Warrior (Princesses of Myth #2)

When I came out, Silas was propped up in bed. I merged my mind with his as I tossed the covers to one side. Whoa. I searched for a breath as I stared at this low slung pajama bottoms.

It was expected, but still. He’d never once slept like this. He’d always worn clothes.

“You sleep here.” He tugged me in.

“So much has happened so fast between us.”

Flicking off the light and plunging the room into darkness, he said, “We’re together. It doesn’t matter how that happened.”

I wriggled to face him in the dark. “What are your plans for tomorrow?” The barest sliver of moonlight from a gap in the curtains illuminated his strong jaw and high cheekbones.

“Work, but I have training first thing in the morning. I’ve let it ride lately.”

“Where are you working afterward?”

“Sunider. It’s one of the villages on our desert border with No-Man’s Land. Davio’s put teams of protectors there since our trip of discovery to the Sol compound. We’ve neglected that area, and if we hadn’t, we may have learned of Elizara’s tribe sooner.”

“Later in the week I’m going to the Sol compound to begin documentation.”

He stroked my head, playing in my hair with his fingers. “I’ll come when you do.”

“I have to finish filling the watering holes first. I’ve only completed half, and no doubt, they’ve begun to dry again. Maslin will want all of them done.”

“I do not like him.”

“You don’t have to.”

“Sol sits in the wings waiting for you. He’s being patient in his desires. I see it.”

I skipped one finger down the center of his chest. Such deliciously hot skin.

“Hope, are you paying attention?”

“Nope.” I stroked down his sides and he shivered.

“Sol’s always in your vicinity. I don’t care for it.”

“Do you truly want to talk about Maslin right now?” I rubbed my cheek against his.

“Yes. I want you to keep a certain distance from him.”

“Not possible. You do realize we’re in bed, right? Why isn’t your mouth on mine?”

He tipped up my chin. “I need your agreement.”

“Sure, kissing’s a great idea. I totally agree.”

“Not kissing. Sol. We’re talking about two different things.”

“Kiss me, and then we won’t be.”

His forearm muscles bunched as he wrapped his arms around me. “You are my mate.”

“Uh-huh, and a mate who wishes to be kissed.”

“You are merged and I’m near addicted to it.”

“I do it because I need it, and you like it.” I spread my mind deeper into his.

“I’d like it more if you kept your distance from Sol.”

“We are alone, and you keep talking about another man. Tut-tut.” I pushed him onto his back. “I want your kisses before I go to sleep. I have much to teach you about meeting my needs.” I dropped my mouth to his, and got bossy, until he no longer considered speaking an option. Wonderful. A silent Silas was a perfect Silas.





Chapter 10




“Are you awake, Hope?”

Faith’s voice swam inside my head. I pushed myself up to my elbows and squinted through the dark toward the heavy drape of Silas’s curtains. A trickle of light peeked through. “I am. Just.” I turned back the covers and peered at my mate as he remained asleep.

“I had to hear your voice. I’m finishing my morning run, and then I’m coming to collect you.”

“You are?”

“Yep, I’ve got a study day, which means I’m skipping school so you can show me the outback. I want to meet Goldie.”

Taking care not to disturb Silas, I slid my feet to the floor and curled my toes into the plush carpet. “I’ll dress. Give me a couple of minutes.” After sneaking a pair of low-rise blue jeans and a berry-red V-neck shirt from the dressing room, I then tiptoed to the bathroom and shut the door.

I dressed and brushed my hair. What a mess. I detangled the nightly knots and pulled my hair into a ponytail.

After slipping back to Silas, I knelt on the floor beside him. His cheek was pressed to his pillow and he breathed ever so quietly. I gazed at his closed eyelids, at the long sweep of golden eyelashes touched with a hint of red. The stubble on his jaw was the same light color, but looked incredibly sharp. I smiled at the memory of shaving him. So much had happened since that time. I’d found Elizara Sol and my water skill had come in. Now I had my sister, and I would never let her go. I kissed his cheek then nibbled to the corner of his mouth. My soul was bound to his, an unbreakable tie no one could pull apart.

“Hope, Davio’s asleep. Do you want to sneak out? I’ve found that’s best. You ready?”

“Silas is usually my ride home.” My gaze wandered over his face. Every moment I had with him was precious.

“Now you have me too. Whenever you call, I’ll come. Within an instant. I know where his rooms are and I’ll wait outside. Nice and quiet now.”