Page 104 of Ringmaster
You never stop amazing me,he whispers, then withdraws, allowing the bond to fall quiet.
Azrael flashes me a dubious look that sends heat rushing between my legs. Then, snapping his fingers, he commands aloud: “Get on your knees and crawl to me.” His voice is flat, emotionless.
I obey without hesitation, slipping into the role, batting my lashes, swaying my hips as I descend from the throne to the floor. His heated gaze sears right through me.
What are you doing?he growls.
My duty.My chin lifts, challenging him.I’ll do whatever it takes to secure our bond. I swore an oath to the Fates, as did you.
Azrael’s eyes are fixed on mine. With a flick of his hand, shadows coil forth—snaking around my neck, sliding across my shoulders, plunging beneath my dress to cup my breasts. They tighten and thicken, opaque, so only Azrael can see as they slip my gown from my shoulders, exposing me completely beneath their cover.
Then it will be for my eyes only.
Arousal slicks my thighs as I slowly crawl forward, every muscle trembling with the strain of his brothers’ stares pressing against me, straining against the veil of shadows. They grumble disappointed in the concealment. But instead of yielding and baring me to them, Azrael makes another sacrifice.
Wide-eyed, frozen, I watch as he undoes his pants and free his enormous length. If I hadn’t already fit him inside me once,I would think it impossible. Entranced, I stare as he begins to stroke himself, slow and deliberate. He moves rhythmically. Up. Down. Up again and over his tip. Again and again. Until he’s swollen, and his arousal glistens in the mage-lights. I gulp, my mouth suddenly dry.
Azrael’s voice breaks my concentration. I guiltily bring my eyes to meet his. “Tsk. Tsk. Tsk,” he clicks his tongue, shaming me. “You’re not crawling, darling.”
Keep moving. They can’t be trusted,he warns.
My arms tremble, but I refuse to show weakness. I swore I’d be strong for Azrael. I promised to be worthy of him. Watching his every move, I crawl the remaining distance. When I reach him, I sit back on my heels, awaiting his next command. I need him to remain in control—need him to tell me what to do so I can make it through this.
“That’s a good mate.” He motions for me with two fingers. I obey, moving closer until he grips his hard cock with one hand, reaching for me with the other. My hot breath lands on his cock, and it jumps with excitement.
“Open your mouth and accept me,” he rasps, the edge of pleasure threading his voice.
My lips part eagerly. I want to taste him, to bring him pleasure—just not in front of his brothers.
“Good,” he hisses, pressing himself between my lips.
My hands land against his thighs, guiding him as I take exactly what the audience expects. I suck and swirl, taking him deep, letting my tongue trace every ridge from base to tip. His head falls back against the throne, moans spilling from him—not a quiet or restrained, but low, guttural, and demanding.
I pull back slightly, lips glistening, eyes meeting his. Desire radiates from him, raw and intense. “Stand up,” he commands, his shadows lingering hungrily across my body. “Remove your dress.”
Chapter 48
Azrael
The shadows dance in the dim lights, every part of me fixated on my mate. Everything hinges on this moment; the weight of the realm weighs heavy on my shoulders. My fingers curl around themselves, fighting for control as she tosses her golden strawberry locks over one shoulder. Slowly, she slips a finger beneath the thin strap of her gown, dragging it down her arm. I watch in a trance, cock throbbing, as the gossamer material slides down over the soft swell of her breast, revealing more and more skin until it falls past her elbow and clings to her waist. Her chest rises and falls with a shaky breath, but my shadows conceal it from my brothers’ view, ebbing and flowing like flickers, offering only controlled glimpses of my mate.
Keep going,I growl, encouraging her.I want to burn the sight of you into my memory.
Her cheeks flush as she reaches a trembling hand across her chest. My grip slides over my hard length as I watch the fabricfall across her soft skin until the dress hangs around her waist. Greedy tendrils creep over her, caressing her like living lines.
Such a good little mate. Take it off for me.
She rocks her hips side to side in a slow, sensual swoosh. The material moves with her as my shadows eagerly drag it down, revealing more of her inch by inch. I wait, hand roaming over my length again, pulsing hard and aching to feel her around it.
The sight of her overwhelms me. My eyes devour her, committing every detail of this moment to memory. She’s stunning; our shadows swirl and dance together. Her dress lies in a crumpled heap at her feet, and her body glows in the soft lights. Rose-kissed golden hair falls over her shoulders beneath her crown. Selestina, Queen of the Dead, stands naked before me, ready to seal our mating bond for all eternity. Her breath is steady, shallow, awaiting my next order.
Fuck, angel. You’re beautiful. Come sit on my throne and fuck me so we can finish this.
Command me, my king,she replies.Claim me, Azrael.
I swallow the lump in my throat, and look her over one more time.
“Come here, Selestina,” I growl, my need unbearable.
