Page 48 of Ashes to Ashes

“I love the way you taste,” he murmured against her skin when he finally pulled away to catch his breath. Pulling away slightly, he looked down at her flushed face with desire burning bright in his eyes. “You have no idea how much you torment my thoughts,” he whispered roughly. “There’s a power you seem to hold over a demon prince that should not be possible.”

Leviathan lifted his head to meet her gaze, his eyes dark and full of desire. “I cannot resist you,” he confessed huskily. “You are my greatest envy, I can admit this to you and only you.”

He let the tips of his fingers trail gently over her arm. She shivered under his touch and his cock twitched with anticipation. He hadn’t come here for this, but he would be damned if he left without having her.

“That seems like quite a bold statement for a demon.”

“I’m glad you see the importance of this.” He closed his eyes and inhaled, reveling in the musk of her desire from just a few kisses. “I have thought of little but you this past week. I am not foolish enough to ignore a perfect specimen. I also will not deny the way you’ve somehow edged into my mind, under my skin. Come back with me. Choose envy and all the power I can give you. I will not ask again.”

“I don’t understand why you would want me,” she replied softly, looking down at their almost touching fingers before steeling herself back up to meet his gaze once more. “You could have anyone you desire.” Her words were hushed yet strong, showing an inner strength that only added to the allure he found within her.

Leviathan raised an eyebrow, amused by her response as he leaned in closer, their breaths mingling together in the cool night air. “It’s not about desire,” he murmured against her lips lightly brushing against them teasingly. “It’s about possession.” His voice was rough with need now as his hand cupped her cheek gently yet possessively while pulling her closer still until there wasn’t an inch between them any longer - their hips pressing against each other teasingly, their hearts racing wildly against one another’s chest. “Now give me my answer and I will give you what you desire by taking what I intend on possessing.”

“Yes,” the word was filled with all the lust he’d seen swirling in her gaze. “Under one condition.”

“I don’t believe you are one to make terms.” He snickered. “But go on.”

“Time is spent here, in the human realm. I will not go without the sun and flowers again.”

“I am not permitted extensive stay in this realm, but I will agree to two months whenever you wish.”

Her lips curved up into a wicked smile. “Then consider me your princess.”

Leviathan’s blood warmed with excitement, his strong hands gripping onto Ashe’s waist possessively as she stared at him. She looked up at him with those piercing ice blue eyes of hers, full of defiance and determination, not the least bit intimidated by his demonic form. He couldn’t help but admire her strength and resilience. She was everything that could survive by his side - beautiful, intelligent, and fearless.

And part demon.

“You drive me mad,” he whispered against her full bottom lip teasingly before taking it into his mouth gently yet firmly. His long tongue traced its outline as if mapping out every curve and contour, tasting her sweetness mingled with desire that only fueled the flames within him further. The taste of her was intoxicating. It was like drinking the nectar of the gods themselves. His other hand trailed down her neck to find its way between them, where they were pressed together so tightly he could feel the heat emanating from her core as if it were a beacon calling to him.

With a low growl that came from deep within his throat, he picked her up effortlessly and forced her legs around his waist. Her gasp for air only made him wild.

His hand glided down her slender neck, tracing the delicate line of her collarbone before resting possessively on her shoulder blade. Their lips brushed against each other again, his tongue just grazing the seam of her mouth as he felt her breath mingle with his. Her scent was intoxicating, a sweet floral aroma that ignited something primal within him, causing his cock to stir beneath his robes. She tasted like honeyed wine and desire, the tip of his tongue teasing her lower lip until finally she opened to him, allowing him entry. He groaned against her mouth as their tongues tangled together, a deep sound that echoed in the quiet.

“Tonight, you are mine to mark. What we did on the balcony will seem like mere touches. Tomorrow, I will claim you before the entire realm.”

His kiss was aggressive and he pushed her against the mattress, determined to ensure every inch of her human skin bore a mark from him before the sun rose.

CHAPTER 24

As Ashe stood beside Leviathan, her heart racing with both excitement and trepidation. His hand, like a branding iron, was placed possessively on her soft skin, leaving a searing mark that she knew would never fade.

She knew that this union was a political maneuver, a way for him to lace his fingers through more envy. Yet, she couldn’t deny the thrill that coursed through her veins whenever she looked into his piercing blue eyes.

There was no denying her demon half. She wanted Leviathan as surely as she wanted to breathe. He was her other half, even if she didn’t trust herself in that, she knew from a single touch and the way she seemed to temper his darker motives. She wanted him with an intensity that scared her. It was more than just lust or desire, it was something deeper and more primal. And she knew that he felt it too, from the way his eyes darkened whenever they were near each other.

King Lucifer’s booming voice filled the grand hall, “Today, we gather to witness the joining of two souls, two destinies intertwined by fate and envy. Leviathan, son of House Envy, and Ashe, daughter of the mortal realm and ours, shall now becomeone. But first, they must pledge their vows before me, and before the infernal lords we serve.”

Leviathan’s grip tightened around hers, tension radiating from him, even through the barrier of her dark black gloves. This was what he had craved his entire life, to stand at the right hand of the king, to have power and respect heaped upon his head like jewels on a bride. He didn’t have to say it for her to know.

The king grinned maliciously down at her, a terrifying presence she would gladly be rid out when this was done.

Ashe couldn’t suppress a shiver as King Lucifer revealed the small, intricately crafted knives. She had seen them used before in sacrificial rituals by Belial, and she knew what was expected of her and Leviathan.

“You will slice one another’s flesh simultaneously,” the king commanded with a cold smile. “A symbol of your unity and commitment to each other.”

Ashe glanced at Leviathan, who seemed perfectly at ease as the king pushed his hand and the daggers closer.

Without a word, they both took hold of their respective knives. Leviathan reached for her hand first, and when she offered, he held the blade above it as she offered him her free hand, palm up as well.

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