Page 54 of Spirit Rites
I turn around, looking for the bag I brought with. When I don’t see it, I start towards the door. “What do you need?” he asks.
“My bag. Have you seen it?”
He joins me in searching for it. After a few minutes, though, it’s obvious it’s not in the house. “What do you think happened to it?”
“I told somebody on my team to make sure it got here; I can’t remember who in the midst of all the craziness, though.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
He opens a drawer and pulls out a shirt. “Here. You can wear this tonight, and I’ll find your bag tomorrow.”
“Thanks.” I’m too tired to really care what I wear to bed.
“Do you need to take a bath before bed?” he asks.
“Should I? I wasn’t planning on it because I thought the hot water would hurt, but if you think I should...”
He chuckles. “You’re fine. I just wanted to offer.”
We get ready for bed quickly. He offers me everything I need to take care of myself and promises me again that we’ll find mybag tomorrow. I change into his shirt quickly and fold my clothes and put them in a neat pile on the floor. I’ve just stood up from doing that when Kaldar opens the door and steps into the room. I feel like the oxygen is suddenly sucked from the room, and I find it hard to breathe. He’s only wearing black pants, leaving his very solid, very muscular chest and arms on full display. I would feel awkward staring at him, but he’s staring right back. He finally clears his throat and walks over to the bed. I don’t say a word as I walk to the other side of the bed and climb in. Only after I’m settled does he climb in on his side. I stare up at the ceiling, unsure what to say or how to act. “I have a new house rule,” his husky voice breaks the quiet.
“Okay.” I’m uncertain where he’s going with this.
“You can only wear one of my shirts while in this house.”
I can’t help the slow smile that builds. “Yeah?”
“Yes.”
“Won’t that be a problem when other people come over to visit, particularly any men?” I ask dryly.
He makes a sound in his chest. “Okay. Just at night then.”
Feeling extra bold, I turn towards him. “Okay, but then I have a house rule too.”
Chapter 26
He doesn’t bat an eye at me making a house rule forhishouse. “Name it.”
“You can’t wear shirts at night,” I tell him softly.
“No problem there.” I can hear the soft affection in his voice, and I barely resist the urge to sigh. “I hate wearing shirts.”
I grin. “Good to know.”
I turn so that I’m on my back and stare up at the ceiling. “Are Veyra and Jespar okay?”
His voice is soft when he replies. “Yes. With her being pregnant, they’ll probably stick to the woods until the pups are born.”
His words settle any lingering unease I had, and I fully relax. I can hear the sound of the small waves hitting the wooden beams that keep this house above water. It’s soothing and relaxing, and I can’t believe how quickly I get sleepy. I thought it would take me forever to fall asleep in a new place, but I’m pretty sure I'm out in minutes.
The next morning when I wake up, I notice right way that the sun is high in the sky. I sit up, surprised I slept that long. My arm hurts today, but nothing like yesterday. I’m hoping I’m past the worst of it. I sit on the bed for a moment, just taking in the sounds. I can hear kids playing, adults conversing, and the sounds of tools being used. It makes for a cacophony of sound that represents life. I stand up and make the bed, pulling the light blankets up and over the linens. There’s such a difference between Rysden’s castle, as Farrah calls it, and here. Rysden’s castle has huge, heavy furs everywhere. Here, they have light linens and light coverings. Everything is sunny and warm. Igrab one of the blankets and wrap it around my shoulders and head out to the main room. Just as I get there, Kaldar walks in through the open door, shirtless with water dripping from his hair onto his chest. “Did you go for a swim?” I ask.
I watch as his eyes take me in and soften. “You’re awake.”
“I can’t believe I slept that long.”
“You needed it.” I glance behind him, and he follows my gaze. “And yes, I went for a swim.”
