Page 104 of Spirit Rites
“I have you all to myself here for three days.”
He leans close and kisses me lightly on the lips. My entire body seems to sigh at his touch; I don’t think I’ll ever not be affected by his touch. He pulls back after a little bit. “Are you ready for this?”
I know exactly what he’s asking. When he had to break our bond, it nearly destroyed both of us. I hated that I was no longer affected when we were apart from each other for long periods of time. I wanted that pressure drawing us together again. I wanted to be connected to him again. He explained that the bond would reconnect us once we connected in the deepest way possible. Once we were together for the first time, the bond would snap back into place. “I’m ready for all of it,” I tell him honestly.
He blows out a breath. “Good because I can’t wait to have you.” My face heats at his words, but I don’t get a chance to be embarrassed because he pulls me close and kisses me again. He kisses me deeply before pulling away and kissing my neck. I arch into him and moan at the contact, but eventually I force myself to pull away.
“Wait.” He tugs me back, and I laugh. “Give me a minute. I need to do something.”
He stares at me. “Angel, I have waited for this day for areallylong time. What could you possibly have to do?”
I grin. “I have something that Rakel gave me. Well, I actually have a whole bag of stuff Rakel gave me.”
He cocks his head to the side. “A bag of...stuff?”
“Okay, not stuff. It’s...you know.”
He cocks an eyebrow. “I do?”
“Yeah, you know. It’s...” I throw both hands up. “Stuff.”
“Angel, I’ve got nothing.”
“Oh my word. Are you going to make me say it?” He just stares at me. “It’s stuff...for me to wear for you.” I wait for him to get it.
“I don’t get it.”
I huff and turn around to go get the bag, so I can just show him. But he grabs my hand and spins me back. “Don’t go. I got it.” He chuckles at me, and I scowl up at him.
“When did you get it?”
“The first time you told me,” he says with a grin. He puts his hand behind my back and pulls me close. “I would love to see saidstuff. On your body,” he adds in a husky voice.
I grin at him. “Okay. Then you have to let me go.” He seems to think about it but then finally releases me. I take a step away from him, but he tugs me back again. He puts his hands on either side of my face. “I love you, Kinsley. Just remember, you have complete control over what happens or doesn’t happen. You’re my mate now and forever, and that will never change. And I could never ask for a better mate.”
My heart settles in a puddle of goo at his feet. Shockingly, my eyes tear up. “You’re so good to me, Kaldar. I love you.” I reach up on my tiptoes and kiss him. I never do make it back for that bag...at least not for a very long time.
We spend an amazing three days at the cabin, and I will cherish the memories we made there forever. Our bond snapped back into place, connecting us forever. Kaldar told me the morning after the first night that my eyes were green now, just like his. He said they were a shade lighter than his and Jespar’s. They matched Veyra’s perfectly, just as he told me they would that first day he met me. He also told me that he knew he was going to fall hard as soon as he met me. I asked him whenhe knew. He grinned and said it was right after I shouted that Harper was his mate. We were sad to leave the cabin, but Kaldar told me we’d be back. I’m taking his word on that.
When we get back to Rysden’s, we stop in just long enough to thank them. It’s time to get back. I’ve been asking Kaldar every day, but there’s no news on the cubs yet. I'm selfishly hoping they won’t come until we’re back.
I hug Farrah tightly. “We’ll come visit again soon.”
“I’m hoping to convince Rysden to take me to visit you sometime soon.”
“Anytime,” Kaldar says, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me close.
We say our goodbyes and prepare to leave. Rysden and Farrah wave to us one last time, and we mount up. I blow a kiss at Farrah and give them one last wave. Before we leave, I hear something. I don’t even know what it is, but a shiver runs down my spine. I turn to Kaldar and notice his eyes are on the sky. “Is it a guivre?” I ask as quietly as possible. I glance behind me and notice Rysden has his weapon out and at his side. And then the screaming starts.
“Kinsley!” Kal shouts as he maneuvers his horse next to mine. “Ride with me.” I don’t get a chance to think before he’s pulled me out of the saddle and seated me in front of him. “Rysden!” he shouts and nods at the horse. Precious seconds later, we’re following Rysden and Farrah as they thunder through the city. My heart gallops in my chest, especially when I realize the pandemonium is coming in the direction where Harper’s living. We come around a corner, and Kalder jerks the horse to a stop. Shock reverberates through me as I stare at the huge dragon sitting in front of Harper’s house. People are still screaming and running, but the dragon doesn’t looked fazed.
My eyes finally move to the house, and I see Harper standing with her arms crossed defiantly. I blink. But when I look again, the scene hasn’t changed.Why isn’t she terrified? I would be.
She must finally realize we’re here because she turns to the four of us. “Oh good. You're here.” I exchange a wide-eyed look with Farrah because what in the world?! Kaldar climbs off and helps me down. Rysden and Farrah are down now too, but none of us move any closer. Rysden and Kaldar both have weapons drawn, but they’re both lowered as of this moment. “Can you get this dragon out of here?” Harper asks. The dragon huffs, and I jump. “Yeah, no thank you.” I look between Harper and back to the dragon. She shakes her head. “Not going to happen.”
“Harper,” Farrah asks calmly. “Are you talking to the dragon?”
“What’s it look like?” she snaps.
