protector by Joanne Wadsworth princesses of myth book one chapter one faith hey Earth to Faith Striker Sylvie Carver snapped her fingers and bobbed her head of fiery red gold hair in front of me don't you dare say it's Sylvie her thoughts bombarded me dropped right into my mind as if I'd conjured them up myself I shook my head forcefully we're in class and there are other students around except no one could halt my best friend when she had to get something off her mind not even me Faith it's got
to be said she inhaled sharply you need to get laid you need someone fun too well you know what elbows on the desk I dropped my head into my cupped Palms because there it was Sylvie's answer to the fact we were both now 18 and still completely single I lifted my head stared her down did you not hear me say we were in class Sylvie your timing for that analysis completely sucks besides we should be studying for our end-of-year exams a boyfriend comes after exams which applies to both you and me I
snuck a look around the classroom but yeah I was now the current spectacle because unfortunately for me Sylvie's voice could carry just as blisteringly hot as her stunning Wildfire red hair it didn't help that one of our fellow male students now appeared riveted on our conversation and giving me the worst slumberest wink I'd ever seen she wasn't meaning I should have sex with you Caleb styles look the other way I turned my hostile stare back on Sylvie since she was the one who deserved it you S
ylvie Carver better sit down before I knock you down I can't believe you just said that or why I always put up with you in your big mouth she only laughed as she shamelessly scraped one of the blue gray metal school chairs around next to mine she plopped herself down on it dropping her English books refill pad and pen in front of her onto the desk next she stretched her legs out as far as she could and crossed them idly at her ankles well this conversation isn't over I'm sure Belle would agree d
on't you dare bring Belle into this somehow I'd managed to lower my voice and inflict some kind of control into it Sylvie scooped her blue pen back up casually twirled it in mid-air around her first three fingers this aeronautical pen trick of hers always captivated me but not right now because right now I was more than peeved I'd had the worst week ever since my 18th birthday and I mean the worst week ever no one should have to live through the tribulations I just experienced and was still expe
riencing no thanks to Bell Benner still being in town Sylvie wagged one brow as her gaze Rose over my shoulder too late faith Bell's here she and I have also been talking great just great Dale pulled out the school chair on the other side of me her dark lock settling with stunning abandon about her tiny waist as she twirled around and sat she did everything with such finesse even the simple Act of her sitting was like watching a moving piece of art so moving I had queezed her about being a balle
rina she just had this way about every precise movement she made dainty and delicate so what were you two talking about I didn't have my ears tuned precisely in Belle said as she tossed her pad and pen with an Artful Glide onto her desk her slim fingers came around and smoothed her silky mass of dark hair behind one ear I snapped my fingers finally pinpointing exactly who Belle looked like it was that young star female lead off High School Musical the one who got the basketball guy and sang and
danced with him Focus faith I asked what you two were talking about I didn't have my hearing turned up their bell went again with that telepathic skill of hers speaking mind to mind always trying to draw me into her Mysterious World I sighed and gave in since she knew I would have heard her Sylvie thinks I should get laid I pushed the words along our newly formed telepathic link the crazy link we'd created on the night of my 18th birthday we've been speaking privately like this for the past few
days something Bell called a strength skill but something I called plain crazy only she seemed to have more insight than me into this odd spinning frenzy that had become my life these past seven mind-boggling days she insisted my skills came from the same place as hers and that place was another planet in this universe one named after their Timeless skills one she referred to as Maggio I can feel your resistance we are from Maggio I've told you this over and over since we first connected last we
ek I'm an empath and can feel your emotions I heard you say so the last 100 times it doesn't mean I have to believe you I sent her a very long eye roll my mother doesn't have any of the skills I've been developing since my birthday so there simply can't be an alternate planet called Maggio believe me I've been scouring the NASA website for any link on this mysterious planet you've been spouting nonsense about there's nothing nada zilch nilch got that or do we speak a separate language as well sh
e gave me her own dark eye roll back obviously you won't find anything about Maggio on the NASA website get real if such a thing happened the powers that be on Earth would no doubt try to bomb us to smithereens we leave a simple existence like that of your people hundreds of years ago we don't Harbor advanced technology as you do quite frankly I'd had enough of her talk about this other planet and this other country called PCO my mother was human I was human in fact for 18 years I'd been just a
