Page 152 of Mate of a Monster

Another step.

Something heavy settles onto my head and this time, my entire body jolts to a stop.

My hand lifts slowly, and I despise the way my fingers tremble when they brush across what can only be metal.

A crown.

My insides seem to heat. Flames lick along my spine, and I wonder if they’re visible to everyone or just a sensation deep inside me.

Legend chuckles softly from ten feet away.

“I will fucking kill you,” I mutter, knowing he hears me loud and clear.

My cheeks heat immediately and I hate it.

Every single person in Rathe is watching this.

I don’t care what they think. I absolutely do not care. Except—

These…these are my people, too, now.

I glance across the crowd and thank fuck—it’s Zev who catches my eye immediately.

He winks and drags the gifted under his arm close. I realize it’s Emmie.

My feet carry me farther without permission, the bond pulling me in.

Legend’s smirk fades slightly when I get close enough to glare directly into his soul.

“You did all of this.”

He studies my face carefully.

“I don’t need this,” I add.

“I know.”

“I don’t care about…this.”

“I know that, too.”

I fold my arms and he steps closer.

“I know you don’t want, need, or care, little mate. But I also know that you deserve,” he says quietly.

My chest clenches and I bite my cheek.

“You deserved to be seen,” he continues. “You deserved for this entire kingdom to know exactly who stands beside their king, and who is superior to him in every fucking way.”

My throat tightens slightly.

I hate when he does that. “I don’t need their approval.”

“You will have it anyway.” His hand lifts slowly. “Bond with me, Haide. Here, for our entire kingdom to see. A ceremony before the gods, the fates, and the souls of those we’ve lost.”

My hand shoots out, and he’s quick to catch it, squeezing gently.

Those blue eyes turn white, a golden ring rising in the center, letting me know the Nightkin is here with us. He hurts, too.