Page 39 of The Witch's Fate
“I have,” I agree and nod.
“I grant you leave,” Jorge says, and I’m stunned at how easily it rolls off his tongue. With a pull to his lips and a softness to his eyes, he speaks with compassion and understanding.
My throat goes tight. I hadn’t even thought to request it.
“You will spend as much time with your mate as you need. You have both served and seen more than your share of what war brings.”
“If the war changes, and if you need me, I will return. I will fight beside you. I made an oath, and I will keep it.”
Jorge smiles, and it is the smile he has given other men—a smile of genuine congratulations. There is no jealousy in it, and no sense that he thinks I am abandoning my duties. It is simple happiness from a friend, and I return it to him. Grateful more than anything.
“I have received your message,” Jorge says. “I’ll file the paperwork, Ryker. Congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
“You will attend the wedding still?” he questions with uncertainty. “Perhaps there is a way she could aid us with you beside her… I’d like to meet her, if you could convince her to attend.”
IDALIS
With the early morning light slipping into the cottage, I wake deeply rested—though with my muscles still aching, especially between my thighs. I take a few minutes letting myself get used to the day. A smile finds its way to my lips. It doesn’t feel real. I’ve found love. Well I suppose love has found me. With that thought, I peer down to the pillow beside me.
Ryker’s not in the bed with me. Patting the sheet next to me, I find it cool to the touch.
I can sense, somehow, that he has not gone far. Is that because of a bond we’ve created between us? I think it must be. Delight fills me with warmth. A new kind of magic exists. A kind I can play with for the first time.
If only he can stay as I asked. At least for a little while.
Although he didn’t say he would or that he could. Ryker answered in kisses and touches and his body, but we didn’t stay awake long enough after that final round to have a deeper conversation. Tension strains my heart.
It’s been so long since I have felt companionship and never did it feel like this. I fear losing it just as quickly as it’s found me.
For all I didtell him, there’s much I haven’t said as well. I didn’t tell him that I don’t think I can bear such a loss a second time.
Here in my bed, with the scent of him still on the sheets, it’s hard not to let my thoughts turn toward him completely. It’s true that we haven’t known each other for long, but he is mymate. I know the heart of him. And I know that he is a highly trained weapon. He has spent his life building himself into the best soldier he could be.
I know the army has been his entire purpose. His entire life. He would be giving up all that once to stay with me. If they would allow it.
Was it right for me to propose such a thing?
It is too late to take back the words, even if I wanted to, and I do not. As I always do, I drift toward thoughts of my books. Of the ancient grimoires for answers. But one thing resonates through me and keeps me still and at peace.
I was made for him.
I will be with him regardless. Always. We cannot be separated. This magic is impossible to break.
Whether it was the moon or simply fate itself, I was destined for Ryker. And he was destined for me.
With a deep breath in and a slow breath out, I release all those worries and thoughts to the moon. The moon might not be as visible, but she is still there in the sky. She is always there to hold the burdens I cannot carry alone.
Spurred by my need to find him, I throw over the covers and I get out of bed. I imagine he’s only gone for a quick run. I go to my bathing room and wash quickly, letting the water trickle down over my skin, treating myself gently. Reminding myself that I can survive anything and with this new love, so much more awaits.
As I wash the most tender parts of myself I blush. I’ve never given myself to a man before. I’ve heard of the pleasures, but I could have never know it would be so all-consuming and divine. I do wonder if being fated made it more intense or whether it’s always like that.
My desire for Ryker hasn’t waned at all. My clit is still sensitive although all of the rest of me is sore. I shiver as I pull a clean dress over my head, my skin even more sensitive to the fabric. It’s been kissed and sucked and bitten now and carefully marked by my mate. My fingers drift to my neck finding a faint mark in the mirror. Only a slightly silver scar remains.
I love it.
I’m already at peace with that change. I do not see how it could be any other way. It’s like being at peace with having a heart, or a soul. It is simply part of me.
