The Devil's Kiss - By Stacey Kennedy Page 0,72

anyone else besides him. He was all I ever wanted, and I would make it my job to see that he was always happy, cared for, and safe.

When he drew away, he wiped the tears off my face with his fingers. “I knew my plan would lead us to this.”

“I’m sorry I have been so difficult,” I whispered, shamefully. And I meant it. I was wrong to reject him, and shame sunk deep that he had to go to such measures to get my help when he needed it. That would never happen again. More than that, too, I refused his interest in me. Which at the present, I couldn’t quite remember the reasons for denying him for so long. The only thing I knew was that I had. Nothing about that felt good.

“That is long forgotten,” Magnus smiled gloriously, “Nothing will separate us, now.” Then, he kissed my lips softly. Not desire filled, but showing that he wanted nothing more than to share his life, his duty as Lord of the Underworld with me.

“Let us rejoice in our new leader,” Azar shouted, sending the entire crowd to erupt in screams of delight.

Just as the crowd silenced, Azar took my hand in his and with it came a blast of pain between my shoulder blades just at the base of my neck. “What was that?” I screamed out, then reached up to touch the mark of pain. My skin felt raw and sore.

“You have been marked as a ruler of the Underworld.” He handed me two mirrors, which appeared out of thin air. “This is the mark you have been granted.”

I raised the mirrors and moved my hair to the side to reveal a black willow tree that looked more tribal than anything. It was beautiful. The longer I looked at it, I noticed it slowly moved, weaved around itself.

A willow tree.

Here was that damn tree again. What was and the connection between me and this friggin tree? My confusion continued as I met Azar’s gaze. “Why a tree?” My voice was puzzled.

“This is the mark you have been given,” Azar told me simply. “It holds special meaning to you.”

What special meaning?

Azar took the mirrors and when he did, they simply vanished. “It is an exquisite mark for a unique being.”

“What mark do you have?” I asked Magnus.

He turned around, and removed his shirt to reveal a black serpentine that was gloriously dark. I ran my fingers across it, marveled at its beauty. It seemed to move with my touch, followed my movements.

“This is my family’s crest,” Magnus told me quietly. “Now that you have been granted yours, your followers can draw this mark into their ruin to serve as an offering to you.”

“Oh! Does that mean that I have accepted the darkness now?” I asked hopeful.

Azar shook his head, answering for Magnus. “Not at this time. We will save that for another time.”

My heart sank. I wanted to accept it. To be a complete part of Magnus realm.

Magnus looked inquisitively at Azar. “Why wait?”

“Let us make it a beautiful thing,” Azar responded with a grin. “These ceremonies were necessary, but I believe that you and Lady Nexi will get more enjoyment out of the process if you are alone.”

Magnus eyes went molten. “Yes, you are right,” he told him. “It will be quite enjoyable alone.”

“I don’t want to wait,” I told him angrily.

He laughed and kissed my lips before he said, “I want you to be naked, and my body pleasuring you when I give you the magic. It will make for a more intense experience.”

Warmth spread right through me and lingered right between my thighs. “Mmm, sounds good,” I purred, slowly rubbing my hand down his chest until I met the hard bulge in his pants.

Magnus groaned at the contact.

A deep gasp drew my eyes away. I glanced toward it to see Kyden shaking tremendously. Why was he looking so unhappy? “What…” I started.

Something stung within me. Just as quickly, it vanished, leaving only questions to remain.

Why wasn’t Kyden thrilled like everyone else? If he respected me at all, he would be ecstatic that I have finally found my soul mate. He was being selfish, and that thought made me hate every bone in his body. He was just jealous of my happiness. Now, I was only too glad that Magnus was going to make him suffer for it.

Magnus took my chin in hand, drawing my eyes back to him. “That is no concern of yours. Go stand