Chapter 41
Vivian’s Point of View
Rule forty-one: If you’re going to dry-hump in public, try not to get caught.
You’d think the others would be grateful after not getting blown up by a titan.
Apparently not.
Sure, that might be because I don’t think they know the invader was a titan, but still, count your blessings, people.
Everyone looks shaken but alive. Ragna is giving Morgana a rundown of what just happened, and the others listen on with rapt attention.
More than happy to let Ragna handle the recounting, I turn my attention back to Sin. His initial shock has faded, and now he’s openly glaring – at me.
Blinking, I take in his clenched jaw and the way he keeps looking between me and where the titan was standing. His livid expression worsens every time he does it.
While my initial reaction is to swallow nervously – because I’ve somehow managed to piss him off – it takes me all of two heartbeats to remember that I have nothing to be sorry for.
I just took on a freaking titan.
My badass bitch status is officially reinstated.
“Why don’t we take a break for lunch while we get a new door installed?” Morgana’s voice registers as a distant echo.
Something shifts in Sin’s expression, like he’s been debating a very important question, and he’s just made a decision. His glare sharpens, and he prowls toward me with predatory intent.
My pulse flutters, and I ignore the way heat pulses through me.
Nope, not going there.
Instead, I arch a brow, intent on asking if he’s having another mood swing.
He reaches me in two steps, but he doesn’t slow his stride. Instead, he sweeps me over his shoulder in one fluid motion.
The world tilts, and I’ve only just registered that I’m now staring at his very toned ass, but by then, he’s already leaving the room.
Catcalls follow us, and I’m pretty sure they’re coming from Conner, Sarah, Arianna, and Damien.
Flushing, I twist to glare up at the back of his head. “Sin, what the hell are you doing?”
He doesn’t answer as he continues down the hall, away from the noise.
Rolling my eyes at his high-handed attitude, I start squirming, trying to wriggle free. It shouldn’t be too difficult, since he only has one arm around my thighs.
His answering growl stops me. “Go ahead, kitten. Give me an excuse to spank you.”
I nearly choke on air. “You wouldn’t.”
Sin doesn’t slow when his free hand comes down on my ass.
I yelp. Not from pain, but from surprise.
He turns down another hall, and I huff, “Will you at least tell me where you’re taking me?”
A mentally sound person would probably object to his behavior. But I spent weeks getting used to his domineering, illogical outbursts.
If anything, I’m tempted to wriggle again. I can still feel the heat where he spanked me.
“Don’t you dare,” he hisses, barely above a whisper, and he picks up his pace.
“What?” I ask innocently.
“Get aroused before we fight.” He turns down a final corner and stops, looking around as if to assure himself we’re in a deserted part of the castle. Then, he sets me down and moves back a few steps.
He still looks livid.
I give him my best disgruntled expression. Mostly, it’s because I’m a bit embarrassed that he felt where my mind went.
Sure, his undamaged half of the mate bond can still feel all my emotions, but he doesn’t need to go broadcasting them.
Rude.
Sin’s hands are fisted at his sides, and I wait for him to tell me what’s wrong.
And wait.
And wait some more.
Sighing, I cross my arms. “Well? Are you going to share with the class? What’s bothering you?”
His eye twitches, and another ripple of anger courses through him. The tattoos along his arms glow a faint scarlet.
My gaze flicks over to the ink, and my brow pinches as I remember that I didn’t get any tattoos. Then again, after finally getting a better look at Lilanthara, she didn’t have any either.
Maybe there’s a magical tattoo office where you need to schedule sessions.
A loud crack snaps my attention back to the present. Sin’s jaw is still clenched, and I can’t tell if the sound came from his knuckle or if he just broke a tooth.
“You are going to be the death of me,” he finally grumbles. His eyes close for a second, like he’s praying for patience, and there’s something dangerous in his voice when he continues, “Did you just put yourself between me and a powerful, unpredictable creature?”
I gape at him. He can’t possibly be angry with me for that.
“Answer me, kitten,” he growls.
Unimpressed, I decide to take a page out of his own book. I take a step forward and try to look intimidating.
It would probably be more effective if the top of my head didn’t stop at his shoulders, but I’m committed.
“I’m not a weak mortal that needs shielding anymore. I’m immortal and pretty fucking powerful.” The words come out fierce, and I continue, letting some of my exasperation bleed into my tone, “You were literally frozen. Of course, I put myself in front of you.”
