Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 50512 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 253(@200wpm)___ 202(@250wpm)___ 168(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50512 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 253(@200wpm)___ 202(@250wpm)___ 168(@300wpm)
Guilt slices through me. We’ve gone in circles about the twin bond and my need to be the one to end Samuel. “I never in a million years thought I’d be deserving of a mate, let alone be bound to someone as incredible as you. The last thing I want is to be separated from you, but you can’t ask me to risk your life. Would you so easily risk mine?”
She purses her lips at me, her eyes narrowing. She can’t argue with me on that point. She wouldn’t risk me.
“I’m stronger now,” she finally says. “Your training has assured that. Practicing with Gabriel has helped too. I can be an asset to you and the others.”
“You are an asset. Aurora, you’re my entire reason.”
“Then let me help finish this—”
I kiss her gently, relishing the way she melts into me. “I won’t risk you,” I say before kissing her again. “But maybe I can help with part of your request. If you’ll let me. Trust me?”
“Of course I trust you,” she says.
“Then close your eyes.”
Aurora immediately closes her eyes, and I internally reach for my power. It’s all too easy to slip into her mind and grab hold of her reality. All too easy to have the room surrounding us melt away. To sweep away the memories urging her to action, the dark pieces of her that call out for justice. The ones where she helps finish this battle so we can have our happily ever after.
All of that dissolves as I weave a new reality for us, one I desperately hope she likes.
“Saint,” she gasps as the image takes hold of us. We’re no longer in my bed but walking along the beach she loved so much on Cassandra’s island, only this time, the sun is glittering off the ocean, making the sand warm beneath our feet. “I forgot,” she says. “I forgot what it feels like to walk in the sun.”
“It’s been so long, I almost did too.” Thank fuck for modern day nature documentaries. I likely wouldn’t be able to construct such a convincing reality had I not watched so many with Talon after we were awakened. “Do you like it?”
She tilts her head toward the sun, bathing her body in the golden rays. “I love it.” She glances down, noting the sheer cover-up I’ve dressed her in. The only thing I’ve dressed her in. “Love this too.” She runs her fingertips over the light, breezy fabric. “What do you think?”
I swallow hard as her fingers trail over her breasts, which are visible breath the sheer fabric. Her nipples peak as she strokes them, then moves her hands lower over her hips.
“You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” My fangs punch out, my instincts roaring to follow everywhere she’s touching herself.
“Even in the sun?” she asks.
“In the sun. In the moonlight. I would recognize your beauty in complete darkness.”
“Who knew you could be so poetic,” she says, stepping into my space and splaying her hands along my bare chest. She glances over her shoulder, admiring the view of the ocean, the beach, and the stretch of jungle beyond. Then she looks back up at me again. “My hunter.”
I grin down at her, bending, my lips aimed for her neck. She grips my chin, claiming my mouth with hers in a punishing kiss that sets my blood on fire.
“You want to bite me, hunter?” she teases.
A low growl rumbles from me in answer. I go for her neck again, but she darts out of my embrace.
“Then catch me.” Her grin is pure mischief and challenge before she takes off toward the jungle.
Shock and anticipation burst through me, my instincts sharpening to an aching point. Oh, she has no idea the game she’s started. I lock my muscles, quelling those hunter responses for as long as I can.
Lava streaks through my veins when she disappears into the trees. That’s all it takes before I rush off after her. I slow my speed a fraction, devouring the anticipation crackling beneath my skin at the hunt.
I clear the trees, the thick vegetation brushing against my arms as I come to a stop. We’re sharing a mind space, but she’s my mate and we’ve learned our bond allows her to bend my power just enough while in here.
She’s hidden, the little vixen.
My eyes flash to thermal and that preternatural stillness slides over me as I go silent. “Come out, come out, wherever you are.” The words are gravelly as I speak, my senses on absolute fire.
I take a careful step deeper into the brush, honing my focus.
“When I catch you, mate, I will do whatever it is I want with you.” It’s a vow as I continue the hunt.
A little gasp to my left has my head jerking that direction.
“There you are.”