regular or as regular as I could get New Zealand girl it was Belle who was the problem I'd only known her for three short unnerving months I couldn't shake her and on top of that I had no answer for this telepathy thought reading and other unmentionables right let's agree to disagree on this subject I was getting a headache just as I always did around her Sylvie nudged my arm from the other side winking while a sassy grin tugged at her lips are you two talking privately again that mind thingy ma
jigami you two do yes and it's about PCO again frowning I purse my lips you've seen those paranormal programs haven't you it's not uncommon for some of those weird beasties to speak mind to mind that's all this is about I don't believe there's another planet like Earth out there and I didn't believe I was a weird Beastie either just a weird human being it seemed Sylvie chuckled and sighed almost dreamily you two are so funny I only wish I could do what you do sheesh I slapped my forehead droppin
g my chin my best friend needed a mind transplant no one I knew would want to be this different this early on in life I sat between two crazy people I tapped my scratched up desktop having no idea where to go from here talk to me they'll squeeze my shoulder what's bothering you the most everything but most of all I'd really like to know why I put up with either of you I couldn't shake them if I tried Belle smiled ignoring my rude comment as she had a terrible tendency to do whenever I slung one
at her you put up with me because you and I share a common trait our home planet whether you believe it or not she paused appear past me at Sylvie and you put up with Sylvie because she's like a sister to you you know I can feel that oh would you just quit with the whole empath thing I threw my arms in the air I wasn't exactly asking why I put up with you I was letting off some steam I mean really still flinging my arms about you don't have to over analyze every single little word I say I fell b
ack into my chair beginning to count enforcing more than a little necessary timeout to calm down what are you doing now nibbled on her lower lip I'm getting such a strange reversal of feelings from you that's because I'm trying to ignore your presence for a blessed moment it worked leaning into me Sylvie chuckled face regrouping Bell it's her calming thing give her a minute to wind down after all your talk of PCO you've been infuriating her with it for far too long particularly when she's used t
o only me infuriating her so getting a double dose lately hasn't been easy for her I rolled my shoulders in an effort to release the tension hating how Sylvie was so accepting of Belle's talk of all things PCO and I was not but then I was the one hearing Belle's voice in my head along with everyone's random thoughts when they spewed forth yeah that was lucky old me I squirmed in my chair and let out a hagged breath let's talk about PCO later guys as Belle would no doubt want to do since she was
like a dog with a bone on that subject Mrs Gray's on her way and I need to focus 100 on English and not some mystical Otherworld Gail gave me a strange look with her exotic eyes you can still sense when someone is coming you're picking up their thoughts great she was back to speaking privately it seemed like it was her job to constantly remind me of exactly how odd I now was I moaned with great exaggeration only if they're broadcasting strongly Mrs Gray is crossing the quad examining how to prep
are us for finals I'd latched onto that so are you still insisting this grows into forethought the same thing your supposed King carlosio has that was like the proverbial nail in the coffin for Bell mentioning a fictional King had made me completely desert her far-fetched Notions don't flick me off again she growled King carlosio loveria is a wise ruler and it's because of his rare skill of forethought as one of his PCO protectors I won't abide my ruler's name being disparaged excellent now we w
ere back to the whole PCO protector thing again I needed to do more than just flick Bell off I needed to have her locked up in the insane Ward this time I chose to ignore all the impulses to respond instead busying myself with my workbook now was not the time or place for this argument not when whoa someone walking with Mrs Gray released a bombardment of thoughts they soared right at me thoughts belonging to a new student a male by the tone in his mind yep definitely a male he questioned Mrs Gra
y about me said he knew me Mrs Gray rounded the corner her salt and pepper hair short straight and styled up higher over her forehead to add volume to the thinning Mass she spoke although she deemed into the background as the male stepped forward his gaze cutting straight to me the entire room quietened I'd never seen him before couldn't lower my gaze and break the intense eye contact between us such raw power emanated from him along with a seductive aura that completely fuzzed my mind my traito
rous thoughts spun he must be at least six foot four far taller than any of the other boys in our class his hair held a slight wave and was that teasing shade in between dark blonde and brown the longer length just sweeping his shoulders his eyes were to die for their liquid Brown speckled with gold the darker color the same exact shade as his hair oh yum yum yum he rolled his shoulders and the white T-shirt he wore stretched tight over Rippling muscles blue jeans sat low on his hips the bottoms
tucked carelessly into a pair of black ankle-high boots with thick silver buckles my mouth dried out and I licked my lips he's gay zoomed in on them and my cheeks heated oh heck maybe Sylvie was right maybe I did need to get laid and he'd surely make the perfect candidate oh and the way he stared at me in return just melted me the fire in his eyes set a glow to the golden flecks and lit them brilliantly in the mere few seconds that had passed this stranger had disarmed me his hot gaze running u
