The Devil's Kiss - By Stacey Kennedy Page 0,71

reasons for it. Kyden was nothing to me. There were no feelings there. What could this be about? Why was he so intent on keeping someone who cared nothing for him and wanted to be with someone else? None of it made any sense.

Magnus gave me a reassuring squeeze and a soft smile. “He is after something that does not belong to him is all. Don’t fret, this will not take long and then we can be alone.”

I nodded, fully confident that he would handle Kyden quickly. The Guardian didn’t stand a chance at defeating him, which made me wonder why he would even bother. He was committing suicide. My confusion deepened, I had better things to do than witnessing this stupid fight. “Make it fast,” I told him, giving him a quick peck on the lips.

Magnus’ eyes flared with heat as he read my lustful intentions. “There is something we must do first and I want the Guardian to see this.” He pulled me into the center of the auditorium, then turned to the crowd, his voice rang out with authority. “Welcome all.”

When he wrapped his arm around me, I sank in beside him. It felt so right to be encased in his warmth. So good in fact, I could only wonder how I ever lived without him.

Magnus continued, “Before we see to this challenge, it is in my right to claim what is mine, and I will do so.”

The room applauded and I laughed. Most looked as thrilled as I was. This was perfect in every way. Finally, my life was going to settle into something great and I owed that to Magnus. I wouldn’t see death anymore—no more pain—just happiness.

“Azar come to us. Seal our bond.”

A Warlock stepped forward. He was old and powerful, and looked oddly familiar, but I just couldn’t place him. He had long white hair that swept across his body in the most masculine way. His face was scruffy, his gray eyes deep.

He stopped in front of me and took my hand in his. “It is a pleasure, Lady Nexi.” Then, held up a long black dress that was cut low in the front and the back.

Magnus stepped in front of me, unclipped my bra, then let my kilt fall to the floor. His gaze roamed over my bare breasts and smiled sensually. Normally, I’d feel embarrassed standing naked in a room of strangers, but with Magnus’ smoldering eyes at me, I could hardly care.

Desire burned through me.

He ran his hands down my arms, lifted them above my head, and slowly draped the dress down my body. When it settled into place, it fit perfectly—everything was perfect.

“Now you look just as you should to rule the Underworld.” Magnus smiled, and lightly kissed my lips. Then, he backed away and turned to Azar, giving him a nod to begin.

“Lord Magnus you have been given a wonderful gift in our Lady Nexi. Is it your wish to take her as your Lady?” he asked Magnus.

Magnus smiled gloriously. “It is my wish.”

I gave him a little kiss for that.

Azar looked to me, happiness nearly glowed on his features. “Is it your wish Lady Nexi to accept Lord Magnus as your Lord?”

“Nexi,” Kyden roared a desperate plea.

My gaze hit his, Talon had him on the ground now, forcing him still¯by the look of the strain on Talon’s face, it wasn’t an easy task. Only adding to my confusion of what this was all about. Why was he so angered?

A finger came under my chin before I could finish my thought. I allowed my head to turn, Magnus gave a soft smile. “It is time to hear your answer,” he said.

Focused back on him, I returned the smiled. “Yes, it’s my wish to bond with you.” Tears glistened my eyes. How could I be so lucky? Magnus was everything I ever dreamed of. Tall, dark and handsome—perfectly mine.

“Before you followers, and as my right within the Underworld, I hereby declare that Lord Magnus and Lady Nexi have now recognized their wish to seal their bond before us.” Then, he nodded toward Magnus. “Take her my Lord, seal your bond.”

Magnus wistfully pulled me into his arms and kissed me deep enough that left me weak in the knees.

In an instant, my soul screamed out in happiness as our bond settled into place. A joining, which had me feeling him deeper, experiencing what he had, tying our magical abilities together. I felt stronger than ever. I never needed nothing, or