Page 28 of Knight’s Seduction

Kryos snatched her hand away with a growl, and the dumbbell hit the ground with a loud thud. They both spun to look at the knight. His face was washed of all emotion and his eyes were dark, flashing between brown and black. “You can leave now, Pete.”

Pete frowned, then nodded and rushed from the room.

“What’s wrong with your eyes?” Meredith whispered.

Kryos looked away, squeezing them closed. “It’s uh…it’s what happens when my demon feels…unhappy.”

“Your demon?”

“The half of me that is demon is not entirely under my control. I mean, I have control, you have nothing to fear from me, but I have to fight for it. We’re one, but we are also at odds, a lot.” His gaze slid back to her. “He likes you, though, which is why my eyes changed. My demon didn’t like seeing you touch Peter.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m sorry if I scared you.”

Okay, that was weird. It was a lot to take in, but that seemed to be the theme of her life lately. “I’m not scared.”

“Good, because we’d never hurt you. Never.”

“I know.” And she did. She knew it with everything in her. After being so unsure of pretty much everything in her life, it was a nice change. “So what just happened here?” She motioned to the dumbbell.

Kryos’s shoulders visibly relaxed, and that easy smile returned. “We just figured out your power.”

“Really?”

“You’re what’s known as an amplifier. You can increase and strengthen others’ powers. And going by what I just saw, you’re one of the strongest I’ve seen, especially since you’re still learning to use and control it.”

Meredith frowned. “An amplifier. So my power is nothing without another demi? That’s…disappointing.”

Kryos came closer, and she froze as he tucked her hair behind her ear. “You are amazing, Meredith. Your power is incredible. Amplifiers are highly sought after. They elevate average powers into something unstoppable. Amplifiers have helped win wars, save the vulnerable, create amazing things. Please don’t be disappointed. One day you’ll be so glad that you have it, you’ll do something incredible. I have no doubt about that.”

She stared up at him, at the pride and pleasure on his face because of her, because she’d finally found her power. There was nothing but pure happiness shining down at her. Wow, she was surprised a halo didn’t spontaneously appear above his head. This male was goodness in the form of a man. He’d never looked more like he belonged in Heaven, wearing white robes, maybe playing a harp.

She stepped back before she did something stupid like ask him to kiss her again. He hadn’t tried since they’d been here, that’s because he knew as well as she did that it was wrong.

If it’s so wrong, then why does being near him, being kissed and touched by him, feel so right?

“I, uh, have to go. I said I’d meet one of the other demi at meal time.” She turned and rushed out.

It was a complete lie. But if she stayed in the same room with him a moment longer, she’d touch him.

She’d corrupt him again all over again.

Kryos could feel Meredith’s pain.

He rubbed at his chest. It was so strong, it drew him, pulling him toward her.

It had been over a week since they’d discovered Meredith’s power, and they’d spent every day since training. Making sure she could block it, to keep herself safe. But it wasn’t enough. Until he made her his, it would never be enough.

He found her on the fifth floor, sitting on the balcony, her feet dangling over the side, arms resting on one of the iron railings, and she was crying so hard her entire body shook.

Without thought, he moved in and sat behind her. He slid his legs on either side of her, pulled her back against his chest, and wrapped his arms around her.

He pressed his mouth to her soft, blond hair. “Please don’t cry, sweets.”

A racking sob burst from her. “I-I c-can’t stop. I keep thinking about my parents, sad and worried, and I— I can’t bear it, Kryos. I can’t bear it.”

Her pain washed through him, and he felt it like it was his own. He hated seeing her like this. Somehow, he needed to make this better for her. He’d do anything to stop her from feeling this way. “I’m so sorry, sweets. God, I’m so sorry you’re going through this.”

“I f-feel so guilty,” she choked out.

“Guilty? You’ve done nothing wrong—”