Page 53 of Champion
“We can’t,” I whispered. The words felt raw and uneasy.
“I know, my heart.” Charick’s heavy sigh echoed through the room, a sound of resignation and determination. The longing to leave together was palpable, a burning desire that crackled and sparked in Charick’s eyes. Yet, duty and honor held him back, just as they bound me.
Our lips collided in a fierce and tender kiss, melting away the worry, leaving only the urgent and intense sensation of our mouths dancing together. I wrapped my arms tightly around his neck…wanting to stay like this forever, even if only in my dreams.
But my dream crashed into reality when Charick ended the kiss, rolling to his feet.
“Someone is coming,” he muttered, nodding toward the door as he reached for his clothes.
I had just finished dropping the tunic over my head when a resounding bang came from the doorway. I jumped, skittering closer to my mate.
“It’s only Adtovar,” he promised, dropping a kiss to my forehead, taking a moment to finish fastening his pants before striding to the door.
For a split second, I thought Charick’s super ears had been wrong. The being looming in my doorway wore a navy and teal green uniform that vaguely resembled the Marine Corps dress blues. Then my gaze reached his face, and Adtovar grinned at me.
“You look nice,” I said, sinking my teeth into my lower lip to keep from giggling.
Adtovar rolled his eyes at me and tossed something to Charick… something that I realized was another guard uniform when the cloth hit my mate in the chest.
“You’re kidding? Right?” Charick glanced skeptically at the heap of fabric lying at his feet.
“Do you know what I went through to steal that?” Adtovar huffed, settling in one of the wooden chairs.
My mate rolled his eyes in playful annoyance but dutifully retrieved the uniform from the floor. In a few swift and fluid movements, he shed his leather pants and slipped into the form-fitting uniform. The fabric stretched taut over his broad shoulders, emphasizing the powerful muscles underneath. Despite the slightly shorter length of the pants, he still looked impossibly handsome.
“Only three guards are patrolling the entrance,” Adtovar reported. “Zahavi and Kariosak are already in position, ready to drop the smoke explosives when we arrive.”
Charick gave a curt nod but made no movement other than to pull me into his arms.
“I do not wish to leave you, my mate. There must be another way.”
“I don’t want you to leave either, but you have to get a message to theBardagaabout the Kerzak.” I sighed, laying my head on his chest. Behind me, Adtovar made grumbling noises, like a teen catching his parents during a make-out session. I slipped a hand behind my back and gave him the finger.
Charick nodded, but his arms tightened around me.
“I will keep her safe.” Adtovar’s voice was part exasperation, part vow. I heard the chair scrape across the floor as he stood.
My mate watched Adtovar carefully as he came to our side, sinking to one knee and crossing his arms over his chest.
“I give you my vow as a warrior. I will protect your mate with everything I have, including my life.”
A low growl rumbled through Charick’s chest, and slowly, almost to slowly to notice, he inclined his head at Adtovar.
I tried to step away, but Charick’s strong arms wrapped around my waist, and he pulled me in for a last kiss. His spicy scent, mixed with the taste of his lips, made it hard to break away. Eventually, he let go, and I took a few steps back, trying to catch my breath.
A warm, comforting hand landed on my shoulder, and I raised my gaze, finding Adtovar smiling down at me. “If all goes well at this time tomorrow, we will be celebrating our victory and the start of your future together.”
“I’d like that,” I murmured, keeping the worries of what might happen if all didn’t go well at bay.
Charick paused by the table, his hands roaming over the too small uniform. He’d never pass for an Aljani up close, but at a distance… please let this work!
Golden eyes caught mine, swimming with equal parts affection and worry. “Bolt the door when we leave and don’t….”
“Don’t let anyone in but Adtovar… I know,” I completed, trying to make myself smile so he wouldn’t see how my soul agonized over the prospect of him walking out that door. Not because I worried about myself. My concern was solely for my mate.
“Cristox and Zahavi will stand guard outside until I return,” Adtovar’s words didn’t seem to lessen my mate’s worry.
“Please be safe,” I begged them both. “You’re not the only one who can worry."