“I am a Destroyer! You do not need to shield me,” he argues, still glowering.
“A Destroyer whose magic didn’t work against that guy. But mine did,” I fire back. “Or, at least, I think it did,” I add, since it might have been a fluke.
Sin’s eye twitches. “You… think?”
I shrug, feigning nonchalance. “Well, I can’t be sure. He was pretty pissed off with me for threatening him, but he also needed information, so I don’t think he really wanted to kill me.”
The words are supposed to be reassuring.
Evidently, they do the opposite, since Sin now looks torn between being pissed off and thinking I’m an imbecile.
Something pinches in my gut. Sin has only really been around me when I was a fragile mortal. Maybe a part of him liked that I needed his protection.
“Why are you so angry about this? You’ve always wanted me to fight my own battles,” I ask hesitantly, not quite meeting his eyes.
His expression softens, and he sighs as he closes the distance between us. His touch is gentle as he tilts my chin to meet his gaze.
“Of course, I want you to fight your own battles. I couldn’t be more proud of you.
” His eyes search mine, like he needs to make sure I hear him.
“But I hate that you think you have to fight them alone. Ragna was with you. She’s a powerful realm leader.
Did you think, even for a second, that maybe you should have stood with her? ”
He has a point, and I take a second to mull over my response before lightly shaking my head. “Well, I don’t think Ragna knew he was a titan. I did. So, it seemed wiser for me to handle things.”
Personally, I think my logic is flawless.
Unfortunately, my personal brand of genius is underappreciated because Sin drops his hand. The disbelief in his expression flickers to awe, and I all but preen. But then, as if remembering he’s supposed to be angry, he looks furious again.
“A titan? You threatened a Fates-damned titan?” The words come out as a harsh whisper, and the red glow in the corridor brightens.
“Of course I did! He was threatening you! You did the exact same thing when he walked into the room, Sin,” I snap back, not even remotely afraid.
“It isn’t the same,” he growls back.
I don’t bother hiding my eye roll. “Excuse me for not buying into your double standard.”
“I watched you die. I cannot do that again – ever,” he says it slowly, enunciating each word, as his gaze burns into mine.
The words are laced with anger, but it doesn’t hide the pain behind them.
My temper immediately cools, and I slowly reach up to cup his cheek. His beard feels rough against my palm as he leans into my touch.
“I’m a lot harder to kill now,” I whisper with a small smile.
He sighs as he pulls me into his arms. We stay like that for a few shuddering inhales before he kisses the top of my head. “I know,” he admits, pulling back enough to see my face. “But I only just got you back, and I can’t lose you again.”
“I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere.” The moment the words leave my mouth, something broken flickers through his eyes.
My heart gives a painful squeeze. He knows I’m lying. We both know I have an expiry date.
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I try to lighten the mood in hopes that we can avoid having this conversation again. “Are you about done being angry?” I ask with a teasing smile.
He quirks a brow. “That depends. Are you done playing human shield?”
“Probably not,” I admit, trying not to laugh.
His eyes flare. “Wrong answer, kitten.”
My pulse stutters as he stalks forward, walking me back until I’m pressed against the wall. I loop my hands around his neck, just as he lifts me.
Anticipation buzzes through me as he pushes up the hem of my dress. I need to feel his touch.
Except the layers of fabric aren’t doing us any favors.
Sin makes an impatient sound before his eyes meet mine. “Are you attached to this dress?” he purrs.
“Not at all,” I start, my voice a little breathless.
“Perfect,” he growls, before I have a chance to finish.
“Wait!” I gasp as fabric tears. My body aches with the need to feel him, but I have just enough rational thought left to stop myself.
Sin immediately pauses, his fingers skimming over my bare skin.
“I’m supposed to meet Arianna for lunch, and I’m sure my mortal friends will want to catch up, too.”
His gaze rakes over me as he releases my dress, and I curl my fingers into his hair.
Lunch plans don’t mean we can’t touch – I just need my dress in one piece when we get there.
Realizing I’m not letting go, he presses closer and guides my thighs around his waist. “But I’m hungry now,” he says in a low voice.
I arch into him, and a small moan escapes my lips when I feel his thick length.
A low growl vibrates through him, and he grinds against my core.
The friction is everything and yet not nearly enough.
“We can go see your friends in a minute,” he murmurs as he trails hot kisses down my throat.
He nips at the junction of my neck, sending a bolt of heat straight to my core. But a flicker of guilt follows close behind.
