Page 158 of Demon's Beauty

Not that I mind my own nudity so much, but the idea of anyone else laying eyes on Soleil’s magnificent body makes me want to wrap her in my wings and keep her there forever.

I set my mate gently back down on her feet and let my hands linger on her waist, her back, her shoulders. Catching a finger under her chin, I tip her face toward mine and smile down at her.

“Are you ready?” I ask.

“For what?”

“For everything.” A brush of my lips against hers, a breath-stealing pull of the bond between us, so much stronger now than when we stepped into the Veil.

“Yeah,” Soleil murmurs against my lips. “Are you?”

“Always, sunshine. As long as I’ve got you, I’m ready for anything.”

Epilogue

Soleil - Samhain

Samhain night is cold and crisp.

A million stars shining brightly above. The sweet smell of fallen autumn leaves with a note of bonfire smoke lingering in the air. The clearing around the Veil filled with witches.

And Esme Hawthorn waiting.

I’ve witnessed the Ascension ceremony a dozen times during my years with the Crescent Coven.

A witch steps up to the dais to receive her blessing from the High Priestess, then descends to step toward the Veil. If the ether reaches for her, she steps inside to receive the Goddess’ blessing.

If it doesn’t…

Well.

That’s never actually happened in my lifetime.

And it won’t happen tonight.

Tonight I’m going to Ascend. I’m going to stand before the Goddess and she’s going to find me worthy.

Or at least that’s what I’ve been telling myself.

Positive affirmations, and all.

Not that it makes a whole hell of a lot of difference now that I’m here, clad in my pristine white robes embroidered with the coven’s signature moon-silver silk thread.

Calm, poised, walking slowly through the crowd to where the priestesses are assembled on the dais.

I’ve been training for this moment my whole life, and I won’t falter now.

It goes deeper than that tonight, though. Deeper than training, deeper than what I’m supposed to have been working toward during all my years with the Crescent Coven.

Tonight I know.

It goes all the way to my marrow, this knowing.

The Goddess is going to find me worthy.

I know she will.

As I step up to the dais, I meet each priestess’s eyes boldly. Some, like Priestess Sonja, offer smiles and words of encouragement. Others, like Priestess Marjorie, merely look sour or dismissive, having no doubt gotten wind of my insubordination and all the changes I want to make once I Ascend.