Page 37 of Vathia
He sighs. “Sent away again,” he says dramatically before taking flight down the hall. “I wonder if they have any gizzards…”
I walk until we reach the library. I considered my room, but with the bed there, I didn’t want to tempt fate, especially because just being around him makes my body come alive.
Thankfully, it’s empty and I move over to the fireplace and take a seat in one of the cushioned chairs while Jesper settles in the one next to me.
After a moment of silence, knowing that he’s watching every move I make while I gather my thoughts, I speak. “I want to apologize for pushing you away and from running when you dropped the mate bomb on me. I was just coming to terms with getting my memories back and discovering everything I knew was a lie. Having you four ripped from me. Remembering my parents and how they’re now dead… But I shouldn’t have run. I’m going to apologize to the others too. I didn’t mean to worry anyone. It’s just that you four males were my best friends. Almost every core moment I had was with you and the others, and you think I would be overjoyed that fate picked us to be together. But I’m not going to lie, I’m scared because I’m not sure exactly what it means. Without this bond between us, would I even feel the way I do for you all?” My voice dies out as anguish overtakes me. Not to mention I’m still frustrated with Aemon for ignoring me when we got here, and don’t even get me started on Talyn. As for Killian… Ugh, everything is a mess.
With a grace I could only wish for, Jesper swiftly gets off the chair and crouches in front of me, forcing me to look at him. “I was intrigued by you before this bond snapped into place. I couldn’t stay away, following you whenever I could sneak away. There is no doubt that this bond only enhances the feelings I already had. Otherwise, what was the point of me following you every chance I got? Before I even realized that you were myMaeven—” He holds his hand up to stop me from interrupting him about that name. “I know you don’t use it anymore, but that’s who you were to us for twenty-seven years. There’s no one else for me, whether you realize it or not. The fates aren’t wrong.”
He leans in closer and I put my hand on his shoulder to stop his advance. “Wait. You were following me?”
His grin widens. “Every chance I got. Ever since I couldn’t get past your mental wall, I was obsessed. Iamobsessed. When I couldn’t find you, I’d lie in your bed. Your nightly adventures? You were never alone. I’m always only a call away from you because I can’t settle unless you’re in my sights. You were taken from me once. Never again will I let that happen,” he states with a reverence that should make me want to run for the hills but instead makes me feel all warm and gooey inside.
“That’s really fucking creepy,” I whisper evenly, my eyes wide as I stare at him.
He runs a finger down the side of my face. “Well, then I’m creepy for you. What can I say, you make me do crazy things. I’d face down a hundred ogres for you.”
“You better not do something as stupid as that!”
A warm laugh bursts from his chest. “You forget, Little Mouse. I’m a dragon rider and one of the most talented Szellemi fae there is in this realm. There’s not much that could stop me, or any of the others.”
I blink, taking in his powerful form, and the realization finally sinks in that these males aren’t the fledglings I’ve grown up with that I used to have tea parties with and who played riders with me. They are seasoned warriors, males who have fought in battles. A part of me senses the danger, and the other part wants to pull him in and see just how dangerous he can be.
My throat works as I swallow. “I’m not ready to cement this bond yet. I need to get to know you again.Allof you.”
He dips his head in acknowledgement. “As long as you don’t stop me from kissing you.” He moves from a crouch to his knees. “As long as you don’t stop me from tasting you and hearing those pretty sounds you make when you come.”
I huff out a small laugh and whisper. “You’re crazy.”
“You already knew that though.” He leans in closer, daring me to stop him. I know that if I said stop, he would, but I don’t think I have the strength not to give into his kisses, to the feel of his warm, calloused hands on me.
Taking control of the situation, I close the distance between us and our lips clash in a fury of understanding. He scoops me up and stands, spinning to sit down where I just was with me in his lap. “There wasn’t a day that went by in all those years that I didn’t think of you. I never thought I would have this moment. So whatever you’re willing to give me, I’ll take. Even your scraps. I just want you.”
It’s at that moment I come to the conclusion that maybe Nero will win this bet. I’m not sure that I’ll be able to hold off, but I think I should try to make sure all five of us are on the same page.
With a shaky breath, I kiss him once more, softer than the all-consuming one we just shared. “Let me talk with the others first, but I won’t stop your affections. I don’t think I could even if I wanted to.”
He cups my face and nips my nose. “You do what you need to. Plus, I don’t think I’m the only one slinking in the shadows right now. Isn’t that right, Aemon?” he calls out with a mischievous grin, his gaze never leaving mine.
I sense movement from behind me before Aemon appears out of his wispy tendrils, tendrils that have me clenching my legs before they blend back into the darkness. His snowy scent permeates the air with hints of a warm chocolate drink.
“Jesper, I think you should let our mate go to bed. This conversation can be finished tomorrow.” His gaze turns on me and it’s filled with heated promises and I know he’s been watching this whole exchange with Jesper. “Captain Batsil will be arriving here tomorrow to take over your Elemi training since Talyn isindisposed. Come, I’ll walk you to your room.”
He holds his hand out and I just know if I don’t take it, he’ll whisk me away in his shadows. Overbearing mother hen. So instead I lean down and kiss Jesp one last time. “Goodnight,” I mumble against his lips.
He pushes into my mind and I let him. The feeling is still so foreign and not as smooth as it is with my bonds. “I’ll be watching. If you want me to join you, roll down the blankets on the other side of your bed.”
Before I can respond, I hear a sigh and then the world erupts in darkness, with Aemon’s strong grip wrapped around my waist. “You do like to push my limits, don’t you?”
“You wouldn’t like it if I didn’t,” I respond boldly.
His chuckle is dark and it’s the last thing I hear before the ground disappears below my feet and I drop unceremoniously onto my bed. “You’re a shithead, Aemon! I’ll get you back for that!”
I swear I hear his laughter from the shadows of my room, but he does not deign to respond. I try to blow a loose strand of hair out of my face before pushing it back with my fingers, glancing at my neatly made bed. I think about what Jesper said, but I’m not ready to take that jump yet, so I crack the window so Nero can come back in and get ready for bed. After all, I apparently have an early morning.
Wait. Did he say Captain Batsil? My instructor for my Elemi lesson?
CHAPTER NINETEEN
