Page 32 of Kiss of Fire

“Believe me, it is a hardship. And one I could do without.”

“Why don’t you just tell me what she looks like? I can take her form and we can win the Vulcani over that way. Is she dark?” Leona shifted. Suddenly she was a Nubian queen, skin like polished ebony. “Or a redhead?” Hair the colour of autumn leaves spilled over the bed and emerald eyes sparkled with mischief. “Maybe a blonde with attitude?” Pale dreadlocks framed cheeks tattooed with warrior markings.

Shade shook his head ruefully.

“I wish it were that simple.”

“You know I can be whatever you want me to be, my Lord.”

“In that case, I like the redhead.”

One of the benefits of a si’lat companion, Shade mused, was that she could be many different women. Or men, if your tastes ran that way. Leona shifted back to the redhead and held out her arms.

“Come here, my Lord. Let me help you relax.”

But she could already see by the set of his shoulders he didn’t intend to stay. He got out of bed and allowed the shadows to form his clothing. His feet, as usual, were bare. He strode to the open doors.

“Stay as long as you like,” he said over his shoulder.

Then he stepped off the edge, falling fifty feet before unfurling his wings and soaring on the currents towards the Gate.

Fourteen

Raya watched the lights undulating overhead. She hadn’t slept much and when she woke it was still dark. But she’d seen the strange illuminations from her window and gone outside for a closer look.

Against the night sky they were green and yellowish, sometimes tinged with violet. She’d never seen the aurora borealis before. She was transfixed.

She didn’t hear Shade land behind her but she knew he was there. The air moved under the beat of his wings and she smelled his scent of burnt cinnamon. She deliberately didn’t turn to greet him.

“Raya.”

His voice was soft but she kept her eyes fixed on the northern lights. There was nothing he could say that would stop her being angry.

“I came to apologise. I am sorry.”

Her jaw dropped.

“Say that again?”

“I am deeply sorry for losing my temper. And grateful for… for what you did.”

“What I did?” She swung round at last, her eyes glittering dangerously. “Just remind me. What did I do?”

“You knocked out the jotnar.”

“And?”

“You treated my wounds.”

“Uhuh. And?”

Shade folded his arms.

“You are really going to make me say it?”

“Oh yes. Damn right I am.”

“Very well. You dragged me down a… I think you called it afuckingmountain.”

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