Soul Bound

by K. G. Reuss

  “Cool.” Jax slurped happily on his punch as Beth and Gemma glowered at me.

  They were Nina’s mean girl friends. They never paid much attention to me unless some shit was happening in my life, then they made it their mission to make things worse. I always ignored them, but now I could see the jealousy in their eyes as they kept glancing at Raiden and whispering behind their hands.

  Eat it up, bitches.

  “Raiden, where are you from?” Beth asked, leaning forward to give us a view of her cleavage.

  “I’m from the UK,” he answered with a lie. Close enough.

  “That’s so cool. Do you travel a lot?” Gemma asked.

  “I do. I’m at prep school with Everly.”

  “So you two are really dating?” Beth glanced at me.

  “Yes. Ever and I go way back. I’ve loved her since the moment I laid eyes on her.”

  “You’ve known Ever for a while?” Dylan finally called out, his eyes narrowed.

  Raiden tensed.

  “Yes.”

  “Really, Ever? How? And why didn’t I know about it?” Dylan raised a brow at me.

  “Well, there were plenty of things I didn’t know about you, right?” I glanced at Casey who smirked at me and tightened her hold on Dylan’s arm.

  Good luck, sweetheart. He’s all yours.

  Dylan gave me a quick, forced smile before focusing back on Raiden.

  “You should know Everly hates PDA,” he said, watching as Raiden tightened his hold on me.

  “Truly?” Raiden smiled up at me. “Well, I suppose that’s it, then.”

  I had no idea what he was up to, but he had me on my feet in an instant, pulling me away from everyone.

  “What are we doing?” I called out. I let out a breath of surprise as he tugged me against him at the edge of the dance floor.

  “Dancing.”

  “You want to dance?” I asked, bewildered.

  “Yes. I figure it’s an appropriate way for me to have my hands on you in public,” he said with a wink.

  I rested my hands on his chest. “Dylan is an ass.”

  He smirked down at me. “He is, but I already knew that. He’s just jealous.”

  “He’s just an ass.”

  Raiden chuckled softly. “He doesn’t matter to me, sweetheart. Don’t let him matter to you.”

  I draped my arms over his shoulders and stared deeply into his intense gaze. So much emotion swam in his aquamarine depths. “You’re not so bad, Hawthorne.”

  He chuckled. “Right back at you, Torres.” He spun me quickly and brought me back to him, my back to his front as we swayed to the music.

  “You hate this, don’t you? The dance.” I asked over my shoulder.

  “Well, it’s certainly a strange affair. I’m used to masked balls loaded with hypocrisy and ass kissers. This seems like that only in high school form. Minus the masks, of course,” he said, the words caressing the shell of my ear.

  “Of course.” I laughed as I felt his lips against the sensitive skin of my neck.

  He nipped me gently before twirling me back to face him and swaying with me to the slow song playing overhead.

  “You’re so beautiful.”

  My face heated at his words. I knew they weren’t just words. The sincerity on his face told me that he truly meant them.

  “Smart. Sassy. Perfect.” He ran his nose along mine. “And mine. Forever.”

  “Promise?” I breathed out.

  “I swear it, baby.” He placed a sweet kiss on my forehead as the song ended. “I’ll get you a drink. Go hang out with your friends.”

  I nodded, swallowing hard as he released me and moved through the crowd, people swiveling their heads to get a look at the prince among them. If they only knew. . .

  By the time we were well into the night, everyone had loosened up around Raiden. He charmed them all with his smile and stories—some of which I knew he’d switched up the details on while others I was sure were the truth. The guys looked at him like he was a god. And the girls, well, they stared at him the same way except they obviously wanted him.

  Of course, Dylan wasn’t charmed by my prince. He sat glowering at Raiden most of the night. Raiden took it in stride, ignoring my ex for the most part. I knew Raiden. I knew it as hard for him to not show Dylan what was up and who was in charge, so I’d have to thank him properly later for keeping himself in check.

  “That boy is fine,” Nina murmured as she leaned into me.

