Page 135 of Born of Blood and Ash

“Then that is all that matters.”

CHAPTERTWENTY

Aydun returned me—with warning this time—tothe Shadowlands.

As the mist faded, I saw bare shelves.

Then, I was in Ash’s arms, one wrapped around my waist whilethe fingers of his other sank into my hair. I held him just as tightly, feelinghis heart pounding against my chest as I soaked in his citrusy fresh scent andthe feel of his body.

“Liessa,” he murmured,his mouth against the side of my head. Neither of us moved for several moments,and then he leaned back. Eather-drenched eyes searched mine. “What did he do?”

“He was…he was just being an asshole.” My fingers splayedacross his side. “Some of his abilities—like the syhkik—havereturned to him. But I’m okay,” I assured him before he answered. “I swear.”

A faint shudder went through him, and then his lips foundmine as he cupped my cheeks, tilting my head back. I rose onto the toes of myboots and placed my hands against his chest. The kiss deepened, and he tastedme, drank me in.

A throat cleared.

Ash slowly ended the kiss, but he didn’t break away. Hisforehead rested against mine. He was breathing just as raggedly as I was.

I wet my lips. “I’m guessing you didn’t leave for Vathi?”

“I think you know the answer to that,” a gravelly voicedrawled from behind Ash.

My fingers curled into Ash’s tunic. “Did you have to sit onAsh to keep him here?”

“Pretty much,” Nektas answered.“For a moment there, I didn’t think I would be able to stop him.”

“I’m sorry,” I whispered to Ash. “I know it’s not my fault,but I’m sure this couldn’t have been easy for you.”

His thumb swept over my cheek. “It wasn’t.” Lifting hishead, he pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Do you need anything? Food? Somethingto drink?”

A wry smile tugged at my lips. “I wasn’t gone that long.”

“Any length of time is too long.”

Feeling that in my soul, I smiled. “I’m good for now.”

“If you change your mind, let me know.” His lips touched mytemple before he stepped aside.

Nektas sat in one of the chairs infront of the desk. Rhain was seated in the other. Both were watching us. Theformer had a small grin on his face. The god looked surprised. Again.

Feeling my cheeks warm, I cleared my throat. “Have youboth—?” I stopped, looking behind me. The space was empty.

“If you’re looking for the Fate,” Rhain said, lifting ashort glass to his lips and taking a sip, “he vanished the moment Nyktos reached you.”

“Well, that’s probably for the best.” I glanced at Ash. Hisattention was fixed on me. “By the way, he now thinks I’m the calm one out ofthe two of us.”

Rhain choked.

My narrowed gaze swung to the god. He was bent over in hischair, eyes watering. “Sorry,” he gasped. “Went down the wrong pipe.”

“Sure, it did,” I replied dryly. “But that probably changedafter the meeting.”

Ash raised a brow. “How so?”

“I sort of might have killed Callum,” I shared as Ash walkedus toward the settee. “Twice.”

Nektas snorted while Rhain wipedat his mouth with the back of his hand, and Ash sat, pulling me into his lap.

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