Page 11

Although Killian had warned her, Seneca was still completely blown away by her first glimpse of the villa on the Amalfi coast.

He teleported them directly to the circular driveway in front of the villa just in time to see the stunning view of the sun rising over the vibrant blue water of the Tyrrhenian Sea. As the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, a brilliant array of pink, orange, and pale gold hues chased away the dark shadows of night.

The calm sea glittered like tiny diamonds where the sun’s rays touched the surface, and gentle waves lapped along the shoreline. Lush greenery covered the tall cliffs that hovered like watchful sentinels over the stacked tiers of houses, and the vibrant colors of the buildings added to the picturesque scenery.

The villa’s exterior was pristine white, with large balconies and wide glass windows. On the ground level was an enclosed terrace that extended out of the building that was covered with citrus laden trellises and there was a small area that was overflowing with fresh herbs and lemon trees that perfumed the air. Off to the side was a large pool that was lined with Mediterranean cypress trees for privacy and several lounge chairs were laid with a clear view of the sea.

As the sea breeze caressed her face and she breathed in the salty air, Seneca felt the tension she’d been carrying slowly drain from her body. For the first time in what felt like forever, she actually felt like she was truly alive again. But what made that moment a million times better was having Killian by her side.

Experiencing the pleasures of life with someone who mattered was a gift. She had never really dated before, but she didn’t need experience to understand what they had together was special. Killian was the one person who could help make sense of the madness that had become her life, and feeling the warmth of his hand against hers was a reminder that she was no longer alone in the universe.

That was the real beauty of having a mate. It was knowing she had a partner who would be with her through the good times and the bad. There was no need for vows between them. They didn’t need to make promises or assure each other with words. Everything between them was clear through their mating bond. Their bond was unbreakable, impervious to any force. No one would ever come between them, and their connection would only grow stronger with time.

“It’s so beautiful here,” she whispered.

The idyllic setting seemed suited for soft words rather than loud voices. The streets would soon be busy with sound and movement once people began to wake and prepare for the day ahead. But for now, it seemed like the dawn belonged to just the two of them.

“I am pleased you like it. I can take you through the town once I give you the tour of the villa and grounds and introduce you to—” Killian’s smile shifted into a fierce scowl. “What in hellfire is that?”

Seneca followed his gaze toward the side of the wide driveway leading up to the villa’s entrance. Sitting on one of the stone benches was a beautiful arrangement of glowing flowers in a black vase with a pretty silver ribbon wrapped around the base.

“Your name is on the card,” he growled.

“Could they be from Arson or someone at The Manor?” she asked.

“Only a few people from The Manor could get past the protection wards surrounding the property, but they wouldn’t dare to come here without permission. Who the fuck is sending flowers to my mate?” Killian roared.

Dario appeared a few feet away still dressed in his armor. “What’s wrong, boss?”

When Killian gestured toward the flowers, Dario turned toward them with a scowl.

“Those definitely weren’t here when I brought the car back.”

“Someone was on the property. Take Anika, Tatum, Callum, and Jaylen to scan for a point of entry. I want to know how someone got in here without us knowing.”

Dario bowed his head, then disappeared.

Seneca knew from her mate that those were the other Guardians who currently lived at the villa. With so many people on the premises, she couldn’t fathom how someone had managed to bypass them as well as sneak through Killian’s protection wards. That seemed like an impossible feat, which meant whoever managed it had to be a very powerful supernatural.

“At least they didn’t make it into the villa,” she pointed out.

“They couldn’t get in even if they tried. The property is protected, but we kept it light since we often have deliveries and visitors dropping by. As long as someone doesn’t have bad intentions, they won’t be harmed. The villa is different. There are countless layers of spells, runes, and wards guarding the villa that I’ve added to over the years. It would take years for even the strongest of the gods to get through. And the moment they tried to break in, I would know. Whoever was here probably sensed that and didn’t even attempt it.”

That helped her relax. She understood why he was so upset about the security breach, but he had stated that no one with bad intentions could enter the property. That meant whoever had visited them hadn’t meant to cause them harm. Still, after this, she had a feeling the entire property was going to be locked down just like the villa. There would be no safer place in the Human Realm once he was finished.

For now, she was curious about who had sent the flowers to her. Stepping forward, she reached for the card, but Killian put his hand over hers to stop her.

“Don’t touch it. Let me.”

Giving in, she nodded and waited while he lifted the card out of the bouquet. Her name had been written in calligraphy on the front, and he turned it over so they could read the message on the back.

Congratulations on finding your mate and for successfully earning the right to remain in the current timeline. Try not to die again and enjoy your rebirth!

“What the actual fuck?” Seneca stared at the card in disbelief. “Someone knows that I was reborn? But how? How could they know I had to earn the right to remain here?”

“It has to be another god.”

Anika appeared a few feet away from them. “We found no break in the wards. Dario and the others have already begun reinforcing the wards around the property with new safeguards.”

“Good. And the boy?”

“He is settled in the containment room.” When Anika smiled, there was a wicked gleam in her eyes. “I’m going back down to the dungeon to spend some more time with our guest. I’m still not convinced she gave us all the information she has on the black market.”