  Raiden was engrossed in a story Jax was telling. Raiden’s lips were curled up just the slightest bit to signal he was amused, but nothing beyond that suggested he was even enjoying himself.

  “He is, isn’t he?” I grinned.

  Nina and I shared a quick laugh.

  “How are you, Ever? I mean, we don’t get to talk as much nowadays. I wish you could have your phone. It would make things so much easier.”

  I shrugged and peeked at Raiden. Beth and Gemma were next to him now, giggling and listening as he spoke. Beth reached over and ran her hand down Raiden’s chest. He stiffened before taking her hand and pushing it away from him. He said something to her that I couldn’t hear, and she shot a glance at me before she turned her attention to her feet.

  I smirked. My guess was he was reading her the riot act. Raiden could only play pretend for so long before the biting general came out to play.

  “Wow. Looks like he put her in her place.” Nina laughed. “That’s all I’m going to hear about for a week. You’ve got a good one, Ev.”

  “Yes, I do,” I said.

  “Ever, care to dance?” Dylan asked, interrupting me and Nina.

  Nina’s gaze flew to me, her brows arched high.

  “Uh, no. My feet hurt,” I lied.

  “Come on. I haven’t seen or heard from you in months. Just one dance. I’ll leave you alone after that.” He offered me a smile which used to melt my heart. Now all it did was make me sigh.

  “Fine,” I grunted.

  He grinned as I followed him out to the dance floor. He rested his hands on my waist. I placed my hands on his shoulders and moved stiffly to the slow song playing. Where we used to be comfortable in each other’s presence, now we were awkward.

  “Remember this song?” he asked. “We danced to it last year together. Our first dance.”

  I did. I assumed that was why he decided to ask me to dance now, since he’d spent most of the night staring at me from wherever he was while Casey stomped her foot and crossed her arms because he didn’t ask her to dance.

  “Yeah,” I answered. “You stepped on my feet twice then.”

  He laughed softly. “I remember that too.”

  We danced for a few moments longer before he cleared his throat and spoke again, “You really like that guy?” He tipped his head in the direction of our table.

  I peeked up at him and saw the hurt on his face. We’d broken up months ago, after my accident. I hadn’t spent a lot of time dwelling on it since I’d gotten to Dementon.

  “I do. We’ve had our differences, but I love him.”

  Dylan stopped moving and gaped down at me. “Love, Ever? Really?”

  I nodded and glanced across the room to see Raiden watching us, his face impassive. He was surrounded by a group of people, mostly girls, but he paid them no attention as he stared back at me.

  “Yeah. He’s it for me.” I tore my gaze away from Raiden, turning my attention back to Dylan.

  “Does he treat you better than I did?” His voice was soft.

  There was no point in lying. “He treats me differently. He’s good to me. Too good sometimes because lord knows I’ve screwed up a time or two.”

  “I know how that goes.”

  Dylan’s feet started moving again.

  “I screwed up with you. And for that, I’m sorry. You’ll probably go down as my biggest regret. In a good way. If there is a good way. I wish I could’ve kept you. I was a jackass and an idiot. Live and learn though, right?”

  “Yeah, that�
��s what they say.”

  “Seriously, as long as you’re happy, Ever. After all the shit I put you through, you deserve it.”

  “Thanks, Dylan.” I gave him a quick smile. “How are you and Casey?”

  He groaned. “Not worth mentioning.”

  “Then why bother? I mean, why if it’s not epic?”

  He chuckled softly. “You’re right. Guess I’m just trying to find a way to replace what I lost. I screwed up pretty bad, huh?”

  “Not really. We just weren’t meant to be.”

  “That’s what sucks.” He blew out a breath and fixed a smile on his face. “For what it’s worth, if I could go back in time, I would’ve kept you.”

  “Some things aren’t meant to be caged.”

  He laughed again. “Don’t I know it.”

  The song ended, and I stepped back out of his hold.

  “Guess that’s it. This was. . . nice. Friends?”

  “Yeah. Friends.” I gave him a nod.

