Chapter 0263

Reliving my past was never easy. The knowledge that these words would be preserved forever made it even more daunting. Though I wasn't thrilled about Sebastian insisting I sit in his lap, I found comfort in his embrace as I spoke.

Oberon's effect on Sebastian puzzled me. He'd never shown an ounce of jealousy toward Gregory. But with Oberon, he acted as if I might walk away—as if I'd choose the Fae king over him.

When he pulled me into our private quarters, I understood his need to reaffirm our bond. No one could ever replace him—not in my heart, my soul, or my life. Those two words we whispered to each other—you and me—they meant everything.

The moment the door clicked shut, I yanked him into my arms. He buried his face against my neck, his breath warm. "Sebastian."

"I can't lose you." His voice was rough. "Maybe you don't sense it, but he does. And I won't let him take you from me."

I cupped his face, forcing him to meet my gaze. "You won't lose me. Never. Don't you feel it?"

His eyes stayed downcast. I'd never seen my mate look so raw, so exposed.

"Feel what?"

An idea struck me. If I could project my aura, maybe I could push this overwhelming love toward him. If the bond wasn't enough, I'd make him feel it.

I closed my eyes, gathering every emotion—my love, my trust, my awe for this man—and then I pushed. I wrapped it around him, cocooning him in the intensity of what he meant to me.

His sharp inhale told me it worked.

"That's what you are to me," I whispered. "No one else. No one could replace you. You pulled me from the darkest place I've ever known. You're my other half."

He crushed me against him, lifting me as he carried us to the sitting area. I kept the emotions flowing, relentless. "We've both lost too much. The people who should have loved you failed. But I won't. I'm never leaving you, Sebastian."

He leaned back, his eyes glistening. "I can't lose you."

"You won't." I pressed my forehead to his. "I'm yours. Always."

His kiss started tender but quickly turned desperate—a claiming, a reaffirmation. He carried me to the bed, stripping us both bare before burying himself inside me.

I clung to him as his growls of "mine" grew louder, fiercer. He drove me over the edge again and again until, just as another climax tore through me, he sank his teeth into my mating mark.

Stars exploded behind my eyelids. The pleasure was so intense, so consuming, that darkness swallowed me whole.

When I woke, I was sprawled across his chest. One hand tangled in my hair, the other locked around my waist. Moonlight streamed through the window.

"What time is it?" I murmured.

"Late." His thumb brushed my cheek. "You okay?"

I took stock. Sore, satisfied, happy.

"Perfect." I propped myself up. "But what about you? Are we okay?"

He kissed my nose. "Better. Sorry for knocking you out. Guess my emotions got... intense."

I smirked. "If I have to lose consciousness, that's the way to go."

His laughter rumbled beneath me.

"Good," I said, sliding off the bed. "Because I'm starving. Go handle whatever Alpha business you need to, then bring me food."

He swatted my ass—hard—leaving a stinging imprint. I shot him a mock growl over my shoulder, delighting in the way his eyes darkened.

The shower was bliss. I took my time, knowing he'd rush through his duties to get back to me.

I wasn't wrong.

——-

The next morning, we gathered for breakfast. Oberon had a full day planned—tests for Evelyn and me, some involving Gregory to determine which abilities stemmed from reincarnation and which we'd developed naturally.