His face darkened and his body tensed with the awaiting battle.
He gave me a little push and I left him in the center, made my way to stand beside Misa on the sidelines. She gave me a little smile, which I returned. “So, what happens now?” I asked her.
She nodded toward Kyden, who began his approach on Magnus. “They will declare the rules, then the challenge will commence.”
I glanced back to her. “Should I be worried?”
“Worried for whom?”
“Magnus of course,” I said, snippily. “Who else would I be worried for?”
She shrugged, as her gaze turned almost calculating.