p and down my body hold on I jerked my head back was he really checking me out I turned to check who sat behind me because I was surely wrong except the last desk in the room remained clear of any student who's he looking at I whispered to Belle that's davio loveria the king's grandson and he's looking at you what did Belle just say that man that new male student was the king's grandson the fictional King from the fictional country of PCO surely Bell hadn't gone quite so far as to acquire a co-c
onspirator geez Bell and if I ask that new student if he's a prince of PCO will he actually confirm it I reverted to our telepathic connection since I didn't need anyone else hearing what I now had to say I mean do you really think for one second I don't believe you are completely and utterly nuts seriously I needed to get Bella straight jacket and lock her up pronto she cracked a smile no silly with your emerging forethought skill King carlosio sent davio to assess the situation as reinforcemen
t to me as your protector after davio turned 18 earlier this year even he did not show any signs of the rare skill which his grandfather has it sadly skipped two generations in the loveria family and so far you are the only one outside of the Royal Line who shows any signs of it why do you think I'm still here and have not returned home I quirked a suspicious brow and retaliated because you live to pester me easy answer I'm afraid the girl was on her way to being institutionalized there was no h
ope for her not now she fired right back at me because you are too valuable to be left unattended you need protection I blew out a harsh breath right in her face for the millionth billionth zillionth time I am growing very weary of all this PCO crap would she never give up that was when her declaration sent shockwaves through me surprised my jaw landed somewhere down in my lap now why would she feel the need to protect me and protect me against what okay it seemed I was actually going to go ther
e exactly what are you protecting me from you can read thoughts a skill that develops into forethought and depending on how strong it is it can't be permitted to go under the radar I'm a protector once your forethought develops you will need me by your side to instruct you Belle was so matter of fact about everything she said for a brief moment I felt the first fluttering of belief in her then it cemented making me groan out loud I needed to discover if there was any possible truth in all that s
he told me this past week I mean I couldn't exactly deny these skills that had arrived to torment me I want to meet with davio loveria I want to hear from the newcomer who was now sitting in his assigned seat at the front of the class Belle I want to hear what he has to say without any interference from you Belle's lips lifted and she answered with speed excellent would now be an appropriate time I observed the princely hunk side profile Gathering my strength after class lunchtime on the field I
needed another 45 minutes to fortify myself you me and him it was the beginning of Spring the first week of September and I'd chosen an isolated spot under a large yellow green umbrella leaf tree on the outskirts of the school's grassy area Dale waited with me where the sunlight dappled through the loose formation of foliage and warmed the ground I propped my backpack against the tree hooked my thumb into the belt loop of my snug blue denim mini skirt and hoped I exuded at least a little confid
ence Bill rubbed her Palms down her short Scarlet cotton dress and stepped forward to greet the newcomer as he crossed the lawn welcome davio Belle turned and extended her hand toward me this is Miss Faith Striker thank you Belle so this is the one carlisio says has forethought davio narrowed his Gaze on me as he stood there he's bearing firm as he clasped Belle's arm and far too intimately for my liking which I really shouldn't have noticed or should even care about only I couldn't help but fro
wn at the Cozy image they made exactly how well did these two know each other and why did the man still look completely edible those blue jeans of his molded his long legs and made me drool for a bite frustrated I ground my teeth together lifted my chin and stepped forward yes I'm the one who has forethought and I'd say nice to meet you but I'm not sure that's wise not wise at all damn why was I so irritated the man had set all my nerves on edge Dale told me you're a prince of PCO how do I know
that's the truth hungry for more information I siphon through his thoughts using the skill Bell kept referring to as my burgeoning forethought hopefully I'd find this was all an elaborate and totally explainable ruse I can feel you in my mind davio released her arm and stepped closer touched his forehead then immediately blocked the same as Belle was able to do when I got too nosy filtering through her mind now there was nothing although not quite like with Belle a block existed yet I still foun
d myself settling into a soft spot within his mind that seemed to be reserved just for me I gave him a cocky grin and he damn well returned it seriously peeving me further so I guess I have to believe you're the grandson of pco's supposed King David is it one masculine brow quirked davio not David but yes I'm carlosio Soul grandson who is your father at present I don't know and quite frankly I've never cared I didn't either I had the world's most fabulous mother one Who provided all I'd ever nee
