“Took care of—so we’re melded?”
“Now and forever. As soon as I knew you were willing, and while you were distracted, I took a little piece of your spirit. It can be painful, and I did not want you hurting.” Not ever again.
“My sweet prince.” She kissed the beat of his heart. “Hey, your black spot is gone!”
“You saved me.”
“I guess that means you owe me. Which brings me to the second order of business, then. I want to help you fight demons.”
“I never doubted it.”
“Really? You’ll let me, without pouting like a baby?”
“First, I never pout. I ponder, and probably quite sexily. Second, as you’ve told me, you have already spent too much of your life in a cage. I will not put you in another.” But that did not mean he would sit back and let some demon harm her. Zacharel would do his utmost to guard her during every battle. Besides, when one of them died, the other would follow. He would never have to be without her.
“I think that’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me.”
“I am a sweet man.”
She laughed with carefree abandon, and he loved the sound, was determined to make her laugh like that every day for the rest of their eternity.
“What’s so funny?” he teased. “I am a sweet man.”
“And what’s this sweet man’s plan for his army, hmm? What changes are you about to rain down on their heads?”
“Discipline, dominance and consequences. Of course.”
Another laugh. “You’re right. Sooo sweet.”
“No, but then, my sweetness is reserved for you. Only, ever for you.”
*