A Kingdom of Venom and Vows (Stars and Shadows, #3)

by Holly Renee

When she looked at these scars, I didn’t want her to think of him. I wanted her to think of me and how my love for her was something I had waited a lifetime for.

I would have waited a hundred lifetimes to get to her.

“I love every part of you. Every inch,” she whimpered, and it felt like a hit from the most intoxicating drug. “I have never wanted anything more in all my years.”

“You have me. For this lifetime and any that come after.”

“You will always be my princess.”

“I’m sorry, princess. I just need a moment.”

“It is you who I can hardly look at without guilt eating me alive. The things my brother did to you.”

“I will never forgive myself for it.”

“It is you I want to leave my mark on until no one in this world or the next is confused about who you belong to. For them to have no confusion about my devotion to you.”

“I need to be inside you,” he moaned against my neck, and his hips surged up against mine. “I need to fuck you until I forget everything but you and me.”

“My perfect fucking mate.”

love you, princess,”

“And I love you.”

“We’re together, and we’re okay.”

want to protect you at all costs, but I won’t stop you. But you must promise me that you will cling to your power. Never give it up again. You will never sacrifice any part of yourself again to protect me.”

“I won’t lose you again, princess. I’m not strong enough to do so.”

“Come on. I need you to myself for a bit longer before Thalia really does try to steal you away.”

I ran my nose along the length of her neck, and the way she arched back into me combined with the soft moan that left her mouth was enough to kill me. And what a wonderful death it would be.

didn’t want to let anyone in. I didn’t want to face any part of the world outside of this room. It was her and me, and that was all I needed. It was everything.

rolled my eyes and turned back to Adara. She was grinning, the look on her face genuine happiness, and my chest ached with the need to never allow that look to fall.

leaned down until my face was level with hers, and I took a moment just to breathe her in. She smelled of sweetness and sin, and when I looked down in her eyes, all I could see was the warrior that I loved burning inside her.

“There is nothing in this world more important than you.”

My beautiful, strong girl wanted me to prove to her that I was the one in control, and I would give her exactly what she needed. It would be my fucking pleasure.

“I love you.”

“I think it might be time to get these two to bed.”

Thalia’s hands just tightened around me, and mine on her. “They are trying to kill our moment.” “They just can’t handle us.” “Oh, I will handle you just fine.”

think he’s been in love with Thalia for as long as I can remember, but that’s for him to do with what he will. You’re meddlesome when you’re drunk.”

“They are your friends too, and this is your home.” He kissed my forehead, and I smiled. “I am your home.”

“When any of the boys in town were cruel to me, I would pretend like I had a siren’s song and could lure them to their death if I so choose.”

Yet, I had been waiting my entire lifetime for you.

“I love your daughter.” I stated the fact, the one I hoped he could already see, and I clung to the thought.

plan to keep her here in the Blood kingdom if this is where she wants to be, and I would like for you to stay as well. She loves you, and I never wish for her to be parted from you again.”

“Is for your blessing in marrying your daughter.”

understand why you wouldn’t give it to me.” I ran my hand through the back

“Your daughter is so strong, and even when I can’t protect her, I know that she can protect herself. But I will do everything in my power to make sure she keeps a smile on her face. I will do my best to make sure she wants for nothing, and I will love her with everything I have until I’m taken from this world and even then. I would give up everything to do so.”

“I don’t deserve you, princess, but I will also never let you go. I am not strong enough to let you go.”

She was my wife, and I was a possessive bastard.

“That’s because you’re usually wrong.” “I was right about you.”

“Don’t try to charm me. You already got me to marry you.” I started to roll my eyes again, but he jerked me into his body and dipped me backward.

“And it was the best damn day o...

“I have searched for you through a thousand lifetimes, princess, and I will search for you through a thousand more.”

“It is with you that I

feel most powerful. It is you who strengthens ev...

“The stars chose you, Adara Achlys. It was always you.”