Page 15 of Urn My Love

“Why should I? You’re my mate. Besides, nudity isn’t something to be ashamed of.”

Propping himself up on an elbow, he nuzzled my neck. “I can tell you it will be harder to keep my hands and mouth off you, though.”

A throat cleared, and I twisted around to find August sitting beside a fire, a pan of fish frying in front of him.

I rose, wobbling for a second as a wave of dizziness washed over me. Once I was sure I could walk without stumbling, I cautiously made my way toward him as though he were a wild animal that might get spooked and dart away at any moment.

His sharp eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched. Apparently, he hadn’t missed my unsteady gait. Was the man ever happy?

Stopping by his side, I swallowed my queenly dignity and bowed my head. “I didn’t get to thank you for saving me… us… last night. You found me and showed up right when I needed you.”

He scowled. “You could have been seriously injured or, worse, died. Why didn’t you tell me you were leaving the lodge?”

Cocking my head to the side, I tried to unravel the confusing mystery that was this man. “You were planning to leave, so why did it matter when I left?”

“It shouldn’t matter,” August snarled, using a metal spatula to flip a golden-brown fish filet onto a tin plate. “Here. Eat. You look tired and need the energy.”

I took the plate, then glanced over my shoulder at the pegasus still reclining on the ground.

“Don’t worry about your lover boy. I’ve made enough for him. Sit and eat before you fall over,” August growled.

The man was nothing but contradictions. Caring yet unfeeling. Warm but also icy cold. Tender and callous.

Obediently, I sat down on the log next to him, secretly enjoying the huff of annoyance it earned me.

“Where did you get the cookware?” I asked between bites.

August flipped two filets onto a second heavily dented plate. “After I left here, I flew over the empty camp and spotted the riderless horses. They’d returned to it, and I couldn’t leave them to roam free while wearing their tack. I removed it and inspected the campsite.”

It was yet more proof this man made of stone had a heart somewhere deep inside.

“I gathered supplies and decided to bring them back. I knew there was no way Pretty Boy could fly with those wings, so you’d have a long journey back to the lodge by foot. Although it appears he has miraculously been healed, so I may have wasted my time by returning.”

August stood, grabbing a sack and taking it, along with the plate of fish, to Jazriel. “If I have to be in your company, you’re going to wear pants.”

Jazriel sat up and grinned. “Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”

August returned to the log, grabbing a second pack and setting it by my feet. “You are welcome to wear clothes or not, but I thought you may be more comfortable at night wearing something since the temperatures will drop.”

I didn’t miss the way his eyes slid down my body before darting away. He could deny the mate bond, but he couldn’t deny he was still attracted to me.

“What will happen to the horses?” I asked, taking another bite of the fish.

“We’ll tell the owner of the lodge about them. I’m sure they can send someone out to look for them. There is plenty of food and water, so the horses won’t die before they can be rounded up.” August took a bite of fish from his plate.

Jazriel cleared his throat. “They’ll follow me.”

“You can speak with horses?” I’d never met a pegasus, so I didn’t know what abilities they possessed.

He shrugged. “Somewhat. It isn’t like communicating with humans and is far more simplistic. But most horses will follow a pegasus without question. It’s a hierarchy thing. Like wolves with their alpha.”

“That’s fascinating! So if we travel back to the camp, you could lead the horses to the lodge?” I asked.

“That shouldn’t be a problem. How far is it?” Jazriel asked.

I glanced at August, unsure of the distance.

“It’s just over a hundred miles.”

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