“Alec, what happened wasn't anyone's fault. My father warned me away from you as well. I never blamed you for keeping your distance. In some ways, it made things easier.”
Alec turned to look at her and reached over to brush a tendril of hair away from her face. Unable to resist, she leaned into his touch.
“Gods, Ari,” he murmured, taking a step closer to her. “You have no idea how hard it was for me to stay away from you. I thought about you every single day and wished things were different.”
“Alec, why are you telling me this now?”
He paused, his gaze roaming over her face, and his eyes filled with some unspoken emotion. His warm air energy surrounded her, drawing her closer. “I need to explain about Kayla.” When she stiffened slightly and started to pull away, he held her tightly. “Please, Ari. Just listen.”
She paused and then nodded, not wanting to know but knowing he needed to share whatever was troubling him.
He let out a long, drawn-out breath. “My relationship with Kayla was mostly a lie. You know we formed our bond as a way to keep the bracelet off her. It was the only way I could think to protect her. I owed Seara so much.”
Ariana nodded. She'd heard the story before and didn't blame Alec for his actions. But she'd also seen him and Kayla together and knew their bond wasn't merely superficial.
“It wasn't,” Alec admitted, listening to her thoughts through their shared connection. “I still care deeply for Kayla, and I always will. She's incredibly important to me, but you need to understand I'm not in love with her. She's not in love with me either.”
Ariana looked up at him and frowned. Shaking her head in denial, she said, “I felt both of your emotions, Alec.”
He gave her a sad smile. “No, you felt our love, but neither one of us was in love with the other. It was the bond and circumstances that drew us together. Once we were free to have a choice, both of us realized we weren't right for each other.” He chuckled and shook his head. “If Kayla and I had met the traditional way, we probably would have ended up strangling each other within a month. We wouldn't have ever considered forming a bond together. We’re always at odds, but we taught one another quite a bit. She needed a protector within the towers, and I needed to be able to look outside myself and see the world in a different way.”
Ariana cocked her head, intrigued by Alec's words. “What do you mean?”
Alec reached up to cup Ariana's face, trailing his fingers along her jawline. “I'm not sure I would have been good for you back then. I was selfish, arrogant, and manipulative. It took what happened with Kayla for me to realize I didn't want to be that type of person. What she has with Carl is beautiful and right. He was willing to sacrifice everything to keep her happy and safe, even if it meant losing her. When I look at them together, I see two people who complement and strengthen one another. It made me realize I wasn't worthy of that same type of relationship unless I learned to put my needs and wants aside for someone else. Love is unconditional and absolute. Kayla helped me understand that.”
Ariana's eyes welled with tears at his words. She could sense his love for Kayla and also the sense of loss from their bond. “Alec, I'm so sorry.”
He shook his head and gave her a smile. “No, Ari. Don't misunderstand. A bond is a wonderful and beautiful thing. I feel fortunate to have shared that with Kayla, even if it was created out of necessity rather than love. I admit that I miss having that connection and closeness with another person.” He reached down and lifted one of her hands, pressing a kiss against the back of it. “One day, I'd like to have that again. But this time, it will be for the right reasons and with the right person.”
Her eyes widened slightly at the implication in his words. “What are you saying?”
Alec's eyes warmed. “I spoke with your father again tonight, Ari. I asked him for permission to court you.” He paused for a moment and shrugged. “Well, I suppose I should say I informed him of my intentions. I didn't give him an opportunity to refuse me again. I wasn't willing to risk it.”
A laugh bubbled out of her. “Wait a minute. Are you saying you told my father you were going to court me?”
Alec chuckled and nodded. “After the shock from you yelling at him, mine was a minor offense. He'll get over it soon enough, I expect. Although, I doubt I'm his favorite person right now.”
Ariana shook her head and pulled her hands away. Although part of her wanted this more than anything, she wasn't sure she could trust it. Ariana turned and took a few steps away from him, wrapping her arms around herself.
“What is it? What's wrong?”
She glanced back at him. “I’m sorry, Alec. I can't agree to this. I don't want you to court me.”
His brow furrowed, and his expression filled with confusion. He took a half-step toward her. “Why the hell not? I know you care for me.”
Ariana threw her hands up in frustration. “Alec, for lack of a better description, you have a hero complex. This is what you do. You've never been selfish. I don't know how you ever got that idea into your head.” Unable to remain still, she started pacing the length of the room. “You saw Kayla in trouble and dove in to rescue her by forming a permanent bond with her. Now you're doing the exact same thing with me. You created a connection with me this morning to protect me too. Now that my secret's out and the entire Inner Circle knows about my abilities, you're swooping in again to protect me. I don't want you to sacrifice yourself because you think I need a strong bondmate. I won't do that to you.”
Alec gaped at her for a moment and then threw back his head and laughed. Ariana scowled and put her hands on her hips, glaring at him.
“Why on earth are you laughing?”
