Reaver recovered his composure somewhat, and by the way he was staring at her, he wasn’t ready to give up. “But she doesn’t even deny my words!”
Banrook stormed up to them, glowering at Reaver. “You have acted rashly. Shaming your other mentors. Again! Continue like this and you’ll never achieve your full potential. As it is now, you’ll be lucky to make island guard!”
“But she is hiding what she is! Her deceit is a threat to everyone.”
“Enough out of you. You will listen.” Thayn slapped the journeyman across the muzzle and then turned to address the rest of the gathering. “Anna has only followed the council’s orders. After seeing how many distrusted Shadowlight when he first arrived—and he only an innocent child—we thought it best to allow Anna time to adjust to our ways and prove herself before her true nature was revealed.”
“I can assure everyone, that while Anna and Shadowlight spent time in the Battle Goddess’s kingdom, it wasn’t willingly, and they managed to resist her dark power. These two young souls are not our enemy’s work, they are the work of the Divine Ones.”
Murmurs of surprise sounded throughout the gathering. Thayn just raised his voice above them. “The Avatars have made a choice—their allegiance is now divided. To compensate for that complication, the Divine Ones have chosen two new souls to take up their cause.”
“I...” Reaver trailed off, sounding uncertain.
“Do you still doubt the wisdom of the Divine Ones, Lord Dray’s choice, and the council’s plans?”
“No, Master Thayn.” Reaver bowed his head in defeat.
“Good. Now go wait in Rook’s workroom. I’m sure he’ll think up something suitable to cure you of your rashness.” The oldest gargoyle dismissed the journeyman.
Reaver bowed and departed. Only after he was gone did Anna release her hold on the shadow magic shield.
Banrook signaled for Obsidian to come forward. He did and preceded to sniff her over for injuries. When he found none, he sat on his haunches and waited.
Thayn patted first Obsidian’s shoulder and then Anna’s. “I’m sorry that your secret was revealed in such a spectacular fashion, and while it’s not what the council may have wished, now you don’t have to work so hard to hide what you are.”
“There is that,” she agreed.
“We’ll discuss your skills and determine which mentors to assign you, but from what we’ve all seen, I believe we’ll start you with Obsidian’s mentors first. But I’ll leave that to Rook to oversee.”
Anna’s gaze darted toward Banrook, but he was too busy working on crowd control. “What are you all waiting for? Off with you! Go.”
The crowd departed, slowly. And then only because Rook’s words weren’t a suggestion.
“I must admit I’m curious to witness your gargoyle form.” Thayn was eyeing her up and down as if trying to imagine her with wings and horns. “Obsidian said you were spectacular in the air as well as being a fierce protector and warrior—a berserker even.”
“Don’t know what he’s been claiming, but that side doesn’t come out very often.”
Thayn rubbed his jaw in thought. “We will have to see if we can lure that part of you out for the healers to study. While berserkers are extraordinary on the battlefield, they aren’t quite so beneficial in everyday life. We’ll test out a few training methods to see if we can find a way to harness all the destructive energy into something positive.”
Thayn soon dismissed them but Master Maradryn arrived before they could make their escape. “Maybe now I’ll have that chance to study your gargoyle form.”
Anna bowed to acknowledge the older healer, but she wasn’t enthusiastic at the idea.
“Of, course.” So much fun. Can’t wait.
“Not what I’d call fun,” Obsidian replied as he bumped his muzzle against her shoulder.
“Do you need another application of the cream?”
“No!” He jerked back and eyed her suspiciously. “Come on, you’re getting grumpy, which means you’re hungry.”
Anna just muttered under her breath as she let him lead her in the direction of food.
Chapter 29
FOOD WASN’T THE ONLY thing they found when they arrived at the community fires. Anna’s ability to call shadow magic caused much excitement and many questions.