I love that he’s coming to lunch with us, but I can’t help but feel bad about taking up all of his time.
“Not that I’m complaining,” I gasp as he sucks over the spot. “But don’t you have important Destroyer business to attend to? Like helping with the wards? You don’t need to be glued to my side.”
His body tenses, and he pulls back enough to meet my eyes. The intensity that burns behind them has my breath catching.
“Let me make myself abundantly clear. The last time I left your side, you decided that sacrificing yourself to the Council was a good idea. Then, you asked me to watch and do nothing as that piece of shit hurt you. So respectfully, kitten, from this moment forward, the only way I’ll be leaving you is in death.
And even then, there is no force strong enough in this universe that will keep me from you. ”
His words are a cross between a threat and a prayer, and I feel them everywhere. They echo somewhere deep within me, causing the broken pieces of my soul to both ache and sing.
Once again, I’m in awe that this man wants me.
My lips part, and Sin’s focus snaps to my mouth. His expression turns starved, but he doesn’t move.
He’s waiting for permission.
I need him.
The thought must be his undoing, because his grip tightens, and we both lean in for what will undoubtedly be a consuming kiss.
A throat clears somewhere down the hall. “Ah, Vivian, there you are.”
I freeze. My eyes widen as my brain catches up to whose voice that is.
Dr. Parnard.
Mortified, I jerk away from Sin, barely avoiding slamming my head against the wall thanks to his impossible speed. His hand catches the back of my head, cushioning the blow.
His mouth twitches before he whispers, “We can still make it to our room. Just say the word.”
My cheeks blaze from both arousal and embarrassment, and I only manage a quick shake of my head.
You’d think that at this point in my life, I’d have learned that getting heated in public places is a bad idea.
Yet again, I’m reminded that I’m not a smart person.
Sin smirks and slowly deposits me back on the ground. “Let me know if you change your mind.” He winks, then turns us to face the doctor.
Butterflies riot in my stomach.
I’m not sure I’m capable of feeling any more embarrassed than I already am, but I finally find my voice. “Dr. Parnard! Hi, uhm, I thought you went back to the Mortal Realm a few days after we met.”
Noticing Sin’s arched brow, I clarify, “Dr. Parnard is one of my professors from college. I had him uhm, kidnapped to the Otherworld, so he could pose as a couples therapist and help keep Leon away from me.”
Turning back to my professor, I add, “Sorry about that, by the way.”
Dr. Parnard waves it off. “Not at all, I was happy to help.”
His tweed jacket is unbuttoned, but his shirt looks perfectly pressed. He seems remarkably put together for someone who was kidnapped.
Pursing my lips, I try to feel less awkward, until I’m hit with a stroke of brilliance.
I’m supposed to be organizing things.
I hold onto that fact like it’s a lifeline. “We have designated apparition areas! There are people ready to take you home. You don’t need to stay.”
The professor beams, and I think he’s happy to put this ordeal behind him.
“Actually, I’m going to stay,” he notes casually, ignoring my look of utter shock as he continues, “After our meeting, the guards kept me locked in a bedroom. I was certain your fiancé would kill me, and the threat of death had me reevaluating what I want to do with my life.”
His words grow more animated, sounding excited rather than afraid, “The man who found me yesterday, Magnus, assured me that he’ll be able to procure some psychology textbooks.
In fact, he found some in a secret office only a few hours later.
I spent the night reviewing the materials, and I’ve decided to stay here, working as the resident therapist. It will also give me the chance to learn the history of these magical worlds. ”
In typical Dr. Parnard fashion, he isn’t asking, he’s telling.
He pauses for a moment after delivering his news, seeming to remember what position he found me in. His eyes shift between Sin and me. “Another one?” His tone is both accusatory and exasperated.
It turns out I was, in fact, capable of being more embarrassed.
I could have lived without that knowledge.
Lacing my fingers with Sin’s, I clear my throat. “This is Sin. He’s my actual mate. We bonded back when I was in the Shadow Realm.”
Dr. Parnard blanches. “Mate? As in you eternally bound your soul to this man – when you’ve only been away from your mortal life for a few weeks?”
I open my mouth to defend my actions, but Dr. Parnard just shakes his head, looking tired. “I’m scheduling you for a follow-up couples counseling session. See me at noon tomorrow in my office – both of you.”
Then, ignoring my sputtered protests, he walks away.