“Why not ’port us?”
“I want you to know the way in and out since you can’t.”
We continued down a long passageway with textured silvery-white walls, the ceiling twelve feet high with silver filaments inlaid into the plaster corner scrolls.
I wanted to stop and admire the stunning landscapes gracing the walls every ten feet, but Silas pressed forward. “There isn’t time.”
“Why not?”
“The guards have pin-prick hearing, and I need to warn Carlisio I’ve claimed my mate.”
“Hold on. Claimed? When did this happen in our non-relationship?”
“I have no choice. You have mind-merge and your welfare is my responsibility. Your sister is equally as dependent on Davio.”
Never had the thought of being bound to Silas annoyed me more than at this moment. I let out a loud sigh. “I’m not anyone’s responsibility, let alone yours.”
“Yes, you are. I see it more clearly now.” He snagged my arm as we reached a set of gray marble stairs with a smooth banister curving upward. “My rooms are on the second floor of the north terrace.”
“Tell me more about Faith?” I asked since he’d brought her dependency on Loveria up.
“She’s a rebel.”
I ran to keep up. “A rebel is one I can respect.”
“Spoken like another rebel.”
I stopped, right in the center of the passageway where white roses bloomed in a vase. “You’re angry? You can’t tell me it’s only because I went for a swim.”
He turned on his heel, staring at me. “Down a fast-moving river. After a storm. With you on enemy soil.”
“So. So. And so?” I crossed my arms.
“I didn’t expect to be so worried about you. The feelings have come quickly.”
He ushered me backward into an alcove with a life-sized statue of a fearsome looking protector. Chiseled from smooth green stone, holding a battle-axe in one hand and a sword in the other, it looked as intimidating as Silas now did.
“That’s the way of the bond.” I poked him in the chest. “Argh, how are we supposed to make this work? If you ever turn up at Wincrest Station, a warrior is bound to take your head off. No one will ask why you’re there. You can’t just say you’ve claimed me. We need to talk about it.”
He leaned in, pushing me against the statue’s cold stone. “We are mated. I cannot turn away from you any more than you can turn from me.”
Pressing a hand to his chest, I held him at bay. “What woman would you wish for, if you could choose exactly who she was?”
His gaze searched mine, and an image of a faceless woman slipped through his mind-merge shield. She could fight alongside him, like a fellow protector, definitely not me.
“I see.”
“Our soul-bond draws me to you. I cannot undo the fact you are a Wincrest. I will come to accept it.”
Damn, I couldn’t take from him what he wouldn’t freely give. Which left me with little choice. “We need to take a break.” My chest tightened as I issued the words, because it was the last thing I truly wanted. Stupid bond.
“That’s not a wise choice. I must accept what is. So should you.”
He pressed my palms flat to his chest. The heavy beat of his heart pounded against my flesh, my hands heated and pulse jumped then vaulted a second time and beat in time with his. He’d aligned our heartbeats as our mated men did in order to strengthen the bond. If I were ever in any distress, he’d know because our hearts would beat in sync. “How could you?”
“It was my choice.”
“More like your fate.” My chest throbbed. “I would never have asked this of you.”
“I know you wouldn’t have.” He dipped his head to mine. “I must be able to feel what you do, to know when you need me. If I’d done this earlier, I would have caught your increased heart rate at jumping in the river and known to come. It is done.”
“I spend half my time in Dralion. Our hearts beating in sync will only add to your frustration.”
“You will not do anything dangerous where I can’t reach you.”
“Swimming in a river is not dangerous.”
“So you’ve said, and so I’ve disagreed.” He drew me into the passageway. “We should go before someone comes. These halls are never so quiet. My bedroom’s close.” Four doors down, he opened a dark wood door and guided me through. He gestured toward the bathroom. “Clean up. I’ll return to the cabin for the clothing I left there. I must also speak to Carlisio and update him.”
I unzipped his leather jacket and passed it to him. “Thanks for this.”
He tossed it onto the wooden chest at the end of his bed. “I want you here. You must know that.”
