Page 40 of Urn My Love

“Will do, Lani.” Ryls laughed. “And thanks, Jazriel. Judging by my mates’ pale faces, they are going to let me do whatever I want just to keep you away. No offense.”

Jazriel leaned toward the phone. “I consider it a compliment, and I look forward to meeting the phoenix who brought my mate to this world. I am in your debt.”

We finished our goodbyes, and I powered off the phone.

I moved to straddle his lap. Picking up his hand, I pressed my cheek against his palm. “Are you going to explain what that was about?”

“One day. I’m not adding to your stress.” Jazriel gave me a tender smile. “Just know that I will never hurt you.”

“I know you won’t.” Dropping his hand, I kissed his cheek, then his nose, before brushing my lips against his mouth. “And Xerxes?”

“Xerxes is a good man. Our history was something he inherited, not something he caused. You can stop worrying about Ryls.”

“Why is he scared of you?” I asked, then moaned when his hands slid under the nightie to touch my bare skin.

“Because I’m dangerous.” He carried me to the bed, lowering me to my back on the mattress, and moved his body over mine. “Just by being alive and free, I’m a threat.”

“I’m selfish.” He pressed his lips to the hollow at the base of my throat.

“I’m jealous.” His lips moved to place a kiss between my breasts.

“I always keep my promises… and threats.” He sucked my nipple through the sheer fabric.

My eyes were crossing, and I writhed beneath him.

“And there is only one being on this earth that could challenge me and win.”

“Oh? Who?” I panted, torn between wanting to know more, but also wanting him to shut up and keep his magical mouth on my skin.

“You.” His fingers slipped between my thighs without warning, and I jerked off the bed. “Anything you ask of me, I will do. I’ll give you the stars if you ask it. Just keep me.”

“Jazriel Jouvellac, you belong to me.” Sinking my fingers into his hair, I made him look me in the eye. “And I never give up what is mine.”

“Iolani, wake up! We have to do this now!” The urgency in Jazriel’s voice sent terror through me, and I bolted upright.

“What’s going on?” I found Jazriel’s glowing eyes in the dark room.

“The solar flares came a day earlier than expected. They are strong, so we should do this now.” His hand squeezed mine. “You’re strong and can handle this.”

“Let’s go,” I whispered, kicking my legs free of the blanket and moving to dress in jeans and a shirt.

As I slipped on my hiking boots, I noticed the door between my room and August’s was ajar. I finished tying my boot laces and pushed the door open wider, searching for the gryphon. His bed hadn’t been slept in, and the room was empty.

Pale moonlight streamed through the glass door, landing on a piece of paper on the bed.

Picking it up, I unfolded the single sheet and read.

Iolani,

I’ve left, and this time I won’t be coming back.

It’s unfair for me to keep disappearing and reappearing in your life. I see the hope in your eyes that I will stay. You are beauty and sunshine, gentle and fragile. All the things I am not, and if I stay, I will only hurt you.

Thank you for the time we spent together. These days have been the best of my life and I will treasure them.

I had nothing to offer you, so was unworthy to be your mate, but please know, I will be faithful to you until my dying breath.

The pegasus is crazy, but he will protect you. But maybe you two should live in a city, away from wildlife. It would be safer for you.

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