Destroyed by Onyx (A Dance with Destiny Book 4) Read Free

with them, and drank more than her fair share of the divinely sweet wine. She danced only with Jezreel and Alastyn, although, King Dofarel did manage to talk her into one rather festive dance, one that involved no touching at all.
    She noticed Alastyn spent a great deal of time with Izadori—dancing, laughing, holding hands. She crushed the sharp pang of jealousy she had no right to feel and turned her attention back to the happy newlyweds.
    I cannot remember being surrounded by this much joy, this much love, this much merriment. My dearest friend is truly the blessed one of our pair. She sighed aloud with her thoughts.
    Alastyn plopped down beside her, breathless from the last dance, and noticed the dreamy look in her eyes as she watched the happy couple spinning around gaily to the magical music. He was entranced with her, as he always had been, and pulled her closer.
    “Jenevier, I have waited my whole life to hold you in my arms like this.”
    She watched as his handsome face drew nearer. When he closed his eyes, she gave in to his sweet wine-tinged kiss. She had kissed him in her dreams so many times. Alas, those dreams could never compare to the reality of this breathtaking feeling of euphoria. When they finally parted, he rested his forehead against hers and just smiled.
    “It was so much better than even my fantasies.”
    “I was just thinking the same thing,” she whispered.
    Their giggles were caused as much by the wine as by the enchanting kiss they had waited nearly twenty years to experience. He fell back onto the many pillows surrounding the seemingly endless banquet table and pulled her onto his chest.
    Without thought, Jenevier did the most natural thing in the world to her … she licked his neck. Only when she heard his breath hitch did she realize what she had done.
    When she finally mustered the courage to lift her eyes and meet his gaze, she gasped when she saw the intense passion burning wildly in those magical emerald orbs.
    “Nay, Brother. I have done you a grave wrong.”
    Her apology was cut short when he rolled her over and covered her mouth with his. In her heart, she only wanted this incredible madness to continue, but thankfully her mind won out.
    She gently pushed him away. “Forgive me, Alastyn. As badly as I wish it, I cannot. I belong to a jealous Angel, and I love him more than life.”
    “All is well, Jenevier. Fear not. Daichi has promised not to hinder our love, not if it’s what you truly want. The decision is yours, Milady.” He tenderly brushed the curls back from her forehead. “Will you love me for the pitiful few human years yet remaining to me?” He sweetly kissed the tip of her nose and smiled softly, adoration glowing in his lovely eyes. “Will you finally accept what was started between us so long ago? Will you allow those butterflies to swarm within you once more as you float amongst the stars while I hold you in my arms? This is my greatest wish.” His nose lightly brushed her cheek as he moved to whisper in her ear. “I was born to love you, Jenevier. I don’t know how I know, I just do. My soul knows. I’ve spent my life chasing you, desperately seeking you. Will you let me catch you?” He looked her in the eye. “Will you still your wings long enough for me to embrace you at last?” He kissed her again.
    “Alastyn, you melt me.” She gasped out her words between deepening kisses.
    “We melt together, my love,” he whispered breathlessly.
    The wine had numbed her senses, but the heady feeling was slowly ebbing, clearing her heated mind. “You have awakened a long forgotten piece of my soul, sweet knight. It was hidden away, dormant, waiting especially for you.” She gently ran her fingertips across his brow, admiring his rare beauty. “You planted a fire within my heart the first night we met. Now, you have rekindled it with fervor. I fear I may not be able to live through these intense flames.”
    Then… she felt something, something physical,