I saw the truth in his words, yet I’d also seen his true desire. I could never stand and fight beside him, not when our countries were at war. “You go speak to Carlisio Loveria.”
He kissed me, stroking my cheek with his fingers. “I don’t care to leave you, not after what you saw in my mind.”
“I would rather know the truth than ever have any mistrust between us. Truly, go.” I walked to the bathroom and shut the door. Oh boy, what was I going to do with him? I wanted my bonded mate, but to what extent? My mind-merge dropped away. He’d left.
Searching the vanity cupboard, I found a towel, and then set it on the white-gray speckled surface. Drat, my reflection in the mirror over the basin showed a fright. Leaves stuck out of my hair. I plucked free what I could then shucked my clothes and stepped into the shower. After flicking the water lever, I tipped my head back under the spray and worked shampoo through to the ends of my hair, getting rid of the rest of the mess.
Clean and dry twenty minutes later, I found the clothing Silas had left outside the door and dressed in a pair of snug jeans and a fitted violet t-shirt with a low V-neck. I looked for a pair of shoes.
Nope, nothing. Oh well, I had cut my foot earlier and maybe it was best I go bare–
Whoa. My foot had not hurt since–
I grabbed my left foot and hopped about as I tried to find the cut.
Jeez, maybe it had been the right one.
Skipping to the other foot, I checked it out.
Where was the cut?
My hands shook, because no matter how often I checked each foot, the outcome was still the same.
I’d fast-healed. No cut. Not even the trace of a pink line.
Nothing. Nada. Zilch.
I swayed and toppled onto the bed.
“Dad,” I called out, not sure if this warranted his forewarning to activate since I wasn’t in danger.
A blast of air from behind tossed damp hair into my face and gave me my answer.
“Let’s go. I saw what happened.”
“I can fast-heal.”
He pulled me to my feet. “I know, honey. I’m taking you with me right now. You will have the skill of telepathy in mere seconds and if you’re not with Goldie, she turns up, outside this castle, completely uninvited. The forewarning was strong.”
Everything darkened then we jolted down in the middle of the battle-training yard before the homestead, the red dust of the outback swirling at my feet.
“Goldie. Goldie. Goldie.” My mind kept calling telepathically to her, unable to stop.
Dad shook me. “Relax. The threaded link is building. Stay calm. She’ll answer you.”
“Hope? Is that you?” Goldie’s frantic voice rang crystal clear in my mind.
“Goldie, I can fast-heal. I can hear you.” I trembled as our threaded connection tightened.
“I know it’s scary when your telepathy first kicks in. Wow. And how do you know you can fast-heal?” She sounded excited.
I needed to see her.
“No, don’t answer that. I’m coming to you. Even if I have to storm Loveria Castle.”
“No.” Goldie wouldn’t have let me go through this alone. “I’m not there. I’m in the battle-training yard. Outside. Dad brought me home.” I fidgeted.
Wind ru
shed then with an ear-piercing squeal, Goldie plowed into me and smothered me in her arms. “This is amazing. I knew you would have more skills than that stupid mind-merge. Now, fast-healing and telepathy I understand.” She pulled me with her in a dizzying circle. “Lieska’s coming. I just told her.”
Air swirled, and Lieska laughed. “This is wonderful.” She withdrew her short dagger. “Let me confirm you fast-heal.”
Alexo snatched her arm. “Lieska, behave.”
Goldie grinned. “She won’t even bear a scar, Alexo. A small nick is all part of the initiation.”
Dad growled and Lieska sheathed her dagger, her green eyes glinting. “All right, you win.” To me she snuck a look. “Later. Do you hear me?”
I bubbled with joy as her voice bounced around inside my head. “Yes, loud and clear.” My heart lifted as those dearest to me were now closer than ever before. I hugged Lieska, squeezing so hard she actually groaned.
“We have to celebrate.” Goldie beamed.
I jumped about, my excitement endless. “Yes, but I need some boots.” I was still barefoot and the outback ground was hot.
“I’ll get them.” Lieska ’ported to my room.
