Page 77 of Curses and Casualties
Chapter 28
Georgia
Apolite cough makes it through the haze. The fae stands at the mouth of the chamber, one eyebrow arched higher than should be possible.
“One hates to interrupt, but if you’re quite finished with the dramatics,” they say, looking bored, “you still have a ritual to complete.”
I blink. Ryan blinks. We look at each other, then at the fae.
“The physical consummation,” the fae continues, as if discussing the weather. “Rather important part of the Soul Bond ritual. The potion was just the beginning.”
‘Are they serious right now?’I ask through the bond.
‘I think they are,’Ryan responds, and I can feel his mortification mixing with mine.
The fae tilts their head. “Why are you still in wolf form? The ritual requires?—”
“WE KNOW WHAT IT REQUIRES,” I bark, then realize I just actually barked words at them.
“Did I just… speak out loud? I didn’t think wolves could do that.”
“Seems we can now,” Ryan rumbles back, complete bewilderment pulsing through his voice.
“Whatever you are doing, stop,” the fae insists. “It is time for your copulation.”
The fae settles gracefully onto a convenient rock.
‘I am not shifting back with them watching,’I tell my mate.
‘Stand behind me. I’ll provide cover while you get your robe back on.’
I slink off to one side of the chamber, managing to shift while hiding behind Ryan’s bulk. The transition is less painful this time. Just a ripple, a flex, and then I’m human again and desperate to cover up. The silk robe, torn and muddy from the crawl, is a poor substitute for dignity, but I yank it on anyway and try not to think about the fact that we have an audience.
Ryan shifts back with a shudder and a gasp, his skin steaming with power, his eyes even brighter than before. He’s grinning. Not the polite smile, but the full, hungry baring of teeth that makes my bones melt. “Cover up a little,” I say, tossing him what’s left of his tattered robe.
He wraps himself in it, which does nearly nothing to hide how magnificent he looks in the wake of the transformation, and we both turn to the fae who are still watching us expectantly.
“You may continue with the ritual now,” the tallest one says.
I blink. Blink again. “I’m sorry, what?”
“The ritual. Continue. We will observe to ensure no further interruptions.”
Ryan and I exchange glances. “You want to... watch us...” he says slowly.
“Is this not standard? We are providing security.” The fae looks genuinely puzzled by our reaction.
“Oh my god,” I mutter, face burning. “This is not happening.”
“The ritual is for the two of us,” Ryan tries. “Alone. It’s... private.”
The fae consider this, heads tilting in unison like birds. “Privacy is a human concept.”
“I’m human!” I squeak.
“Partially,” they correct. “But we understand mortal sensibilities can be... particular. We will guard the entrance. But be aware. The battle above intensifies. Time is limited.”
They glide out of sight to the chamber entrance. I can still feel them near, but at least they’re not staring, and I can’t see them anymore.
