Page 79 of Galadon
He held her firmly and worked to build up speed.I have received word that your mate is losing patience and about ready to come get you himself. We do not need the strongest shifter in the world raging through the fortress because he misses his mate.
Rayna laughed.It can’t be that bad.
I’m lucky that I left yesterday while he was still reasonable, but a messenger came earlier to tell me that he’s on the field challenging all the warriors. There have been a few injuries, and I was told to do whatever it takes to safely bring you to him.
She was stunned. Her need to see him was growing, but it had only hit her in the last hour after she killed the Kandoran. Galadon had been feeling it the entire time. She’d had no idea it could affect them this badly.
Is that normal?she asked.
Titan continued to race them north at a speed she’d never seen him fly.Only if they’re separated for more than a few hours during the first two to three weeks after bonding. Those of us who have grown up within a toriq know this and would prepare for it before completing the connection.
And neither of us was aware of that little detail,she surmised.
He let out a puff of steam.His timing certainly could have been better.
My urge to hunt overrode it. I really didn’t know how much I needed to be with him until an hour ago,Rayna admitted.
That explains why you were able to stay away for so long. You must impress upon him not to let you get that far gone again, whatever it takes.
She couldn’t agree more.We’ll work out something for the future.
They chatted about other things for the rest of the flight. Titan caught her up on all the latest news at the fortress, including Phoebe being in labor for almost two days. Rayna shuddered at the thought of it. At least she knew Galadon was taking something to prevent conception, so they were on the same page so far.
The fortress came into view ahead. She was close enough now to feel her mate’s worry and impatience. Through the bond link between them, it was near chaos. Her need to reassure him grew with each minute that passed. Finally, they reached the field in front of the high walls as Titan dropped altitude.
My apologies, but this might be a rough landing.
What do you mean?Rayna asked, but it was too late.
Galadon stood waiting with his arms outstretched to catch her as Titan sent her flying through the air toward the large shifter. Had her mate ordered him to do that? She nearly lost all her breath as she collided with his chest, and he wrapped his strong arms around her.
Rayna barely drew in a gulp of air before his lips pressed against hers. Sparks flew from them as they melded into each other, unable to get close enough. She forgot everything around her as Galadon expressed all his worry and desire for her in an explosive kiss that sent her need for him soaring. It was a shock when he managed to pull away a minute later and set her down.
“What are you doing?” she asked as he ran his hands down her body, stopping to frown at her arms where dried blood remained. The wounds themselves healed during her trip back.
He turned his upset gaze to her. “Why were you cut so many times? Did the Kandoran give you that much trouble? Are you hurt anywhere else?”
“Seriously?” She smiled at him. “By the time I found him this evening, I was in full battle rage. I downed him with my lightning, but it was a blur running through trees and brush. Sharp vegetation is what hurt me. The dragon was an easy kill.”
“You should take more care with yourself,” he said, finishing his inspection. Thankfully, only her arms and face had some scrapes. The rest of her had been covered with camrium cloth that protected her body.
Rayna put her hands on her hips. “Says the man who had me thrown at him rather than letting me land like a normal person.”
“I would never fail to catch you.” He drew her into his arms again, ignoring the crowd of shifters gathering at a healthy distance to watch them. “I missed you, mate.”
She pressed a hand to his cheek. “I missed you, too.”
As he leaned down to kiss her again, someone cleared their throat. “As much as we all appreciate a good show, perhaps you should consider getting Rayna clean and fed. I can hear her empty stomach grumbling from here.”
Galadon immediately jerked away. “When did you eat last?”
“I finished some bread when I woke up this morning.”
His brows drew together, concern in his gaze. “You should have had plenty of food.”
“I was hungrier than usual after you dropped me off and because of everything we, uh, you know…did,” she said, shrugging. “I didn’t think it would take so long to hunt.”
Normal sex wouldn’t have made her stutter over her explanation, but what they’d done was far beyond ordinary. Every time she recalled it, she blushed. She wondered if he’d ever be up for something like that again. It was dangerous yet the hottest thing she’d ever done.
