Page 99 of Blood and Ruin: The Complete Series

I barely hear his words, my whole attention on the taste of his lips. Fire and ash invade my senses, filling me up, trying to heal my broken shards.

Our movements turn hasty, not able to get enough. I could breathe him every day and not get my fill.

All the pent-up passion and frustration is released like a tidal wave, every brush of his lips is sweet torture, every lick, like fine wine.

I never want it to end.

“Let me in,” he pleads.

Reality comes crashing down with his words. I can never truly let him in, his departure approaching soon.

Pulling back, I try to move away, but he stops me.

“Don’t do this. Don’t pull away from me. Not now.”

“I’m sorry, this was a mistake.” I pull back.

He reaches for me, but I step further away.

He grinds his jaw, gripping his fists. “Don’t lie to me or yourself. I felt it. I felt you. That kiss was…”

Everything. It was everything and more. No words can describe the feeling of being surrounded by him. I feel safe and warm. I feel cherished and cared for and, for just a moment, slightly less broken. As if a piece is trying to mend inside me, but that can’t be true. Nothing can fix the dark broken shards inside me.

Kai shakes his head. “You’re our mate and if it wasn’t clear before, it’s crystal now. You were made for us. Every inch of you, inside and out. My soul reached out to yours and found its match. You know it too. I know you felt it.”

I shake my head, not able to give him the answer he wants to hear.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out strands of dark hair.

Luna. Right, the spell.

I reach out to take it, focusing on what I must do.

“Be at the docks by midnight. There will be a woman that goes by the name of Jazmyn, purple hair and grey eyes, she’ll sense you as soon as you're near. Tell her Kiarra sent you. If she doesn’t believe you, open your intentions to her, she can read you, and she’ll complete the spell for Luna.”

Kai’s voice deepens to a growl, his grip tightening on the hair. “Why does it sound like you won’t be there?”

“I will.” For a moment, at least. “I just… have to get someone first.”

“Who?”

“A friend, she’s in a similar situation to Luna. She’ll be there tonight as well.”

“Why didn’t you tell us about her?”

“Everything with Luna happened so quickly. I just didn’t get the chance. She’s always been part of the plan.” The main part.

“She’s in trouble?”

“She’s…” I shake my head, not finishing.

“Damn it, Kiarra! Don’t be so damn stubborn! Just let us help you, with whatever you need.”

“I can take care of myself.”

“We all can, but family looks after one another, or have you forgotten that we used to be also yours?”

“I…” Biting my lip, I look down, avoiding the heated look in his eyes.

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