Page 102 of Rage of Her Ravens

That brought me a small measure of comfort. I looked away from him, thinking of how much I wished I had his wings to keep me warm. “I hope you’re right.”

“Have faith, Shirina,” he said as he crossed over to me, taking my hands in his. “The elements didn’t bring you together to tear you apart.”

“You’re right.” Swallowing, I looked down at our joined hands. He was so warm, I didn’t want him to let me go, but he wasn’t my mate, not my bonded mate, anyway. “Thank you,” I whispered.

He moved closer, his warmth enveloping me, his wingtips tickling my arms. “I’d do anything for you, Shirina.” He squeezed my hands, fire from his touch infusing into me. “Your hands are like ice. If you want, I could warm you.”

I swallowed at that as I got lost in the swirls of fire in his dark eyes. How badly I wanted him to take me in his arms. I needed someone to hold me and calm my fears.

Shiri!

I gasped, pulling away from Draevyn as I looked up at the sky. An army of Ravini mages flew toward us in a V formation, moonlight striking their silhouettes and setting white flame to their wings. One of them broke from the formation, flying as fast as a falling star, straight toward me.

“Blaze!” I cried, jumping up and down. “Look there! Blaze is back!”

He was flying at me so fast, I feared we’d collide, but he pulled up moments before striking the banister. He gracefully hopped over it and landed beside me, sweeping me into his arms. I buried my hands in his thick hair, melting in his warm embrace as he kissed me. I moaned into his mouth, deepening the kiss. He grasped my thighs and hoisted me against him. I wrapped my legs around his waist, laughing as we fell into a chair. He tasted like sweet mint and smelled of a heavenly blend of sulfur and sage. If I wasn’t so upset over Nikkos, I’d demand Blaze fly me to his bedchamber and make passionate love to me. If we didn’t get hold of our desire, that’s exactly what we would do, but, no, first we had to make sure Nikkos would be okay. What was taking that witch so long?

I’ve missed you so much,I said to him through thought, going boneless in his arms as he trailed kisses across my jawline. Words couldn’t express my relief that he was safe and here with me. Somehow, I knew everything would be better now. Nikkos would heal, and my strength would return. It was already returning. Magic flowed through my veins like swelling rivers with each of Blaze’s tender kisses.

He took my hands in his, brushing kisses across my knuckles, his eyes alight with fire.You have no idea how much I’ve missed you.His voice echoed in my mind. How I loved having this thought connection with him.No more trouble from the giants?

I shook my head.They haven’t returned.

That’s because my witch mate has amazing siren powers.He flashed a wide smile, pride reflecting in his eyes.

I wondered if he’d also seen my white magic, though I was too afraid to ask. What if I was the white witch destined to kill his queen? Draping my arms around his neck, I pressed my forehead to his. What took you so long?

I’m sorry, my love.His wings wrapped me in a cocoon as he rubbed warmth into my arms, his masculine heat setting fire to my veins.My companions can’t fly as fast as me, and I had to rest my wings. How is Nikkos?

I don’t know.I cupped his chin, rough with new beard growth.The green witch is with him.

I have every confidence she will heal him.His wingtips gently caressed my back.The girls?

Fine,I answered through thought. They’re with Mrs. Euphemia.At least the nursemaid was more trustworthy than the nurses.

Oh!His eyes lit up with mirth.She was our favorite nursemaid.

That’s what your brother said.My stomach roiled just at the mention of Draevyn, at how I’d come close to letting my guard down with him after all the horrible things he’d done.

Blaze’s voice in my head dropped to a low rumble.Has he treated you well?

Yes.Too well if truth be told, causing my heart to get caught up in a cyclone of conflicting emotions, but I didn’t want to tell Blaze that.

Good.Blaze’s laughter echoed in my mind.Maybe he’s finally come to his senses.

Maybe,I thought to myself, but that didn’t mean I would bond with him.

We both turned around at the sound of Draevyn loudly clearing his throat.

I let out a little noise of protest when Blaze extricated himself from our loving cocoon.

I’ll return to you momentarily, my love. Then maybe we can continue our reunion in my bedchamber,Blaze said, his eyes sparkling with desire.

Tremors coursed through me at the thought as moisture pooled between my thighs. I let out a groan of frustration when he released me.

He went to Draevyn, clapping him on the back. “Brother, thank you for watching after Shirina and the girls.”

“Of course.” Agitation flashed in Draevyn’s eyes, and I got the feeling he was tired of people thanking him for doing his duty. His smile appeared plastered to his face as he clasped Blaze’s shoulder. “I’m glad you’re back.”

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