Page 39 of Urn My Love

“In a minute.” Xerxes must have taken the phone from her, because his voice came loud and clear through the phone. “Iolani, are you absolutely sure he’s a pegasus?”

I snorted. “Well, since I’ve spent hours riding him, yes, I’m sure.”

“That’s my girl!” Ryls shouted in the background. “Save a human, ride a pegasus!”

I blushed, belatedly realizing I’d made a poor word choice.

Your word choice was perfect, Jazriel assured me.

“So you’ve seen his pegasus form?” Xerxes pressed.

I scowled at the phone. “Yes, I have, and I’m wearing his hoofprint mark.”

There was silence on the phone, and for a moment, I thought I’d been disconnected.

“Iolani, what is his name?” Xerxes voice was low, urgent.

Jazriel materialized at my side and gently took the phone from my hand and clicked the speaker button. “Hello, Xerxes Drakon. You know who I am.”

“Jazriel Jouvellac,” Xerxes whispered.

“Yes. Iolani has told me of the kindness you’ve shown her on behalf of your mate. You have nothing to fear from me as long as my mate considers you a friend.” Jazriel spoke in a laid-back drawl, but there was an undercurrent of a threat beneath it.

I knew August had shown fear of Jazriel and distrust of pegasus in general, but I definitely felt like I was missing something.

“That is appreciated.” For the first time since I’d known him, Xerxes sounded unsure. “What is Iolani to you?”

“She’s the beat of my heart.” Jazriel’s hand cupped my face. “And the best thing in my life.”

“You love her?” Xerxes’s disbelief was palpable even over the phone.

“Yes.” Jazriel answered without hesitation. Then his trademark grin lit his face. “She proposed to me, so we’re getting married.”

A strangled sound came from the other side of the phone, and Jazriel smirked. I tried to read his thoughts, but they were shielded.

“You know what she has to do, right? And who she is?” Xerxes prodded.

“Yes, and I will lend my power however I can.” Jazriel’s fingers brushed through my hair.

For a species that didn’t like to be petted, it sure seemed like his love language was physical touch.

Xerxes sighed. “Is there anything I should know?”

“I’m back and I just want to be left alone. But you can spread this warning: if anyone harms my Iolani, everyone on Earth will feel my wrath. And believe me, I’ve spent the last few decades coming up with really unique ways of making that happen. I’m willing to let the past remain in the past, but all bets are off the moment anyone lays a finger on my mate.”

“Understood. I will make sure everyone knows.” Xerxes handed the phone back to Ryls.

“What have you gotten yourself into, Lani?” she whispered as though our paranormal mates listening in on our conversation wouldn’t be able to hear her.

My answer was easy. “Happiness.”

We talked for several more minutes about the names in the notebook and August’s stubbornness. I thanked her for sending Thom with the suitcase.

“No problem. If you need anything else, let us know. And the moment you’re ready for my help, I’ll be there,” she promised.

“Ryls, take care of yourself, and the baby birdcat you’re growing. If your mates don’t spoil you, tell me, and I’ll kick their butts for you,” I teased.

“And I’ll come along,” Jazriel offered, his eyes glinting with dark mischief.

---