Her words shattered the game he’d initiated and brought to light an aspect of their meeting he’d always questioned.
He faced her. “How did you end up in Hell that night? Only angels are allowed in my realm. By the Triad’s law, no other heavenly being is permitted here.”
“The angel Lucifer found me crying and in pain.” She linked her arms around Arawn’s waist and pillowed her head on his chest. “He vowed to ease my suffering.”
Arawn tensed, and a sense of trepidation settled over him; one he could not fight. Whatever deal Minerva and Lucifer had struck had been made before Arawn had known her.
“In exchange for what?” Something of great value, he’d guess. The winged warriors were as cunning as they were principled.
Minerva glanced away. “It matters little now. I made a deal and paid the price. I do not regret my choice. Without Lucifer’s intervention, I never would have found you.”
He wanted to argue but knew it would do little good. They both had made choices; some good, some bad. None could be erased.
Words had power, and a vow made should never be broken. Damnation found those who did.
“I am glad you came.” Arawn brushed his lips over hers. “And yes, you awakened a part of me that had been buried beneath the veil of never-ending wrath I have lived with.”
“And allowed you to feel.”
More than he’d thought possible. Besides love and desire, she’d taught him empathy, not only for the wronged but also for the damned, whether they were heavenly beings or humans. Before Minerva, no soul who’d entered his realm left it or escaped the full punishment deserving of their crime. Because of her, he was able to offer redemption to some sinners, a concept he’d never considered in the endless years he’d ruled alone.
He closed his eyes. “Yes.”
“You strengthen me, as I do you.” She laid the tips of her fingers on his jaw. “I can’t help but wonder if that is the true reason Lucifer brought us together.”
The reason no longer mattered. They had found each other.
Healed each other.
He skimmed his hands over the erect tips of her plump breasts, then down her stomach to the patch of silver curls between her legs. She widened them, inviting him to touch her. Instead of taking her up on her offer, he toyed with the soft hairs at the top of her sex and let the anticipation build.
A long moment passed before she grasped his wrist and squeezed. “Do not tease me.”
He waited a few seconds more, then gave her what she wanted, pushing two fingers into her body. “You love me, don’t you?”
She peered at him from under hooded eyes. “You need to ask?”
No, but he needed the words fresh in his memory. What he planned would drive a wedge between them. He would do everything in his power to earn her forgiveness once he returned. Gaining it might never happen. The recollection of their time together might be all that would comfort him in the years to come. The risk of losing her wouldn’t stop him, however.
Never again would he choose love over duty.
A lump formed in his throat. He swallowed past the weakness and focused on the woman who owned him.
“I am a demanding male.” He stroked her inner muscles and curled his fingertips until she offered up a shaky sigh. “You have said so often enough.”
She lifted one corner of her mouth on a smile that promised ecstasy. “And I am a stubborn female. If you want the words, you will have to convince me they are worth uttering.”
“As I did the first time?”
She squeezed his shaft. His air rushed out on a surge of lust. He thrust against her tight grip, but she eased her clenching hold on his cock before he could enjoy the pressure.
“Yes, my dark lord.” She stepped closer. The move pushed his fingers deeper into her body. “Remind me of why I completed our union.”
He’d initiated their mate bond. She could’ve easily broken it, destroying his one and only chance of having a mate. Instead, she’d whispered the words “I love you” as he spilled himself inside her, completing them both.
And how will I return her love? By destroying her trust?
No! He didn’t have a choice. Neither did she. His mate would eventually accept the truth and the reason behind his actions.
And if she didn’t, he would have his memories of what it was like to be whole. It was enough.
He held the words close and shoved the debilitating doubt away. His path was set.
“With pleasure.” He yanked his fingers from her body. Hands on her hips, he pushed her. She fell, sinking into the feather mattress. He followed her down, pinning her to the bed. In one quick move, he caught her wrists and tugged them above her head.
“I was surprised you accepted my claim so soon.”
He traced the overlapping circles seared onto her palm. The mark served as a warning to all that she was taken. He wore his mated status with dual-ringed eyes, her dark gray encompassing his pupil and setting off the lighter silver of his eyes. Combined with his nearly white hair and darkly tanned skin, he’d been called mesmerizing by many of the inhabitants of the Underworld. He never cared what anyone thought about him. Only Minerva’s opinion mattered.
He kissed her hand. “I didn’t exactly give you the chance to learn about me.”
She smirked. “Nor did you ask my permission.”
He closed his eyes. Although she’d been more than willing to accept the sex he’d offered, mating her hadn’t been discussed. As was his right, he’d claimed her, giving her his body and soul.
Giving her everything and knowing his devotion might never be returned.
“Look at me.” Her command slammed into him. He couldn’t deny her. She was his equal. He glanced at her face. Love shown in her eyes, along with desire. “Do not forget I
