Kiss of the Basilisk (Split or Swallow, #1)

by Lindsay Straube

“Oh, Tem,” Vera giggled again. “You’ll find out eventually.” She paused, and her mouth twisted cruelly. “Or maybe you won’t. After all, who would want a girl who tastes like chicken shit?”

“You hold the stars in your hands,” her mother had always said, rubbing Tem’s fingers between hers. “Just like your father.”

When she finally slept, she dreamed of fire. It didn’t burn her. Rather, it warmed her gently, from the tips of her toes to the base of her skull. The fire felt familiar somehow, as if it were sent by someone she had known a long time ago. Flames licked her fingers, her palms, her arms. A single breath brushed her cheek. Then it was over.

If what he said was true, it meant that Caspen was the Serpent King: the legendary basilisk whose power was far superior to all the others. His reputation was exemplary in the village; people talked about him like he was a god. Tem had the most coveted teacher.

“Like I said, it will connect us. I can make it…pulse.” “Pulse?” He smiled, and she melted. “When it pulses, you will know I am thinking of you.”

They stared at each other for a long moment. His next words were barely a whisper. “You are not meant to be tamed, Tem.”

“I hate that you have this much power over me.” To her surprise, he laughed. “What’s so funny?” His grin only widened. “Of the two of us, I am not the one with the power, Tem.”

“Who my son loves is invariably my business.” “Loves?” “He can’t take his eyes off you.” “Maybe he needs his eyes checked,” Tem said tartly.

“I just can’t picture you on a farm.” His eyes went to her breasts. They’d been going there all night, but now they lingered. “Surprising,” Tem shot back, “considering you act like a pig.”

“This is not just a necklace,” he said softly. “Then what is it?” Caspen paused, his fingers stroking the charm. “It is…a gesture of intent.” Tem frowned. “Intent to what?” His eyes found hers. “To marry you.”

Smh

“You taught me everything else. So teach me this.”

Teach me how to fuck your father!