Page 52 of House of Demons and Bones

As Killian filled my every inch, an understanding struck home—like Sy no longer ate sentient beings after mating with Rowan, I could stop being an eater of worlds after my true mating with Killian, who would always feed me. The God of Ruin’s curse—that gnawing emptiness and insatiable need to feed—burned away from my blood.

My power surged, lifting us into the air before landing us on the rooftop bed again. We stayed locked as we lay on our sides, my leg hooked over his arm as he thrust into my molten heat.

I writhed in pleasure. He quickened his thrusts. Pressure built in me until it reached a crescendo, and his next powerful thrusts had me erupting around his granite-hard cock.

My pussy clamped on him, milking his shaft possessively. He was my craving, my rush, my eternity. His body growing tight like a whip, the prince roared his release, his bountiful seed spilling in me.

My power sank into him as his surged into me, the might of Hades’s bloodline and royal dragon mating with mine. A ring of brilliant light snapped to life between us, blue intertwining with dark flames. It rose into the air, swirling and dancing in a circle before diving back down, one end anchoring in Killian and the other in me, binding us for eternity.

“The true mating bond,” Killian whispered, pulling me tight against him as we both breathed in wonder. “We formed half of it before. Now it’s complete.”

“Why?” I asked, still dazed. I’d never felt so connected to anyone except Sy.

“We’re true mates,” he said. “Our bond was half-formed when I first mated you. You felt it too, that undeniable link between us, even when it flickered. We couldn’t complete it, even during your heat, since intent mattered. This time, we fully accepted each other and declared our intent through the mating ritual. The bond has been forged and is unbreakable. You’re mine forever, little scorpion.”

I turned to peek at him over my shoulder, suspicion creeping in as I revisited an old scene. “And are you mine too?”

“Yours forever,” he vowed, spinning me to face him.

My reflection in his eyes showed mine glowing sapphire and green. No more hiding who I was from him. He knew about my origin and swore to protect me anyway.

“But—” I bit my bottom lip as reality crashed back.

He was still engaged to another woman. As if reading the dark thoughts warring in my head and doubts settling like lead in my stomach, he traced his thumb over my cheekbone.

“You need to know this, little mate,” he said. “I still have this bond with Lilith, not by choice?—”

I knew how he’d gotten that unwanted bond—it was the work of his power-hungry father and the demon queen. Family sucked when you got stuck with a bad one. I’d seen his father’s true colors in the Chaos Kingdom court, watching him pimp out his own son to gain more power.

Mist of Cinder would link to the future High King and Queen, who’d rule all five kingdoms. The positions had been vacant for centuries. King Vasiliy could dream about claiming the high throne, but he didn’t have a shot. The supernaturals believed only the prophesized One, born from one of the heirs, could become high ruler and prevent magic from fading.

“The fake mating bond was forged with the strongest dark blood magic,” he said. “Even so, I fought against her. Her bond blocked me from touching other women. You’re the only one who can break through it.”

“I saw Grace lay her hand on you,” I said. “She touched you.”

“She and Lilith are the same,” he said.

Of course, I’d already figured out Grace was Lilith’s vessel and extension.

“Neither of them could force me to want them. No bond, beauty, blood magic, or power of persuasion could make me comply,” he said. “She underestimated my willpower. I wouldn’t allow her to solidify the bond. I knew that if I mated with her, the bond would activate fully and she’d be able to tap into my inherited power from Hades’s House. I bow to no one but my true mate. She’s failed to find a crack in my armor. Despite the pressure, I refused to consummate until after graduation. Evenwithout you coming into my life, I’d have stalled as long as possible.”

“There’ll be no consummation and no fucking wedding,” I hissed. “Not now, not after graduation, not ever!”

He chuckled, clearly pleased by my possessiveness. “Of course, my vicious mate. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.”

“Don’t brush me off,” I said. “We’re in this together. I get a say too. Let me in on your plan. Run it by me first so I can approve it or scrap it.”

“Dominant, aren’t we?”

“You haven’t seen how territorial I can be,” I purred viciously.

Understanding hit me like lightning. I knew exactly why Grace had shown up earlier. It was the queen and her ward’s final attempt to get into my mate’s pants. I snarled. No one would get their hands on what was mine. I was done playing nice.

But you’ve never been nice,Sy said.

That’s not a nice thing to say,I snapped.

Rage pooled in my middle, power rising from the well at my command. I cupped Killian’s face, magically connecting with him. Through his eyes, I saw mine blazing with the darkest fire. It poured into him. Instead of resisting, he yanked me close, pulled my hand from his face, and crashed his lips onto mine.

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