Page 171 of The Immortal’s Mark

I sigh, sliding my fingers into his thick hair. “Because I’m happy.”

He pauses and leans back, cupping my face with his palm and searching my eyes. “Truly?”

“About us?” I murmur. “Yes.”

His thumb brushes my cheek, and his answering smile is subdued. “I’m sorry for all you’ve endured. I wish things could have been different.”

So do I.

But there is no point in dwelling on the past.

“I know.” I press my lips to his in a quick kiss, then lean back and hold his gaze. “Does this mean you’re done avoiding me?”

“I’m done.” His nostrils flare. “And I will spend the rest of my life making up for all the pain I’ve caused you.”

“Whoa, slow down.” I smirk. “We aren’t even official.”

The words are meant as a joke, but a shadow falls over Des’s face, and the arm banded around my waist draws me closer.

“I hate to break it to you, Darcie Abernathy, but Fate has finally deigned to allow me to bond with my One. I’ll meet the Creator in death before I allow you to slip through my fingers again.”

The declaration, delivered with complete confidence and zero hesitation, weakens my knees.

“Really?”

“Really.” He dips down for another quick kiss. “I’m sorry I didn’t claim you sooner.”

I rise on my toes and tug on his head, forcing his mouth to meet mine in another pent-up kiss that sends pleasant shockwaves throughout my body.

With every press of his lips, certainty settles in my chest. This is where I’m meant to be.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

“Ignore it,” Des growls against my lips.

He lifts me up. My legs wrap around his waist, and we continue kissing.

Knock. Knock.

“Des?” Lome calls through the door. “Darcie?”

“Go away,” Des shouts before recapturing my lips.

I smile.

“Trust me, I wish I could.” Amusement laces through his voice before he clears his throat. “But it’s the alliance. There’s been a development regarding Adir.”

Adir…Bella

The reminder of her loss is a bucket of ice water, dousing my fiery lust.

Des and I pull back at the same moment. His eyes shine with regret, but he lowers me to my feet.

He gives me a moment to straighten my clothes before opening the door.

“What’s happened?” he asks.

Lome clears his throat. “It’s best if you hear it from Thane.”