Soul Bound

by K. G. Reuss

“In three years. On my twenty-first birthday.”

  Elena gave me a quick smile and looked at Ever. I knew she wanted to talk to her daughter, so I excused myself to the bathroom, giving them the chance for privacy.

  I needed the break anyway. I was still tired and could use recharging.

  Forty-Three

  Raiden

  “Are you OK?” Ever asked, stepping inside my room later that evening.

  I looked over at her. “I’m just really tired. I had to spell us the entire way here. It’ll take a bit for me to recharge.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me you were tired?” She was at my side immediately.

  I reached for her and pulled her down beside me. “I don’t want you to worry about me.”

  “But I do and telling me not to won’t make me stop.”

  I chuckled and gave her a squeeze.

  “Take from me,” she murmured, her fingers twisting my shirt tight.

  The move hauled my shirt up over my jeans. Her hand moved south until it rested on my bare skin, my muscles taut as her warmth poured through me.

  “I don’t want to draw from you. You need your strength.” I placed a kiss on the top of her head.

  She shifted, moving to straddle me. Her dark hair spilled down and tickled my bare abdomen.

  “Take it,” she commanded softly. “I know you want it.”

  I swallowed thickly. “There are a whole host of things I want right now, my dear Mancer. But I won’t take them.”

  She fisted my shirt at my chest and leaned down, her lips a breath away. “Then I’ll give them, Reever.”

  Her lips crashed down on mine. I groaned into her mouth as she ground her warm center against mine. My body stirred to life beneath her as a delicious euphoria poured through every fiber of my being. It took me a moment to realize she was transferring to me. I had no idea she held that power. Hell, maybe she didn’t know either.

  I lengthened and hardened below her, my hips rising to meet her grinding. My hands gripped her waist so tightly I feared I was leaving my mark as I guided her along.

  To hell with the marks. I’d heal them.

  “Baby. Everly,” I managed to gasp out, realizing I was about to have a big mess on my hands if we didn’t stop soon.

  She kept going, her breathing short and shallow.

  I rolled her onto her back and loomed over her, breathing hard as I tried to calm the raging desire flooding my veins.

  She stared up at me, her lips parted.

  “We can’t. We need to stop.”

  She nodded and licked her lips. I groaned at the sight and blew out a breath.

  “What you do to me,” I murmured as I stared down at her. I reached out and thumbed her bottom lip.

  “I want you,” she whispered, edging my shirt up. “We create our own destiny, right, Shadow?”

  I closed my eyes, trying to compose myself. It took me a moment before I opened my eyes to gaze into her beautiful ones.

  “Yes, sweetheart. We control it. I love you way too damn much to ever let the darkness win.”

  “I love you too.”

  After stripping off my shirt, I moved and rested my forehead against hers. “If we’re going to do this, I want you to be sure it’s what you really want. I don’t want you to regret it. Plus, I don’t want your mom to walk in with me buried inside you, so if we could be alone, that would make this so much better.”

  She let out a laugh and yanked me down for a kiss. “Fine. You’re right.”

  “Of course, I am.” I winked at her.

  She rolled her eyes at me. “Are you feeling better now at least?”

  “Absolutely perfect.” I moved off her, hauling her into my arms as I lay on my back. “I didn’t realize you could do that.”

  She seemed to know what I was talking about when she answered, “Guess I didn’t either. Sometimes I just run on instinct.”

  I breathed out and closed my eyes as she traced the designs marking my chest. “I do that too sometimes.”

  We didn’t get to continue our conversation because Elena called for us.

  Ever raised herself and placed a kiss on my lips and smiled. “Let’s eat.”

  I chuckled and pulled my shirt on before I followed her out of the room, feeling completely happy for once in my life.

  “You look so handsome,” Elena said, smiling as she took in my all-black attire for the dance at Ever’s old school.

  I hadn’t thought to pack a suit, but Ever assured me it wouldn’t be necessary. I’d never heard of a dance not requiring some sort of fancy dress code. Ever told me it was semi-formal, which I guessed meant I could manage with a pair of black slacks and a black dress shirt. Luckily, I did have a black silk tie packed and dress shoes because I had assumed Christmas dinner would require I look nice.

