Page 152 of Devoted

I blinked and a tear fell onto Zeke’s neck. He didn’t comment, just held me tightly as he systematically destroyed the wall my OCD had built.

“There’s only one thing you’re right about, and that’s how my love for you will change over time. I have no doubt that the more I learn about you, the further I’ll fall. I’m not worried about my love for you waning, Sam. I’m worried about how much it’ll grow.”

I sniffed, more tears falling. “Why would you worry about that?”

“Because I worry that my attention will consume you,” Zeke said hoarsely. “That my love will become too much for you. I’m not an easy man to love, Sam.”

I lifted my head. “And that’s where I have to disagree with you. You’re the easiest person to love in the whole world. The fact anyone has ever made you think otherwise makes me want to give them paper cuts on their nipples.”

Zeke’s lips twitched. “Oddly specific.”

“I’d do it, too. Don’t you see, Zeke? You think I’m wrong about myself, but you’re wrong about you too.”

He gave me a small grin. “Maybe we’re both being a little too self-critical?”

“I think so,” I sighed. “I just don’t ever want you to regret me, Zeke.”

“Never,” he vowed. “The only regret I’d ever have is watching you walk away from me.”

“Can’t see that happening. Who else would keep me supplied with Jelly Babies?”

“I’m going to need to buy the factory, aren’t I?”

“Probably for the best given the rate we get through them.”

We laughed, the tension lessening. When the sound faded, Zeke smiled at me indulgently. “Okay, so now we’ve cleared that up, what other questions do you have?”

Be brave. For Zeke.“How do we become mates? And when were you thinking we’d do it?”

“In terms of how, it’s very simple.” Zeke gave me a reassuring smile. “I give you my mark, which you wouldn’t feel. It’s an invisible supernatural claim, but not the full bond. For that to happen, you would need to say ‘I accept the bond.’”

“That’s it?”

“That’s it.”

“And you haven’t marked me already?”

“No.” Zeke sighed. “I want to, but Ferry has said it’d be safer to do not long before you accept the bond. He doesn’t think your brain will react poorly, but it’s better to not take too much time over it.”

“That makes sense.” I didn’t want to put Zeke, or myself, through any further unnecessary stress.

“As for when…well. I’d like to say we can take as long as you like, but…”

“But?”

Zeke grimaced. “I think it’s time I told you about Gloria.”

34

Sam

Wrapping my head around Zeke being an angel and part of an uber-powerful unit was one thing.

Hearing that there was an angelic council led by an unhinged supernatural being who was out to get them was another entirely.

My heart ached as Zeke outlined everything that had gone down between Micah and Nox. “I’m so glad you were all able to figure a way out of it for them.”

“Me too,” Zeke said before sighing. “But unfortunately, she’s not taken the loss lying down.”

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