Page 157 of Feathers of Ash and Hope

“Let’s talk to Calix and Mariel, and maybe that will—”

“Yes, we’ll do that, but later. Right now, I need to hold you, kiss you, feel you right next to me.” My body heats at his words.

Gods, this man is everything. I rise up on my toes and bring my lips to his in an attempt to get closer. Our kiss turns hungryand desperate, but to my disappointment, he lets it slow down again to sweet and light kisses, not nearly enough to sate the hunger he roused.

I pout, and he chuckles, sweeping me up into his arms.

“You were on the brink of death a few hours ago. Rest, sunshine. Sleep, get your energy levels back up, and then I’m all in for whatever you want.”

I’m still grumbling while he tucks me in close to him. His warm body at my back relaxes, his arms safe and reassuring wrapped around me, keeping me close. He places a kiss on my temple, and I simply melt, a huge yawn sneaking up on me.

Okay, maybe I could do with a little sleep first.

The next thing I know is Tate kissing me awake at the crack of dawn. My hands snake up before I open my eyes, my fingers hitting the smooth leather of his uniform.

What?

That is not what I hoped for. I blink my eyes open, and he grins down at me, fully clothed, his hair still wet from a shower.

“What are you doing up and dressed?” My question sounds exactly like the accusation it’s supposed to be, and he smiles.

“I already got a new uniform for you since the other one was ruined anyway. I hope it fits. I had to guess the size since the other one was always a little big.” He leans down and kisses me again. “I have to leave. You have an hour until formation, and I have a division leader meeting in a few minutes.”

“No,” I whine, too tired to be embarrassed about sounding so needy. It earns me another long kiss and a groan before Tate hurries out the door, probably a little late by now.

A full day is in front of us, but gods help me, tonight, I will make sure that man ends up in my bed, or rather I in his. As far as I know, single rooms are out of the question until at least the second year.

“We have to work on your shields first,”a voice grumbles in my mind. It’s the same one I remember from yesterday, right before Tate healed me.

“Who are you?”I ask tentatively.

“If I hadn’t seen and felt the state you were in, I would take offense at that,”he tells me. Now that I concentrate on him, I can sense him too, more vicious than Tate’s warmth, and my mind seems to stretch on where it once ended, a swirl of color, thoughts, and emotions only separated by a thin veil.

“Are we…are we bonded?”Even my thought carries my disbelief.

“At least you are fast to catch on. Now that your head is no longer a scrambled mess, let me introduce myself again. I’m Solaris. I’m a Phoenix of the line of Sa…”

“You are a Phoenix? I’m bonded to a fu—”

“If you call me a fucking Phoenix again, I will roast you alive,”he snaps with indignation, making me chuckle despite his threat.

“I’m sorry.”I bite my lip, trying to contain my giddiness.

I did it. I’m bonded. I’m bonded to a Phoenix.

My body is still sore, but I don’t notice it over my elation. I shower and dress, grinning from ear to ear and talking to Solaris through all of it. It’s like I’ve known him for years, but I could listen to him talk all day.

Chapter

Forty-Six

TATE

I don’t haveto feign shock when Ara comes to formation in the skyrider uniform. She timed it perfectly. Nearly all riders are present, but leadership is still missing.

Holy mists, does she look good in leather armor. The dark gray leather hugs her curves, leaving little to the imagination, and I'm not the only one who can’t keep his eyes off her. I fight the urge to hit a few of my fellow riders, who are undressing her with their eyes.

Her golden hair flows down her back, brushing the curve of her ass, nearly glowing against the contrast of her uniform. She makes my mouth water.

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