Page 100 of The Harbinger

“Or something.” I stepped toward her, but she moved backward, the black stone at her side, her upper lip between her teeth.

“So you’re not a Satanist?”

I gave her a lopsided smile and ran my fingertip over the smooth stone as I herded her toward the head of the platform. “I’m much worse.”

How pleased wouldTheybe if I presented my bond and sealed it inTheirnames?

“I’m not playing anymore.” Her voice cracked and wavered, and a thrill shot through my chest.

“Who said this was a game?”

Mia bumped into the altar, and I removed my cufflinks, tucking them into my pocket for safe-keeping.

Blood stained my navy suit as it trickled down my torso. We were at square one, where I should have been when all of this took place, andTheygave me a chance to make up for my mistake.

I tossed my shirt off my shoulders and laid it over the jagged stone.

“You’re scaring me.”

“Then come to me,” I said, shucking off my shoes and pants, leaving my bare erection open to the crisp air. A distant rumble in the sky sent shivers rippling down her body in a visible quake, her gaze shifting low to my hardness. “Stop listening to the voices in your head, and do as you’re told.” I put my hand out for her to take.

She shook her head. Her hands braced on the altar as she used it to guide herself away from me.

“You’re the one who brought me here,milaya. I’m only giving you what your subconscious needs.”

“That’s not fair. I didn’t even know this place existed.” She squinted into the dark woods, the lights on the trees making it impossible to see beyond them.

“Theyguided you here. This is where you’re supposed to be.” I stepped closer, sensing her next step, predicting the thoughts telling her to run. “With me.”

“I thought I was crazy.” She pointed to the altar with an open palm. “But you’re far worse.”

“My sanity has little to do with this.” I took one step forward. “What do you have to lose?” And then another. “Come to me, and I’ll take care of you. You’ll become mine in life and in spirit.” I stepped closer, my hand still outstretched. “You’ll never worry over anything again. I’ll protect you.”

She glanced at my hand, her brows pulling down, causing that simple wrinkle between them, when another rumble crawled across the sky.

Mia raised her hand, then lowered it, her gray eyes cast down with her own internal demons. “You’re lying. I’m nothing but a burden to you, just like I was to my parents.”

“Have I not taken care of you?”

If her thoughts were projected across her features, they’d read like a novel, deep in the heart of suspense, a fork in the road, and depending on which direction she chose would determine her demise.

“You tried to drown me.”

“We both know that isn’t true. You were never in any danger.”

“I nearly died.”

“Mia. I was perfectly in control. If you wouldn’t have lied to me…”

“I…”

My fingers brushed against my open wound, reminding her of our oath. “You’re mine now, remember?” I held out my hand. “Let me show you what it means to have me by your side, to never fear again.”

Her cheeks flushed, and the hesitation in her stance vexed every bone in my body. She flicked her thumb against her middle finger, her inner conflict ruling her every fiber.

“Allow me to free you of your uncertainty.”

She rolled her lips, her gaze crashing into me with such ferocity, and then she nodded.