Page 104 of Elemental Fae Academy: Book Three

“I know.” I frowned. “But he’s still a dick.”

“It’s part of his charm,” she replied, smiling. “And he respects your boundaries, Sol. I’ve been with him on the spirit plane, have seen how he avoids touching your spirit. Exos, too.”

“You found my soul on the spirit plane?”

She shook her head. “No. You found me. You all did. Like you were protecting me from myself and the source itself.” She rested her chin on my sternum. “Exos and Cyrus were very careful not to touch any of you, or any of the other souls drifting around. I don’t know who did this to you, but it definitely wasn’t them.”

“I know,” I said. “Logically, I know. But in the moment…”

“It’s hard not to fall on old memories,” she replied. “Yes, I understand. But it’s something we can work through, Sol. Together. If you want.”

I didn’t hesitate. “I do, Claire. I want forever with you, too. The whole fight started because Exos demanded I mate you, but it felt wrong to do something without talking to you first. I wanted to ask you formally. I had it all planned with peaches, too.” It seemed ridiculous now. Childish. But with all the chaos of late, I wanted to give her that moment of peace and sweetness. To escape to our special place and discuss forever together.

“Peaches?” she repeated, her eyes smiling. “I do love peaches.” She moved up my body to press her palms into the pillows on either side of my head, her bare breasts hanging over my chest as she angled herself over me. It didn’t seem intentional on her part, but I was definitely enjoying the sexual connotation behind her words, coupled with the visual.

Her expression, however, fell serious. Her gaze intent.

“I want forever with you, too, Sol,” she said. “But it requires accepting all of me. Including my spirit. And Cyrus. And Exos. I need to know you can do that.”

I lifted my palm to cup her cheek while my other arm slid around her back, holding her. “I already do, Claire. My mind may fight my intentions, but my heart has accepted you all for longer than I can admit. My soul will take longer, at least with Cyrus and Exos. However, you’re mine, Claire. And I’m yours. If you’ll have me, that is.”

She canted her head. “Forever?”

“Forever,” I repeated. “Everything I have is yours, if you will have me.”

Tension eased from her features, her lips curling as she bent to brush her mouth against mine. “Then I will take you, Sol, every single piece, and I’ll put you back together again.”

She kissed me again, this time with more sensuality and intent.

“Tomorrow?” I asked softly, not wanting to spend another day without finalizing our bond but also knowing I needed time to create the perfect oasis for our ceremony. To show her I truly meant what I said.

“Tomorrow,” she agreed, falling into my embrace. “But for tonight, I want you to kiss me, Sol. Show me I’m yours.”

I threaded my fingers through her hair, holding her above me. “Only if you return the favor by claiming me in return.”

Her spirit settled against mine. “Oh, Sol, you’ve been mine for a while now.”

I smiled against her mouth. “Good. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

“Stop flirting and kiss me, Sol.”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

I took her mouth with my own, unleashing all my emotions into our embrace and allowing her unfettered access to every part of me.

My soul had never felt more alive.

All because of my Claire.

My little flower, the one who’d finally given me the chance to bloom.

Sol

Everything had to be perfect. Especially after all the shit that went down yesterday.

I needed to reaffirm to Claire that I loved her. To prove that she was my rock. And to make sure she knew I was in this for eternity. Not just with her, but with the entire circle.

Surveying the oasis I’d created brought a grin to my face. I’d spent all day on this project, and it was perfect. All of Claire’s favorite plants and trees covered the grounds, stirring notes of sweet fruits throughout the air. Flowers of all shapes, sizes, and colors lined the walkways, and the sprout of the World Tree I’d called into the center now towered high into the sky.

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