Page 146 of The Powers of Nyx

“I’m not letting you return to that academy without our bond being completed,” he murmured. “I can’t go through that again. And I’m not letting you go back without that certainty. You need the bond, and I need to know you’re always okay.”

I sucked in a sharp breath as his grip on me tightened. My heart fluttered, and his words awoke something within me. A need that was hard to ignore.

“Are you sure?” I asked.

“Of course I am, Ivy. I am yours. Have been since we ran into each other. And I want it to be official. Now, before you go back to that hellscape. And especially before the ball.” His hands trembled where they pressed into my sides. “So, will you accept me?”

“Always,” I whispered.

Rowan released a shuddering breath. “Then you’re mine tonight, my love.”

53

ROWAN

NERVOUSwas an understatement regarding my bonding with Ivy. It wasn’t going to be spontaneous like her other times. Both of us knew exactly what we were getting into tonight.

It should have helped ease some of my worries, but unfortunately, I felt like a schoolboy about to get his first real boner.

I ran a hand through my hair as Adrian entered the bedroom, his brows raised. “So, it’s finally happening?” he asked, giving me a half-smile and a once-over.

Nodding, I stepped back to take in the casual t-shirt and jeans I’d opted for, which didn’t feel right, but had to be enough given our restrictions. “Yes. And I really don’t need a pep talk, man.”

Adrian chuckled, dropping onto the edge of the bed. “Wasn’t going to give you one. I’m sure you’re completely aware of which hole to insert your dick into.”

I grimaced and turned to him. “Why so crass about our mate? You sound like an asshole.”

“I’m being crass about you, Ro.” He stood and clapped me on the shoulder. “But I was going to wish you luck.”

“I don’t need luck,” I muttered. “I need for this night to not be a total disappointment.”

The amusement disappeared as he sighed. “You won’t disappoint her.”

If only he knew, I thought. He’d spent more than enough time preparing himself for our mate, learning the best ways to please a woman thanks to Dante and his parties. I, on the other hand, never had any experience. Hell, not even my hand. I’d never wanted to explore until Ivy.

I didn’t regret that decision, though. Knowing she’d be my one and only just settled my resolve to finally claim her tonight.

Adrian clapped me on the shoulder again. “You’ll be fine,” he said, handing me a rune stone. “To the Meris room.”

“I can’t believe you still have this.”

He shrugged, taking a step back. “I’d wanted to be the one to take Ivy there first. But, since you need something a little more romantic than the suite, it’s all yours. Just be aware, Elias is probably going to be waiting outside that door for you, and we won’t be too far behind. We’ll celebrate with Summer Court wine.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re an asshole.” But I glanced down at the stone and pocketed it. “An asshole with good taste. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. Now, go claim your mate.”

My heart raced, and with one final nod in his direction, I went in search of her. It wasn’t entirely romantic, being trapped in the palace. We couldn’t even escape to explore the grounds. But the Meris room was an option I hadn’t even considered before.

Hands trembling, I made my way to her bedroom. The door was already open, and I found her in the closet, her back to me, wearing a flowing dark blue dress. The fabric looked like liquid night against her milky skin; a long slit in the skirt revealed her thigh, and the low back showed off her mate marks. She’d tied back her hair, which curled like honey and chocolate, and a small amount of make-up highlighted her features.

And her smile…it took my breath away.

“Hey,” she murmured, tugging her bottom lip between her teeth as she looked me over.

“I feel entirely too underdressed,” I said, running a hand through my hair. “But you…you look—”

“Overdressed?” she laughed, cheeks turning bright pink.

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