Page 116 of Kiss of Magic

A sense of relief swept over her. If faeries went back out into the world, people wouldn’t come poking around to find them. And she wouldn’t have to punch them.

“What does it mean for the Haven if they leave?” she asked cautiously. “The faeries created it. Will it still exist without them?”

“As long as magical beings remain here, it will too.”

“Like the draconi?”

“Like them. And me. And not all the faeries want to go. Some are happy here.”

“Ah. Your groupies,” she teased.

It was true. The faeries were strangely attached to Beast. When he’d returned after defeating the demon, they hadn’t left his side until they’d healed every last tiny cut and scrape on his body. Nat had barely been able to get near him. It was a wonder they weren’t up here now, fluttering round his head.

Actually, as long as they had the place to themselves…

Lazily, she reached for his belt. She had made Beast wear clothes while there were families around, but that was no longer necessary.

“What are you doing, slayer?” he asked, even as his pulse quickened. It had been too long since they’d made love in the open.

“I’m reasserting my authority over this territory,” she told him. He laughed, a low rumble that sent shivers through her bones.

“Come here,” he commanded quietly. She crawled into his arms and he kissed her deeply, deliciously, a languid promise of all he intended to do to her.

“The world is going to be a very different place,” he murmured as he stripped off her top. He scratched his claws lightly over her stiffening nipples. “But maybe it’s time.”

“Yes,” she gasped as he kissed her throat, tangling her hands into his mane. “New world. New beginnings.”

Fifty Seven

Six months after the Second Dark War

“You’ve done a brilliant job of rebuilding the towns and villages, boss.” Tala gazed out of the window as they were driven through Nurhan. “I can’t believe the difference.”

Shade had offered to fly her for the tour but ever since she’d almost plummeted to her death during an eventful mission, Tala had an aversion to heights. They’d taken her carriage instead.

“You don’t have to call me boss anymore,” the jinn said. “I think as Countess you outrank me.”

“Old habits.” Tala gave him a narrow look. “And how are things with you? You and Raya seem to have retired from public view since the end of the war. Everything okay?”

“Raya and I need time to recover. The war was difficult for both of us.”

“It’s been six months, boss.”

Shade didn’t answer, and Tala didn’t push it. She knew something had happened, suspected what it might be. There had been such sadness in their eyes when she had finally met up with them after the final battle. But whatever the reason, Shade and Raya were keeping it private and she had no right to intrude.

Castle Elumina came into view. The guards saluted as the carriage pulled through the gates and into a covered courtyard. It used to be open, but Shade had made it sheltered from the sun for a specific reason.

That reason was waiting to greet them. Darian lounged against a pillar with the grace of a panther. Raya was next to him, flushed and smiling from something he’d said. If Shade hadn’tbeen so gratified to see his wife happy, he might have been jealous.

He climbed from the carriage, courteously helping Tala before turning to the others. Subconsciously, shadows unfurled from him and curled around his wife’s waist. It was a protective gesture, and Tala wondered if he was aware he was doing it.

“You should have seen the place, Darian,” she said. “There’s still work to be done but the fields are planted and homes rebuilt. I think there’ll even be a decent harvest this year.”

“It’s the same all over.” Raya sounded breathless and Shade looked at her curiously. Her eyes were shining and there was colour in her cheeks. “The Emperor has ploughed money into rebuilding Nush’aldaam as fast as possible. He wants to put the past behind us. I think that’s a great idea, don’t you, darling? Putting the past behind us?”

Nonplussed, Shade nodded.

“Yes. Of course.”

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