Page 57 of Witch’s Heart

“Yes, and then I swore another. Trust me, I hated every fucking minute of it. But I did it, because I promised my father I would, in exchange for your location. I would do it a thousand times over if it meant knowing where to find you. How to save you. Who am I, if I cannot keep my word?”

Her shoulders slumped. “I…I just need some time. That’s all.”

“Then take it.” He spared her one last look, then left.

Mina found him later, sitting in the middle of the five pointed star, staring at the portal. He’d already bled on it. Unlike his father, his blood was stronger, younger, lasted longer. He didn’t need to feed it daily or risk demons slipping through. He’d done it once a week.

“You’re still here.” Mina stepped before him, then crouched down, taking his hand and healing the gash that continued to drip onto the floor.

“Still here.” He didn’t meet her eyes.

“I’m sorry,” she breathed, taking a seat next to him, staring ahead.

“It’s…all right. I shouldn’t have pushed you. It’s not my place.”

“No, it is. We aren’t like a normal witch and wielder pair. We never have been, but now, more than ever, our difference is stark.”

“Yes.”

“You must be feeling out of control, with everything.”

“You have no idea.” He blew out a breath. “I’m losing my fucking mind over it. I shouldn’t have exerted myself over you back there. I just…fuck, I want you so bad, as my wife, my queen, the mother of my children. All of it.”

“I know.” Her voice was quiet. “I’ll marry you.”

He blinked, then frowned, turning to her. “What?”

“I said, I’ll marry you. I should have said yes the moment it was suggested. There will never be another for me. You are it, Rixon. You have always been it. I was just…blindsided. Surprised. I needed a moment to digest.”

“I don’t want you saying this just to appease me⁠—”

“I’m not.” She climbed onto his lap, straddling him, cupping his face in her hands. “I will marry you. I’ll hate being queen, but I will never ever hate being your wife. And…I’ll give you children. I love the idea of children with you. I’m just not quite ready for that yet.”

“We can wait,” he assured her, heart pounding. Was she really agreeing to this?

“But not too long,” she said.

“No?”

She sucked her bottom lip between her teeth. “That tea is not exactly palatable. And it’s a hassle. And the idea of carrying your child makes me…”

“Makes you what?” he asked as his temperature rose. He could already picture her, heavy with his babe in her belly. The thought of it sent blood rushing straight to his cock.

“Makes me want you so fucking bad.” She ground her hips down against his already hardening length.

“Yes?” He brushed her hair over her shoulder, exposing the lines of her throat.

“Yes.”

“All right.” He eyed her, just to be sure she was serious. “What made you change your mind so quickly?”

“The moment you left, I realized I was being selfish. I love you so much, Rixon. So fucking much. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you—not if it’s important to you. And I know you feel the same about me. Now, will you please take me upstairs and use the shackles on me?”

“Hmm…” He ran his fingers down the curve of her jaw, reveling in the softness of her skin. Her words stroked his pride. She’d proven last night that she was willing to put her entire trust in him. Now she was reaffirming that. He hadn’t been sure she’d want to do this again with him, but she did.

“Rixon,” she protested, but he only held her tighter.

His low chuckle had her leaning in closer. He gripped the back of her neck and pulled her into a punishing kiss, fueled with his desperation for her. She melted against him, whimpering.