Page 76 of Jace
“No, you’re not.”
“You’re right.”
I can’t lie to Vivian about my dark side. I’m a hundred layers of love, but at my core is a rage for those who hurt others. I become an animal able to destroy another, preying on the innocent.
Yes, it’s because of what my father did to me, my mother, and my brothers. I’d almost apologize for it if we didn’t need predators to stop their kind.
But I refocus on who I’ll always protect. “Just stay strong, Smokeshow. Make sure that fucker and his cousins play golf all day, while you have an ice-cream-themed bridesmaid brunch to endure today. It’ll be a struggle. The restaurant doesn’t serve your favorite Earl Grey crème brûlée.”
She blurts out, impressed. “Did you alreadycasethe event?”
“For you, I’m five steps ahead of everything.”
Her pause is long. It makes me hold my breath as I dive into this feeling with her.
“I miss you.” She sighs.
“Miss you too.”
“Is it just me who feels this beautiful pull?” she asks. “The power of knowing you for so long mixed with the passion of us being new?”
My heart jolts, aching, overflowing. “No, I feel it too. This storm of lust, finally touching you, and this calm lo—” I gulp, don’t know if she’s ready. “This peace from our deep friendship.”
“Mmm.” Her sigh tickles my spine. “Can I ask you something?”
“Yes, it’s hard for you.”
Her husky giggle only makes it harder. “It’s about the kings and queens.” This pause is tender. “Did you mean it, that you want me to beyourqueen?”
Everything inside me roars at the same time it quiets to my only truth.
I have to close my eyes at the regret she isn’t right in front of me when I answer, “Yes, I’d be honored if you’d be my queen, Vivian Tate.”
I wanted to make a grand romantic gesture, but I won’t leave her vulnerable and questioning us. She’s put up with enough volatility from her ex for me not to be the most certain safe force in her life.
Her question is so pure. “What will it mean to be your queen?”
It’ll mean my dream came true. My destiny is fulfilled. Done. Married to you. Children with you. Taking pictures of our grandkids on the beach. I can see it; me, drawing my last breath, holding your hand.
“It means I want to have this conversation with you when you’re in my arms again.”
Another pause. I can tell she’s still lying in bed; her breath is changing. “And you told me there’s a ritual. When a queen receives her first king and her second king, and I can’t stop wondering what happens.”
It has my cock swelling even more.
I had heard every word Vivian’s ex threatened her with.
Like, fuck, if I wasn’t standing steps away, ready to snap his neck if he touched her. I’d suspected the secret she’s been keeping from me about that video, but I won’t push her. I won’t make her feel even more exposed than she already is.
Once Vivian is rid of this threat. Once she knows she can be free with me. Once she believes she’ll never be judged again, she’ll only be worshipped—that’s when she’ll tell me.
And honestly, I don’t know about our ritual.
It’s changing.
The kings and queens met last month and agreed it should be different for Alena, who’s next. Loch wants to initiate her next week. He’s just waiting for me and Grant to come home.
As our first princess becoming a queen, Alena’s initiation will establish a new precedent. Our bonds will change.
