Page 91 of Kingdom of Faewood

“Usually. Just count yourself lucky that I didn’t shift into astag.” When my attempt at humor failed to elicit any crinkling around his eyes, I cleared my throat and took another drink of tea.

“Why didn’t you shift?”

I shrugged. “Shifter magic has never affected me during callings. I think it’s because our intrinsic magic can’t affect another fae, only our extrinsic magic.”

He rubbed his chin through his mask. “In other words, because I can’t make other fae shift into a stag, but I can rob their senses and cause them pain, that’s what you experienced.”

“Exactly.”

“But you didn’t experience any of the elements?”

“I felt your fire, but blessedly, your water, earth, and air stayed at bay.” I forced a smile. “So it could have been worse.”

He leaned back. “That’s probably because fire is my strongest element. Goddess Above.”

Steam from the bathing chamber wafted into the room, and I itched to sink into the bath that was waiting for me. I felt marginally better after the food and drink, but the beckoning heat from the tub was deliciously inviting, considering how much my muscles ached. “Would you rather I tell you now what the semelees revealed, or would you prefer I...” I gestured toward the bathing room.

Jax pushed to standing. Energy pulsed around him. “No, you bathe first.”

My eyebrows shot up. “But you abducted me for this one purpose. To know what’s become of him.”

His jaw locked, and before I could say more, he was at my side, his arms going around me. The feel of him made my heart stop.

“It can wait.” In one large sweep, he’d cradled me in his embrace and was striding across the room.

“Jax, what are you?—”

“I’m helping you,” he cut in gruffly.

My cheeks reddened.

He strode into the elegant bathing chamber. White floors and white wallpaper flecked with light blue flowers greeted me. Someone had also put a bouquet of freshly cut blue roses on the counter.

“Where did those come from?”

Jax averted his gaze. “I summoned them. I thought the roses might smell good and provide a more...relaxing environment.”

“Oh.” His thoughtfulness pierced my heart, and I was reminded of the oscillating feelings he’d elicited in me before the calling.

He slowed when he neared the tub, then stopped at its edge. Floral hints rose from the water, and the pale pink color alerted me to the elixir the enchantment had added. A fresh stack of white towels also sat on a small stool beside the tub. Next to that waited soap and products for my hair.

“Impressive. Your enchanted room missed nothing.”

He made a noncommittal sound. “It’s pretty attentive to details.” He set me down and waited until I was steady before removing his hands. “Do you...need help undressing?”

My eyebrows shot up. The other morning, when I’d been so aroused following our night together at the inn, I probably would have taken him up on that offer, but now...

“Is this how you attempt to get a female’s clothes off? You abduct her, then use her until she’s black and blue before offering your services?” I asked mockingly.

His brows slanted together so sharply that I knew my verbal dagger had hit its mark.

Before he could say anything further, I shook my head. “No, I’ll manage.”

His harsh expression smoothed, yet his voice was stiff when he said, “Thank you for what you did.” His throat bobbed. “Saying thanks doesn’t seem like nearly enough considering what my magic did to you, butthank youfor asking the semelees.” Before I could reply, he swung away. “I’ll be in the hall if you need anything.”

He disappeared out the door, leaving me reeling following his heartfelt words, but then the lock falling into place rang through the chambers.

I was once again all alone . . . and caged.

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