  My silver hair was tied back into what Damien referred to as my bitch biscuit, and I had my leather bracelets and rings in place. Now, I waited for Everly to make her debut.

  “Is she really doing OK?” Elena asked softly as we sat in the living room.

  “She is. She had trouble adjusting at first, but now she’s doing really well.”

  Elena nodded. “She’s my baby, and her father—”

  “I know. Headmaster Brighton let me know about that.”

  “I haven’t told her. I don’t want her to worry, especially if she’s doing so well.”

  “I understand.” I nodded, trying to keep my anger at her father in check. “I’ll keep you both safe.”

  Elena offered me a wobbly smile before speaking, “Dementon is a school for troubled youth, right? I know what you told me about your situation, but—”

  “It houses more than troubled youth. It helps all who are. . . special. Kids with gifts, intelligence. It’s one of the best schools in the entire world. Ever is lucky to be among us.”

  Elena nodded. “It’s expensive. I’m not sure how Headmaster Brighton pulled it off, but Ever was able to get in for free.”

  “She was a very special case.” I gave her a tight smile.

  “I want her to come home,” she said sadly. “She’s my baby, you know? I miss her.”

  I leaned forward and took Elena’s hand in mine. “She misses you too, but Dementon really is the best place for her. She’s made incredible strides. Did you know she’s one of the tops students and was inducted into an exclusive group recently?” I wanted Elena to feel better about Ever and not worry even though worrying was exactly what she should be doing.

  “She did?” Elena’s eyes widened.

  I gave her a quick smile. “She did. You raised an amazing woman, Elena. Be proud of that.”

  Elena beamed. Before she could say anything else, Ever descended the stairs in a tight, black dress that made my mouth drop open. It had a slight sparkle to it when it caught the light. The hem hit high on her thigh. The thin spaghetti straps put her shoulders on display beneath the thick, black waves of her hair. I knew I’d be placing kisses on her shoulders as soon as I could and tangling my fingers in her hair. The black high heels on her feet only added to her allure.

  I was up off the couch and moving to her in a matter of seconds.

  “Wow,” I murmured, gazing down at her and trying to keep my eyes away from her plunging neckline and magnificent breasts because they made not-so-tame thoughts rush through my head. “You’re breathtaking, Everly.”

  “Thank you.” Her cheeks flushed.

  I placed a kiss on her lips, not wanting to let her go but knowing I had to because her mom was watching.

  “You look beautiful!” Elena wrapped her in a tight embrace before resting a palm on each of our faces. “Both of you. I’m going to need a picture.”

  We posed and smiled as Elena snapped a few pictures, saying she was eager to post them on her social media to show her friends and family.

  Once we were able to leave, Ever in her long, black coat and me in my leather jacket, I helped her into my Jeep, and we drove to her old school.

  “
Nervous?” I asked.

  “Yeah.” She gave me a shaky smile. “Everyone thought I’d totally lost my shit after the accident.”

  I nodded. I knew that from having watched her nearly lose her shit before she knew what she was.

  “I’ll be by your side.” I gave her hand a squeeze.

  A moment later, we rolled up in front of the school. Students milled about, some going inside, some hanging outside as they waited for friends. This would be my first foray into the world of Natties. Had anyone asked me a year ago if I’d be attending one of their school dances, I would’ve laughed in their faces. But now, I was going in with the most beautiful and perfect girl on my arm.

  “I like your earrings,” Ever breathed out.

  I looked over at her and smirked. “I’ve worn these same earrings since I met you.”

  She swallowed. “Yeah, guess I forgot to tell you. I think you’re hot with your ears pierced like that.”

  I let out a laugh. “You need to relax, sweetheart. If this sucks, we can leave, OK? Then maybe we can go parking.” I waggled my brows at her.

