Page 61 of Bellamy

Phoenix nodded. “In the vision, Asa saw all of you dead. It’s why he’s so cocky about this war. It’s also why he’s desperate to get his hands on Lucifer’s sword. The seer said if he wielded Light Bringer, that future was certain. All of you would die by his hand.”

Silence.

“So you see?” Phoenix told Alastair. “Even if you placed that sword in front of me right now, I wouldn’t touch it. Because handing it over to Asa would set that vision into motion and kill my mate. As twisted as I am on the inside, I’m also incredibly selfish. And the pain of losing Bellamy would be too much to stomach.”

I touched his hand, our knuckles lightly bumping. He slid his palm against mine and linked our fingers.

His reasons might’ve been skewed, but I had been right. He wouldn’t betray me. Confusion still lingered in my head—and heart. Holding Phoenix’s hand was a huge leap from the threats I’d given him in an attempt to deny my feelings. But I had made my decision.

Maybe I was a bit selfish too.

Alastair watched Phoenix for several moments before giving a subtle nod. “I believe you. Yet, it will take much more for me to trust you.”

“I couldn’t care less if you trusted me, Pride. I’m not trying to be your friend.”

“Watch yourself, demon. You’re in my house. I can kick you out whenever I see fit.”

“He’s using his daddy voice again,” Gray whispered to Mason. His “whisper” was really loud though.

Alastair’s gaze shifted to me. My eyes changed to the same shade as Joseph’s, his human lover who had died last year. The human hadn’t been his mate, but my brother had loved him. Deeply. He had mourned Joseph’s death, and although his heart had healed, I feared it would always be a little broken.

“I’ll give you the same lecture I gave to the others,” he said. “If your mate brings trouble into this house, I’m holding you accountable. And make no mistake, Iwillkill him if I need to.”

“Yeah. I understand.”

“Then I hope you also understand why I’m hesitant to allow him to walk around freely.”

“Al…”

Phoenix rolled his eyes. “He’s worried I’m going toblinkout of here and give up your location.”

“Or drive another dagger into someone’s back,” Castor said.

“I didn’t mean to stab Kyo,” Phoenix told him. “If you remember correctly, it wasyouI aimed for. He jumped in the way to save you.”

“That’s supposed to make it better?” Castor asked. “God, I wish you weren’t Bell’s mate. I would’ve had so much fun skinning you alive.”

“I have an idea that might help.” Clara leaned against the arm of the couch Raiden was sitting on and grabbed a slice of pizza off his plate. It was clear how much the witch was loved by us that he allowed her to do it. “Well, I can’t help with the dagger thing. But I can with the teleportation.”

“Oh?” Phoenix scowled at her. “And how will you do that?”

She took a bite of the pizza and smiled.

What was she up to?

***

“I’m not wearing that.” Phoenix shook his head. “No way in hell.”

“Ah, come on.” I slipped my arms around him, my soul purring when his woodsmoke scent tickled my nose. “I think you’ll look sexy as fuck.”

Lust rumbled in agreement.

“A collar? Really?” Phoenix snarled and went over to the balcony doors in my bedroom. The moon shone bright, as did the stars. In his irritation, he had changed into his demon form. Dark horns sprouted from his auburn hair, and black tattoo-like swirls peeked out from the sleeves of his shirt.

Ormyshirt, I should say.

Clara had taken the idea of the magic cuffs I’d worn in the underworld and applied it to the collar. She added warding that prevented the wearer from tapping into their magic. It wouldn’t drain his energy though. I had made sure of that. I didn’t want Phoenix to wear chains, so this was the next best thing.