Seeing all the eagerness, Anna seized on the opportunity and suggested she shift to show the depth of her abilities. He’d agreed. Better they were honest and forthright about it now. Of course, as soon as she shifted to her gargoyle form, crowds of onlookers gathered, and it took the rest of the evening meal and well into the night to satisfy the worst of the curiosity.
But for better or worse it was done. He no longer had to lie to his friends or fellow students.
At last, after far too many questions, the crowds diminished allowing he and his Kyrsu to seek their rest.
They were halfway back to his dwelling when Anna suddenly halted and looked over her shoulder at him.
“I’m dead on my feet, but I want a bath—a real bath—before bed. Where are these public baths you mentioned yesterday?”
“Not far if we travel on the wing.” While he had been tired, the thought of flying with Anna gave him a renewed surge of energy.
“Let’s go then. But have mercy. I’ll be rusty. Don’t want to go smacking into trees.”
With a huffing laugh, he squeezed by Anna, then dropped to all fours and continued down the bridge at a jog. She followed so close behind, she playfully nipped at his swaying tail. It became a game of sorts. Him trying to anticipate when her next attack was going to come; her trying to land little nips without getting smacked in the muzzle.
When he reached the end of the bridge, he leaped up into the air, his wings opening wide to capture the wind. Three heartbeats later, Anna was flying beside him. Warmth and joy flowed along their link. She’d missed this too.
When the trees ahead grew too thick and forced them into single file, Anna curled the tip of one wing and glided until she was just ahead and slightly lower. He’d forgotten how graceful she was in the air.
Their wings moving as one, they sailed through the moonlit forest, silent as owls. From this vantage point, he studied the flow of her long mane. Her shift from human to gargoyle had freed her hair from the braids.
She’d likely grump about it later, but he didn’t mind putting them back in. He looked forward to anything that brought them close and allowed him to touch her.
Gargoyles were naturally a tactile bunch, but some component of their bond intensified that need. He suspected it was the same for Anna even if she wasn’t ready to admit that yet. To satisfy their need, he’d make sure to keep things playful and platonic for now.
A subtle shift of muscles along her spine and hips warned him a moment before she banked, gliding around a tree in her path. He followed instinctively and then closed the gap between them, so they were in perfect alignment, their wings rising and falling together.
He skimmed just above her, so close he could feel her body heat against his skin. It would be so easy to reach out and grasp her hips, entwine his tail with hers and lick the delicate skin at the base of her neck. New heat spread throughout his body at the thought.
“Hey, what part of ‘I’m rusty’ don’t you understand?” She dipped lower. “No acrobatics or I might fall out of the sky.”
He grunted at her interruption but realized how close he’d come to doing something stupid that would likely only drive her away from him.
Platonic. Keep it platonic, he chanted to himself.
Belatedly, he realized her statement required some response from him. “You don’t give yourself enough credit.”
“And you give me too much.” She glanced over her shoulder at him. “Where are these baths anyway?”
“The stone pathway just below us—follow it until it forks. Take the left branch, and you’ll see the waterfall that feeds all the constructed streams and pools.”
She nodded and f
ollowed the path until the baths could be seen ahead. Dropping lower, she came in for a landing.
He dropped down beside her.
“This way. The water is cooler at this side of the baths because it’s farther from the main heating spell at the base of the waterfall, but it will be quieter. I figured you’d prefer a little privacy since you’re still in your gargoyle form.”
“Yeah. Sounds like a plan. Been ogled enough for one night.”
Obsidian trotted toward the most private of the baths, hoping it would be empty this time of night. It had nothing to do with the fact he’d get to have her all to himself for a while. There was also a secondary reason for seeking out one of the more secluded private pools.
Flying wing-tip to wing-tip with Anna had stirred his blood a little too vigorously.
“You’re awfully quiet, what’s up?”
He snorted at her wording and turned it into a cough to cover up. Well, something was up, wasn’t it? But she didn’t need to know that. If he remained in his four-legged form with his wings drooping slightly, she wouldn’t notice anything. He hoped.