  She let out a snort of laughter, her lips tilting up into a big smile. “Deal. I’d rather not park though. I’d prefer to be in a warm bed. I know you can spell the room so we’re alone without my mom wandering in.”

  I smirked at her. “You want me that badly?”

  “Bad enough to try to spell it myself.”

  I grinned widely at her. “I can teach you. Your magic has gotten stronger.”

  “Fine. We can practice it before you give me what I want.”

  “And what do you want?” I growled.

  We’d inched closer to one another in our banter. I reached out and rested my hand over her abdomen, feeling her tremble beneath my touch.

  “You,” she answered back softly.

  “Baby, you have me.” I closed the distance and captured her mouth with mine as she moaned. I let my hand move to her bare thigh before I trailed my fingers beneath her dress until I skimmed her silk panties. I knew if we kept this up, we’d never get inside, so I broke away, both of us panting hard.

  “Later, my sweet Everly,” I murmured, noting her kiss-swollen lips.

  She nodded wordlessly, and I got out of the Jeep, went to her side, and helped her out.

  “I’m going to leave my coat,” she said, her face flushed. “I have you to keep me warm anyway.”

  “That you do.” I helped her take off her coat and immediately wrapped my arms around her.

  It was chilly, and the snow would be up to our asses if we left the parking lot, so I draped my arm across her shoulders and let her absorb my heat as we walked to the building.

  She was nervous. Scared. But she didn’t need to be. Not with me by her side because I’d break anyone and anything who messed with her.

  No one would hurt my Mancer. My girl. My queen. I’d see to it that it would be the last thing they ever did.

  Forty-Four

  Everly

  I blew out a breath. It puffed a white cloud around us as we moved up the steps, Raiden’s arm firmly around me.

  I couldn’t help but keep sneaking glances at him. He looked incredible. My heart hammered hard in my chest whenever he caught my stares and offered me his cocky smirk. I knew I’d made the decision to be with him fast, but I also really wanted to believe I could have it all. And he promised we could.

  He was Shadow. My Shadow. I trusted him with my entire being. And knowing what he’d done for me with the Vow of Eternity, there was no turning back. He loved me. I knew he did. And I loved him. We could get through this shit. We would get through it.

  I just needed to tell him about my secret Dyre connection. If he really meant what he’d said about being by my side, it shouldn’t matter.

  At least that was my hope.

  “Ever! Oh my God!” Nina screeched, rushing over to me in her high heels and short, red dress, her blonde hair whipping around her. She collided into me, dislodging Raiden’s hand from mine.

  I immediately embraced her as we rocked back and forth.

  When we finally broke apart, she took a step back and looked me over. “Damn, girl.”

  “What?”

  “You are on fire. How hot are you right now?”

  I laughed and reached for Raiden’s hand.

  Nina’s gaze moved from me to Raiden. Her mouth opened into an O of surprise. “Whoa.”

  Raiden flashed his smile at her and offered her his hand to shake, but she snapped out of her stupor and wrapped her arms around him. His aquamarine eyes widened in shock before he gave her a quick hug.

  “Sorry. Sorry,” she apologized, her face red. “You’re just so gorgeous, and I’ve never hugged anyone so hot before.” She shot me a wide-eyed look which made me chuckle.

  Raiden’s soft laugh sounded out around us as he slid his arm around my waist.

  “Nina, this is Raiden, my boyfriend.”

  It sounded so weird to say it. He winked at me.

  “Raiden, this is Nina, my best friend.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Nina,” Raiden said in his Xanan accent.

  Nina swooned and squealed. “Oh my God. He has an accent.”

  Raiden gave me a confused look.

  “I don’t understand.”

  “It’s a hot guy thing. Add an accent, and it’s game over.”

  “Ah.”

  He jumped out of my head and offered Nina another smile, making her sigh. It looked like she might start a Raiden fan club in the near future.

  “Everyone is inside waiting,” she said, finally getting herself together. “Oh, and, um, Dylan is here. I mean, I should’ve told you—”

  “I assumed he would be,” I said softly.

  Raiden’s arm tightened around my waist.

