Page 28 of Secrets of Avalon
“Perfect.” The word slips out, a confession of the soul, as he steps even closer, eliminating the last remnants of space between us. He places my palm to his chest, the gentle thump thump of his heart anchors me to him, while his other hand cups my face so tenderly it’s like a balm to all the wounds I didn’t even know I had.
Yes. Perfect is right.
I lean into his touch, craving more in a way that surprises me. It's not just physical—I'm starving for understanding, for belonging. Wrapped up in his warmth, I want so badly to be good... to deserve whatever this is between us. The intensity of that desire scares the hell out of me.
Our eyes lock, a silent conversation of desires and promises. A potential bond I don’t understand yet, hangs between us. Every doubt, every fear melts away under the intensity of his gaze, leaving only the pure unbridled hope of what we could be be together.
Both his hands are on my face now, his thumbs gently stroking my cheeks as if he could wipe away all the shadows of my past with a single touch. His eyes, brimming with an emotion so profound, peer into mine. And I feel seen–truly seen–for the first time in my life.
Then he's kissing me. His lips are firm, warm, sure. Our tongues meet, and it's like a slow dance. My chest tightens, aches, and my pulse roars in my ears. The world around us fades, leaving nothing but the electrifying touch of his lips on mine.
I grab his shirt, bunching the fabric in my fists. It's like I need to hold onto something real, to keep myself in this moment with him. I steal his breath and give him mine. I never want this kiss to end.
He takes my tongue into his mouth, hungrily. Frantic. Like he can’t get enough. Like he’ll never get enough. I feel the same. The taste of him–earthy and sweet, uniquely him–will forever be etched in my memory. His hands roam my back, pulling me closer, erasing any space left between us, as if trying to meld our bodies into one.
He pulls back just a fraction, resting his forehead against mine. His breath is warm on my skin as he whispers, “By fate, you are more than I could have ever imagined. A gift I'll treasure for all my life.” His words wrap around my heart, so tender and real. They promise a future full of love and connection.
Life… All his life. The weight of what he's saying hits me, and suddenly I feel cold all over. Dread spreads through me like ice in my veins. No. No. No. I’m so stupid.
“No.” The word erupts from me like a cry for help. I shove hard, distancing myself with a step back. “I can’t. We can’t.” Tears, hot and relentless, carve paths down my cheeks, and I hurriedly swipe them away, hoping he doesn’t notice.
“Fuck. I–” Hawke’s voice cracks, layered with confusion and hurt as he backs away from me, retreating several steps. “I would never force myself… You said you felt the connection. I thought–” His words trail off, leaving an echo of pain in the silence.
“I did. But–” I hesitate, the admission catching in my throat. “I’m dangerous. I’ll hurt you.” The confession hangs between us like an ugly oozing wound.
“You’d never hurt me, Melinda, but the damned dragon was right. I took liberties. Forgive me.” His eyes, blazing bright with turmoil, meet mine. They’re not filled with anger at me, but with self-reproach. He’s blaming himself.
I shake my head, holding my hand to my mouth. I can still feel his lips. Still taste him. I want more. “I did want you to kiss me. We just–” My voice breaks, the words trapped by fear. I can’t say it. I can’t bear the thought of him looking at me with anything other than the affection he’s shown me. I don’t want his hate. I don’t think I could live through it.
“Have to be proper about this. Of course.” He looks up at me again, flashing me a smile that shatters my heart all over again. I want that smile. I want his kisses. I want to be treasured forever. But loving me is a death sentence. It's my curse to carry, not his. I will never let it be his.
CHAPTER 12
Her Dragon Is Going To Be Angry
Hawke Stormblood
She felt the connection. I know she did. She admitted it. I just rushed everything. She deserves to be courted. I let the feral part of myself drive me forward too fast.
I know others won’t understand that she is my mate. That she carries my soul inside her very being. Not only does it call to me, but her magick is like a magnet drawing me toward her. It’s constant. Neverending.
When I touch her. It’s like reaching into one of the magick wells, except bigger. More chaotic. More alive.
I can’t feel anyone’s magick. No one can feel magick without a mate bond, but perhaps the presence of my soul shard allows it to occur before we’re joined? Except, how did it end up inside her? She’s not that old. Where was it before this? How did it get all the way to earth? Are the other knights’ soul shards on Earth too? So many questions…and no way to get answers. She doesn’t even seem aware that she’s got mine inside her.
I've done exactly what the dragon warned me not to do. She's confused and worried. Barely hours after stepping foot into Avalon, I'm telling her she belongs to me and kissing her like we're already betrothed. No wonder she pulled away. I've made a mess of it, and the dragon will be furious.
“We’ll do this the right way.” I say, pacing back and forth in the room.
She’s stopped backing away at least. I saw her wipe tears from her face right after she pulled back from the kiss. The way she’s looking at me–such sadness. Regret.
“You did nothing wrong. Please, I need to know you're well.” I take a couple of steps toward her. She matches my movement, backing up a step for each one I take. Fuck. “Are you scared of me?”
“No.” She shakes her head. “I don’t trust myself.”
The weight pressing on my chest lightens slightly. She does feel it. She wants it too–wants me. My gaze flickers to her breastbone where my soul is luminescent beneath her skin. It's going to be torture to keep my distance. Everything inside me aches to touch her again.
Muffled voices outside the door draw my attention. A moment later the door is flung open once again. And this time Wraith Shadowbear, Fenrir Thorsson, and fucking Ares God of War himself are the first through, with Destrien following behind looking as guilty as he should feel.