Page 23 of A Song of Saints and Swans
Even though Jarilo’s correct that there isn’t much I can do.
“Should I leave you alone so you can concentrate?” Anthia asked, ever ready to put her needs aside to accommodate others.
But what about whatshewants?
I sighed. While I enjoyed her company—despite my unrequited pining—she wasbad for my productivity. “Yes, just for a bit, but Iwantto continue this conversation afterward. And I hope the information I shared about consortship helps you decide what you want to do about Jarilo. Or not. It’s up to you if you want to be the consort of a god, that is…”
Goddess, I’m just babbling at this point.
Anthia stared at me with a blank expression before gripping my chin so roughly I gasped.
“Yes,” she hissed, grinning gleefully. “Wewillbe continuing this conversation.All three of us—together. Stop being such an idiot, Rena. Leave that designation to your brother.”
Before I could fully absorb her words, she leaned forward and forcefully pressed her soft lips to mine.
If I’d been sitting any closer to the lake, I may have fallen in, as all gravity disappeared the same instant the earth tilted on its axis.
Oh.
Ohhhh.
Now that I knew my dove felt the same, I wasted no time taking what wasmine.Pulling her tightly against me, I groaned at the feel of her curves filling my palms, noticing how she immediately surrendered to my touch—letting me take control.
Such a good girl.
Sliding my hand under her silky curtain of blonde hair, I yanked hard, tilting her head back so I could swallow her delicious little gasp of pain. Our tongues tangled and slid over each other, the wet heat making me wish we were somewhere more private, as I desperately needed to be inside her again.
Claiming her.
“Mmm… I should let you get to work,” she murmured against my mouth before pulling away, smirking at my growl of discontent. “But please… stop thinking I don’t want you, because I do.”
Overjoyed, I closed the distance between us again so I could nip her bottom lip before soothing away the hurt with my tongue.
Mine.
Ours.
As if on cue, a blast of heat instantly melted the thin layer of frost that had settled over my skin, implying Jarilo was near. Releasing Anthia so we could both stand, I scanned the clearing and surrounding wood for my brother, but I found no sign of him.
That’s… odd.
With one last soft smile, Anthia turned and headed toward theVardo,leaving me to my duty.
They’re counting on me, after all.
Settling into a comfortable position, I focused on the glassy surface of the lake until my gaze grew distant. All that had been and all that would ever be connected into one continuous flow—like a circular stream with no end, only beginnings.
Since we all deserve a second chance.
Before my mind left this plane entirely, I vaguely hoped Jarilo would join me soon, eager to share the news that ourswan was nowoursto share.
Everything is finally as it should be.
Time Waits for no God
JARILO
Everything is absolute shit.
