Page 32 of Sonata
19
Lucien
Iwaited until I heard the water run and opened my eyes. The darkness that consumed me would’ve kept me for eternity if there was not for the golden thread. It had its hooks in me and guided me back to life, to my mate. I missed more than half of their conversation but almost gave myself away when I heard Viola say she was glad they were here with us. I needed time to collect myself before telling my mate I was awake.
Cruel, but needed.
I felt her presence even when I was sure death had me in its embrace. Through the abyss threatening to devour my soul, she was the light calling me home. And I followed. I allowed myself a moment of weakness and let Viola’s essence consume me. I’ve never been more grateful for a decision made on a whim until then.
“You can open your eyes. She is in the shower.” My brother’s mate hissed, and my eyelids snapped open.
“You knew.” I accused, but there was no heat in my tone.
“I didn’t, but I know you are an ass, so it was worth a try. Lo and behold, even half-dead, you’re still an ass.”
“Mind your tongue, female.”
“Or what?” Melody snorted. “I’m not scared of you anymore.”
“I can see that.” But my mouth curled in a smile. Scrubbing a hand over my face, I flung my legs to the side of the bed, sitting up. “I need to talk to my mate.”
“Wow, beauty and brains. You really are a great catch.” She gushed, and I chuckled, shaking my head.
“You missed that boat, latching on to the firstborn, little Muse.” She giggled and slapped my arm.
“I’ll go annoy, Étienne.” Melody moved to the door but paused before walking out. “He is more fun when I piss him off. I think the stick up his ass cracks in those moments.” All humor left her face. “We are looking for more information about our bloodlines. When you guys are done, come join us. And Lucien, if you hurt my friend music or no music, I will suck the life out of you if it’s the last thing I do.”
“Duly noted.” Respect for my brother’s mate grew in my chest. The female was a perfect match for Étienne. “If I harm my mate in any way, I won't put up a fight…Muse.”
A smile bloomed on her face when I didn’t call her little.
She left, and I had to face the female that held my life in the palm of her hand. Excitement and dread churned in my gut just as I was about to stand. That’s when the bitter scent of tears reached my nostrils, and before I could think, I was standing under the hot stream of water, holding my naked mate by the upper arms.
She screamed.
“Are you hurt?” frantic, my hands moved over her body, searching for the reason for her tears. “What’s wrong? Speak damn it.” The idea of the witch somehow harming her, although she wasn’t a prisoner anymore, choked me.
“Lucien!” Viola squealed and throw herself at me, her arms wrapping around my neck. “You are alive.” Her laughter turned into sobs as she clung to me.
The understanding was slow coming, and I wanted to hit my head off the tiles. I did not deserve her.
“Is that why you were crying, little one?” I held her close and became very aware of how soft and naked my mate was in my arms. “I am too stubborn to die; my brothers didn’t tell you that?”
“No.” she cried harder. “Melody did. She said you’re too much of an ass to die.” Viola was laughing and sobbing at the same time.
“She spoke the truth, little mate.” My feet shuffled, and my hard dick pressed into her hip. Viola froze, and her head lifted so she could meet my gaze.
“You were almost dead a minute ago, and now your poker is stabbing me in the stomach.” Her lips curled up, the little vixen taunting me by rubbing her hip over my erection. “I think you are a keeper.”
My blood boiled, lust choking me from the twinkle in her red rimmed eyes. The green irises had an inner glow that tugged at something deep within me. We were in my home, alive, and my mate was naked in my arms. All rational thought left my brain.
“I need you.” I didn’t recognize my own voice.
“I need you, too.” She was already yanking on my shirt. “It’s stuck.” Viola huffed in frustration.
Reaching over my head, I pulled the shit off. Grateful they removed my boots when they brought me home, my fingers fumbled with the button on my pants as I cursed at it. My mate giggled and slapped my hands away, unzipping me and shoving the pants down faster than I thought possible. Eager little thing my mate was, and I loved every second of it.
“Now, I need you inside me right now.” Viola chanted, taking me in her palm.