  His lips lifted in a contented smile. It was a nice look on him, considering he’d spent most of the night glowering. We made our way back to the group. Raiden wasted no time circling his arms around my waist.

  “Are you well?” he asked, the concern in his voice evident.

  “I am. I’m also ready to go. There’s something I’m dying to do.” I grinned at him mischievously.

  His eyes sparkled. “Come, my queen. There’s something I’m dying to do too.”

  He tugged me away from everyone. Nina waved at me, a knowing smile on her face. I didn’t bother with a bunch of long goodbyes. I’d see them all again before we left to return to Dementon.

  I let Raiden lead me outside. Right before we made it to his Jeep, he hauled me into his arms, pressing my body against his and moving us to some tune only he could hear. My heart thumped hard as he tilted my chin up, the snowflakes flying around us. I melted against him as his lips met mine in a soft dance of their own.

  Our breath came in little white puffs as he pulled away.

  “Let’s get you home, shall we? There are a few other things I’d like to experience with you tonight.”

  The sparkle in his eye suggested he already knew what I wanted. I grinned, as he opened the door to the Jeep and helped me inside. Quickly, he made his way around and got behind the wheel. The Jeep rumbled to life beneath us. We left the parking lot, his hand in mine. Raiden hummed a soft tune which made my heart swell.

  Forty-Five

  Raiden

  Ever’s mom was waiting up for us when we got home, eager for all the details which we gave her over piping mugs of that damn good hot chocolate she made. I sat on the couch and listened as Ever gave her mom a run down of our time at the dance, even telling her how enamored the girls at her old school seemed to be with me.

  After finishing my mug, I pressed a kiss to Ever’s temple as Elena smiled at us.

  “Goodnight, my love,” I said softly, releasing her and getting to my feet.

  I knew Ever needed this time with her mom. I didn’t want to be underfoot, so I bid her goodnight and shuffled to my bedroom where I grabbed my pajamas before heading to the bathroom for a quick shower. I made a pitstop in Ever’s room, spelling it so her mom wouldn’t burst in later. Once I was done, I shadow melded back to my room and lay in bed, my phone in hand. I wasn’t one for the Nattie world’s social media and communication methods, but I sent a text to Eric and Damien in our group text, asking them how their vacations were going so far.

  Eric: You know how my shit goes. My father lecturing me on combat and Order stuff and my mother asking if I’ve met any girls worthy of my status in life. Riveting, as always.

  I chuckled. Eric’s parents were tough on him. His dad was a senior Conexus member and now headed up private security for the higherups in our world. His mother would be the equivalent of a Nattie socialite if I had to label her. They were good to him, despite their strict rules and aspirations for him.

  Damien: I dropped Sloane off at her place on my way home. She punched me in the arm and called me a douche. My brother is in my room since his new lady friend is in his. I’m on the couch because we have so many family members here for the holidays. How’s the single greatest love affair in the history of Specials going?

  Raiden: Perfect. I think I’m going to ask her.

  Eric: Ask her what?

  Damien: Don’t say what I think you’re going to say. You’re going to embarrass yourself.

  Raiden: We’ve talked about it in a way. It doesn’t need to happen overnight, but I want the world to know she’s mine.

  Damien: Just announce she’s the Mancer and you’re the Reever. Pretty sure the world will know it then.

  Eric: If you love her, do it. She’s stuck with you regardless (laughing emoji). Seriously though, if dying has taught me anything, it’s that you don’t have forever. Sometimes, just a breath. So do what makes you happy.

  I smiled at Eric’s words.

  Raiden: Thanks. I’m going to do it. What’s the worst that could happen?

  Damien: She tells you to piss off like last time.

  Eric: She won’t do that. I’ve seen the way she looks at you. Just make sure you let us know what she says.

  Raiden: I will. Stay safe, brothers.

  Eric: You too.

  We said goodbye. I put my phone on its charger and lay in bed for a long time before sleep finally took me. Ever’s warmth surrounded me as she slid into bed beside me some time later.

  “Hey, baby,” I murmured, sleepily and completely content as she rested her head on my chest.

