Page 29 of Wounded Mate
Never in my adult life have I experienced such freedom.
It’s terrifying.
I’m rather the opposite of calm when Sebastian opens his eyes and reaches for me. I take his hand. Dominus takes the other.
“I’m going to have a little look now,” says Sebastian, slow and simple. “Nothing’s going to happen yet. Relax.”
His lids fall shut again, and a tingling tendril of warmth creeps up my arm and spreads through my body.
Is this what magic feels like? Wow. He was right. No pain. No discomfort. Only a fizzy sensation like when you spin too fast and get a little dizzy.
Should I close my eyes too? I don’t want to. He didn’t say I needed to either, but Valius and Dominus have closed theirs. Instead, I watch.
Sebastian scrunches his face, wrinkling his nose. His eyebrows draw together. He looks as if he’s in deep concentration and whatever he’s trying to solve isn’t making any sense.
Oh no. Does that mean it’s not working?
I panic, tell myself I shouldn’t be panicking, then panic because I’m panicking.
Sebastian’s eyes blink open. “Are you all right?”
Valius opens his eyes too. “Bela?”
“Sorry, sorry. I’m fine.”
“You aren’t.” Valius presses his fingers to the inside of my wrist. “Your heart is racing. What’s the matter? Do we need to stop?”
“No. I want this.” Who am I trying to convince?
“There’s no hurry.” Sebastian squeezes my hand. “But, Bela, let me have another look, will you? I won’t do anything until I’ve explained and we’ve had a chance to talk. Promise.”
That helps. I nod. And this time, I close my eyes too.
The warm tendrils return, searching and searching. It’s not unpleasant, rather, it’s a loving presence. Well meaning. I sense nothing but goodwill.
This time, it’s a bit easier to remain calm, though I feel a little silly for needing all the extra reassurances in the first place.
I focus on my breathing and keeping my mind open, assured that we’ll speak again before anything happens. Sebastian’s magic swirls through me, head to toe and back again.
And again.
And again.
When he finally withdraws, a long sigh escapes his lips. “Bela.”
I watch him. We all do.
“I don’t know how to say this.” Sebastian holds my gaze.
Valius’s tail wraps around my middle and gives a comforting squeeze.
“Whatever it is, I can take it.” And I find I mean that. Here with Valius by my side, I can.
Sebastian nods. “There’s wildness in you. A feral beauty. It’s a strong animal, a living thing. Untamed, stubborn, and born of great necessity. It’s there to protect you, and it’s not going to let go. But…”
I hold my breath.
“There is no curse.”
