Page 80 of Visions & Shadows

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I wouldn’t be happy sharing my man with another woman,” I say, already regretting that I asked the question, but I push through because I’m too curious for my own good. “Surely you’ll have to put your girlfriend or wife first.”

He removes his arm from around me, then says, “I’ll never marry.”

“What?” I gasp, and when I glance over my shoulder to look at him, it puts our faces an inch apart.

His eyes lock with mine. “No one comes before you. I’ll never marry. My life belongs to you.”

My eyebrows draw together, and unable to be selfish and rejoice that I don’t have to share him with another woman, I have to think about him.

“But that’s so unfair to you,” I whisper.

He shakes his head. “No, it’s not. Some guardians never receive a charge, and they have no destiny to fulfill. I’m one of the lucky ones.”

It’s the longest conversation we’ve had since we returned to Vaalbara, and seeing as he’s answering my questions, I dare to ask another, “So what happens if you want to be with a woman? Or are you celibate?”

I glance at the other riders and our surroundings while I hope he doesn’t get offended by my intrusive questions.

When he lets out a chuckle, I’m caught by surprise.

“No, I’m not celibate.”

He doesn’t explain his answer further, and I don’t have the guts to ask another question.

He’s not celibate, which means he’s probably been with his fair share of women.

Remembering the night when he laughed with the woman by the bonfire and how she touched him, I wonder if there’s something more between them.

Jealousy rears in my chest, the emotion so strong I shift on the horse.

“No, I haven’t been with her.”

Oh God.

My entire face goes up in flames, and I mutter, “Stay out of my head.”

He wraps his arm around me again and holds me tightly to his body.

Unable to stop myself, I place my hand over his forearm and close my eyes.

If moments like this are all I’ll ever have, I’m going to savor them.

When we finally reach the area where we’ll set up camp, I can hear the waterfall.

Raighne climbs off before he takes hold of my hips, lifting me from the horse. This time, he lets my body slide down his, and my eyes widen.

Sweet Jesus.

The crooked smile I love so much tugs at the corner of his mouth, then he surprises me by hugging me to his chest.

“I enjoyed today,” he murmurs, his voice low and deep.

“Me too.”

He pulls back, and lifting a hand to my face, he tucks some wild strands behind my ear.

“For the next month, we have to focus on our bond. We have to strengthen it as much as possible.”

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