ded in life while the manhood irresponsibly provided the other half of my jeans to give me that life had never stayed to even say one simple hello davio crossed his arms frowning as he drew One Step Closer aside let's concentrate on what you're doing right now you are lodged within my mind he stopped shook his head as if clearing it then took another decided step forward here's a warmth like a merging or a similar form of alternate connection I've never experienced before what is it you're doing
no sooner had he said the words did I find myself dropping out of that soft spot I'd found and ending the merge he'd noted bad move ouch I grabbed my head as my mind demanded to return to his what the I jerked shoved her hand up and tried to halt his sudden advancement stay right there a sharp stinging pain took me as he bore down on me no stop I clutch my chest gasping as more pain Lance through me somehow Davio's presence caused it against my wishes my mind pierced back into his and bedded do
wn into that soft place that brought a sense of rightness along with it I fell against him grabbed his arm the closer contact with him somehow now ceasing the pain and my turbulent emotions all at once what on Earth was going on I took a moment breathing deep the warmth within his mind rolling through to me this is the strangest thing I murmured or struck can you truly feel my mind merged with yours I can he pressed his hand over my hand on his arm you're in my head I can feel your presence but
be aware you'll not get a single thought from me since I'm now blocked clearly a set down putting me in my place I greeted my teeth and dropped my hand I backed up and the moment I did the pain returned and all I wanted to do was strike out at him I didn't mean to pry but this is all new to me bewitchingly knew Gail had told me bits here and there yet it would certainly take more evidence to completely sway me to her side annoyance course through me as he glowed circling me his gaze slanted as h
is enormous body threatened now aren't you a pesky little enigma I curled my fingers inward Nails biting into my Palms so my mother constantly says Prince davio he came back around to stand in front it's just Avio to you Don't Forget Where We Are I hardly need someone from outside of my home world to hear you we're all alone out here in case you missed it my gut clenched into an awful mess apart from this skill of Mind merge you know what I believe is happening between us well not if you don't s
hare it you and I are bonded he said with a hard defiant tone I'm sorry where what please let that not be what it sounded like the word bonded certainly rang with the term of something rather deep to me and I didn't want deep with him no being bonded isn't a what faith Striker being bonded is a how then he reared over me almost toppling me over hey I growled slamming a hand into him attempting to intimidate me will get you nowhere we're somehow bonded your soul to my soul although how that could
be is beyond my understanding since you're clearly of Earth and I'm not who are your parents and how did you come to have forethought as if I knew how I didn't even want the stupid skill I'd come into the week before I've always lived on earth second I have only my mother who I might add has outdone herself in raising me what of your father where exactly is he I don't know I had to force myself to hold his very dominant gaze nor do I care my chest heightened and not because I spoke of my father
but because of this man's presence so many emotions battered me from roaring desire to face anger and all dependent on how close he was farther aside I feel the Deep tension between us it's too physical I agree and I've decided I don't want to meet you after all let's forget this past morning ever happened and you can win your way back to your lovely little planet of Maggio however he managed to do that winging yeah curiosity bit me swiftly in the butt I should have asked Belle before how she'd
managed to get here from Maggio only if I had that would have likely given her too much of an opening in order to push more onto me I don't understand Bell stepped forward her lips pinched surely this is impossible you two simply can't be mated she's a halfling I don't understand either I gave her a glare so let's just forget everything and you can take him away I can't her hands trembled as she pushed them through her dark hair I can't interfere in a mated relationship it is a soul-bound calli
ng one fixed between the two of you her white gays begged understanding you have to understand only half of our population are mated once they come into their adult strength skills at 18. the male always senses the bond after he makes direct contact with his female this is what has happened it seems you are mated to our Prince I gulped again not something I wanted to hear yet if this was all real then that meant I was likely in a world of trouble okay so we're mated I turned on davio which is cl
early all your fault why on Earth would you allow a soul bond to form between us the Soul Bond actually forms of its own accord and usually not long after birth although it's only once a magioling reaches adulthood that the two become aware of that Bond until then little is known he snagged my hand you are not one of my people I'm not happy about that I waited a moment tortured at his tight hold and at the scowl darkening his face he clearly detested this moment and the discovery of our bond jus
t as much as I did then quit touching me I jerked my hand free if you can't tell I'm not happy about that he winced the first sign that he wasn't anything other than mad I will try I can see you need some space he stepped away propped his back against the wide trunk of the tree now given the opportunity I too scooted back then it happened once we reached five feet of distance between us a strange calmness descended over me I breathed out the last of my tension and closed my eyes then groaned as
