Bound by Elisabeth Naughton

lips. “How long do you think they can last against the Council’s army? Because trust me, princess , the Council’s building that army as we speak. And when they have enough strength behind them, they’ll convince your people to disband the Argonauts. Atalanta was the only thing keeping them alive, keeping you alive. There’s no reason for the Eternal Guardians without her as a threat. Your Council doesn’t give a shit about gods or elements or orbs or what will happen if Krónos is released from Tartarus. They only care about themselves. And self-preservation means eliminating anything that poses a threat to their control. The monarchy, the Argonauts, especially that child inside you.”
    Isadora’s face paled, and she rested a protective hand against her swollen belly. “What would you suggest I do?”
    Don’t say it. Do not even think it . “Come with me.”
    A soft creased formed between her eyebrows. One he itched to kiss. “With you?”
    He stepped close—too close. Her sweet scent rose all around him. Possessed him. “I can protect you. In the human realm, the Council can’t touch you.”
    “But the gods—”
    “They don’t know where the colony’s located. And I have ways to keep you safe. Ways the guardians and even my brother can’t.”
    Her gaze searched his. And though he could see in her soft brown eyes that she was contemplating, something inside warned she was about to turn him down. “I can’t leave Demetrius. He—”
    That darkness surged before he could stop it. “You never had a choice. You didn’t know you were my soul mate when you were stranded on that island. If you had—”
    Pity filled her eyes. “Nick, I—”
    A shadow shifted behind her, and the scars on Nick’s back lurched to life. He didn’t want her pity, dammit. He wanted her .
    “You’re mine too.” He closed one hand closed around her nape. Used the other to tip her face up. Then he lowered his mouth to hers, kissing her in a way he never should. Kissing her in a way that made the darkness inside pulse with excitement.
    She groaned against his lips. He kissed her harder, digging his fingers into her scalp. Her hands came up to rest against his chest; her fingers curled into his shirt.
    She was drawing him in, pulling him closer. Victory flared hot in his veins.
    She pushed hard, breaking the kiss, forcing him to stumble back a step.
    Her chest rose and fell from her deep breaths. Her cheeks were flushed, her hair falling free from the decorative pins. She was gorgeous and pissed and his . The darkness pounded in his veins, begging to be set free, and a triumphant grin spread across his lips. He leaned down to kiss her again.
    Her palm connected with his cheek, and a crack echoed through the courtyard. The sting of the blow rushed across his skin.
    “That was a warning, Nick. Don’t touch me like that again. Ever.”
    The darkness inside roared to life. Screamed for him to toss her over his shoulder, drag her into an empty room, and ravish her. Finally take what was his. Ruin her for everyone else, even her kingdom. And he wanted to. He hungered for it. But then he caught sight of the face in the shadows at her back.
    Demetrius .
    The darkness snapped and snarled inside him, gearing up for a fight he needed in ways he couldn’t explain. Nick rubbed a hand over his jaw and didn’t look away from his brother. “You want me, princess, admit it. You always have. I bet you’re wet right now just from that kiss.”
    Isadora gasped. Demetrius stepped out of the shadows, the shock in his eyes replaced with fury and wrath and all the darkness Nick fought deep inside.
    Finally ...
    “Step away from her, Niko.”
    Niko . Oh yeah, Demetrius was good and pissed now. He never used Nick’s given name. No one did.
    “Afraid she’s finally come to her senses?” Nick asked. “That she’s ready for a real hero? Trust me, princess , I won’t need magic like my brother here to get it up for you.”
    “That’s