Total pages in book: 182
Estimated words: 171176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 856(@200wpm)___ 685(@250wpm)___ 571(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 171176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 856(@200wpm)___ 685(@250wpm)___ 571(@300wpm)
“Correct,” I replied. “This should just be a bonding experience. There will probably be more intimacy, though the shifters aren’t required to stay for that. They usually do, however, many of them joining in. It’s one of the few times wolves . . . engage when they aren’t in heat. They are usually all eager, even more so than the humans.”
Finley grinned, grabbing Nyfain’s hand. “In that, we have it better. Okay, we’ll get out of here. Good luck, Aurelia. You’ll do great!”
Nervousness rippled through the bond. Aurelia's heart beat faster, increasing the speed of mine. What a trip.
“It’s going to be fine, love.” I pulled her close and kissed the top of her head. “If you don’t feel the bond, we’ll just run. Only do what feels natural.”
Vemar and Calia emerged from the tree line as Finley shifted and lifted off. Nyfain wasn’t far behind her, the great golden dragon blotting out the moon for a moment. The shifters discarded their flowing clothes, some folding them and setting them down and some just tossing them where they stood. Calia and Vemar got close, though he reached out to stop her from getting too close.
“Well now, Captive Lady, are you more relaxed?” he asked with a smirk.
She turned into me a little more. “Very much so, at least until this moment.”
“Oops.” He covered his eyes with his hand. “There, better?”
“Aurelia, I am so sad!” Calia told her, giving her a little pout. “I wanted you to come back to my kingdom with me.”
“I’m sorry,” she said, leaning her head against me. “I should’ve told you in person. I wasn’t thinking. I chose here because . . .” She shrugged, looking up at me. “It’ll be the best place for our family, I think. It’ll be the best place for me to start over.”
I pulled her in tighter, the warmth radiating through me catching my breath.
Calia smiled at Aurelia as Vemar peeked between his fingers at her.
“Just between us—and the royals know this,” Calia said, “I can’t blame you. Why do you think I have a residence here? I count the people here as friends, or as close as someone in my position can get to friends. But . . .” She affected a stern face. “As a representative of my kingdom, I will say that you are making a huge mistake. Be prepared to sever all ties. We do not take kindly to people who shrug off our offer of aid.” She winked at Aurelia. “I’ll chat with you later. Apparently soon you will be making food for the dinner you are invited to.” She shrugged. “Welcome to a kingdom with a mediocre cook, I guess.”
“Shall I just head into the sky, Alpha?” Vemar asked me, taking his hand away now. “Or should I skedaddle?”
“Your choice. You seemed able to shrug off her magic, so I don’t think you’re a danger.”
He arched an eyebrow. “I didn’t do much to shrug off her magic earlier.”
“Yes, she is very strong.” Calia smiled at Aurelia, whose expression had turned quizzical. Then she smiled at me. “You’re a lucky man, Alpha. And I just want to tell you . . . You were my rock in the demon dungeons. I don’t think I ever said that to you. You were a rock to a lot of us. You kept us steady. I think many of us would’ve lost our will to live if it hadn’t been for you. You kept us going until Finley could get us out. For that, I thank you. Truly. You deserve all the happiness.”
I bowed to her. “It was a dark time. I’m glad we were able to help each other through it, and that we are able to keep in touch, too.”
Vemar nodded his agreement. He’d been on a different level in those dungeons, but he was no less affected by the experience.
“Okay. Away.” Vemar waved us gone. “Go! Let’s see what the new wolf can do!”
Chapter 40
Weston
Athrill of nervousness rolled through Aurelia before she steeled herself with determination. She nodded at Vemar, said goodbye to Calia, and then stepped away to wait for me. I glanced out over the gathered crowd, feeling their anticipation running high. Many of them had seen Aurelia streak through the forest or earlier through their town, all of them marveling at her speed. Many had also offered or tried to push the bond on her, wanting her to join up, liking the feel of her energy. She’d eluded them all, giving them the thrill of the chase. And now she was ready to show them all what they’d been wondering about, what Hadriel had told everyone was the most amazing bond experience he’d ever felt.
I turned to her. “Ready?” She answered by shifting.
I was right behind her, my wolf taking over and breathing in her wolf’s new scent, one that now mingled ours with hers. We weren’t done yet, though. True mates didn’t just claim once; they had the ability to do it twice, something only afforded to that natural pair. My wolf was eager to lay his mark.