Page 12 of Omega Sanctuary

"You set the pace," Jaiyen said. He didn't slide closer, or try to touch me. He wasn't being pushy, thank the gods.

Some of the tension eased in my chest. Maybe I could do this. Maybe it would be fine.

I would train with Sabine in the temple on how to control the new magic that was making itself known, and Jaiyen and I would take things slow.

But over the next few weeks, my body aches only grew worse. Every symptom I had was more intense until I couldn't sleep for days and then switched to being unable to get out of bed.

I didn't see Kivai again, even though I looked for him. The little spirits followed me around, and I got used to having a small glowing entourage.

I tried to prolong the courtship, but being around Jaiyen either helped or hurt, depending on the day.

He was a dutiful suitor, bringing me flowers and candies. When I asked for spices from Penrith, he told me I didn't have to bake anymore.

The thought filled me with dread so deep I baked for three days barely stopping to eat or sleep.

Nan kicked me out of the kitchen when Jaiyen showed up for our usual walk. I was tired, and suggested the garden.

Jaiyen reclined on a stone bench near the plum tree my mother had planted, and looked up at me like I was the moon of his life.

My heart tumbled over. Maybe it would be okay. I didn't like the changes, but I could adjust. Adapt.

I sat next to Jaiyen and took his hand. "Everything still feels weird."

"I thought I was losing my mind when I became an alpha."

Soft jasmine scented the air around us. He wore his khaki tunic, and I wanted to feel the rough fabric in my hands.

Before I could stop myself, I touched his arm.

I pulled away with a blush. "Sorry."

"It's okay," he said, holding still. "You can touch me if you want."

I leaned closer before I could think about it. His energy wrapped around me like a blanket, and he closed the distance between us.

He pressed his lips against mine, and I sighed. He tasted like bread and salt. He cupped my face in his hands and moaned, pressing his tongue against my lips.

Shocked, I opened my mouth. In the back of my mind, I wonder if I would actually be happy with Jaiyen for the rest of my life, but his tongue swirled inside me and I lost myself to the heat of his touch.

We kissed until I was drunk on his touch. I managed to pull away before we did too much more, but craving for him leeched under my skin.

That night I tossed and turned. I wanted...something. I pictured Jaiyen touching me, my core heating up.

Desire shifted into pain, and I bit down onto my pillow. My skin was too hot, and I longed for a bath. But getting up and drawing a bath was too much work.

The spirits floated in a cloud near the ceiling, and I watched them dance. A small glowing mouse drifted near my arm. It squeaked and landed on my shoulder.

The weight of the mouse was a small breeze. I shivered, bedsheets sticking to me. My head pounded, and all at once, faintness stole me away.

Kivai leaned over me, his face as clear as my own in a mirror. "Zara, remember your lessons."

I blinked at him. I tried to swallow and choked on my dry mouth.

He grimaced, looking over my body. The thought sent lust bolting through me. I reached out and grabbed his wrist.

I expected my hand to go right through him. Instead, I met warm, solid flesh.

He didn't pull away, but he watched me with a frown. "You're worse than you were weeks ago. Where's your alpha?"

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