Page 103 of The Devil's Chaos

“Prepare for The Ceremony,” I stated. “It will show everyone, including our fathers, the strength of our bond. They’ll have no choice but to accept it.”

Theo and Mila voiced their agreement, their faces resolute.

Archer clapped a hand on my shoulder. “We’re with you every step of the way.”

Now, I needed to explain the specifics of The Ceremony and what would be expected of Haven. All I hoped was that she wouldn’t run away after she heard what I had to say.

On the eve of The Ceremony, I found her standing alone on the balcony in her room, her gaze distant as she stared out into the night. I wrapped my arms around her from behind, pulling her close.

“Having second thoughts?” I murmured, my lips brushing her ear.

She leaned back into my embrace, shaking her head. “No. I’m ready. I just hope it’s enough.”

I turned her in my arms, cupping her face in my hands. “It will be. The Ceremony is sacred. Binding. Once we complete it, no one can question our commitment to each other, not even our fathers.”

“The sooner we eliminate my brother and father, the better. Maybe then, they won’t consider me a threat to The Brotherhood.”

I brushed my thumb across her cheek. “The Ceremony will only solidify what we already know in our hearts. I’ll fight for you, for us, with every breath of my body. You’re my forever, Haven. I’d rather forsake everything—my title, my duty, even The Brotherhood itself—than lose you. Nothing and no one can change that.”

“Who knew you were such a romantic, Kai Montgomery?” Her eyes sparkled with mischief and adoration as she teased me. Her ability to bring levity, to see the man I was beneath my hardened exterior, was one of the many reasons I loved her so deeply.

“Only for you,” I replied. “But if you tell anyone, I’ll have to kill you.”

“Oh, is that so?” she smirked as her fingers toyed with the collar of my shirt. “I’d like to see you try. We both know I can kick your ass six ways from Sunday.”

I grinned. I loved the fire in her eyes and the bold confidence in her voice. “Is that a challenge, little lamb?”

“Damn straight it is.” She shoved playfully at my chest. “Think you’re man enough to take me on?”

In a flash, I had her pinned against the balcony railing, my body flush against hers. “Oh, I know I am,” I growled, dipping my head to nip at her neck.

She let out a breathless laugh that morphed into a moan as I found that sensitive spot just below her ear. Her fingers tangled in my hair as she tugged me closer. “Prove it then.”

“Careful what you wish for, sweet girl.”

Her fingers toyed with the hair at the nape of my neck, sending delicious shivers down my spine. “I think I can handle you, Kai Montgomery. In fact, I’m counting on it.”

I scooped her up into my arms, her surprised squeal music to my ears as I carried her back inside. Her laughter turned breathy as I laid her down on the plush bed and covered her body with mine.

"You're playing with fire, little lamb," I warned, my voice a low rumble against her throat. "You sure you're ready to get burned?"

Her hands slid under my shirt, nails raked lightly down my back. "I'm ready for anything when it comes to you. Burn me to ashes."

I groaned, capturing her mouth in a searing kiss that left us both gasping for air. My hands roamed her curves, committing every dip and swell to memory. If tonight was all we had before facing the unknown of tomorrow, I'd make damn sure it was a night she'd never forget.

Clothes were shed in a frantic rush, skin seeking skin as we lost ourselves in the heat of our passion. Every touch, every kiss was both a promise and a prayer—that our love could withstand any storm and overcome any obstacle.

As I moved over her, within her, the rest of the world fell away until there was only us, only this moment where we were one. Her cries of ecstasy were muffled against my shoulder as I drove us both to the edge of oblivion and over, shuddering in the wake of our shared release.

I gathered her close as our racing hearts gradually slowed, pressing reverent kisses to her damp brow, her closed eyelids, and the tip of her nose. She burrowed into my embrace with a contented sigh.

"I love you, Kai," she whispered. "No matter what happens tomorrow, never doubt that."

"I love you too, Haven. More than my own life. More than anything."

We lay entwined as the moonlight spilled across the bed, both reluctant to let sleep steal these last precious hours. But as much as I wanted to stay awake, holding her, the events of the day soon pulled me under.

I dreamed of a future where we were free—free of the weight of our family legacies, expectations, and the constant threat of war. A future where I could love her without fear, out in the open instead of in stolen moments behind closed doors.

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