Devlinn stood and started removing his cloak, as if preparing to enter the circle, but before he took a step closer,Bastien swung out his cane. “Close the circle. This ritual is over.”
The anger was back. The heat was back. “No!” I shouted, my voice echoing through the clearing. Then something came bubbling up, a thought that drove me from angry to enraged.“You were willing to help Hera secure her grandmother’s magick, but you’re not willing to help me get mine?”
Bastien’s eyes blazed.
“This magick is sitting inside of me with no outlet. If you think it’s dangerous to call on him, it’s more dangerous for me to keep this magick caged.”Tears formed in my eyes.“I need to speak with Gorrath and get him to reestablish the line of inheritance. So I can be balanced.”
He didn’t move. He couldn’t. And I realized this was one of those times that he needed me to give the order.
“Leave us,” I told my friends. “Take the guards with you back to camp.”
“Claire,” Tansy breathed. “You can’t be alone out here.”
“My wolves will protect us. And the Duke is not without his talents.”
Devlinn hesitated. “Your Grace?”
There was a long pause. My arms shook with barely contained magick that was begging for a way to be unleashed. The horn began vibrating insistently, and a sudden pulse of heat throbbed between my thighs. An ache. A need. A feeling so strong I had to grit my teeth and dig my bare fingers into the dirty snow.
My body knew what it needed. Him. And this horn. Together. And it was screaming for him to just listen to me.
“You heard her,” Bastien said at last. “Go.”
Chapter 17
Interlude
GORRATH
Boy, does it feel good to hear Bastien finally say my name—something he’s avoided for over five hundred years.
That’s right, sweetheart. I am Gorrath. Demon of the Underworld. A member of Damien’s High Court.
You’re probably wondering how a demon like me and a moon witch like Bastien got tangled up in the middle of a war. Well, let’s just say it was a lapse in judgment. The war had been raging for so long, none of us knew what peace looked like. Until one night, an armistice was called. Peace talks had begun. Drinks were flowing.
I saw him staring at me from across the fire with those baby blue eyes. I didn’t stand a chance. Not after I got him alone and had a taste. What can I say? I’m a sucker for a man with blue eyes and a big cock. I’m sure you understand.
He was terrified we’d be caught that night and disowned by his family. I told him being yourself was always worth the risk of losing the people who claimed to love you.
Then he sawed off my horn and banished me back to theUnderworld. Sealing me there. Something he promised he wouldn’t do.
Granted, it was less of a promise and more of a moan in my ear one night when we were alone. I don’t have to tell you how convincing his pledges of fealty are. Do I? No. He’s got you wrapped around his little finger.
I don’t blame you. However, I do blame him.
Chapter 18
La Confession
CLAIRE
Once Tansy and Devlinn were gone and it was just the two of us, Bastien set his cane in the snow and removed his heavy fur cloak. He undressed quickly, removing piece by piece until he was down to a thin cotton undershirt and trousers.
“Do I have permission to enter your circle?”
I wiped what was left of the black liquid from my mouth. I couldn’t believe he was agreeing to this.
“Words, Claire. I need your permission.”
