Page 54 of Dark Fate

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I hold him close, grateful for the man who came into my life and mended my broken heart. "You're mine, too. Forever and always."

Just then, Syla emerges and nestles between us. Her bright, amber eyes look up at me with concern. Thank the gods, she's okay.

Rhyland practically jumps out of his skin. "What the hell is that?"

Ever the charmer, Syla snuggles up to him like a cat, purring contentedly.

"This adorable fuzzball is Syla; she's a Coatl and the sweetest creature you'll ever meet. Aren't you, my little cutie patootie?" I coo, scratching her ears in that ridiculously high-pitched baby tone.

Rhyland relaxes and slowly pets Syla's head, eliciting a deep purr from her.

"I think she likes you," I whisper, a smile playing on my lips.

"Well, that makes two of us," Rhyland says, his voice low and sultry.

I raise an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of my mouth. "Oh, really? I had no idea you were so fond of yourself, RhyPie. But I suppose that explains the excessive preening."

He growls, then laughs, pulling me in for a heated kiss that sends sparks dancing across my skin. He slightly pulls back, "RhyPie? I don't know if I will allow that pet name,Angel."

"Oh, come on, it's adorable!" I protest, my eyes twinkling with amusement. "Besides, you call meAngel. I think it's only fair I get to give you an equally cute nickname."

Rhylandraises an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Cute? I'm not sure that's the word I'd use. Dashing, perhaps. Or devastatingly handsome."

I roll my eyes, unable to hide my smile. "Fine, how about...Sailor Stud?Vike Spice? Ooh, I know—Fjord Lord!"

He chuckles, shaking his head. "You're such a brat, you know that?"

"And you love it," I retort, pulling him in for another kiss, Syla purring contentedly between us.

Danica

23

Well, that was one steamy fae forest reunion to remember! Still tingling all over in places magical glitter can't reach, I finish wriggling awkwardly back into the barely-there overshare pixie costume while watching Rhyland's unfairly perfect ass disappear back into those snug black jeans.

Hellooo lover!

We meander back to the encampment, basking in the warm afterglow of a reunion that only soulmates divided by time could share, all under the approving shimmer of the stars above.

Emerging from the shelter of the trees, we're abruptly bathed in the flickering torchlight. My smile solidifies into a picture-perfect 'oh no' as the realization hits me square in the face. My cheeks blaze with heat under the camp's collective gaze. Their stares and half-hidden smirks tell me they caught the forest performance of our passionate encore.

Syla curled safely in my arms; she peeks her head up at the staring faces, her bright amber eyes wide with curiosity.

Here walks Rhyland, my shirtless Viking vamp, oozing nonchalance while I am shrinking into myself, wishing I could vanish out of sheer embarrassment."That was a hell of a homecoming, don't you think, Angel?" Rhyland's voice echoes, strong and commanding, across the hushed camp.

I jab him with my elbow, face on fire, "Zip it, will you?" I whisper. Casting a glance at the sea of smirks around us, I'm mentally shopping for a nice invisibility cloak.

Rhyland chuckles, clearly enjoying my embarrassment. "Don't be ashamed to let the world hear just how much I make you scream my name, baby."

"Ugh, you're impossible," I mutter, quickening my pace toward Faderyn and Axilya's tent—anything to escape the prying eyes and knowing looks. Rhyland's laughter follows me as I duck inside, my heart pounding.

Syla jumps from my arms and heads over to Axilya, snuggling up to her. Axilya looks down at the little Coatl with a soft smile, gently stroking her fur as Syla purrs contentedly.

Axilya raises one elegant brow. "Welcome back. I trust you and Rhyland have...reconnected?"

I groan, covering my beet-red face.

Faderyn smiles sympathetically. "Do not worry, Danica. We are simply glad you and Rhyland have found each other again."

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