Belle tapped at my mind along our telepathic link okay she murmured you need to tell me exactly what's going on with you first and foremost I'm your friend I ignored her feeling a touch bad and instead opened my eyes and took in the man who dropped into my life and tossed it all about within one single morning his thoughts bled loud and clear as he eyed me blatantly in return the light blonde color of my hair captivated him the fine strands catching the sunlight sparkling through the leaves and
making the golden hue glow like woven silk I grimaced he studied my eyes found the unusual violet color incredibly intriguing stop it I cross my arms with a slap can't you block again I don't wish to right now he tilted his chin and straightened as he pushed off the tree it isn't just the color of your eyes I find intriguing but you as well I'd rather you keep your unhelpful words to yourself too damn it now he need I hated that every time he came so close I turned aggressive stay there my blust
ery warning was loud and clear but he didn't break his stride I can't stop myself it's this stupid stubborn Bond finding my mate should never have been like this it obviously shouldn't have been with a halfling and someone not of my world I meant to that I grumbled as he ruthlessly closed in I threw up a hand against his oncoming assault and tried to Halt him too late my palm hit his chest his momentum driving me back several steps oh boy I flushed as my aggression instantly dissolved so strange
when he touched me the hard emotions promptly disappeared the pain and anger sliding right away you're more than an enigma davio leaned over me all six foot four of him his warm Honey brown hair falling forward to curl snugly around his neck and I longed for him just as I had during my first sighting of him in the classroom why do I suddenly want you this close what's happening is the bond my mate it will become difficult for me to keep my distance from you both physically and emotionally the s
ame goes for you unless of course I leave and end this now you really want to leave my heart hitched and I swayed closer is that how this Bond works we find each other and then you leave no it never happens that way those who are mated are bonded for life if we allow our souls their desire except that would be the most unwise choice for us to take you are quite clearly neither from my country nor from my world and as such will have no allegiance to me or my people I have no wish to join with one
who doesn't wish to join with me in all ways with that being the case I will find another when the time is right as should you he added solemnly hold on did he just say he would be joining with another woman I bit my tongue that was good I should leave it at that right geez what was wrong with me for questioning that choice I'm sorry we just met and you're right go find your Strangely I struggle to get the words out and finally gave up well have yourself a nice long life and all that I patted h
is chest roughly that was better the clock ticked and time slowed he didn't move look at me with one finger sliding under my chin he tipped my gaze to his this would never work I understand it's been pretty awful meeting you I certainly don't want to be bonded to you for life I tried to pour my mind from the soft spot where I better down but had no luck I actually detested the thought of letting go perhaps I'd try physically first I leaned back only he moved his hand around to the small of my ba
ck and prevented me I gripped his arm okay you were going this was going to be the world's fastest breakup no non-breakup since we hadn't even been together let go of me so that can happen ultimately neither of us needed the complication of the other in our life I didn't want a bonded relationship not when I had high school to finish and University on my Horizon releasing me he clipped his heels together and inclined his head Veil will remain another day and even though she told me you two have
a telepathic connection you should take the opportunity to learn more about your growing skills while she's here afterward carlisio will keep an eye on you and Belle can return as necessary a heavy pressure once again pulls through my blood and that strange pain when we weren't touching skin to skin rolled through me sure I inched closer closed my fingers around his arm the necessary and instant relief palpable I didn't understand this need although it was definitely real tentatively I spread my
fingers wider and blew out of breath can I ask you one last question absolutely did carlisio's forethought not tell him all that would transpire today is that not how this skill he and I both have works no any Visions he has are mere snapshots and not greatly identifiable the future is fully changeable as my grandfather doesn't interfere in this way one must always have free choice could that I appreciated hearing I guess carlisio thought it was right to send Bell to me here yes gay switched to
Belle I'll send sorrow to retrieve you tomorrow without warning he took my hand from his arm and lifted my fingers to his lips his turbulent gaze returning to mine take peace in the fact that what is between us would never work we simply don't belong together his tone deep and Flawless was filled with firm decision then he released me and shimmered his form becoming transparent as he disappeared from my sight he could teleport holy moly shock at his fast departure which in fact answered my ques