Dad took my chin in his hand. “Take the utmost care. Even though you fast-heal, I will not allow you to get hurt. Now, I must go. I left in the middle of a conversation with Kate.”
I grinned. “Sure. Say hi from me.”
“You know I can’t.” He pinched my cheeks. With a chuckle, he released me and flashed away.
Lieska returned and passed me my riding boots. “Here you go.”
“Thanks.” Leaning against Goldie, I pulled them on. “So we’re all good on not killing Silas if he pops by, right?” I sent Lieska a look. “You heard about my mind-merge?”
“Of course, Goldie told me. The skill that kills.”
Goldie tightened her ponytail with a yank. “I told Maslin, her and Guy no killing. The three of them weren’t happy about it, but they’ll do as they’re told.”
“I’ve already sharpened my sword.” Lieska slid the blade from her side and angled it so it glinted in the sun. “And I’m looking forward to Carver’s first visit. No killing doesn’t mean I can’t harm.”
I moaned. “You can’t be serious.”
Raising her own side-belted sword, Goldie tapped it against Lieska’s. “Practice with me, my friend. Show me what you can do.”
I backed up. They trained hard and without mercy.
“Come and talk to me while those two fight.” Maslin scaled the wooden railing of the training area and perched on top. He wore a blue-checked shirt and tan jeans, his Stetson low on his head.
“Hey.”
“I heard about your mind-merge with Carver.” He did not look happy.
Lieska laughed as her sword came down over Goldie’s. The heavy ringing of metal on metal made me scamper up the railing. I might fast-heal, but I truly didn’t care to get hurt. “I need to keep the news quiet, obviously.”
“Yes, I was told. You can count on me.”
“Maslin, you should get down here,” Lieska called, her dark hair whipping about her face as she countered Goldie’s next strike. “You’re the one who let a protector disable you. Bad-bad.”
Goldie chuckled and jumped forward, advancing on Lieska. “I second that.”
I straddled the top beam, facing Maslin. “I’m sorry. I didn’t see him coming, and I would have warned you if I had.”
With his gaze narrowed to slits, he rubbed his thighs. “He’ll never get the chance to take me by surprise again.” He touched two fingers below his eyes. “I’ll have these open. You are my princess, not his.”
So serious. Um, time to change the subject. “I have telepathy and fast-healing. It just happened.”
A smile tugged at his lips, lightening his stern expression. “Excellent, although I’m not surprised.” He scanned the area, from the stables to the right, to the feed sheds on the left. “You’re a Wincrest, and there isn’t one in history who hasn’t held skills.”
“Silas isn’t here, if you’re looking for him.”
“Just keeping my eyes open.” He leaned in to talk over the din of the clashing swords. “Come with me to the Rocky Ledge’s watering hole. I’d like to talk to you. Away from here.”
“About?”
He eased over the top railing and jumped, bent his knees and landed with a soft thud. “Everything.” His gaze veered to Goldie’s where she held her position against Lieska in their fight. “Goldie, I’m taking Hope out riding. We’ll catch you later.”
“Gotcha.”
I took hold of his arm and he ’ported us to the stables. Guy tinkered with a silver stirrup at his workbench, his unruly, coal-black hair falling over his brow.
I hadn’t seen the young enchanter in days. “There you are.”
Since his father’s capture at the battle of Eventide two years ago, Guy and I had studied under the same tutor.
“Hey.” He grinned.
Maslin stepped past me. “Guy wished to see you after hearing about your skill of mind-merge from Goldie. She told us together.”
“Your sister looks just like you, by the way.” Silver, which displayed his strongly skilled line, swirled around the edges of Guy’s pale blue enchanter eyes. “Although, I knew she was not you the moment I saw her.”
Maslin snatched two saddles from the rack and headed for the outer door, calling over his shoulder, “Hope, I’ll grab some food for lunch and see to the horses. I won’t be long.”
