His fingers dig into my hips, and I have little doubt I’ll find bruises tomorrow. “You take me so well.”
I whimper as he drives into me, and if it weren’t for the grip he has on me, I would collapse onto the mattress.
I cry out when his fingers find my clit. “Valen, I can’t … I can’t take it.”
His body covers mine and his mouth finds my ear. “You’ll take everything I give you and then some like the good girl you are.”
He slaps my ass, and a scream flies out of me. I grab the nearest pillow and bite down onto it.
The next time I reach the cusp of orgasm, he bites into my hip at the same time and sends me screaming into the void, the pain more pleasurable than anything. He’s right there with me, and as the last quakes of our orgasms begin to fade, he pulls me into his arms and holds me close.
“Mine,” he says possessively, kissing the bite on my neck.
“Yours,” I concur and pull his wrist and mimic him by placing a gentle kiss where his wound was. His is mostly faded, thanks to his fast healing.
Ilovethis man—vampire, fallen angel, whatever you wantto call him—more than I ever believed it was possible to love another. It’s not just the mate bond that has me feeling that way. It’shim. Valen represents everything good and right in the world. He’s too pure, too special, to have endured the things he has.
I’m almost fully asleep when I hear him murmur, “Forever will never be enough time with you, but I’ll take everything I can get.”
CHAPTER 57
AVA
Arcane loomsin front of us like a shiny beacon of wealth. People dressed to the nines ascend the stairs and flash invites before being let in by the doormen.
My heart threatens to implode with how fast it’s beating. This amount of opulence all in one place is a tad overwhelming.
“Wow,” I marvel as my eyes dart around. “Are you sure we’re allowed here for this?”
“I told you; I’ve got us. I know a guy,” Zav scoffs and adjusts his tux. “Or five.”
Our limousine slows to a stop in front of the building. The driver comes around to open the door and extends a hand for me to take. I start to do exactly that when Valen pops out in front of me and shoulders the man out of the way. He’s been particularly possessive since we sealed the mating bond a few nights ago and it’s kind of hot. Okay,veryhot.
He’s been a bit different too. In a good way. Lighter. Freer.
“My lady.” Valen bows slightly and I take his strong hand with a smile.
Zav and Celine file out behind me, followed by Levi and Luna. I brush my skirt down and blow out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. The whole gala has not just me, but our whole group on edge.
One might say it’s dumb to go into the belly of the beast, but we’re not going to find answers elsewhere. Last night we sat down and planned how we wanted the night to go. We’re each equipped with multiple exit routes and plans to follow in case things go awry, but we will investigate as much as we can. Whoever is messing with Zav seems to be pointing to the hotel and even though nothing seems out of the ordinary yet, I can’t help the chill that races down my spine.
I look around for signs of anyone who sticks out, but so far everyone looks like they belong.
I smooth a clammy palm down my dress. I can’t help but wish I was better prepared for this—that my magic came easier to me and I was prepared to fight. But the fact is, learning that kind of magic takes time and a deep understanding of even the most basic of spells. That knowledge doesn’t keep me from being annoyed, though.
“Ladies, here are your invites,” Zav says as he passes us gold foil–detailed papers. In scrawling script, it details the gala and welcomes us to the annual event.
“Daddy Valentine, here’s yours,” he laughs as he hands it to my mate, who scowls in response.
Zav glances at Levi and shoves his invitation against his chest with a huff before joining Celine again.
The vampire and demon’s relationship is very back and forth. Zav is currently angry with Levi for not sharing his bowl of Cheez-Its even though he doesn’t need human food to survive. Apparently neither of them particularlyenjoys the cracker snack, and yet Zav argued it’s the principle of sharing is caring.
“Let’s roll,” I sigh and pick up my dress to start the hike up the stairs.
After showing our invites, we’re escorted inside and I gawk at the decor that wasn’t there before.
Both human-looking supernaturals and those with horns, tails, wings, and more mill about in harmony. My eyes bounce around as I take everything in. It’s incredible.
