Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 98082 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98082 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
“With pleasure, my dear,” she says and lifts her hands.
I drop to my knees in agony. My head feels like it’s about to explode. My vision blurs and I fall forward on all fours. Then I fall onto my back and clench my stomach as the feel of burning flames consumes my belly. It’s like a raging fire is clawing its way out.
“No. Please. Stop. Stop this.”
The woman releases a maniacal laugh, but the pain doesn’t cease. My eyes begin to feel dry and as if they will bulge from my head.
“Enough,” Bishop barks.
Finally, the pain ceases and I’m able to gasp for a breath of air. I roll onto my front and clench my fist. When I look up at the bishop, he’s glaring down at me as if I’m the scum of the earth.
“Are we clear now, Ferg? Do you understand your role? Or shall I have her clarify things a bit more?”
“I understand, Your Grace.”
“Good. I’m glad we could come to an understanding.”
“Azar, I want the girl. Failure is not an option. Do you understand me?”
“Yes, my dear. You want her? You shall have her. I will get her by any means. I believe it’s time we raise the stakes and introduce my own assets.”
The bishop waves a dismissive hand. “Get it done. I don’t care who or what you use.”
“Will that be all?” she purrs suggestively.
“For good measure, make sure he is truly loyal. A mere puppet for my use. Welcome, my son, to the inner circle,” he says.
“As you wish.”
I cry out as it seems my brain is being invaded. I can see and feel, but I’m no longer in control of my own body. I fight against it, knowing I should be strong enough to overpower this woman. Unless she’s … no, that can’t be.
Undeniable Pull
Ihad to get out of that room. I sat watching her sleep for as long as I could. Once I began to sweat, I had to leave. I, of all beings, sweating as I sat and did nothing. It has never happened in my existence.
If I questioned my little one being my mate before, I certainly don’t now. This pull to her is insane. My throat feels like I’m walking through a desert.
When I kissed her forehead before I left, there was this intense spark between us. Almost like her presence alone meant to latch on to me and keep me there.
Like I told Kendrick, I at least need to try to hold out. Seraphina is a fire fairy with a temper as hot as mine. I didn’t know the pull of the bond would be this great when I promised her I would give her time.
To be honest, I had given up on ever finding my mate. I had been content with finding fire fairies strong enough to bed me. At this point, I will have a crazy ex on my hands either way, but I would rather stand on my word.
“But can you truly stand on your word against this?” I mutter to myself.
The farther I walk away, the louder the answer rings in my ears. I try to distract myself by focusing on each step I take. I’ve walked these streets when they were nothing more than dirt and dust.
Long before I watched them become this concrete jungle where the suits feed off the weak. Drinking their souls while growing fat off broken dreams and soiled consciousnesses. Humans have chosen their gods once again.
However, I’ve watched them choose wrong constantly. Material things and those who have promised them have become their altars. Beings like myself are too old to fall prey to such things.
“We can finally be free,” I grumble as I pass by the expensive human shops.
The Ricci family won’t be able to hold us now that we have mates. They will have to find some other way to indulge in their greed.
“Bond with your mate.”
The words float through my head as if spoken through our mind link. Yet it isn’t the voice of my brothers or any of the others I recognize.
I begin to overheat once again. Rubbing my forearm across my forehead, it comes away wet. I won’t last the night like this.
Reel it the fuck in, Bradan. I think to myself.
I try to swallow to relieve the burn in my throat. It does no good. I would think I didn’t know how to swallow flames.
“Bond with your mate.”
I shake my head as the voice comes again. Then suddenly it’s as if I know she’s in as much pain as I am—probably worse. If this were just my battle, I would do my best to endure.
However, this is not my burden alone. My little one is suffering with me. She didn’t make the promise I did.
I will not leave her in pain for my mistake. This ends now.