Page 18 of Cleansed By Water (The Nature Hunters Academy 3)

Chapter 6

Ra held Shelly’s hand as they stepped through the portal onto the training fields of Terra Academy. They spotted Aviur immediately and headed in his direction. The fire king smiled, his eyes on Shelly.

“As you pointed out,” Aviur said, “you do not have fire magic that can be joined with Ra’s. I am going to remedy that.”

Ra looked at Shelly and nearly smiled at the shocked look on her face. “I’m going to be able to control fire? And heat up my food?”

Aviur laughed as Ra shook his head at his mate. “I believe your priorities are a bit misplaced, beloved.”

Aviur nodded. “I suppose that is one of the perks of being a fire elementalist.” He reached out his hand and placed it on her forehead.

Ra wasn’t surprised when a surge of possessiveness and protectiveness rushed through him. He was beginning to realize he was a bit of a Neanderthal when it came to Shelly. He didn’t like others touching her, especially males. He also knew just how dangerous the fire king was, and that if he wanted to, he could wipe Shelly from the face of the earth in a second. Not that he would, but it was the fact that Ra wouldn’t be fast enough to save her if that happened.

Shelly’s gasp yanked his mind away from the possessive train of thought. He watched as fire rushed down her body, starting at her head and ending at her feet. Aviur muttered something under his breath and then removed his hand.

“It is done,” the fire king said. “Ra will be able to teach you how to wield your power, and you will learn to utilize it together. It will make you both stronger—a force to be reckoned with.”

“Thank you,” Shelly said.

“Yes,” Ra agreed. “Thank you. It means she will be able to protect herself when I cannot.”

Aviur nodded and then said, “I promised you I would take you to see your parents. If you are ready, I’ve let your team know that you will be joining them after we visit your family.”

Shelly looked over to Ra with wide eyes. “What will I tell them?”

“The truth,” Ra said simply.

“I will stay and help you explain,” Aviur said. “All will be well.”

“Not to intrude,” Elias said as he stepped up beside Ra, “but, Tara needs to see her foster mom, too. Can we join you?”

Aviur nodded. “Of course. Just let your team know that I will bring you to them later.”

Ra felt Shelly’s hand on his arm and looked down at her. Her lips were trembling. He cupped her face and frowned. “What is wrong,Mery?”

“Is it weird that I’m freaking out about seeing them, but I’m also excited because I honestly didn’t think I’d ever see them again?”

“Why are you freaking out?” Ra asked. He ran his thumb back and forth across her cheek as he stared into her tear-filled eyes.

“Because I’m about to tell them there’s this whole supernatural world they know nothing about, that I’ve been to hell and back, and that I’m basically married, only it’s even more permanent than marriage.”

“Marriage isn’t permanent,” Ra pointed out. “I’m glad we are more than married. I could lose you if we were just married. I can’t lose you with our bond. You’re mine. Forever.”

“Okay, could younotsay things that make me want to molest you when I cannot act on my desires?” Shelly asked as heat filled her eyes, replacing the fear.

“I’d rather see desire filling your eyes than fear and tears,” he said. He would never apologize for making her feel better.

“You’re too sexy for your own good, Ra,” she murmured.

A little of the worry began to leak back into her features. Ra raised his other hand to her face and leaned down, pressing his lips to hers. He didn’t care that the fire king was standing mere feet away. He didn’t care that the entire training field was full of other warriors and professors. He wanted to taste his soul bonded, and he wanted to distract her. In his mind, it was a win-win.

When Ra pulled away, Shelly was breathing hard. She blinked slowly until her eyes completely opened, and she stared up at him in awe. “I love you,” Ra told her. “I will be right beside you. You’re not doing this alone.”

A small, shy smile turned her lips up. “Thank you. I love you, too.”

Elias and Tara walked up. “Shelly, you okay?” Tara asked.

Shelly stepped back from Ra, and he dropped his hands but grabbed one of hers and entwined their fingers.

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