He stalked toward her, the look in his eyes almost predatory. “I'll tell you why…”
Alec yanked her against him and lowered his head, his mouth claiming hers. She gasped in surprise and he swept in, taking full possession. Pressing his hand against the small of her back, he pulled her even tighter against him and fisted his other hand in her hair. Her body melted against his, and she curled her fingers into his shirt as he plundered her with his kiss. Energy poured into her, setting her senses afire with passion and desire. Ariana could no longer tell where she ended and he began.
The sensation of being in his arms and having his mouth on hers was more than she had ever imagined. She whimpered and clutched him tighter, afraid she'd lose him again if she let go for even a moment. His kiss gentled, and he reached up to cup her face. Pulling back slightly, he searched her expression with a look of wonder on his face.
“By the gods, Ari,” Alec murmured. “If I had kissed you back then, I never would have been able to walk away. How can you possibly think I'm simply being noble when it's always been a struggle just to keep my hands off you?”
“Oh…” She blinked up at him, trying to clear her head of the lust-induced fog. He'd managed to scatter all her senses with his touch. “If you promise to kiss me like that again, I'm okay with you courting me.”
Alec laughed and lowered his head again, pressing his lips against hers. He was gentler this time, but no less potent. Instead, he took his time exploring and tasting rather than consuming. She let out a soft moan, wrapping her arms around his neck. He drew her against him again, his energy teasing and caressing her.
When he finally broke their kiss a second time, he cupped her face and murmured, “You taste even sweeter than I imagined.”
She looked up at him, afraid this was too good to be true. “Tell me this is real, Alec.”
His eyes softened as he wrapped his arms around her again. She laid her head against his chest, and he threaded his fingers through her hair. “I'm not going away again, Ari. I promise. This is real. For as long as you want it to be.”
She nodded, listening to his heartbeat and sensing his sincerity through their connection. “I've missed you so much, Alec.”
“I've missed you too, more than you'll ever know,” he murmured, continuing to hold her. “
Those days we spent in the library together and hiding out from your brother were some of my happiest memories.”
Ariana smiled and traced a small pattern over his chest. She never thought she’d have the opportunity to touch him like this, and she didn't want to stop. After she and Alec met at Kendra's party, he'd found out about her love for reading. While Jason would visit one of the recreational areas, she'd curl up with a book in the library and spend a few hours reading. At least, until Alec started going to the library. From that point on, they'd spend the time talking or visiting one of the nearby shops or museums.
“They were some of mine too. Jason used to get so annoyed with me. I don't think I've been back since then.”
“I know,” he said in a quiet voice. “I looked for you on the library surveillance. I'm sorry if I was the reason you didn't go back to your reading spot.”
She shook her head. “Not exactly. My father became suspicious of my activities. He restricted Jason's funding so he wasn't able to access some of his financial accounts without my biometrics. I'm guessing it was another way for my father to prevent me from seeing you alone.”
Jason had been more than a little annoyed when it happened, and it had caused some problems between them. Even though they were twins, they had vastly different interests and needed their own space. Their father eventually relented, but he'd made his position clear about her desire to go off on her own. To keep the peace, she'd gone along with it.
Alec was quiet for a long moment. “I think you're probably right. I wish things would have happened differently, but I'm glad to have this chance with you now. I should probably warn you, though, there's going to be some competition for your affections.”
She frowned and looked up at him. “What are you talking about?”
“Hayden went to see your parents after you left. I believe he was also asking permission to court you.”
Ariana sighed. “I barely know him.”
Alec raised an eyebrow and tilted her head back to look into her eyes. “Ari, you're going to get many offers now that people know about your abilities. I suspect he's just one of the first and is using his ties to your brother to press his suit.”
She frowned, hoping he was wrong but worried he might be right. Their kind were always drawn to power. Her parents were proof of that.
“I suppose it's too much to hope that my father refuses them. I don't want to have to deal with a bunch of people I barely know wanting to pursue me.”
Alec chuckled. “I think he'll do what he can to protect you, to a degree. If the past is any indication, your father won't give his consent lightly. But I think it's clear your shared bond with Jason is no longer going to be enough.”
Ariana sighed and buried her head against his chest. “Jason said the same thing. I suppose all things have to change. We suspected this eventually might happen. I should be thankful we were able to keep it quiet as long as we did.”
Alec stroked her back, tracing small circles and weaving his energy around her. Ariana relaxed against him and inhaled deeply, breathing in his rich, earthy scent. It was intoxicating. The combination of his touch and energy stirred something deep within her. She wrapped her arms around him, sending an accompanying wave of energy trailing over his skin.
He inhaled sharply and gently eased away from her. There was a trace of regret in his voice as he said, “I should go before it's too late, but I'd like to see you again tomorrow evening. Will you be available?”
She looked up at him in surprise, disappointed he was leaving so soon. “You're going now?”
He gave her a rueful smile and nodded, once more giving her a slow perusal that made her stomach flutter in response. “You're far too tempting, Ari. Being this close to you and feeling your energy, especially when you're dressed in only a lounging robe… well, let's just say my willpower is sorely being tested.”
Ariana flushed, but couldn't resist teasing as she said, “It's your own fault for not calling first.”