  “Hey,” she answered.

  “Have a good chat with your mom?”

  She nodded against me. “I think I drank too much hot chocolate. I’m trying to come down from my sugar buzz.”

  I chuckled lightly. With one hand, I tilted her face up and kissed her gently, tasting the chocolate and marshmallow on her soft lips.

  I’ll never get tired of having this with her.

  I ran my hand up her leg, now bare in her tiny sleep shorts, before I cupped the globe of her backside. She let out a soft whimper against my lips as I brought her as close to me as I could. It must not have been close enough for her because she moved and straddled me, her long hair brushing against my bare chest.

  “What does my beautiful girl want?” I asked softly as I stared up at her.

  I swallowed hard as she wordlessly removed her tiny camisole, revealing a black, lacy bra. My hands tightened on her waist as she ground herself against my aching length.

  “What you do to me,” I murmured, gripping the back of her neck so I could urge her forward for a kiss.

  She obliged and pressed her lips to mine as I ran my hands up her torso, her body rocking against mine in a delicious dance which nearly had me coming undone. This wasn’t about me though. I wanted it for her, so I guided her along my body with only the thin material of our pajama bottoms between us.

  I kissed her deeper, encouraging her to move faster against me. Her breathing came in short, soft gasps as I lifted my hips up to meet her movements. I wanted nothing more than to touch her, but I wanted her to do this for herself at her own pace, no pressure from me. With a tight hold on her hips, I guided her to increase her pace, desperate to hear her moan in pleasure.

  I got my wish a moment later as her small body shuddered over mine, the pleasure from our grinding racing through her. She breathed heavily against my lips as she whimpered my name, her movements slowing.

  I ran my hands along her bare waist, smiling as goosebumps popped up along her flesh.

  “My good girl,” I growled, nipping her bottom lip and tightening my hold on her.

  “That was. . . amazing,” she said breathlessly.

  “You’re amazing.” My voice was soft as I stared into her green eyes.

  She rested her forehead against mine. “That was my first, um, time doing that.”

  “You did good.” I traced my fingers along her bare skin, relishing how soft she was.
“Did you like it?”

  She nodded wordlessly. “W-What about you?”

  “I loved it, baby. It was hot watching you like that.” I was sure she was blushing at my admission.

  “I mean, did you, uh. . .”

  I chuckled and brought her down beside me. “No. I wanted you to feel good.”

  “I can make you feel good too if you want—”

  I smiled and pressed my index finger to her lips. “You do make me feel good. We’ll worry about me some other time.”

  Tenderly, I pressed a kiss to her forehead and surveyed the dim purple glow around the room from where I’d managed to spell the space before losing my mind in those moments with her. We’d be fine here for the night. The avoidance charm I’d placed on Ever’s room earlier would make Elena walk past it without even considering checking in on Ever. And my room would be safe from her mom barging in too, as well as being soundproof because I was certain if we kept going the way we were, it would certainly be getting louder in here.

  “I love you, Shadow,” Ever’s soft voice called out to me.

  “I love you too, Everly.”

  I closed my eyes and breathed out, my girl in my arms. This was shaping up to be the best Christmas I’d ever had.

  Forty-Six

  Everly

  The days leading up to Christmas passed in a blur. We’d made an appearance at Jax’s party. Even though we didn’t drink, we still had fun. Watching my friends laugh and act crazy was a nice vacation from worrying about conspiracies and the dangers lurking in the shadows. Though having Casey glaring at me the whole time was pretty similar to the looks I’d been getting from Amara, so some things felt the same.

  We made Christmas cookies and helped Mom decorate the tree. She loved showing Raiden the ornaments I’d made as a kid. And of course, she pulled out the old photo albums, regaling him with all kinds of tales, many of which had him roaring with laughter. I’d never seen him so happy, so carefree.

  As the week wore on, I could tell Mom was becoming more enthralled by the man who was my destiny. It made my heart happy to know she accepted him as my future. The time at home was just what I needed. Just what Raiden needed too, if the contentment in him was any indication.