Warrior (Princesses of Myth #2)

“Yes.” What would have happened if after I’d met Silas, I’d sent him immediately on his way? My agreement would have come much quicker if it were not for Dad’s request. And my skill of mind-merge would still have come in, only I wouldn’t have had Silas to merge with. Would death have come within three days?

Returning one of the empty dishes to the basket, he murmured, “We’ll do this research of yours together.”

“Wait.” I grabbed his arm. “I’ve asked so much of you today. Are you sure?”

He pulled me to my feet. “My wishes do not count with the bond in play. What further information were you made aware of?”

“My father advised he loses sight of me for a few days. Somehow I go dark, but I have no idea how or why.”

“A few days?” He removed his sword belt and set it against the corner of the headboard then kicked his black boots off and sat on the bed. He tugged me down beside him. “That doesn’t sound good.”

“My father has no fear of my disappearance. I mustn’t be gone long.”

Underneath the thin down mattress, the ridges of the base’s wooden slats poked through.

“Let’s sleep on this information. In the morning we’ll have clearer heads.” He raised my legs and tipped me under the covers then joined me. “I still don’t like the idea of you disappearing for a few days. We’ll stay close.”

“I have no idea when I go dark. He didn’t exactly say.”

He extinguished the lamp, and moonlight filtered through the tiny square window. He rolled to his side, facing me. “We’ll stay close. I can’t dismiss the mated bond. Our souls call to one another and it’s strong.”

I felt it too.

“I can’t keep my distance from you, Hope. That would result in your death.”

“Yeah, but yours would result if my grandfather, Donaldo, ever found out about you. The need to protect goes both ways.”

A low growl rumbled from his throat. “It sounds like you’re arguing with me.”

“I’m pointing out the facts. Alexo keeps the knowledge of Faith’s relationship with Loveria a secret.”

“We don’t have their kind of relationship.”

“So this is a non-relationship?” I smiled. That actually suited me.

“Yes.”

“Okay, honey. I got it.”

He pulled me to him. “I have no idea why, but I like you. You have a smart mouth.”

I snuggled closer, resting my cheek against his chest. “Mmm-hmm. So do you.”

He let out a slow breath and it fanned over the top of my head. “I still want to kiss you.”

“Hell, no.” I grinned to myself.

“Are you repeating my earlier words?”

“Yes, I am.” He rolled me, coming up over top. My heart raced. “Don’t–”

His kiss was potent as he claimed my mouth.

I had no response. I was lost, hypnotized as we shared breath and a moment more special than any in time.

He cupped my face in his hands and stroked my cheeks, his thoughts escaping for the first time.

I read them so clearly within the merge.

He wanted this moment to last.

My heart soared and my soul called to his on the deepest level. “We are in a world of trouble,” I murmured against his lips.

His hold tightened, intoxicating me. Then he eased away an inch, maybe two. “You have the most beautiful spun-gold hair. It catches even the moonlight and glows like silk.”

I cleared my throat. “I know I just said trouble. You should stick to your side of the bed in this non-relationship.”

A wicked grin widened his mouth. “I could drown in the brilliant violet of your eyes.”

“Do I need to slap your face?”

He laughed. “Yes.”

I pushed him away, trying to get my heartbeat to slow. “Go away.”

He rolled into me, held me close. “I’ll be good. Just keeping you warm. It’s my right.”

I curled up, squeezing my eyes shut. “I can’t believe I’m sharing a bed with you. Do you snore?”

“Terribly. I’m also a bed-hog.”

I heard the partial lie, but to which half of that statement? “Hmm, since I’m squished between you and the wall, I’m picking you’re a bed-hog.”

“You feel all warm and soft. I’m not going anywhere.” He nuzzled my hair and yawned. “Go to sleep. You’ll need your rest if you want to be on your toes tomorrow.”

I didn’t doubt it. The minutes ticked by, and I slowly relaxed. My soul-bound mate lay beside me. For one night, or perhaps for more? I had no idea.





Chapter 4




I awoke to light tracking through the small square window, one that was now barely visible because Silas’s broad shoulders blocked the way. It had rained off and on during the night with a tap-tapping against the wood-shingled roof. Each time I’d stirred as it had.

Stretching my legs, I rubbed them against Silas’s socked ones. Oooh, toasty-warm.

His lips touched my cheek as he tucked me in closer. “It’s too early. I need another half an hour.”

“I didn’t say anything.” I ran my fingers along his shadowed jaw, smiling at the prickly sensation. “Do you like sleep-ins?”

“Yes.” He dragged his eyelids open then pressed the small light switch on his modern Earth watch. “Ah, it’s already seven. Unbelievable. I can hear your stomach rumbling.”