"So be it," he said at last. "If this is the path you choose, we will not assist you when the Others come. We will look upon you as enemies." He disappeared in a wink of light.
Yully's heart soared higher than she thought was possible. She looked up at Jule, whose features were grim. A couple of them were talking quietly, but she didn't hear them, instead unable to fathom that anyone would find her life worth protecting after her father hadn't. Jule squeezed her hand.
Near tears, Yully tugged away from him and ran into the house. She navigated her way to her room before she started crying. She hadn't cried in years, unless it was out of pain from a particularly bad beating. The tears spilled fast and hot, but they weren't tears of anger or sorrow.
Jule excused himself quickly from his brothers and trotted after her. He felt her distress through their bond and suspected the Watcher upset her.
"You don't have to worry, kiri," he said, pushing the door to her room open. He sat beside her on the bed and wrapped his arms around her.
"I'm not," she managed. "I'm happy."
"You don't look happy." He laughed. "You look like Charles with those red eyes."
To his surprise, she pulled away from him and smiled, a brilliant sight that made her eyes sparkle and face glow. Yully wiped her tears and flung her arms around his neck, fluttering hundreds of kisses across his face.
"I have a home," she whispered. "You really are mine. He can't hurt us this time."
"For as long as you want me." He closed his eyes, enjoying her affection and her emotion.
"I know. I think I've always known," she said and rested her forehead against his. "I think I've loved you since I stole your soul."
"You stole my heart, too, kiri," he added. "I've never met anyone as sweet as you. Nothing bad will ever happen to you again, Yully, I swear this to you."
"I trust you, Jule."
Jule cupped her cheeks in his hands and kissed her deeply. Yully opened herself to him, and he shivered as their souls, then their bodies, met once again.
The War of Gods series Damian's Oracle (October 2011) Damian's Assassin (November 2011) Damian's Immortal (December 2011) The Grey God (May 2012) The War of Gods 2011 Holiday Bundle (December 2011)