Page 40 of The Gauntlet Trials

“You can, just keep moving. Keep your blood circulating,” Cherie said. “Movement is key.”

“Now where’d she learn that one?” Seer muttered.

“From one of her Uncles no doubt,” Bishop said.

“Ah yes,” Seer nodded. “Indeed.”

“Getting a little tired waiting here,” Bishop called getting his Petite’s gasp and angled head.

“Bishop!” she whispered. “Going as fast as I can! Oh my arms.”

“You all get a thirty-minute break before next trial. I’ll fix you up.”

“Oh boy,” Spook chuckled quietly. “That worked like magic.”

“Let your Maggie know you’re here,” Bishop said.

Spook gave his whistle and Maggie gasped. “Iknewyou were here! I knew it!”

“Ten more feet,” Spook said. “Hurry up already.”

“Howembarrassing,” Cherie muttered.

Seer called out in French, “Nothing at all embarrassing about my caramel goddess.”

Maggie sucked in a breath and whispered, “Your Seer is here, and he called you a caramel goddess.”

“Shit, I keep forgetting Maggie knows French,” Spook laughed quietly.

“Is Lesion here?” Tully grunted, fighting to angle her head to see.

He moved into view. “Here and waiting,” he called.

“Yaaaaay,” she rejoiced then screamed as she dropped into the water.

Lesion dove right in and swam out to her, helping her stand where she was.

“Oh!” she said, surprised at how shallow it was then smiled up at him. He kissed her right there in the bayou while the women all craned their necks to see and sing their praise of approval.

“Maybe Ma-Petite is ready to drop too?” Bishop suggested.

She let go and fell into the bayou and Bishop laughed, diving in to get her.

“I can’t quit,” Maggie said above them like she was trying and couldn’t find the brakes.

“Then finish it. Just hurry,” Spook muttered.

Cherie screamed her way into the water with a splash.

“My cue,” Seer said, diving in.

Bishop kissed his Petite, their moans of hunger clashing. “Not sure if I can walk,” she announced, breathless.

He lifted her in his arms. “I can.”

“Oh yes, thank you,” she whispered, not fighting him as he carried her to the bank.

“We’ll take it from here, Spar,” he called over his shoulder as Maggie made it to the other side.

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