“Just thinking about the future.” And hoping you’ll accept me as your mate one day.
A few of the pathways leading to the pools were marked with piles of brightly painted stones to show those pools were already in use. Even without the artful piles of rocks, the occasional soft voice, seductive laugh or deep moan would have told him which pools were in use.
“Oh, geez,” Anna reared and shifted to walk on two feet, and then cast a glower in his direction. “If I see any live-action gargoyle smut, I’m so gone.”
“As am I,” he agreed with a chuckle. He could smell her embarrassment and couldn’t resist one little dig. “Unless I’m misremembering, it was your idea to come for a very late-night bath, wasn’t it?”
“In your dreams.”
“Now you’re giving me ideas.”
Her swaying tail froze in place, the end quivering ever so slightly. Then one ear flicked forward and the other back as if she didn’t know how to respond. Goddess, she was adorable when she was caught off guard.
At last, her eyes narrowed upon him. “It’s just a phrase.”
“I know. But I couldn’t resist.”
“Jackass.”
“You swear too much.”
“Who died and made you Gran?” Her snarky tone was ruined by the corners of her lips curling up.
He stalked up to her and bumped his muzzle under her hand and was rewarded by the feel of her talons gently working his scalp.
“Seriously, though, I don’t want a bath badly enough to accidentally interrupt someone’s one on one time.”
“See those painted stones?” He pointed with his muzzle as he trotted past. “When they are scattered, they are telling others that the pool is empty. A straight line means it’s occupied, but others are welcome. Rocks stacked in a tower means the occupants wish to be left alone.”
“Piled up rocks—bow chicka wow wow. Got it.”
Obsidian laughed. He couldn’t help himself. Soon the laughter included snorts. In turn, Anna started laughing at him.
“It wasn’t that funny.” She managed between chuckles.
“Yes, it was.” He was still grinning as he shifted a circle of rocks into a line. That done, he gestured her to go ahead of him.
He watched Anna as she surveyed the area as they walked the rest of the short distance to the pool. Her gaze went to the small waterfall first, moving to the pool next, and then the overflow last, where the old water vanished into an irrigation channel that would deliver the water to the hamadryads.
“Magic Realm hot tub. Cool.” She stuck one talon-tipped toe in the water. “Nice.”
Turning back to him, she made a shooing motion.
He flexed his jaw. “I’m staying.”
“Like hell.”
She pinned her ears back and looked a little like she might bite. His blood surged a little more hotly at the thought. Which probably wasn’t the reaction she was going for. He cleared his throat. “If it were safe, I’d give you as much privacy as you wanted. But after Reaver forced you to reveal your shadow magic, I can’t guarantee that others won’t feel the same as him. I’m staying.”
Anna glanced away from him, studying the area with new eyes. He nodded when she looked back at him. “Yes. Someone wishing to sneak up on you would have the tactical advantage. The waterfalls will drown out any noise of approach, and the scent of soaps and flowering vines will help disguise and muddy any warning your nose might normally give you.”
After a moment her gaze returned to his. “Sorry. I thought you had less pure reasons. You can join me.”
She faced the pool and reached behind her back and under her wings to untie her top. Casting it aside, she reached for the knots tying her loincloth in place. Obsidian fought to keep his breathing even as he watched her. He shouldn’t be staring. But he was mesmerized by the subtle shift of muscle beneath her skin and the play of shadow and moonlight upon her supple body.
When she started forward, he hurried to shed his loincloth, wanting to get into the water as quickly as possible. As the ties released, he sighed in pleasure as the constricting fabric fell away. With luck, it was dark enough that the shadows below the surface of the pool would hide his problem.
As she moved across the pool, closer to the waterfall, he swiftly descended the stairs cut into the side. Once he was safely chest-deep in the water, he waded closer. “See that basket to your right sitting on the lip of the pool? That holds body soaps and gentler products for your mane.”
