Page 25 of The Shadow Path
“I suppose I know how he feels. It’s hard having something you want right in front of you and feeling like you’re not allowed to touch.”
“Notallowed?”
He raised an eyebrow. “Someone told me that she needed time.”
Carys felt the zing of attraction between them. It would be as easy as breathing to take what Duncan was offering.
She could move to Scotland.
He could move to California.
Carys knew it would be good. Maybe it would be better than anything she’d ever had. Better than the fumbling boys in college. Better than Lachlan even.
After all, destiny was on their side.
“Carys Morgan.” Duncan made his brogue thick. “Slide yer leg over and ride in front of me.” He spread his legs and scooted back. “I’ve got just the spot for ye, lass.”
Her cheeks flushed. “That’s a lot of weight for your horse.”
“Ye’re nothin’ but a feather. It’s been too long since I’ve had my arms around you.”
“You’re shameless.” Her cheeks were on fire.
“Not yet, but if ye’re looking for shameless, I have some ideas.”
“Duncan!” She had to laugh or she would explode. “Maybe you need to take Cadell’s advice.”
“What’s that?”
Carys nudged her mount forward. “Enjoy the anticipation.”
Cadell’s voice rose behind them. “Dragons are practical and appreciate planning ahead so we can act in accordance with desired expectations.”
Laura said, “So you’re saying that if I want something from you, I should state my desired expectations clearly?”
Cadell’s voice dropped to a low rumble. “Do you want something from me?”
“Not right now.” Laura kicked her mount a little and sped up to pass Carys. “Duncan, you’re slow. Let’s speed this parade up; I’m freezing.”
Duncan smirked and nudged his horse to ride faster. “Follow me.”
It was a good thing Carys had been practicing her horseback riding in California, because once Duncan sped up his mount, he didn’t stop until the horses let out a high whinny of joy and the trees sped past them in a blur.
They kept to the clear cobblestone path, but Carys could see lights in the forest around them as they rode, and the bright golden glow of eyes peeked from the shadows.
Wolves.
“Watch the horizon,” Cadell shouted, “when we turn this corner.”
Duncan led them to the left when the path forked, and in the distance, Carys saw a blue-green glow emanating from the darkness. Drifting through the forest, hundreds of singing voices carried on the wind.
Duncan began to slow their pace.
Carys caught her breath, her eyes fixed on the growing glow in the night sky. “What is it?”
Cadell smiled. “The river fae.”
The blue-and-green glow grew brighter and brighter, and as Carys watched, lights flew into the sky overhead. A pure, goldenvoice sang from the far side of the river, and from the darkness voices sang back in a language Carys had never heard.
