Page 68 of TBR: Dead But Well Read

“You expect me to believe a Baudelaire has a ghost as a partner?” Rip’s voice rose in disbelief.

“No, I expect you to believe the truth. All three Knights Baudelaire have chosen to be part of Axelle’s circle.”

“This is unnatural! She is an abomination who has already begun the work of tearing down paranormal society!” Rip shouted and several reapers banged their scythes against the floor in agreement.

“Before you travel a path that will lead to your demise, I suggest you listen.” Saul’s voice boomed like thunder. “I am Saul, the last heir of the Olothreuo bloodline.”

Saul paused and leaned down to whisper in my ear, “My love, close your eyes and cover your ears for a moment. I don’t want to frighten you.”

I straightened my spine. “You don’t scare me.”

“That’s a lie, pet.” Saul’s hand moved across my skin as he spoke. “You know what happens when you lie to me.” His laughter was positively wicked.

Something brushed against my legs and I looked down to find an inky black, floor-length gown formed of shadows hugging my body. It was absolutely beautiful in an oh-by-the-way-you-definitely-accidentally-married-the-darkness sort of way. But hey, at least I didn’t have to worry about flashing anyone.

Saul pressed a kiss to the top of my head, then turned to the reapers. “My bloodline has been called by many names over countless centuries. I claim those names and my role as the last of my line.” He opened his hand and his scythe appeared.

“I am Saul Olothreuo.” The scythe’s handle banged the ground.

“I am Saul Thanatos.” He banged the ground with the handle a second time and the reapers shifted, their eyes darting to Rip’s pale face.

“I am Saul Nekros.” Bang.

Rip stepped toward Saul. “Saul, I think I was too hasty.”

My reaper ignored him. “I am the Destroyer.”

The ground trembled.

“Hades! He isn’t messing around.” Lochlan wrapped an arm around my waist. “Hold on. If he’s doing what I think he is, things are going to get wild.”

“I am the Death Bringer.” Bang.

Saul’s glowing violet eyes found mine, searching my face for signs of disgust or fear.

Lifting my hand to my lips, I blew him a kiss and laughed in surprise when he pretended to catch it.

Lochlan groaned and dropped his face into his hand. “Boo, everyone in this room is wetting their pants in terror and you are seriously blowing kisses?”

Between Saul’s raw power and Lochlan’s kiss, my panties were already wet. I really knew how to pick them. It seemed all theresearchI’d done the past three years had paid off in a big way.

Saul raised his voice and roared, “I am Death.”

BANG!

The lights went out, his scythe turned to fire, and shadows poured into the room. Wind ripped around us, shrieking as it picked up everything that wasn’t nailed down, throwing it against the walls. People screamed and scrambled over each other as they tried to find the doors.

Saul stood tall, his hair not even moving as he let them see who he was… and what he was capable of. Catching my gaze, he made his way to me and brushed a soft kiss against my lips.

“Quiet!” The wind disappeared, and the shrieks stopped instantly.

“Let me introduce my wife, Axelle Olothreuo. I will lead fairly and with an open mind. But if you disrespect my soulmate, you better hope I’m in a good mood and make your death swift. I will ignore the disrespect shown previously, so make your decision now. Will you acknowledge her as my wife and give her the respect she is entitled to?”

I watched in shock as reapers dropped to the ground, bowing in front of Saul. Then patrons of the bar began to drop to their knees. Even Lochlan dropped to his knees in front of Saul.

“Stand up, Lochlan of the Knights Baudelaire,” Saul ordered. “You will not bow to me, brother.”

What exactly had Saul done? Why were they treating him like some kind of royalty? I really should have spent more time doing research in my romantasy books.

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