  “He’s dating Casey again. It’s so stupid. They’re on. They’re off. It gives me whiplash,” Nina rambled.

  We followed her into the gym where loud music from the hired deejay boomed out. The room was lit by the soft white glow from clear Christmas lights. Large snowflakes hung from the ceiling. Decorated Christmas trees lined the edge of the room. The tables in the back were draped with white tablecloths.

  People cast looks at us, whispering behind their hands as we walked by them.

  Guess not much had changed in that respect.

  I assumed they were wondering what my crazy ass was doing back and how I’d managed to snag Raiden. Of course, Raiden looked drop dead gorgeous, and his bad boy vibe shone through as he sauntered beside me with his arm wrapped firmly around my waist. I knew his keen eyes were taking everything in, looking for any signs of danger, but with him on my arm, I hadn’t seen one ghost or creature.

  We stopped at the table near the back where my old group of friends was.

  “She’s here,” Nina called out, grinning. She took me by the arm and steered me closer.

  “Ever! Hey!” Jax was on his feet and pulling me into a hug before I even got a hello out.

  Raiden’s hand went from my waist to my hand, never really letting me go. There was tension in his grip as Jax hugged on me.

  “How are you?” he asked, pulling away.

  “I’m good,” I said with a laugh.

  Raiden tugged me back to him. Jax’s attention shifted to Raiden, his eyes widening. Jax was a big guy. Tall. Muscular. Football player. But he had nothing on Raiden who towered over him by a few inches, power emanating from every inch of him.

  “This is my boyfriend. Raiden,” I explained.

  “Hello,” Raiden said tightly, his eyes sweeping over Jax.

  I knew he was inspecting my old friend. Knowing what I knew about Conexus and the fact Raiden had been lurking in my life long before I knew he was, I was sure he had to have seen Jax before. He was Dylan’s best friend.

  “Wow. Hey,” Jax said, extending his hand to shake.

  Raiden eyed it for a moment before giving it a firm shake.

  “It’s great to meet you. I hope you’re taking care o
f our girl.”

  “She’s my girl, and I assure you, she’s being taken care,” Raiden answered back.

  I gave his hand a squeeze as he eyed Jax.

  “Right. Yeah. I just meant we’ve missed her and were worried.”

  “I’m good. Really good,” I said, hoping to dispel the awkwardness.

  “I’m happy for you. You look. . . incredible,” Jax said.

  “You do too. I like your tie. Are those. . . flamingos?”

  “With Santa hats,” he said proudly.

  I grinned at him. I’d always gotten along with Jax. He moved back to his spot, and Nina made the rest of the introductions.

  “Raiden, this is Gemma, Beth, Amy, Sarah, Casey, Danny, Jake, and, um, Dylan,” Nina said, clearing her throat.

  Dylan rose from his seat like he was going to approach me but glanced at Raiden who was softly vibrating with anger. He’d torn Dylan off me one night when I’d had too much to drink and made some bad choices. Back then I’d thought I was in love with Dylan. but then I’d found out he was cheating on me, effectively ending our relationship.

  “Um, let’s sit.” Nina dropped into a seat and gestured to the open chair beside her. Raiden sat in it, pulling me down onto his lap.

  Thankfully, it was dark so no one could see the flush on my cheeks as Raiden wound his arms back around my waist.

  “Easy, tiger,” I called out in his mind.

  He chuckled softly. “Dylan is looking at you like he’s hungry. If I had my way, I’d end him before he could draw his next breath.”

  “Jealousy isn’t very becoming, General.”

  “I hate him for what he did to you.”

  “And I’m with you now, so chill.”

  I pressed a kiss to his cheek, his eyes locking on mine. He gave me a slight nod. I smiled at him and let out a deep breath.

  “Ugh, you guys are too cute,” Nina said with a sigh.

  “We’re having a party at my place tomorrow night,” Jax said. “You guys should come.”

  “Um, I’ll see what my mom says. I haven’t been home in forever, and it’s the holidays,” I answered, shifting my weight on Raiden’s lap.