A Midsummer Night's Demon(38)
“I do not care what your family thinks of me, only what you feel for me.”
The line advanced closer to the fire, and Lyn could feel its heat flush her face.
“But I care. They must accept you, accept us. We have many centuries before us and, despite what I said to Matt, I want their blessing.”
Ky brows rose inquisitively. “Did you say centuries?”
“Yes.”
His hot breath ghosted against her ear when he spoke. “Wait, demons live for centuries? I thought you were mortal.”
“We are. We don’t live forever, but our lifespan is much greater than a human’s. That’s why it is so important you complete the Bonding Ritual with me. I want my family to accept our union. It will make the next few centuries so much better.”
Ky straightened to his full height, his eyes slid from her face to the fire. “And if I jump this inferno, I will garner their blessing of our union?”
“If you do so three times.” They moved ever closer to the fire.
“Three times?” His blue eyes darted back to her face. “I’m expected to jump the blasted thing three times in order to win their approval of our relationship?”
Lyn nodded her head enthusiastically. “Yes.”
Ky let out a heavy sigh, and gave her hand a squeeze as they once again moved forward in the sand. The heat of the blaze engulfed them. “Then if your family demands proof of my love, I have no choice but to give it because I will not give you up, Daelyn. You are my heartmate, and I refuse to lose you a second time. The first time almost did me in. I learned I do not want to live without you, honey. And if I must jump over a fire to have you, then show me where it is, and I will jump it however many times you tell me to.”
“It’s right there.” Lyn pointed in front of them.
They’d reached the front of the line. The time to jump had come.
Chapter Fifteen
“Ready?” Lyn asked, looking at Ky expectantly, hope sparkling in her dark chocolate eyes.
The flames of the bonfire sent its glowing light dancing in a playful pattern over Daelyn’s skin. The delicate angles of her face, her lush lips, and bright eyes formed a beautiful combination that merged into the unique gift that was Daelyn Torres.
In that moment, standing there ready to make the leap, he realized the symbolism of the act. The two of them would be taking a leap of faith that their relationship would make it through the long years. Together they would leap into their new life, leaving their former, separate lives behind.
Ky was willing to do anything for her, even walk through the flames of Hell. Luckily, he could jump over them instead. Three times!
His eyes left her attractive face to find the fire. Smoke rose from the dancing flames, its tendrils curling in the night air. The smell of the burning driftwood filled his nose and heat pushed against his skin, making his temperature rise. He watched tiny embers drift into the air with a pop and knew a moment’s hesitation. The thought of jumping over the flames made his heart beat faster in his chest. Only the sound of the Priestess’s voice drew his attention from the conflagration.
“Jump my children. Take the first leap into your new lives. Be forever bound by the symbolic gesture you make here today in front of your family and friends.”
Lyn gave his fingers a squeeze, which reminded him they were still laced together. “On three,” she said with a smile.
On the count of three from Lyn’s lips the two jumped over the dancing flames. To keep hold of Lyn’s hand, Ky reined in his strength, barely clearing the searing blaze before landing in the sand on the other side.
Daelyn’s scream dispelled all thoughts of how hot the fire felt passing beneath his body. Ky turned, immediately his eyes widening in horror to take in the sight of his mate’s gown aflame.
The gossamer material ignited like an Olympic torch, engulfing Lyn’s body in angry red flames. Her arms beat at the fire wildly, trying to put it out. A pained scream left her red lips, and the sound spurred the warrior into action.
Without thought to who might be witnessing the event, Ky lifted her into his arms and ran into the ocean, thankful for every ounce of his preternatural strength and speed. The cool water covered their bodies, and he kept Lyn immersed, knowing the chill would ease the burning in her cells.
He pushed out into the waves until just their shoulders and heads remained above the waterline. Lyn lay boneless in his arms, her head resting against his shoulder. Her breaths left her lungs in shallow puffs, tears rolled down her cheeks to mix with the salty water below.