“Have fun,” Killian said.

With a nod, she disappeared.

“We have a dungeon?” Seneca asked.

“We do. Would you like to see it?”

“I think I’ll pass on that for now.”

Killian launched a fireball of black flames at the bouquet of flowers, immediately turning it into a pile of ash. The total destruction of the flowers made her want to laugh, but she didn’t think he would appreciate that at the moment. The sight of the black flames did make her curious, though.

“I saw black flames like that when I was in the Hell Realm with those gods.”

That made him pause. “With the new God of Souls and Goddess of Revenge? We haven’t discussed that part of your story yet. Perhaps we should pay them a visit.”

“We can’t. In this timeline, they aren’t even gods yet. They warned me only to contact them as a last resort since reaching out to them now might disrupt when they meet their mates.” She placed a hand on his arm to stop him from arguing. “I wouldn’t want someone to come between us.”

He sighed. “You’re right. But you said they have devil fire? I must know them, then.”

“Probably not the Goddess of Revenge. She was a low-level witch before she was chosen to become a god. But the God of Souls…is Braxton Lightbringer.”

“Lucifer’s son?” Killian laughed. “Well, fuck. It all makes sense now. I helped train that little asshole when he was younger. He also comes here to the villa whenever he needs a break away from his father. Does Luc know about them sending you back in time?”

“I don’t know. Considering they had to shove my soul into a cat to even speak to me, I didn’t get a chance to meet him during my brief visit.”

“They did what to your soul? You know what? Never mind. I think I need to wait until I’m a little calmer before I hear the rest of this story.”

Since he was still upset about the intruder, she said, “At least whoever sent the flowers doesn’t seem to be hostile.”

“They still got through my protection wards. For that alone, they need to be punished,” Killian said darkly.

“I’m sure that will be fun for you.” She smiled as she patted his chest, then she slid her hands up and wound her arms around his neck. “The good news is I get to stay. I guess that means you really are stuck with me now.”

She let out a loud gasp as he swept her into his arms. He leaned down and brushed his lips against her forehead. “Being stuck with you is exactly where I want to be.”

Instead of going up the steps to the entrance, he immediately teleported them directly into the villa. She glanced around the bedroom they arrived in and smiled when she realized how well it suited her. The room had a definite gothic feel to it, with dark wooden furniture, ornate carvings, and rich fabrics. Gossamer curtains danced in the sea breeze that drifted in from the open double balcony doors, and the pale morning sunlight filtered in, filling the room with warm and a soft, ethereal glow.

In the center of the room was an enormous four-poster bed draped with dark curtains that would completely block out the light. The frame was intricately carved with elaborate designs, and a mountain of plush pillows was piled onto the burgundy comforter that covered the bed. He didn’t seem like a pillow stacker, and the thought of watching him manually doing it made her want to grin.

Staring at the bed gave her other ideas that replaced any thought of humor with something far darker. She wondered what he slept in at night, then imagined him sprawled out on the bed with nothing but a silk sheet draped over his body.

He let out a growl as he tossed her onto the bed, his larger body coming down on top of her so that she was completely caged in. “Those are dangerous thoughts, mate.”

She smiled up at him, not the least bit afraid. Now that she didn’t have to worry about being sent back to the Hell Realm for her soul to be recycled, she could focus on fully enjoying her life with Killian. Things were moving fast between them, but why wait? She was ready to experience everything she had missed out on during her last life.

Starting with loving her mate.

Killian remained still as she lifted her head and pressed her lips against his. He kept his eyes open, unwilling to tear his gaze away from hers. He’d been fascinated ever since her gray eyes had started glowing silver. Watching the physical changes his magic was manifesting in her filled him with pride. It was proof of their mating bond and his claim on her.

The simple kiss was enough to ignite a firestorm of need within him. He knew he should take things slow even though the need to have her was like a compulsion, pushing him closer toward madness with every beat of his heart.

He wanted her.

No, want was too simple a word to describe what he felt for her.

What he felt for her was a desperate hunger for her that he would never be free of. It was an endless yearning that could never be sated and would only grow stronger with each passing day.

But he didn’t want to be free.

He wanted to be chained to her, bound for all eternity so they would never be separated.

The mating bond between them was all-consuming. Fate might have brought them together, but it wasn’t what made him love her. All it had taken for that to happen was for him to catch a glimpse inside her mind and heart. He loved who she was, not what she was to him.

And he would continue loving her until the end of everything.

“That’s a long time,” she tried to say lightly, but her voice was thick with emotion.

“It is the truth. I will love you until the six realms no longer exist. And even then, I will follow you into the great unknown.”

She swallowed hard before saying, “I love you, too. My mind is telling me that it’s too fast for that, but my heart already knows it’s true. You are my mate, the other half of my soul. No more waiting. Make me yours, Killian.”

“You already are, as I am yours.”

If she was ready, there was no point in holding back. Gone were the restrictions he had placed on himself. With a hungry growl, he bent down and claimed her mouth in a scorching kiss that was filled with all the passion and longing he felt for her.

