Page 98 of Guardians of the Assassins
Silly man.
A flash of pain streaked through her nerve endings, and her vision darkened, her magic rising to curl around him before settling into the bright yellow moon etched along his back.
The mating mark on her arm burned, the heat searing, and she felt hisloup garouin her mind. The beast threw back his head and roared in victory as the link between them snapped into place and flared to life.
Caedmon gathered her in his arms with a possessive growl, and she fell asleep surrounded by both man and beast.
Sometime later, the bed dipped, and Morgan rolled over with a groan, not ready to get up. Cracking open her eyes, she startled at seeing Atlas sitting next to her.
She bolted upright, barely catching the blanket in time to keep from flashing him. A blush heated her cheeks as memories of last night flashed through her mind. As she scanned the room, she frowned, and her heart clutched in panic. “Where’s Caedmon?”
“Easy.” Atlas ran a calming hand down her arm, pulling her against his chest. “He’s just outside, helping the villagers get rid of the remaining spiders.
A pang went through her at waking up without him at her side, and she instantly felt foolish for reacting like a needy girlfriend. “Sorry, I don’t know why I’m so clingy. I?—”
“It’s normal to want your mate near right after you bond.” He threaded his fingers in her hair and kissed her forehead, then he sighed and pushed to his feet. He picked up the folded stack of her clothing and set them at the bottom of her bed. “Seeing him will help.”
Morgan didn’t even wait for him to leave before she jumped out of bed, kicking free of the covers, more than ready to leave this place. When she opened the door, she found Atlas waiting on the stoop.
But what gave her pause was it still remained dark outside. “Did I sleep all day?”
Atlas blinked at her, then his eyes widened. “Of course no one has told you. Light and dark fae live on opposite sides of the realm. The light lives in near perpetual sun, while the dark lives in the gloom. The sun rarely touches the land but once or twice a year.”
Morgan could only gape at him, not sure she’d heard him correctly, but a glance at the sky said he spoke the truth. They were stuck in the gloaming hour.
A large bonfire roared in the distance, black smokepluming in the air. Through the flames, hundreds of spiders crackled as they burned, their legs curling up, their bodies popping as they roasted. The stench was atrocious. She couldn’t wait to leave and put a much needed distance between her and those spiders.
Only a few villagers ventured out, each bowing low like she was royalty or something.
It made her even more uncomfortable.
She didn’t deserve it when all she’d done was her job.
They walked toward the edge of the village, and Morgan nearly sagged in relief to find Caedmon waiting. His face softened when he caught sight of her, and a bubble of joy filled her chest.
He ran the back of his fingers along her jaw, concern darkening his eyes. “You look ready to jump out of your skin.”
“Yeah, I’m more than ready to leave this place.” He gave her a soft smile, but he looked troubled, a shadow crossing over his face, and her stomach churned at the thought that he regretted what had happened between them.
She’d never wanted another mate, but Caedmon was different from other men.
He’d been hers the moment she saw him, it just took her a while to recognize the connection. There was no angst between them, no drama, just his silent, unwavering support. It was addicting.
He couldn’t take that back now, not when she’d come to trust and rely on him.
If he decided what they’d done last night was a mistake, she feared her heart would shatter and she’d never find all the pieces again. She’d be damned if she let him go without a fight. “What’s wrong?”
He nodded in the distance, his frown darkening. “The castle to the dark fae is that way.”
“And that’s where we’re heading?” She glanced in that direction but could only see miles and miles of trees.
“Yes,” he muttered, clearly not happy.
When he didn’t say more, she peered back at him over her shoulder. “Why is that a problem?”
“The villagers say that the forest is cursed.” He crossed his arms, his frown turning into a scowl. “It will add three days to go around?—”
“No.” Morgan shook her head and held up her hand to stop him. “I refuse to be away from my mates or the coven for any longer than necessary. I?—”
