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Before me, Scarlet stumbles once and spins, leveling the handgun I reluctantly acquired for her at my chest. Behind her, Liam is on his knees and bleeding steadily from an unnatural hole in his stomach.
Scarlet’s eyes go wide at the same moment I manage to curb my growling. The blood is not hers.
“Kyson…” She lowers the gun, relief rushing through her and filling me in equal measure. I cannot tell from which of us the feeling originates. She takes a step toward me.
Liam, groaning but still conscious, latches one bloody hand on her nearest ankle. “Wh-where … do you think … you’re going?”
Everything narrows into a single focus and I remove Liam’s vile grip from my beloved’s flesh. I remove him from the floor, twist around, and lift him over the banister opposite our door. I plunge one hand into the tiny hole in his stomach, expanding it, and dig my other fingers into his gurgling throat. I do not hear the fighting around us, whether they cease in stunned silence or continue in ignorance.
I hear Scarlet gasp in surprise.
But I cannot take back my actions, so I meet what’s left of Liam’s stare and flash him my fangs. Hopefully, they will haunt him in his next life, too. Then I rip out his throat and let his corpse fall to the main floor.
“Holy crap,” Scarlet breathes.
Movement and an accelerated heartbeat off to the side alert me to the presence of one of the remaining Jagters before he shouts. “Goddamn vam—”
Another gunshot rings through the air before I can do more than turn, and I see Scarlet has aimed a little higher for this one. He drops to the floor, his blade falling from slackened fingers. Pride surges through me and I turn to my woman, taking two steps closer before I remember my hands are covered in Liam’s blood.
Scarlet closes the distance and curls her free hand in my shirt, grinning up at me. “Well, if you won’t take your prize, then I will.” She presses her lips to mine.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Scarlet
Forever and Always
We have finally made it to our formal bonding ceremony. Lily has been planning like a crazy woman for weeks but each time she thinks it’ll happen, something else pops up. But nothing will stop her, or me, tonight.
“Everything is set,” my friend says as she enters the Consort Suite and closes the heavy door behind her, twisting the key in the lock.
I decided to prepare here today. I knew Kyson wouldn’t be able to stay out of our room. It’s a small miracle that he hasn’t barged in here.
“Oh,” Lily squeaks, covering her mouth with her hand as tears pool in her gaze.
“Is something wrong?” I ask, looking at my dress.
“Not a damn thing,” she replies with a watery smile. “Kyson is going to love it.”
I move toward the large mirror on the other end of the room. My red hair is curled and piled on my head, exposing my neck. My frame is draped in black. Yes, I know it’s a cliche to get married—or bonded, whatever—in black, but I like the idea of it. I’m joining Kyson in the darkness and this stunning fitted dress with its lace overlay is just another way to show that I am happy to do so. Another bonus is that it makes my skin look almost alabaster, so there’s that.
“Is Kyson in the chapel?” I ask.
“Yes ma’am. Everyone is waiting on you.”
“Let’s not keep them any longer.”
Lily unlocks the door and pushes it wide open, allowing me to walk in front of her. Taking a deep breath, I square my shoulders and walk down the long, dark hallway to the stairs. I’m not nervous to join Kyson in this life, I love him, but I’m on edge about the elders that will be here to make sure our bonding is fulfilled.
They arrived just before dusk. Two males, Jacques and Emile. Both were friendly enough but I could feel the power resonating from them and it makes me on edge. Born vampires, both older than Aziel by hundreds of years. I can honestly say, I can’t wait for them to leave so the rest of us can get on with our lives. The whole house has been tense since they’ve arrived.
I make my way across the foyer, Lily’s steps echoing softly behind me. On the easternmost part of the property, attached to the main coven house, is a monstrous greenhouse, which we will be using as a makeshift chapel today.
Kyson’s joy and impatience wash over me and I can’t help but hurry toward my destination.
Crossing the threshold, I lose a step and stare around. The greenery is lush and blooming calla lilies are everywhere. All thanks to Lily’s affinity with nature. It’s her thing. She can make anything grow.
My breath leaves me on a whoosh when I lay eyes on my consort. Dressed in a three-piece black suit with a dark wine-red button-up shirt, his long dark hair loose around his shoulders. I can’t think of a single moment when I was ever more attracted to him than right now. I want to run to him and jump in his arms but I fight to restrain myself. With a measured pace I make my way to him.
