Page 142 of Guarded
“Enjoy your new home, my friend. I’m sure Lucifer’s going tolovehaving an arch to play with.”
Jem leaned forwards, grinning widely. “That’s assuming his sons leave you with your immortality long enough for you to get a proper introduction.”
Harlow stepped forwards with a grin as Jeremiah winked at him. “He’s all yours, boys.”
Dagon met Micah’s gaze across the river. “We flew him over the river. Just myself and my brothers, got it?”
Understanding and gratitude flashed over Micah’s face as he nodded. He touched his chest in thanks as appreciation filled me.
Dagon’s meaning was clear. They would deal with any fallout. Not Jem. Not the Seraphim or Juniper. Them.
We all knew Gloria was foolish, but she wasn’t foolish enough to go to war with Hell.
Jem embraced each of them in a tight hug, giving his thanks. Then he was launching himself into the air and over the river.
Back into my waiting arms.
We didn’t hang around to see what the demons decided to do with Lyle. As far as we were both concerned, he was dead to us. Locked firmly in the past, where he belonged. Neither of us wanted to think about him now or ever again.
We just wanted to focus on the future. On each other.
I couldn’t justify using the lightning to get us home. We’d risked enough by coming into Hell; there was no point tempting fate any more than we already had. If we weren’t hauled in front of Gloria and the council and asked to explain ourselves then I’d eat my hat. That was a worry for tomorrow though.
Once everyone assured us they could wrap things up without our help, we travelled back through the portal and took to the sky. We flew close, our wings brushing as our glances became increasingly heated.
We needed to be alone. To reconnect.
We landed on the lawn outside the house, and without saying a word, Jem swept me into his arms and marched for the front door.
A giddy laugh escaped me as I clung to his neck. “Um, what are you doing?”
All my humour faded away as Jem’s hungry eyes swept over me. “Claiming what’s mine.”
My heart skipped a beat. I wasn’t going to argue with that.
He didn’t look away from me as he took the stairs two at a time. Not as he unlocked my door with a flick of power. Not as he laid me down on the bed. As he stripped me down, one piece of clothing at a time.
He’d never looked at me like this before. It was a combination of desperation, reverence, and awe. Each emotion echoed along the bond—unquestionable proof that he loved me as much as I loved him.
I’d never doubt him. Even without the bond, I wouldn’t have. How could I, when he looked at me like I was the most beautiful sunrise he’d ever seen?
We didn’t speak as he stripped off or as he prepped me. There wasn’t a single word exchanged as he slid inside me in one sure movement.
But there were a lot of kisses.
Our mouths didn’t part as Jem began to thrust. My hands ran up and down his spine, grabbed at his buttocks, stroked through his hair. My feet weren’t idle either, rubbing along his strong calves, my legs wrapping around his hips.
I couldn’t get enough of touching him. Was it because of how close we’d come to losing one another? Or was it a result of the mating bond?
Whatever it was, I hoped it never wore off. I hoped we loved each other this desperately for many millennia to come.
I’d always believed that I had a lot of love to give. For so long, I’d given it to the most undeserving person. I’d givenup on anyone loving me back, especially not the way that I loved.
I’d never been happier to be proven wrong. Jem was worth all the love in the world. And how he loved me? It made it difficult for me to breathe if I thought about it too much.
I hoped I never got used to that either.
Jem groaned against my lips. “My Noah.”
