Page 93 of Unbound By Shadows
Damn, my demon has stamina.
It wasn’t until after Sam was gearing up for a fourth round, this time to try a position he had seen drawn in a book, that Selene pleaded for a time out.
“I’m only a mere mortal,” she cried, guzzling from her water bottle. Her ab muscles were already twitching from strain. “Can we take a little nap? Then I’ll be ready for more.”
“How much more?” Sam asked, nuzzling her neck.
“At least two more times, maybe three if you ask nicely.”
His breath was warm against her ear. “Don’t I always ask nicely?”
She smiled at him. “Actually, that’s one of your best qualities.” He smiled back and they both gazed at each other for a moment. A rush of happiness made her want to sing.So this is love…
Sam kissed the tip of her nose and said, “Get dressed, then. I’ll fill these up.” He grabbed their water bottles and headed toward the waterfall. Selene watched him go, unabashedly admiring his perfect butt before she donned a pair of light cotton pants and a T-shirt.
Movement to her left made her turn. She glanced over and saw the switch pouch had expanded. Inside, she found a warm, covereddish that looked like a gourmet meatloaf. Although they still had plenty of food left from Brunie, a hot meal in the chilly cave sounded wonderful. Having meals delivered this way made Selene wonder if she stayed in Aurelia, could she and Sam work out a deal to continue getting meals from Thema’s kitchens? Who needed cooking when there was magic? The thought of sharing a meal across from Sam every night for the rest of her life was intoxicating.
When Selene slid the pan out of the pouch, a scrap of paper fluttered to the ground. It was a handwritten note. She bent to pick it up. The penmanship was ornate enough to shame the calligrapher her mother used to address party invitations. But before she could marvel at the writer’s talent for lettering, Selene’s eyes caught on her own name. Helpless to resist, she crouched near the lanterns to read each word.
To my loyal Samael,
Zaybris knows of our plan and has commanded all vampires in the realm to find Selene. If she gets taken before you can offer her up, so be it. There’s other bait to be had, and more than one way to possess the stone. Victory is near. I can feel it. Once my sister is found, the celebrations will echo all the way down to you in the Underworld. — Thema
Selene gasped. She read the note a second time. Then she reread it a third time and a fourth—trying to make sense of it. Her hand began to shake.
Sam’s voice came from behind. “Here you are, fresh water for your exertions.”
“Sam?” her voice was barely audible. She couldn’t seem to focus on the paper. Her vision was swimming. “What’s this?”
“What is what?” he asked, pulling on a fresh pair of trousers.
“This note. From Queen Thema.”
Snatching the paper from her, he quickly scanned it before tossing it into the fire. “It’s nothing,” he said, but his expression was dark. Guarded.
When Selene looked at him, there was a rushing sound in herears. She tried to stand, but her knees shook, causing her to sink back onto the ground.
“I’m… bait?”
Sam rubbed the back of his neck, wishing he could give Thema’s neck a good squeeze for her carelessness at that moment.
“It’s nonsense,” he replied. “Just ravings from an old queen.”
“What does this mean? What is she talking about?” Her voice was panicked.
“It’s nothing to get upset about. Come here.”
When she stood, he tried to hold her, but she drew back. Her face was stricken, and her eyes were wide. Sam considered his options.
He could continue lying to her, which would save her from undue stress and worry. There was no reason for her to know their relationship was based on lies—not when their love was clearly destined. He could confess everything later, once Zaybris was dead, and they were safe in the Underworld.
Or he could begin their relationship with the truth. Thema’s note was the last way he wanted her to find out, but the evidence was pretty damning. If he wanted their love to be built on a solid foundation, he shouldn’t hide anything from her. The choice was clear. He only hoped he could find the right words to make her understand.
“Sit down,” he said, gesturing to the bed. “I-I have much to tell you.”
“I’d rather stand.”
“All right, but I must tell you the full story before you react. Do you understand?”
