Page 20 of Bonded By Moons

Honestly, I don’t know why I’m still standing here. I’m near breathless at seeing her in pain, unconscious and so vulnerable. My need to protect her instantly registered. Rushing forward, I bent down, gathered her into my arms and turned to face Artie. Her body is so small and fits perfectly against my chest. Her head rests perfectly on my shoulder, as if they were sculpted just for her. Her soft pink curls tickle my arm. I hate the circumstances, but holding her like this might be my new favorite memory. I’ll cherish the feel of her body against mine, forever.

“Don’t worry, get her someplace safe and I’ll deal with this.”

“She’ll come back with me. I will heal and take care of her. Father wanted me to find her, and so I did. Now, I’m going to care for my mate like she deserves. Whether my father wishes or not.”

Artie gave me a pat on the shoulder and a soft, knowing smile. I took off to the tunnel system, clutching my small and sweet spark in my arms. Taking in all her features, I found the welts on the sides of her head. Blinding anger takes over, and I wish I could kill those guild members all over again.

I closed my eyes and whispered against her forehead, “I’ve got you, my fire. I will always come for you.” My healing magic began to hover over her body, and I watched as the swelling and bruises reduced significantly.

She sighed and fell into a deep, recovering slumber in my arms.

TEN

Ember

Iwake in soft, luscious blankets that smell of smoke, cedar and salt. A warm cozy fire crackling close by. The sound of subtle snoring.

Pure comfort and joy.

I also feel a massive pounding in my skull like someones trying to break down the gates of the Shadow Realm.

“Ow.” I groan and reach for my throbbing head. “What. The. Stars.”

My eyes fling open as I realize this is not my bed. Who’s room is this? What in the hell happened last night?

A large fireplace is blazing to the right of the room. A tall, voluminous collection of books cover the opposite wall, in addition to the cascading windows that let in blinding sunlight.

“Gah, It’s too early for this,” I complain and throw a pillow back over my head. It’s so comfy here, I’m not really rushing to leave my captors chambers. That thought frightens me.

“Sorry, my flame. I can fix that,” A deep husky and sleepy voice tore through my consciousness. Sending electricity flying through my limbs like a shooting star. I suddenly became very aware there is someone else here.

My toes curl, and I instantly know who is in this room. With me.

Oh my stars.

I slowly lower my pillow from my face to find that the blinds had been drawn and candles were alight around the room now. A soft glow cascading over the silky black covers. I’m still dressed in my very tight bodysuit from last night, so there’s that. I pulled the covers tighter to my chest and I peeked over the end of the bed, like a babe searching for goblins under the closet.

Sprawled on a small sofa with his feet dangling off the arm rest, is the Prince Willow.

I winced, pressing a hand to my throbbing head. “Um..Hi? Where am I? Are you the one responsible for this? Someone whacked me over the head. I think it was one of your royal ass sniffing guards.”

He winces at the accusations and instantly sits up. He stands with his shirtless body, exposing ridges and lines of concrete abs. He saunters to the edge of the bed.

Wow. Bed head looks good on him.

“No, my flame. I did not kidnap you. There were some royal guild members that seemed to have caught you wandering the streets two days ago with not honorable intentions. Might I ask why my mate is prowling the streets of Estrallume that hour of night?”

With as much disdain as I could muster, “Again, I’m not your anything. If you can use that pea sized brain of yours to remember that I told you that–” I sat up in the bed. “Wait, did you say two days ago?”

I groaned from the pain in my head and struggle to stay upright. My head is spinning like the planets. I must be swaying because he starts to approach the side of the bed, keeping his focus on my eyes even though I struggle to meet his.

“Please lay back down.” He pleas. “I’m sorry I couldn’t heal you further. But, as I’m sure you know, you can’t heal head injuries better than when a faerie is awake to ensure no further damage takes place.” He nodded at the edge of the bed. A polite gesture, asking if he can approach me.

I didn’t say yes, but I also didn’t say no. I just am not talking right now with all the pounding in my skull.

He slowly sat on the edge, his weight was a substantial force to dip the mattress, making me more nauseous. I hiss through my teeth at him.

“Sorry,” he says sheepishly and curses at himself.

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