Page 22 of Urn My Love

Jazriel hissed my name, while August’s breathing had turned raspy. Both men stilled as they joined me in ecstasy, their burning lengths jerking against my sweat-soaked skin.

If making out was this amazing, phoenix or not, I wasn’t sure I could survive actual sex.

The following morning, we took advantage of the nearby creek to wash away the sweat and evidence of our nighttime activities.

August was extra growly, refusing to even make eye contact. Jazriel was the opposite, barely able to keep his hands off me. There was no denying I loved it, but I knew I needed to talk to him before the physical intimacy went too far.

My chance came when we reached a place where the trail narrowed to the point the horses had to follow in a single file line. Jazriel was in the front, and August, who was still quiet, had chosen to bring up the rear.

“I know you can’t answer me, but there are things about me you need to know.” I ran my fingers through his mane, enjoying the silk strands against my skin.

The pegasus turned to look at me, human intelligence shining in his eyes.

“I’m a phoenix.”

For the first time since I’d been riding on his back, Jazriel stumbled.

Unsure if that was a good or bad sign, I decided to push ahead. “I’m Iolani, Queen of Cucalas—the phoenix afterlife. There was an incident where I ended up in this world. Unfortunately, that caused the veil between the two worlds to become unstable. I think if I returned to Cucalas, it would restore the balance and repair the veil. But I can’t go back yet. The spirit of a dark phoenix escaped from Cucalas and is loose on earth.”

I paused, taking in a deep breath. “Azurea has to be stopped before she finds a host body that can hold her.”

When I fell silent, Jazriel squished me between his wings in an odd sort of hug.

My fingers stroked his feathers. “To complete my mission, I need to increase my power. Apparently, bonding with mates will give me that needed power. But as much as I need that power to defeat Azurea and handle the veil, I don’t want to bind someone to me for only that purpose. I’m not even sure I can take my mates through the veil with me.

“I want to take a mate because it’s something I never dreamed I’d get to have. That type of relationship and intimacy is something I want to share with a mate for the rest of my life.”

Jazriel ruffled his feathery wings, his ears forward as he listened to me spill everything.

“I don’t want us to claim each other, and then you wonder if I was just using you. If this isn’t the life you wanted,” I steadied my voice, “or if I’m not the woman you want, then I want you to know I will understand if you walk away.”

The pegasus shook his head, tossing his mane.

“Jazriel, please don’t stay with me out of guilt or thinking you owe me anything for the night we met. I’ve survived one mate not wanting the mate bond, I can survive another.” Leaning forward, I ran my hand down his neck. “I don’t even know where I will be when the veil is closed between our worlds. My life isn’t normal, so chaos is all I have to offer you for the foreseeable future. And my heart.”

He shifted from beast to man, twisting around and catching me in his arms. It was fast and so smooth that I was left gaping up at him. “I accept.”

“What?” I asked, my mind still reeling to comprehend his quick shift.

“You offered me a life of excitement and adventure. Why wouldn’t I want a life with a fiery mate with a fearless heart and the sexy body of a goddess?” His lips sucked and kissed their way up my neck.

It wasn’t until that moment that I understood how scared I’d been that Jazriel would make the same decision as August and walk away from me. Although that wasn’t quite accurate, since August kept claiming he was going to leave, but never seemed to follow through.

My heart swelled with hope. “Jazriel, you can take all the time you need to think?—”

“I don’t need time. My decision is made. You proposed, and I’m not letting you take it back.” He teased, catching my bottom lip between his teeth and giving it a playful suck before releasing it.

“But I didn’t—” I began, only to be cut off when he shifted back to his pegasus form in the blink of an eye. Once again, I found myself sitting astride his back.

“How did you do that?” I asked, knowing I wouldn’t get an answer.

Jazriel pranced in response, his neck tall, tail lifted, and hooves high-stepping.

I giggled, my heart feeling light for the first time since I’d arrived on earth. “You are such a showoff.”

My laughter excited something in the pegasus, and he continued to alternate between prancing and trotting for the next few minutes. When his stride lengthened to a gentle canter that had my body rocking on his, I realized I was in trouble.

I gasped and immediately closed my mouth to hide any further noises. But the stallion slowed to a walk, turning his head to study me. My cheeks burned and a knowing glint entered his eye.

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