Page 171 of Savage Crown

I have shattered the enemies that sought to destroy me.

And none of it—none of it—is more important than her.

Seraphina swallows hard, her eyes searching mine.

There is no hesitation in my gaze.

Only certainty.

Only want.

Only love.

Her lips tremble slightly, her hands clenching at her sides.

In a voice barely above a whisper, she answers.

“Yes.”

A single word.

A single, life-altering word.

The meaning of it crashes into me, stronger than the tide, stronger than any battle I’ve ever fought.

She chooses me.

Not because she has to.

But because she wants to.

I don’t give the crowd a chance to react.

I claim her.

My hand slides to the nape of her neck as I pull her forward, my mouth crashing into hers.

Gasps echo around us.

But I don’t care.

I devour her.

Her lips are soft and strong, and perfect.

I kiss her like a man who has fought death itself for this moment.

I have.

She melts into me, gripping the front of my tunic, pulling me closer.

I let her.

I drown in her.

When I pull away, she is breathless.

So am I.