tion about how he and Belle had gotten here in the first place roared through me I tumbled to the ground and sank my fingers deep into the cold grass underneath me the air tasted stale as if in that very moment when he'd Flushed Away he'd taken whatever fresh air swirled and sucked it away with him he's gone astonishment and a definite spasm of paint grief shook me it hurts now that shouldn't have happened Belle scooted in beside me and grasped my shoulder you wish him back no I shook my head do
n't get me wrong but your prince made his choice and I won't even consider swaying his mind he is far better back where he belongs as are you I had Sylvie my mother too in fact men had never been a constant in my life starting right from my defective father who I'd never known and now davio who couldn't have left quicker if I'd been the one to push him away I mean who needed men anyway I pulled my knees to my chest and hug them tightly ultimately Sylvie and my mother were the only people in the
world who mattered to me they would always be right by my side chapter 2. still partially in a daze I jogged home from school after Davio's departure I hit the pavement along Centennial Park my backpack strapped to my back and my pay gear of Navy shorts and a white T-shirt and sneakers still on from last period best to do what I normally did and not wallow in Davio's leaving anymore this park was beautiful too and captured my attention it consisted of miles of green trees and Gardens with a 10 f
oot wide Meandering blacktop Drive The Common Ground following a leisurely path as it wove snake-like in and around the town it linked schools and homes and delivered a safe pathway for cyclists Runners and school children the parks H trees providing natural coverage against the elements I caught up to and passed Primary School students walking home their home time bell rang almost a half hour before hours and my fellow classmates chatted with their younger siblings as they joined them unfortuna
tely I didn't have any younger siblings it was just mum and me and even though there were occasional times when a real craving to share my life with a sibling struck me I thankfully had Sylvie instead to fill that Gap she was my best friend she was my sister the one I'd been raised with since childhood baby photos taken of us together in the very beginning showed Sylvie with her cute Red Gold locks and me with my pale skin and Tufts of blonde hair just starting to grow I smiled and picked up my
Pace fairly flying home along my street I streamed along my long hair whipping behind me like a full-blown sail and whoa I couldn't slow down my Pace increased even though that was the last thing I wanted oh boy what was happening now I screamed as I almost took out my mother's newly painted gray mailbox freaked and locked my knees bad move I hurtled head over feet then skidded across the slippery grass on my backside crap my mother's newly composted vegetable garden loomed I tumbled and rolled
headfirst into the ripest stinkiest soil on the road swearing at the stupid vegetable garden I scuttled out and found my feet of all the senseless luck surely Belle could have warned me about this increased speed skill I'd soon be coming into because that's what it surely had to be a skill her people from Maggio held I'd never moved so fast in my entire life not a human speed at all after flinging the muck from my butt and my fingers I tramped inside and marched down the hallway of our two-bedro
om brown brick and tile home I needed a shower and I needed it pronto snapping up the brass lever in my shower I dealt with the stench as the burst of water sprayed on me and why couldn't I get Mr royal pain in the butt highness out of my head every five seconds I thought of him questions race through my mind like where was Maggio and how long had it taken davio to flash home because that hadn't been some Nifty little trick shaking my head I hated that I couldn't disperse these thoughts of him j
ust as easily as he had done with me although I didn't give in I would attempt to dispel all thoughts of him yet I dried off and changed warped into my Violet and cream bedroom and shuffled my homework about on my student desk I try to get my mind into gear and off the man who'd left me before we'd really even met it was a hard thought to tolerate though being cast aside so quickly and easily by him I sat I nibbled on my fingernail and reluctantly closed my eyes then I just couldn't help myself
I needed to see his image I pulled it from my memory and let out a staggered breath as his form crystallized with stunning Clarity before me damn he hadn't been so hot looking surely I bit back a sigh why did you have to make the decision to leave so quickly I asked his illusionary image I mean I know you said the bond develops and cements fast but surely we could have had a few more minutes you know before you puffed out of there and completely left me without another word you worthless worthle
ss I was acting irrational I hadn't even liked him and of course the Dirtbag didn't bother to answer me his obstinate form wavered and disappeared just as the real obnoxious man had so effortlessly done yeah teleportation I couldn't deny I'd seen that in action I shook my head in frustration I was such an undecided female now he'd left me with very little persuasion on my part to stay but that didn't mean he should have still I had to cease these unnecessary and completely unhelpful thoughts wha