“I'd do the exact same thing all over again, if given the opportunity. Especially if it meant I could kiss you again,” Alec replied, his eyes twinkling with humor. He cupped her face and brushed another light kiss against her lips. “Can I convince you to see me tomorrow?”
She smiled up at him and nodded. “I'd like that.”
“Good.” He took her hands in his. “I'll come by around seven. Will you let me cook for you?”
Her eyes widened with surprise and delight. For some reason, she hadn't thought he would have bothered to learn. “I didn't know you could cook.”
He grinned. “Seara taught me. She claimed it would help impress a woman one day. You'll have to let me know if it works.”
Ariana laughed. “That sounds like something she would say. When she was training me with my earth skills, she dedicated several lessons to edible plants. I really enjoyed learning from her.” She was tempted to ask what he was planning to make, but the surprise would be more fun. Although, since she'd never advertised herself as being an earth talent, she didn't have access to the same types of ingredients Seara had in her garden. “Should I have anything specific here? If you tell me what you need to cook, I can order it.”
“No, beautiful,” he murmured, “I'll take care of everything. You just need to be here.”
“I will,” she promised and then paused as her gaze fell on a nearby plant. “I need to tell you something before you go.”
He smiled and raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What's that?”
She bit her lip. “It's about Sergei.”
Alec's expression became more guarded. “Yes, I'm aware you've been spending some time with him. What about him?”
“He stopped by last night to check on me.”
Alec's body stiffened. “He was here? In your quarters?”
She frowned, absently weaving a reassuring wave of energy over Alec. “Yes. He wanted to make sure everything was okay after I left your office. When he was here, he overheard an argument I had with Jason. Sergei became concerned his presence might be dangerous to me. I told him I didn't think so. We spoke for a while. But before he left, I may have done something that could cause you a problem.”
Alec cocked his head and studied her. “What did you do?”
She gestured to the Bird of Paradise plant on the table. “He'd never seen some of these plants before. I encouraged one to flower so he could see it in full bloom.” She bit her lip and looked up at Alec in concern. “I had no idea the Coalition wasn't aware we possessed that ability. I never would have done anything to betray us if I had known. I thought, since he was in your office that day with Lars, he knew about my talents.”
Alec let out a relieved sigh, and his shoulders relaxed. “It's all right, Ari. It was only a matter of time before they found out. The only reason they didn't know before was because there weren't any earth channelers with that particular ability in Lars's group. If it makes you feel better, I'll speak with Sergei.”
She nodded, grateful she hadn't jeopardized anything. “Thank you.”
Alec paused, glancing at the plant again. “Out of curiosity, what did he say when he found out?”
“He was surprised, to say the least. He said they had suspected we had other ways of growing food, but they had no definitive proof.” She tilted her head to study the plant, wondering how difficult it must have been for them to survive without any of their abilities. “He promised he wouldn't do or say anything that would cause me harm, but he did say he needed to consider the implications and what this could mean for his people.”
Alec nodded. “Sergei will keep his word. If nothing else, you can count on him for that. I'll speak with him tonight and offer to let him see the gardens in the Inner Sanctum. I believe Seara will be more than happy to show him around.”
“She'll like that,” she agreed. “I wonder if she would allow him to see her private gardens? They're spectacular, and I think he'd really enjoy it.”
“I'll speak with her about it,” he promised.
Ariana smiled up at him and kissed his cheek. “It's been a while since I had the opportunity to spend much time with Seara. Her gardens are one of the most peaceful places I've ever known. One day, I'd like to have something like that.”
Alec glanced around her living quarters. “It would seem you're well on your way.”
She laughed. “Not hardly. What Seara has created is extraordinary.”
“Hmm,” he murmured thoughtfully. “We'll have to see what we can do to make sure you have the same opportunity. Your gifts shouldn't be wasted. Now that you're publicly acknowledging your abilities, you can use some of them more freely.”
“I hadn't considered that,” she admitted, stunned by the possibilities. “I could really have my own garden one day.”
“Yes,” Alec replied, taking her hand in his once again. “You already do a lot with healing in the medical center, but engaging all your talents would benefit the towers a great deal.”
She beamed up at him. “I hope so. I'd like to be able to help more.”
Alec pulled her close and caressed her face tenderly. “Gods, Ari, you have no idea how long I've wanted to touch you like this. Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?”
She blushed and looked away. He lifted her chin with his fingers, tilting her head back to gaze into her eyes. He searched her expression and pressed another kiss against her lips. “If I don't leave now, I won't be able to leave at all.”
Ariana curled her fingers around his wrist, holding on to him. “I don't want you to go.”
Alec closed his eyes and took a deep breath, pressing his forehead against hers. “As much as it pains me to say it, I want to do this the right way.” He opened his eyes and gazed at her with adoration. “Let me court you, Ari. There's too much at stake to treat what's between us lightly. You mean too much to me. I need to prove my worth, both to myself and to you. You deserve nothing less.”
Touched by his words, she nodded and reached up to kiss him again. “Then I'll see you tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow,” he agreed and sealed the promise with another kiss.
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