"Oh, only that." I looked back at the waves rolling into the shore. I couldn't hold onto my bitterness though, it was just too serene here.
"There are worse places to meditate," Kivai said. He touched my shoulder. "I'm just worried. Something is wrong with one of the Shrines."
"Those temples that really powerful omegas go to?"
"They do more than that." Kivai grimaced. "It wasn't supposed to happen."
Worry surfaced under my serenity. "What?"
"One of the Shrines isn't working properly." Kivai touched my shoulder again. "Promise you'll stay here. I have to check into things."
"You'll come back?"
"Yes." He looked at me, longing plain on his face. "I shouldn't. I should leave you to your life."
I grabbed his hand. "No."
He gave me an amused look. "You're going to have plenty of alphas to choose from. Not an unreliable spirit."
"You make my new life feel less terrifying," I said. Normally, brutal honest wasn't my favorite but I couldn't let him disappear without knowing. "I'm annoyed there's no way I can get in contact with you."
Kivai looked at me, dragging his hand from my shoulder to my hand. "I can't offer you anything but guidance on spirit matters."
My heart wobbled in my chest. I didn't realize I'd wanted more until I knew there was no possibility.
I would have to settle for what I could get.
"You don't have to give me anything." I looked into his eyes. They were golden amber, and looking into them felt like falling. "Just being around you is enough."
Kivai's other hand twitched, like he wanted to touch me, but instead he smiled. "You don't know what a wonder you are."
My heart shuddered. I grabbed his hand. "You have to come back. Make sure I'm getting this spirit magic under control."
"Always," Kivai said.
It would have to be enough for now.
I looked at Kivai's profile out of the corner of my eye. I thought about Valens riding away.
I wasn’t good at being satisfied with what was in front of me.
These men were mine, whether they knew it yet or not.
After tossing and turning all night, I dragged myself out of bed and made breakfast. The kitchen only had the basics, so I'd have to ask for more staples.
A light rap on the door, and Priestess Deja stuck her head in. "Good morning. I wanted to see how you were on your first day."
I gestured inside. "Would you like some tea while I finish my breakfast?"
Deja glanced at my plate. "The dining room would be more than happy to serve you whatever you're craving."
"I'm a baker. I like cooking." I handed her a cup of tea, wishing I had some scones or at least a muffin to offer.
Deja sat down on the couch opposite mine. "I would like some time to speak with you about magic."
I sat down, trying not to flop. It was hard. My neck and shoulders were stiff today, the muscles burning.
"Priestess Sabine indicated that she performed a reading on you, and you have spirit magic?" Deja looked politely interested. None of the alarm Sabine showed was on the priestess's lovely face.