Entranced by the Basilisks (Monstrous Matches, #3)

by Lillian Lark

“We can’t be together,” I say. Ari looks as if I’ve slapped him, but the expression is gone in an instant. “And why is that, lover?” “Don’t be purposefully obtuse.” “If this is about your family name—” “It is. Don’t minimize how being publicly mated to an Adder would affect you.” Anger and loss make me snap. “Don’t minimize what my life is like because of my status.”

“You would be mine. My name could protect us both.” Ari’s voice is fervent.

“Well, that’s your first problem. It’s not a curse. It’s a blessing from the Goddess.” “Uh, what?” I blink. “She’s bestowed powers to you that have been unheard of for decades.”

“There’s no reason it would cause this unless the Goddess took a special interest in Emilia.” “Why would she take a special interest in me?” I ask. Ari’s gaze rests heavily on me and his lips curve. “Perhaps you are noticeable.”

Family is family wherever you go, but you only have one life and that’s for happiness and adventure, she’d said.

Emilia belongs with us. I feel it in my bones, see it in the way that Jasper watches her too closely, but Chosen have always had the final decision about their matches.

“What do you do, Ari?” Ma asks. “I’m a dealer of sorts. I buy and sell rare things from different magical communities.” “Like a book that gives me snakes for hair?” I ask dryly.

You and Jasper are under my protection, and I take my responsibility for your care very seriously.”

All the years we’ve spent together, and I’ve never picked up on this craving of his to be needed. How tempted he is by Emilia because she needs him. Doesn’t he know that I need him too?

If I break, I break for him, but he’ll never know that. I may not be able to hide how my body reacts to him, but he’ll never know how much further his reach extends, how embedded he is in my very soul.

I’ve chosen to think of the ache as a gift. It’s proof that they existed.”