“Hey,” Ethon whispered.
I smiled. “What?”
“Your eyes were distant. Where were you?”
“Just thinking about the future,” I answered.
“Well, it must not have been too good,” he added.
I narrowed my eyes on him. “You were watching me that closely?”
“You’re in my arms. How can I possibly take my eyes off you?”
My cheeks heated.
The bond continued to weaken my defenses, making me vulnerable. I could feel the walls I’d built up against him slowly start to crumble away. With his touch, I was becoming unglued.
Damn bond.
IT WASN’T MUCH LONGER BEFORE we finally reached the portal. Without slowing down, he dove straight toward the huge tree and did a spin as we entered. I held my scream down to a squeal, which made him laugh.
We went from complete darkness to beautiful, bright blue sky.
He set me down right next to the little lake. As I stepped back, he didn’t release his grip.
“Leaving so soon?” he asked, a playful look in his eyes.
I leaned into him, but didn’t say a word. He held me, the bond twining and curling itself tightly around us. I closed my eyes and sent my thoughts back to Kade, Alaine, and Samuel. I had to remain strong, because the bond was hard to resist.
Ethon exhaled loudly, then stepped back and let me go.
“I don’t know why you try so hard to fight what is supposed to be. It’s a natural thing.”
“It’s not natural. It’s magic.”
“Call it what you will, but the bond was created perfect. To seek and find two immortal hearts who were destined to conjoin for all eternity. It’s as simple as that. You, my dear Emma, are complicating it.”
I shook my head. “No. The bond screwed up on me. It gave me two choices.”
“And you are torn,” he answered.
I sighed, not sure if I should answer. “Yes and no.”
His arms crossed over his chest. “Explain.”
“Yes, I am torn because the bond chose two men who are my perfect match. And no, because one of those men has become mortal, and will die long before I do.”
“I’m glad to see you’re being rational. He shouldn’t be an option anymore. Kade could never protect you the way I can. You’ll be the one babysitting his ass as he grows older and weaker. I mean, it would be weird because eventually he will look old enough to be your grandfather.”
“Don’t,” I snapped. I felt anger rise within me. One – because he was putting Kade down, and two – because he was right. My heart and mind were warring. My life was a continuous freaking nightmare.
“I need to ask you something, and I need you to tell me the truth,” I said, looking into his eyes.
“Ask away,” he said with a grin.
“Would you be willing to forsake your father for me?”
He hesitated and I could see a look of confusion in his eyes. “You don’t have to answer that,” I said quickly, trying to move on.
His appearance softened. “Emma, you don’t understand. You will always have my heart. I will protect you, and you will be my one true love and mate for all eternity. You will be taken care of in the best possible way. If you would just give in to our bond we could finally be together as intended.” He stepped forward, taking me into his arms, crushing his mouth over mine. His kiss was firm and eager.
Pulling back he gestured to a spot under the tree. “I’d like to just sit and talk for a little while. It’s not often I get to have you all to myself. Come, sit with me.” He sat himself down next to the bank of the small lake and pulled me down into his space, setting me right between his legs. My back was resting on his chest as his arms wrapped tightly around me. I could feel his warm breath tickle the back of my ear.
“I need you to know I will love you like you’ve never been loved before. For the rest of your life you will be satisfied, and I will do whatever is in my power to make you happy.” He kissed my cheek then spoke ever so softly into my ear. “Once we’ve sealed the bond, I would stand up to my father. You will be mine to guard and protect. My bonded. My love.”
His words made my heart thump a little faster. I closed my eyes and imagined a life with Ethon, and then a flash of his father’s face, and his wicked eyes, came into perfect focus. He would always be there to make sure we were part of his agenda… hidden or not.
Ethon said he would stand up to his father, but I saw how he’d submitted and cowered when his father spoke to him. Even if he didn’t want to admit it, his father had the upper hand. He was ruler of the Fallen and the Underworld – he had been for centuries. Did Ethon really think he could stand up to him? Maybe he would once we were fully bonded and I was his for all eternity. Who knew?