Page 143 of Black Wing and Shadows
I blinked. “What?”
“Don’t panic. My aunt had precognition. She knew you were coming—knew I had a mate. She drew what she saw. I kept it as a reminder that my true love was out there, waiting.”
“I… don’t even have words.”
“You just spoke some.” His laugh was nervous, boyish.
I stared at him, floored. Why hadn’t he told me before? Not bad—just overwhelming.
“Do I get to stay in your room?”
He held my gaze, sharp as steel. “Do you not want to?”
“No, I do. I just didn’t think it was allowed.”
“We aren’t married, so technically… but my whole family knows about the vision and the drawing. They’ll know who you are. They won’t object.”
“They’re going to recognize me?”
“Very likely.”
“Oh, this is going to be weird.”
“It won’t. They’ll be glad I found you. My greatest fear was finding you too late—when we were old.”
I snorted. “That’s funny.”
“You and Aeliana will have plenty to giggle about. She’ll arm you with stories about me.”
I laughed softly, easing. “Back to what I was getting at… if we’re in the same room—”
“I’ll be fucking you. Every. Single. Night.”
“Is the picture going to be staring at me?” The ridiculousness broke me into laughter. Tears streaked my face. He laughed too, harder than I’d seen.
“We’ll turn it around. Or move it elsewhere.”
He chuckled, then pulled me into his lap, kissing my hair and cheek. The simple gesture melted me further.
“I want more,” he whispered, “but we need sleep. Tomorrow will be long.”
“Would you have normally roved?”
“Actually, yes. But not the full distance. I have destinations I can rove to, like the cavern outside Blackmere.
“Then why not—”
“If I can’t take you, I’ll fly beside you. Esme wouldn’t approve of flying alone. And it would expose my ability too easily.”
“He is right—that would not happen.”She purred. Always interjecting.
“How long is the flight?”
“Eight to nine hours. Mixed group means we fly at the slowest pace—probably Sadie’s griffin. After six hours, even Remus and I will slow. Blackmere’s about five hours in. Your Wing Commander’s dragon is fast, but he’s used to pacing mixed groups.”
“Got it. Long day. We’ll get there around two or three.”
“Enough time for a nap.” He winked. “And a shower.”
