Page 19 of To Hell and Back
“Arson?”
“Yes, Killian?”
“Leave.”
“Aww, come on, boss. Seneca came here to speak to me about something. I should probably find out what she needs before I leave.”
Killian savored the sound of her name while silently cursing the dark angel for interrupting them. He hated that Arson had stolen his mate’s attention away from him, even for a few seconds. He had realized she was his mate the moment she had stepped into the room and passed through the wards protecting the area. Her mere presence had been enough to stun him speechless.
That was something that hadn’t happened in…hell, ever.
After searching for his other half for over a millennia, he couldn’t believe she suddenly appeared on a random rainy afternoon. However, that is exactly what happened. While their meeting might have seemed like a coincidence, it felt like fate had stepped in to bring them together. Now, that hum of anticipation he’d been feeling made perfect sense, and her rebirth was probably the cause of the magical surge he detected.
He had felt her coming back to him.
Seneca was a beautiful female, with an enchanting heart-shaped face and shoulder-length blonde hair that shimmered white in the soft candlelight. Her flawless skin was smooth and unblemished, and she had a delicate nose and high cheekbones that added a touch of elegance to her features. Her gray eyes were framed by long, dark lashes, giving her a seductive appeal that contrasted with the innocent blush that stained her cheeks.
It was clear she was human, but that didn’t matter. The only thing he cared about was that she was his.
His mate.
The other half of his soul and his very reason for existing.
In an instant, his life had been irrevocably altered. It was as if a brilliant star had exploded in the center of his dark universe. He was no longer alone. He had someone to care for, to love, and to protect.
And he would fucking destroy worlds to keep her safe.
His mate hadn’t seemed to notice that he’d dried her clothing and hair the moment he’d wrapped his arms around her, but he figured she must be feeling a little overwhelmed by everything. He could relate. Lust surged hot and heavy through his bloodstream, making it difficult to think. He wanted to teleport her back to his villa where he could make love to her over and over again until neither of them could move, but her words stopped him before he could.
“Holy crap! I almost forgot why I came here. There is going to be a massive mudslide in a few hours once the storm hits and a lot of people are going to get hurt when—”
Arson shook his head and interrupted by saying, “The buildings on the property are protected against stuff like that.”
She huffed out an impatient breath. “The storm is going to get a lot worse than anyone predicted. Like crazy bad, and the mudslide is going to tear through here and cause a lot of damage. Especially when it hits the nightclub. That building will be completely destroyed, and people are going to die in the collapse. I wouldn’t joke about this. I lost my best friend when it happened the last time.”
Arson’s spine stiffened. “Shadow? Are you saying Shadow is going to die?”
“Not this time. I told her to forget about the surprise party she was planning for me and to stay home with her family. Now, I am trying to save as many people here as I can. But I can’t do that without your help.”
“This is crazy.” Arson held up a hand. “I’m not saying I don’t believe you. But it sounds totally crazy.”
“I swear I’m telling the truth.”
“I believe what he means is no ordinary storm could wipe out The Manor the way you are describing,” Killian clarified. “This sounds like a magical attack.”
Her eyes widened. “Well, shit. I hadn’t thought of that.”
When her stomach rumbled, it was an affront to his senses. Knowing his mate was hungry offended Killian to his core. She should never suffer from anything. When her cheeks turned pink and she slapped her hand over her stomach, he grabbed her hand and held it in his. He didn’t like that she was embarrassed by such a simple thing as a need for sustenance.
From now on, he would provide whatever she required. He would give her everything she could ever want or desire and learn to anticipate her every need.
Trying for a coaxing tone, he said, “Let’s have a meal, and we can discuss how we should proceed.”
When she smiled up at him, he felt as if his heart were beating for the first time.
Damn, she really was beautiful.
“I could eat.”
