Belial laughs. He continues to stroke my face.
I lean into his palm, enjoying his touch. Then, a dark mark catches my attention.
I gasp.
“What?” Belial is immediately on high alert. All evidence of his earlier lust is gone. “What is it?” His head whips around to take in our surroundings. He moves as if he intends to stand.
Before he can pull away, I grab his wrist and bring his forearm closer to my face.
There, embossed on his skin as if it’s been there his whole life, is a Shadowmark.
But not just any Shadowmark. It is a perfect replica of mine.
“You have a Shadowmark,” I whisper, unable to believe my eyes.
Belial releases his own surprised exhale. He gently pulls out of my grasp and brings the mark closer to his face. “But… that’s impossible.”
Apparently not.
Now, my heart melts for an entirely new reason. “It looks like God hasn’t given up on you yet, Belial.”
His eyes travel to mine. Once again, I’m struck by their beauty. “You think God intends for me to be a Guardian?”
“I think God has given you, given us, a second chance.”
Belial looks back down at his arm. His expression is still marred by disbelief, but there’s hope there as well.
He raises his gaze. “If that’s true, then I will spend the rest of my days thanking God for tying your soul to mine, Aspen Van der Klay. I love you. I will do whatever it takes to be with you.”
My soul soars.
And, I swear, I feel his respond in kind when I say, “I love you, too, Belial. I think I have for a while now.”
Being trapped in my stone cell, not knowing what happened to Belial, really put everything in perspective for me.
Life’s too short to not go for what you want.
I want to be a Guardian, and I will work through any roadblock that stands in my way. Even if that means working in a less-than-official capacity. My mom and Vivian did it. So can I.
I also want to be with Belial, and I will destroy any roadblock that stands in our way. I will not give him up like Hermona. She regretted that decision until the day she died, and I will learn from her mistakes.
This time, I’m the one who initiates our kiss.
On my knees, I bend down and press my lips to Belial’s. I hold his face and unleash my feelings as I move my mouth against his. Love, trust, yearning—I release all that and more in our kiss.
I want to be closer.
I slide my legs on either side of his waist and sit on his lap. I feel evidence of his arousal through my shorts, and I can’t help but smile.
“My little mountain,” Belial groans against my lips. His fingers dig into my hips, making my toes curl. “You’re going to be the death of me.”
My grin grows.
“Maybe,” I concede, “but what a way to go.”
Once again, I mold my mouth to his, eager to spend the rest of the day learning what else I can do to make him groan like that again.
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About the Author
Samantha Britt is an avid reader and enthusiastic writer of new adult and young adult paranormal and fantasy novels. When not lost in the fictional world, you can find her in Texas. More often than not, she will be busy making memories with her precious family which includes Sam, her husband, Dan, and their mini-goldendoodles, Bailey and Bella.
SamanthaBrittBooks.com
Also by Samantha Britt
SHADOWGUARD ACADEMY
Demon Guard
Demon Marked
Demon Hunted
Demon War
THE DARK FAE TRILOGY
Running From Darkness - Prequel
Stolen by Darkness
Marked by Darkness
Queen of Darkness
CURSE OF THE DRAEKON
Chosen
Possession
Freed
THE IMMORTAL CHRONICLES
Enlightened
Ensnared
Envisioned
Enraptured
Enticed: An Immortal Chronicles Story
Endured: Thane’s Story
Envied: Gregory’s Story
DUAL COURT SERIES
Will of Fate
Work of Fate
Waiting for Fate
THE FALLEN HAREM
Claimed by the Fallen
Hunted by the Fallen
Protected by the Fallen
Demon War: Shadowguard Academy Book 4 Page 20