Bleeding Demons: The Dark Bloods - Book III ✓

Chapter 19 - Rebirth

Verden was quick to take command, and, to Reyna's surprise, so was Radi. She commanded an imposing demeanor that almost matched his. It wasn't a simple act though. She slipped into the role as if she was never anything else but a queen. However, Reyna thought there was something empty in the way she carried herself. Despite the earlier agreement that evaporated the pillars' standing as royalty, it was obvious a regal and commanding presence was needed to guide the confused and frightened survivors that gazed around like cornered animals.

Lys had said he had gathered all the humans and demons in the same place. There hadn't been many survivors which made it depressingly simple for everyone to settle somewhere in Auronmar's castle to spend their nights. The half that was still standing was sturdy, and it helped that there was running water. What had surprised Reyna the most was how docile and submissive the humans and demons shuffled into the structure.

But she didn't want to think about that. She just wanted to bury herself in Dante's scent, to melt on his skin, to enjoy his arms around her. Her hair was still wet from the shower, but she didn't care. He was keeping her warm. She wrapped her leg tighter around his waist and he laughed. Reyna smiled. With her head on his chest, she relished the vibrations of his voice as it tickled her ear.

"I missed you," she said, her arms squeezing his bulky frame the best she could.

He kissed the top of her head. "I did too. Seeing Cerus and Lina together made me miss you even more."

"Yeah. They make a Hallmark movie seem bland."

"I'm just glad you're safe."

Reyna felt his fingers stroke her thigh. His touch was hot and mesmerizing, and it helped sooth away her worries. The heat lapped up her leg and settled below her stomach, swirling and hungry. Reyna looked up at Dante and saw the same desire in his eyes.

A shiver ran down her spine, but it wasn't because Dante brushed his thumb over her lower lip or because of the intensity in his gaze that held love she never imagined. It was because of Umbra's words: All of them will have several opportunities to find happiness.

All of them except those with the dark blood.

What would she be denying Dante by giving him the flower? What experiences he would be able to live otherwise? The struggles of staying up late studying for college finals. The smiles from parents proud of their son. The pain of failing at a lifelong dream. The elation of laughing while watching a daughter dancing to her favorite song. A pain lanced through Reyna's heart. She would not have children. To watch them grow and die, knowing she would continue to live for lifetimes without them, would be a miserable and agonizing affliction she could not bear.

As Reyna ran her fingers through Dante's hair, watched the strands fall over her eyes, she wondered what families, what happiness, she was refusing him.

"I love you," she said and kissed him before he could answer. She straddled him, her fingers gripping the bottom of his shirt and pulling it over his head. His bare chest was always a sight Reyna appreciated. Her fingertips brushed over his abs, tracing the crevices of his warm flesh, feeling his goosebumps rise and meet her touch. His own hands slid up her legs and Reyna was treated with another marvelous display as his arms and chest flexed and tightened with his movements.

"What is it?" he asked, again caressing her thighs.

"What do you mean?" Reyna unbuttoned his pants.

He caught her hands in one of his. With the other, he lifted her chin to meet his eyes. "Reyna."

She didn't understand why he appeared blurry.