“Sure.” I crossed to Guy. “I can’t believe you’ve met Faith before I even have.” I checked out the melted portion at the base of a stirrup he was working on. “Oh, well done, the spell of heat without fire. That’s the closest I’ve seen you get to melting metal.”
He gave a lazy shrug. “I’m getting there.” Guy passed the stirrup to me. “I think the ditty needs to be longer to keep the heat generating. I’ll master it and when he’s released, prove to my father I didn’t slack in my studies. Not once.”
Running my fingers over the warm metal, I smiled. “I know you haven’t slacked.” Oh boy, what must he think of me, bound to a protector? “So, you heard about Silas?”
“Yeah, you’re bonded to one of them, like Faith.” He sighed. “Your life is tied to Carver’s, as hers is with Loveria’s. I’m sorry.”
I leaned against his workbench. “Me too, but there is a benefit.”
“Impossible. Although, this I’d like to hear.”
“Now I’m mated to a protector, I’ll do everything in my power to find your father and our other captured warriors. Alexo mentioned your agreement with Faith.”
“I would have told you as soon as I saw you. It was only a few days ago I spotted Faith with Loveria on Peacian soil and struck the deal.”
“I’m glad she agreed to your request. It shows she thinks of our warriors even though she is mated to the enemy. It’s a good sign she’s loyal to us.” I set the stirrup next to his opened notebook filled with his scrawl. “Ah, how am I meant to read this? I can’t document your skill when this is what you give me.”
Looking sly, he nudged my shoulder with his. “Just ask and I’ll repeat what I’ve written for you.”
“Or you could write with a tidier hand. Oh my goodness.” I grabbed his arm. “I haven’t told you yet. I have telepathy and fast-healing. It just happened.”
“Congratulations. Alexo must be pleased.”
“Yes, and tell me, you sensed a firming toward the location of yours when we last spoke. Do you have any more news?”
Men always felt the call, the insistent burn to locate their soul-bound one, and Guy had spoken to me of his desire, the pull at times coming from Earth, and alternately from Magio. He worried greatly since he had searched for her from among his fellow warriors and not discovered his match.
“She moves around too much. If she is Peacian as you have discovered yours is, I will not travel down that road. I’ll steer clear of her and ensure the bon
d doesn’t activate.”
Even Silas’s true desire of a woman, a protector who’d fight by his side, was one I couldn’t fault. Our countries were at war, our relationship–no, non-relationship–a secret we must keep. Things would have been easier had he never come and activated the bond. Although where would my mind-merge have led me? To death because he had not? I shuddered at the thought.
No, what was done was done. Now I needed answers about my ability of mind-merge. Someone must know it. Or about Katerin Sol. Who was she and where had she come from?
“What are you thinking, that has that deep frown on your face?”
“Katerin Sol, my mother’s mother. I must find her or her people. That is where I will discover what I need to know about my mind-merge. Or at least I hope I will.”
“Hmm.” He tapped his chin and glanced over his shoulder to the door Maslin had left by. “The surname of Sol is referenced to the sun, and many of the desert families hold it. Have you spoken to Maslin about this? His Sol ancestors are from a compound in No-Man’s Land. His grandparents are still there and their tribe is remote.”
Maslin was a Sol. I should have spoken to him. “I’ll get onto that.”
“Hope, the horses are ready.” Maslin patted the doorjamb as he peered around the corner. “Guy, we’re heading to the Rocky Ledge’s watering hole. The horses need a run.”
“Sure.” Guy saluted. “You two have a nice lunch.”
I approached Maslin. “Could we talk more about the Sol compound?”
“Ah yeah, but let’s wait until we get to the Ledge.” He ran his hand over my horse’s saddle, yanking and checking the buckle. “I’ll give you a foot-up.” He clasped his hands and I set my foot into his palm-hold.
I jumped and slid into place.
Maslin passed me a hat. “Check your saddlebags. Make sure you’re happy with what I packed.”
A flask of water, snacks and sandwiches. “Yep, that’s good.”
After hoisting up into his saddle, he rode out and I followed.
Maslin grinned at me, clicking his tongue to encourage his horse into a gallop.
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