The Lightning-Struck Heart (Tales From Verania, #1)

by T.J. Klune

I was awesome and epic and no one had a right to make me feel like crap, not even Prince Justin. So I decided to go all out.

“Pfft,” I scoffed. “Feelings. I don’t have feelings.” I had so many feelings. None of them were good.

I wish I could find that one person made for me so that way I can show them why I was made for them.

Don’t worry. I’m a Sam Girl too. Our secret? Ryan Foxheart

“It’s okay,” the priest assured me. “I’m pretty sure your soul is already doomed.”

Zal smiled sadly. “Sometimes we do things for the greater good, even if it causes our hearts to break.”

And his eyes never left mine. This boy I’d known as Nox. This man I knew as Ryan. I thought for a moment, for a singular, shining moment that maybe I could have this. That maybe this could be mine. That maybe, maybe, maybe.

I rolled my eyes as he flourished his sword, obviously trying to show off. It wasn’t working. Sort of. My penis thought it was working.

“What’s wrong with my mouth?” “Nothing,” Ryan said. “Except for the fact that it doesn’t have my dick in it and holy fuck, this needs to stop.” He looked horrified.

“How long?” he asked, sounding even angrier. “How the fuck long have you known?” “The restaurant. With the Darks.” He took a step back. Away from me. Toward Justin. “Sam… that. That was months ago.” And because this had to end,

Instead, I was focusing on not getting an erection because apparently I had a kink for Ryan’s kink for my magic.

“It’s here. Ever since I first saw you, you’ve been with me. I couldn’t have forced you away if I tried. I’m sorry I made an oath. I did it because I thought it was the right thing to do. And I’m sorry that I can’t break it. But you have to believe me that it’s always been you. I promise. I promise.” His voice cracked and my hands shook. “I promise, because when I look upon these stars, there is nothing I wish for more than you.”

So I couldn’t be blamed, then. For holding on for just a little bit longer. For thinking this could be real, that it was just this easy. For wishing—wishing harder than I’d ever wished for anything before—that this moment would never end because I’d found someone made for me and I wanted to show Ryan why I was made for him.

I have seen many, many things. But I have never seen one look at another the way the knight looks at you.”

“Sam,” Gary said gently. “You see, when a dragon loves a unicorn, they have a special hug they do in the forest.” “And sometimes,” Kevin said, rubbing my back with his claws, “the dragon likes to lick the unicorn’s asshole until he—” I ran screaming down the road.

And because I would never get another chance, I brought his hand to mine, brushing a kiss against his knuckles. I said, “I think I love you.” I let him go.

“I object! Holy mothercrackers, do I object!”

“You’re my lightning-struck heart, Sam of Wilds. I love you more than I could ever say.” And then he kissed me.

He brought his arms over his head, clasping his hands and stretching back. Muscles bunched and contracted all over him, the light from the candle moving over his skin as if it were made to do only that.

His chest heaved as he stared up at me, dazed. I said, “Holy fucking gods,” as I panted. The smile that followed felt like a wish upon the stars.

“You aren’t the reason I have magic,” I told him, kissing his forehead. “But you would be the reason it’s defined. And if what Morgan and Randall believe is true, if I am more powerful than anything else out there, then you’ll be the most important cornerstone to exist.”

My magic already knows you like I do. It’s known you for years. One day, and one day soon, it’ll just happen because that’s what you are to me. And I was made for you, you know? I wished for this even before I knew what it was, and I am happy it’s you. And I’m going to spend the rest of my days showing you why.”