When she wrapped her arms around his neck and clung to him, he settled himself more firmly on top of her. Unable to tolerate anything between them, he used his magic to remove their clothing. He captured her gasp of surprise, then swept his tongue inside her mouth to taste her laughter.

“You cheated. Removing our clothes with magic is like using a cheat code,” she said through their bond.

He broke the kiss to look down at her. “Is that a bad thing?”

“No. It’s good. Really, really good. Magic is awesome.”

Claiming her mouth in another possessive kiss, he took what he wanted and gave her everything he had in return. As he continued to kiss her, he stroked his hands over her silky smooth skin. He wanted to touch every inch of her but couldn’t bear to break the kiss long enough for that to happen.

When she arched up and rubbed her bare breasts against his chest, he felt his cock swell to the point of pain. He wanted her with an intensity that stole his breath and bewildered his senses. He felt like his body was on fire, burning from the inside out, but it was an agony he would gladly endure if it meant having her.

Tearing his lips away from hers, he dragged his mouth down the long column of her throat, kissing and licking at the side of her neck. She panted softly as he continued his gentle assault, and when he nipped her with his teeth, she let out a loud moan. Her hands fisted in his hair as she writhed beneath him. She tugged at the strands hard enough to sting, but the sharp bite of pain only added to his pleasure.

“Killian!”

“Yes, mate? Tell me what you need.”

“You. I need you.”

“You have me,” he swore.

Despite the urgent demands of his own body, he wanted to drive her crazy with need before he finally claimed her. His shaft was large, and didn’t want to risk hurting her. Moving lower, he swirled his tongue around one of her nipples as he palmed her other breast. The globe fit perfectly in his large hand, and he used his thumb and forefinger to send streaks of pleasure surging through her body that he felt reverberate through his own.

The echoes of pleasure he felt through their bond made his body stiffen. His skin felt too tight stretched over his tense muscles and his thick shaft throbbed with need. He ruthlessly held onto his last ounce of control, wanting to push her over the edge before he finally gave in.

Using his teeth and tongue, he teased her nipple as he moved his other hand down between her thighs. When she tried to close her legs, he used his own to push them wider. She let out a strangled cry when he stroked his fingers over her center, and he growled with satisfaction when he found her slick with her desire for him.

She arched against him as he slowly slid a finger into her. Shifting back up, he claimed her mouth again in a hot, wet kiss. She moaned as he stroked his finger in and out of her clenching pussy, working her open for him. She pushed at his shoulders, then switched to clinging to him as he started rubbing her clit between two of his fingers. He worked her to a quick, hard climax, making her shake with her release.

But that was only the beginning.

Seneca could barely think past the pleasure coursing through her body. Her pussy throbbed and clenched with aftershocks of her climax, but she was far from sated. Instead, that little taste of gratification only made her want more. Lifting her legs, she locked them around his hips and ground herself against his hard shaft in blatant invitation.

Accepting it without hesitation, he shifted his hips and surged deep, thrusting his thick cock into her tight pussy. She let out a strangled cry at his rough penetration and tightened her legs around him to pull him even deeper. Out of control now, Killian began pounding into her with fast, hard strokes. The combination of their mutual pleasure flashed between them, amplifying the sensations until they were completely lost in one another.

His thick cock rubbed against the sensitive nerve endings inside her pussy, driving her closer to another climax with every thrust. Her body tightened from the building pressure within her. Lost in a sea of sensation, she began chanting his name out loud and in her head.

As he continued to thrust inside her, he took her hand in his, pressing their mating marks together. Magic flared between them, and the firestorm of need ignited into a white-hot inferno as she came again. This time, she was completely overwhelmed by the pleasure coursing through her. When her vision began to blur, she realized the force of her climax had made her forget to breathe.

Killian let out a loud roar as came, filling her over and over again with hot, hard spurts of his semen. He ground his hips against her, prolonging both of their releases with his movements. When he collapsed on top of her, she wrapped her arms around him, holding him close.

Since his thick shaft was still buried deep inside of her, she clenched her muscles around him. She smiled when she felt his hips flex. He nipped at her neck with his teeth in silent admonishment, but she wasn’t sorry for her actions. If anything, she wanted to do it again.

“You are mine now.”

His husky declaration filled her with happiness, but she couldn’t help teasing him. “I wasn’t aware you were such a caveman.”

He grunted in response, making her chuckle.

“But you’re my caveman.” She sighed playfully as she stroked her hands over his back. “I guess I must have a thing for ancient artifacts.”

He lifted his head and opened his eyes to glare at her. “Did you just call me old?”

“Older than me.” She laughed, then sucked in a surprised breath when she felt him harden inside of her. “Oh, wow. At least age hasn’t affected your stamina.”

He let out a vicious curse that only made her laugh again. And when he captured her mouth again in a brutal kiss, she welcomed him with equal fervor.

She couldn’t decide whether it was purely fate or her magical luck that had brought Killian into her life. Whatever it may be, she was eternally grateful for the second chance she had been given to live a happy life with her mate. Together, they had defied the odds, and now they were bonded by a love that even death couldn’t deny.