Page 108 of Lucifer's Mirror

Trystan snorts. “I think you’re the only one he will listen to.” He studies me through narrowed eyes. “I just don’t get it. What is it about you?”

“My lovely personality,” I suggest flippantly.

His expression hardens. “Just talk to him. Khronus has promised you won’t be harmed.”

That’s another lie, but I don’t push him on it. I’ve had enough of his company. “I’ll think about it.” I turn to go again, but at that moment, Khaosti appears from the tree line. He takes in the two of us, and a frown forms between his eyes.

He stalks toward us, all leashed power. I get the distinct idea that he’s not a happy bunny. A low growl rumbles from his chest, and his eyes gleam feral as he stops in front of the other man. “Piss off, Trystan. I fucking told you not to go near her.” His voice is low and rough-edged.

Trystan licks his lips. For the first time, I see real fear in his face. “We were just—”

“I don’t fucking care. Get out of here now.”

Trystan scowls. He looks at me, then back at Khaosti. Something he sees there must convince him it’s in his best interests to leave. He gives a curt nod, then walks off in the direction Khaosti appeared from.

I watch until he disappears into the trees, then turn to face Khaosti.

His eyes are gleaming, his body tense.

Another growl rumbles in his chest as he reaches for me.

Chapter 50

When I Ask Khaosti to Choose

Avoiceinmyheadscreams for me to run.

But I don’t because excitement is fizzing in my blood. Most of me knows that Khaosti won’t hurt me, despite the edge of danger that always accompanies him. So I hold myself totally still as his big warm hand slides under my hair and cups the back of my neck. He moves even closer, so his body brushes mine and my nostrils fill with the musky scent of him—smoke and spices. The combination makes my head swoon.

I stare up into his face, my gaze caught by his hot, hungry eyes.

He’s angry about something. And he wants me. I suspect he can’t decide whether to kiss me or shout at me.

I don’t have to wait long to find out.

I hold myself very still as he lowers his head to mine and takes my lips in a savage kiss. His mouth is hard, and he nips at my lips, which part for him. His tongue is hot velvet, and he shoves it in my mouth. I can feel that he’s teetering on the edge of losing control. But instead of scaring me, the idea excites me. A lot. I bite at his mouth, and my tongue battles with his, pushing and retreating. I’m crazy for the taste of him. He wraps an arm around my waist just in time as my legs go out from under me. He pulls me against his body, and I can feel his hardness pressed against my belly.

He definitely wants me.

And he can have me. I have no intention of stopping this. I want him, all of him. I rub myself against his erection, and he groans into my mouth. Then he kisses me some more, and my head starts to spin. I need to breathe, but I don’t ever want to stop. Every cell in my body is focused on one thing only—Khaosti and the way his kisses make me wild.

But there’s something hovering at the edge of my mind. Something huge. At first, I think it’s the shadowguard again, but this is different from anything I’ve ever felt before.

I don’t want to, but I go still against him, trying to grasp whatever is loitering at the edge of my consciousness. It’s just out of reach.

As if sensing my distraction, Khaosti raises his head and stares down at me. “What is it?” he asks.

And the moment is gone. Whatever it was has vanished as though it never existed, and I want to scream.

“Amber? What is it? Are you all right?”

I shake my head. But the connection between us is broken as well, and a wave of regret washes through me. “I’m fine. I just had this weird feeling for a second.”

He steps back and studies me, his gaze wandering over my features as though he can read my mind if he looks hard enough. “You think it might be your memory coming back?”

“I don’t know. Maybe. But it’s gone now.” There was definitely something there. Could it be my memory? I search inside my head, but… nothing. “I need to go see Hecate,” I say. Maybe she’ll know.

“Just wait a moment. We have to talk,” he mutters, as if he doesn’t want to say the words.