The Umbra King (Vincula Realm, #1)

by Jamie Applegate Hunter

Two were one, and one is yours. Do not let him fool you. His darkness is poison. Only the golden child can save you.

She didn’t know much about the notorious Umbra King, but what she did know was ten years ago she watched him murder her sister.

Caius didn’t scare easily, but when an oversized pigeon snuck up behind someone, even the bravest of men would yelp the way he did.

“Why do you assume this is your dream and not mine?” The look on his face and the sound of his voice made her body sing. “Why would it be yours?” The air was charged with sexual tension, and when he spoke again, she fought for air. “Because here, you are mine.”

“I’ll crush you.” “I want you to break me,”

There stood Caius in his low-slung pajama bottoms, fifty-seven abs, and a pastry in his mouth.

“The next time someone lays a finger on you, their death belongs to me.”

He hesitated before placing his palm against the smooth skin of her face and watched her realm explode.

Bellina tried to throw her arms around Rory’s shoulders, but a wall of shadows stopped her. She started swatting them away. “Rory’s sore,” Caius warned. “Don’t touch her.” When he said the last line, his eyes were on Asher.

Rory, The oversized buzzard won’t let me in. I guess your royal boyfriend hasn’t changed his mind about letting you attend the ball. Tell him to fuck off for me. The bird, too. I’ll be back tomorrow, and if the brute doesn’t let me in, I will light his wings on fire. -Bellina

“I would set this entire realm ablaze to keep you safe, and if you think I’m bluffing, you haven’t been paying attention.”

They say trauma makes people funnier.

“Most men want to control women.” He pushed his chair back and stood. “If you want to walk through the realm naked, you will do so, and I will admire you the entire way.”

“Don’t you see? I have been on my knees from the moment you landed in my throne room.”