Anna waded over to check out the items. He drew closer, intent on grabbing one of the small washing towels and some soap from one of the jars, but his thoughts scattered as her tail brushed along his thigh. It was an accidental touch, and she quickly pulled her tail away, but his entire body jerked at the contact.
Goddess, this was a bad idea.
“This one smells a little like jasmine, but prettier. Though, it’s a little on the strong side.” Anna half turned and waved the jar at him. “What do you think?”
‘I think I’m going to embarrass myself profoundly if you brush up against me again.’ Then out loud, he said, “It’s nice. The scent will fade once you dry off.”
His gaze followed the curve of her neck to her shoulders and then to where the water lapped against the upper swells of her breasts. Her skin was all creamy darkness, just a shade lighter than the shadowy water.
Realizing he’d been staring, he looked back to her eyes to find them on his face. He didn’t know what that look in her eyes was, but it seemed a little haunted.
She gave herself a little shake and then slipped by him and waded back toward the waterfall with her supplies. He prayed she hadn’t caught that last thought. He’d been keeping his shields locked tight since she mentioned wanting a bath. So surely not.
They washed in silence for a time.
She seemed to have relaxed around him again, so he did his best to ignore his body and carry on a conversation about training.
“How the heck do you guys manage to wash the parts of your wings you can’t reach?” She twisted and turned, but no matter what she did she couldn’t reach the section of wing closest to her body. “I used to shift back to my human form during baths. But you guys must have some secret voodoo. Time to share.”
“No magic. We use our tails and a cloth, or if we’re in the communal bathing area, we just ask our nearest neighbor to wash our wings.”
“Nope to the second.” She stood looking at the bit of cloth in her hand and then her tail emerged from the water. With a little experimenting, she got the rag balanced on her blade-tipped tail, then attempted to scrub her own back.
He managed not to laugh at her failed attempts.
Then after about the fifteenth try of the cloth slipping off her tail and vanishing under the water again, she smacked her hands against the surface.
“Fuck it! Get over here and scrub my damn wings!” Sh
e paused, her voice softening slightly on an awkward, “Please. I’ll do yours first.”
Grinning he went to her aid, all too eager to accept her offer and present his back. Then, even though it was just an impersonal washing, he had to fight back more of his purring as she rubbed the stout membrane between his wings and the area where the joints met. Then she started on his back. The entire time he fought to keep his tail still at the bottom of the pool.
Her touch was glorious and over far too soon.
Before disappointment swamped him, she was offering her back, her wings spread slightly. He touched her reverently. And if his knuckles grazed her skin in places instead of the rag? She didn’t seem to mind.
He was lost in the moment, enjoying the pure pleasure of touching his Kyrsu in a way she permitted, when suddenly her tail swirled through the water and wrapped around his thigh. While he was still registering the not so subtle pressure and warmth, she reached behind her to touch his waist.
A surprised grunt escaped him.
“Easy,” she whispered. “I can feel your hunger. If you let me, I can help take the edge off so you can sleep.”
“I’m not sure—”
But she was stepping back into him, the base of her tail going between his legs, the firm globes of her backside pressing into his groin. Another grunt of surprise escaped him as his hips jerked forward instinctively.
She reached for his hands and wrapped them around her waist as she rocked her hips back against him again. His thoughts scattered as the aching length of him ground against the small of her back.
He tightened his hold on her middle as helpless purrs of pleasure escaped him.
She chuckled, the tone deeper and more seductive than before. “I think your purr is the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard.”
Purr? He was purring. There was a reason that was bad, right?
Before he could remember why, Anna was turning in his arms, her breasts brushing against his chest as she leaned in and nuzzled him under the throat. Her tongue flicked out, caressing him there even as her hands were trailing a slow, seductive path down his chest.
The Complete Gargoyle and Sorceress Boxset (Books 1-9) Page 137