Page 79 of Spookily Yours

He sighed. “I’m the bastard son of the King. They’ve never let me forget it.”

“Oh.” I ran my fingers through his hair. “Do you really think they’d try to hurt me?”

He shook his head. “I would never risk finding out.” I felt weightless as he scooped me up into his arms and carried me away.

“Damien,” I murmured, rubbing my hand over his jaw. “You don’t have to do this.”

“What?” He spoke through clenched teeth.

“Try to protect me.” I leaned in, nibbling on his ear. “I’m a big girl. I can protect myself.” I wiggled my fingers. “Witch, remember?” A few sparks emitted from my fingertips.

“You’re so little,” he muttered. “Fragile. I don’t… I can’t… My instincts are going crazy right now.” He sighed in frustration, setting me down in a dark corner before rubbing his face against my throat.

“What are you doing?” I laughed.

“Trying to make you smell like me.”

I raised an eyebrow. “What?”

“If you smell like me, the other demons will leave you alone. Know that you’re mine.”

“And…” I swallowed. “That’s the best way to do it?”

His eyes connected with mine, and he gave a slow shake of his head as his fangs popped out of his lips. “No.”

Heat flared in his eyes, his voice like gravel, rasping out. “There’s another way. But I don’t want to hurt you, Wil.” His thumb brushed over my cheek.

“You can’t.” I shook my head. “You won’t.” I believed in him fully. I knew that no matter what happened, he would protect me.

“You don’t understand. If I claim you, I could lose control. My demon senses would take over.”

He cupped my face, and I closed my eyes, leaning into his warm palm. “It’s okay, Damien. I trust you. I… want you to claim me.” My cheeks flushed with warmth. “Please.” My voice was a whisper in the night.

Shadows had fallen all around us, like a comfortable blanket, but I didn’t mind. I knew they were his doing. That they were keeping us wrapped up in each other, even in the middle of the busy ballroom.

“Willow, I…” His lips crashed against mine. “Fuck.”

I was lost in the moment as he kissed me, his breath mingling with mine. The kiss was rough, but I couldn't get enough as he claimed my mouth again and again.

His fangs brushed against my bottom lip, and I moaned from the sensation, even as his tongue explored every inch of my mouth.

My body was on fire, alight from every little touch. I whimpered softly as the sensation washed over me.

It was too much. It wasn’t enough.

“Gonna take you here, so they all know that you’re mine.” His lips connected with my neck, kissing a line down to my chest. “Claim my pretty mate in public, hm?”

I whimpered. “Damien…”

I knew the dark surrounded us, but even the idea that someone could see us—even in a place like this, full of demons—shouldn’t have turned me on more, but somehow, it did. When his fingers trailed over my slit, I knew exactly what he’d find. I was soaking wet. Thank the Goddess there was a slit in my ballgown, giving him access.

“My little witch. So good for me,” he murmured against my neck as he pushed my lace panties aside. “So wet.”

I moaned, baring my neck to him further.

He sank his teeth into me, those fangs piercing the skin of my throat. I’d expected pain, but pure pleasure exploded across the bite, and I moaned deeply from the sensation.

“Fuck, Willow,” he groaned. “You taste so good.” He didn’t drink from me, but the claiming bite tingled, ripples of ecstasy flowing through my body.

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