Page 36 of Urn My Love

“You better take good care of your eyes, since they are the only set of balls you possess,” he spat at August, then carried me toward the lodge without a backward glance.

After we’d returned to the lodge, I headed to the suitcase to find something comfortable to wear. My body had flushed with embarrassment when I found the selection of garments Ryls had packed for me to sleep in. Things I didn’t remember buying and wondered why she thought I’d be needing them.

I’d finally selected one that seemed to have the most fabric and headed into the bathroom to try it on. To my surprise, when I’d slipped it over my head, I discovered the fabric was sheer and gauzy.

My skin had turned a brighter shade of red than Ryls’ hair, as I stared at my reflection. Every inch of my skin was visible beneath the fabric. It covered my butt—barely. If I bent forward even the slightest bit, my entire backside would be exposed.

Somehow the garment screamed “screw me” louder than if I were wearing nothing.

I couldn’t wear this.

Reaching for the hem, I prepared to pull it over my head. I hesitated at the soft knock on the door.

“Yes?” I asked.

“I know you plan to take it off, so I just wanted to see you in it first.” The door wasn’t locked, so he could have just come in, but he’d asked, sensing I was uncomfortable.

It was that display of respect for my feelings that had me releasing the hem. So what if I looked like I was begging my mate to take me to bed? There was no shame in him knowing that, or in purposefully trying to arouse him.

Taking a deep breath, I’d opened the door and watched in delight as Jazriel did a double take.

“Hades,” he hissed, devouring my body with his eyes.

Emboldened by his reaction, I pushed him backward onto the bed and crawled over him. His pupils dilated, and his breathing was rough.

My hand slid along his length, and my excitement grew when his entire body shivered. It had been a while since I felt powerful and in control, and I’d forgotten how much I liked it.

It was time to do something else I wanted, and explore every part of his body… with my mouth.

“So why didn’t you tell me you could read minds?” Jazriel asked.

We were lying on the bed with my head resting on his chest and my leg tossed over his.

I laughed. “Because you were having too much fun being nosey, and then I found it hilarious when I realized I could send you mental images and you had to pretend not to be affected.”

“That’s mean.” Jazriel tickled my ribs. “Have you been able to read my thoughts from the beginning?”

“No. In Cucalas, I can hear the thoughts of many people, but many of my powers seem to be out of my reach here on Earth,” I admitted. “It was after we completed the bond that I could hear you if I focused. I can also block thoughts, but I find that harder to do with you. Maybe it’s the mate bond?”

“What other abilities do you have?” Jazriel asked, brushing his fingers up and down my bare arm.

“I’m going to keep that as a surprise. We don’t want you to get bored with me,” I teased. “Besides, now that you’ve boosted my energy levels, I have to test my abilities. I’m not even sure what I am capable of now.”

We fell into companionable silence, until Jazriel asked, “When this is all over, where do you hope to be?”

“I honestly don’t know. All that matters is that balance is restored, and I’m with you.”

Jazriel kissed my lips. “I’ll take that.”

I plucked up the courage to tell him what had been weighing on my heart all afternoon. “Jazriel? I think the animal attacks aren’t random.”

His hand stilled. “What do you mean?”

“It’s possible that Azurea is manipulating them.” I rubbed my eyes. “If she can kill me before I stabilize the veil or before I trap her, she would be free to do as she pleases without worrying about me.”

“Do you think she has enough power to do that?” His voice had lost its playfulness.

“Maybe. I’m the only one who was strong enough to beat her.”