Starlight(Pact Arcanum 4) Read Online Free PDF Page B

technically have to be mated to you, unless you want me to be.”
    Lorcan grimaced. “Don’t be ridiculous. The Firstborn wrote the law that way so they could keep harems from their followers and prisoners of war.”
    Rory grinned at the thought. “Not to mention that you’d be my kept boy, not the other way around.”
    Lorcan gave him the ghost of a smile. “There is that.” He looked away. “Sean, I don’t know about this. It seems so unfair.”
    “It is unfair, and you’d be the one getting the short end of the stick. But it’s a solution to your dilemma, if we can’t find another way out.”
    Lorcan rubbed his palms together nervously. “If we do this, and that’s a big if, we’ll need a witness and a guarantor.”
    “Layla would make a good witness.”
    “She would.” Lorcan hesitated for a moment. “How do you feel about Nick as guarantor?”
    “I … I suppose so. He’d certainly be zealous about his duties.”
    “Yeah, I think so, too.”
    “Is there another reason?”
    Lorcan’s face remained expressionless. “I always thought if I said the words again it would be to him. At least this way he’ll still be a part of it.”
    Rory put his arm around Lorcan’s shoulders. “I really screwed you with that kiss, didn’t I?”
    Lorcan chuckled. “It was a good kiss.”
    “Was it worth losing your freedom over?”
    Lorcan slipped his arm around Rory’s waist. “If it was to anyone other than you, I’d say no. But, if I have to be bound, at least it’s to someone I trust. I know you won’t take advantage.”
    “And I know you’ll be faithful, even if we’re not lovers. I just wish you didn’t have to be.”
    Lorcan took a deep breath to calm his nerves, then got to his feet. “We might as well do this right.” He went down on one knee before Rory and bowed his head. “Sean Rory Brennigan Magister Jiao-long, will you guard my heart until the sunrise claims me?”
    “Ruarc Magister Diluthical, I accept your heart, to defend against all enemies, until the sunrise claims me.”
    Lorcan looked up at Rory, his expression sad. “Then welcome to House Diluthical, Leshir. I hope you enjoy your stay.”
     

C HAPTER 6
     
    February 2083, Anchorpoint City, Colorado
     “You did what?” asked Nick, looking like he’d been hit on the head with a shovel.
    “I asked Sean to be my Leshir,” said Lorcan, controlling his irritation.
    Layla frowned. “And this is a political mating? Hardly the best reason to join your lives together.”
    Rory raised an eyebrow. “I never figured you to be a romantic.”
    Layla’s eyes shaded toward red. “Blame it on my age.”
    Rory wisely didn’t respond to that. “Layla, we’d like you to act as witness.”
    She nodded. “I would be honored.”
    Nick dropped into a chair. He stared at Rory and Lorcan in disbelief. “Guys, think about this. I saw the New Year’s video. It looked pretty bad, I’ll admit, but you’re innocent. Why take it so much to heart?”
    “It’s the appearance of impropriety,” said Lorcan. “As long as this scandal hangs over me it interferes with my job as Imperator, and makes me a liability in the Great Work.”
    “Our partners in the Daywalker alliance are at each other’s throats,” said Rory. “We have to take steps to head this off, or we’ll never recover. If that means we make a personal sacrifice—”
    “It’s Ruarc that’s making the sacrifice, not you,” snapped Nick.
    Lorcan sighed. “Nicholas … we’d like you to stand as our guarantor.”
    Nick’s eyes widened. “Are you kidding me? It’s an arranged marriage. I’m not going to kill you if you cheat!”
    “It’s symbolic, Nick,” said Rory. “House Luscian is a senior member of the Alliance. It would enhance the psychological impact to the others if you were part of the formal ritual.”
    “I’m not a part of it!” shouted Nick, getting to his feet. “I think it’s the worst idea in the world.”
    Lorcan scowled at Nick, his eyes red.