Page 20 of Hunted By the Fae Warden

They’re dead. Both of them.

Kaiden killed them… for me.

He protected me.

The huge fae male’s horns glint in the sunlight as he refocuses his attention on me, and the feathers on his wings ruffle in the breeze. I suddenly realize he’s not wearing a shirt. Nor is he wearing shoes. All he has on is a pair of tight leather pants. His shoulders are so very broad, his biceps huge and bulging, and the muscles of his chest well-defined. He looks as though he must spend hours each day training for battle.

My mouth goes dry and my core pulses with pleasure even though I’m also shaking from the shock of what just happened.

Before I can say a word, he strides over and scoops me up in his arms. Our eyes meet, and a warm summer breeze ruffles my hair and helps calm my shaking somewhat.

He’s holding me.

I should probably insist he put me down, but I can’t summon the words. And the truth is, I like being in his arms. I’m also grateful he saved me. I don’t want to consider what might’ve happened if he hadn’t arrived when he had.

He rests his forehead to mine briefly, then gives me a look that’s so achingly tender, it makes my eyes burn.

“Are you all right, little nymph?”

I swallow hard. “Yes. Thanks to you.” I swallow again. “How-how did you know I needed help? Or-or did you just happen to be in the area?”

He opens his mouth but hesitates to speak, and I can’t quite read his expression. I sense his reluctance to answer my questions, but I don’t understand why. All I know is that I needed help, and he came. He showed up and killed my attackers.

Maybe it’s strange, but I’m touched by his actions. I just witnessed him kill two men, but he’s holding me now and we’re sharing a tender moment. The way he’s staring at me makes me feel special. Treasured. And safe.

He promised he would never hurt me, and I believe him. He’s a violent male. Of that, there’s no doubt. He killed over two hundred Trevos soldiers during the battle to capture my city. But me? He would never hurt me. I know it in the depths of my soul.

But why? What am I to him? What is he to me?

I consider my apparent ability to make things grow and the fleeting thought that perhaps I have a drop or two of fae blood. Maybe that’s why he’s drawn to me. Because a distant ancestor of mine was fae. Perhaps that’s all it is, some unconscious part of him recognizes me as fae.

But no. Even that doesn’t explain this boundless warmth we share. He’s gazing at me with a look of utter devotion. Another thought strikes me, but I immediately dash it away. Because it can’t be true. It simply can’t.

Voices sound nearby. Someone is coming.

“Hold on, little nymph,” he says. That’s all the warning he gives before he shoots into the sky while clutching me in his arms.

CHAPTER 13

KAIDEN

We landatop a roof on the edge of Trevos. It’s a place I’ve found is rather secluded, but it also offers a view of the entire city. I’ve come here a few times to observe the goings-on in the kingdom.

But right now, I just want some privacy with Mira.

My mate.

I take a seat on a flat area of the roof, keeping the pretty human nestled safely in my arms. I also tuck my wings around her. After what I just witnessed, I’m not sure I’ll ever let her out of my sight again.

Rage courses through me when I recall the scene I’d come upon. One man on top of her, and the other man sprawled in the dirt as he cursed at her. Clearly, both men meant to do her harm. Thank the gods I’d sensed her fear. Thank the gods I’d managed to locate her in time.

I’d sensed her fear.

Fucking fires, the bond between us must be growing stronger. Not only did I sense her fear, but I was able to easily track her location.

I run my gaze up and down her body, checking for injuries even though she’d claimed to be fine. Relief fills me when I don’t find a single bruise or scratch. Her hair is disheveled, and she’s covered in dirt, but she appears fine otherwise. Physically, at least.

The idea of her being scared or shaken by the incident, however, causes my rage to ignite anew. If I could resurrect those men and kill them all over again, perhaps this time more slowly and painfully, I wouldn’t hesitate.

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