t was done was done I had a future one I'd already planned one which was vitally important to study for which meant textbook I flicked to the right page gritted my teeth and forced my mind to where it should be several uneventful minutes ticked by heaved a frustrated side because there was nothing going through my foolish mind but him stupid stupid Bond I bet Avio wasn't having these insane thoughts after another endless minute I gave up pushed away from my desk and warped to my full-length Corn
er mirror reflecting back at me was a pitiful young woman in frayed blue denim jeans and an overstretched Coral t-shirt my feet were bare and my damp hair messy I appeared as unraveled and exposed as I currently felt birthdays truly were the pits I dropped into a tangled Heap onto the Violet covers of my bed yeah birthday sucked big time I crossed my hands behind my head and glared at the ceiling turning 18 had sure been monumental my hearing was now phenomenal if I turned it up and focused and
my running speed well my running speed was world-class spectacular if one actually wanted it that way I channeled my superb hearing to the front door as the Clear Creek of it opening traveled to me hey Faith it's just me okay jingling and Sylvie closed the door with a thunk well at least the precise hearing was a nice bonus at room I call back mum's at work where she usually was since apparently I needed to be fed clothed and housed as she liked to point out hey I brought Belle with me Sylvie bl
ew into the room with her far too cheerful bounce I heard all about the prince I bolted upright hooked my knees over the side of the bed and scooted forward come in guys I do have one day for all things PCO to be explained Bell followed behind Sylvie a worried expression on her face she dropped in beside me and muttered clearly the situation today didn't end well I believe and I say this with the best of intentions that davio should have given you more time than he quite obviously did okay where
was she heading with this davio never told you about dralion or about the war that rages between us and our neighboring country he should have done that well then tell me davio has left you here for a day is this Australian and this war something of significant importance to me hostility has raged between our two Nations for centuries to explain you must understand that PCO is rich in raw mineral deposits compared to the neighboring land of dralion is ruled by its monarchy a king dinaldo Windcr
est and his son Prince alexo the tension between PCO and dralien is ugly the windcrests want what The loveriers Have and it's been that way for too many centuries to count Davio's battle is one that has continued from generation to generation and you're his mate his soul match the one woman who should be standing by his side not standing unknown A Million Miles Away davio should not have turned away from you so easily hey hold on I'm a halfling New Zealand is my country this is my place of birth
there's no standing by his side he ported away yes but maggiolins have strength skills which are imprinted into our DNA and passed on from parent to child you have forethought an ability not seen outside of the love area family for as long as PC in history has recorded it leaning forward she continued around 10 percent of our people can teleport as davio can most have excellent hearing along with the sharpest eyesight then there are our Elite protectors who usually hold these skills plus necess
ary battle skills and fast healing next are those like me who hold other strength skills all varied and spread out in some form or another although a stronger lineage denotes stronger skills as does the resulting mated matches being blessed with higher skilled offspring how you've come to hold one of the strongest rarest skills on our planet is shocking particularly when you're a halfling well don't ask me how I came about that skill I gritted my teeth sensing exactly where this conversation was
headed let's not forget davio left and he's not coming back I wanted to Pace the room but I stayed on the bed my nerves tied into a knot nothing you say will change that Gail twiddled her fingers together straining the knuckles White yes but as an empath I'm driven by feelings I can't leave without giving you all the facts she gave me a small Smile as she paused for breath now you're listening truly listening and I need to take advantage of that she was right I needed to hear what she had to sa
y particularly when my forethought fully came into being go right ahead then thank you Belle smiled reassuringly one of the most important things you need to know is that our people no longer physically age past the age of 18 and we live easily to around 120. what I coughed raggedly almost choking on that piece of unheard of news please tell me you're joking 120 years she couldn't be right air looking like this I plucked normally at the tight skin of my cheeks yes I flicked a hand to her Temple
and double checked her temperature I know it's a shock but you'll look just as you are now until the day you die this is knowledge you should have particularly when you'll need to deal with the fact that you won't age as other humans do people will eventually notice that I gulped and sent Sylvia very worried help me look except she inclined her head as if acknowledging Belle's words and agreed obviously no aid from that quarter turning back to Belle I cleared my throat and tried to make her see
reason okay dokay so you're telling me I won't be getting any gray hair right no not a strand her gay softened and she squeezed my hand adulthood is reached at 18. we come into our strength skills at 18. we don't age physically past 18 but we do eventually die like I said we live easily to 120 my eyes almost rolled to the back of my head you seem to forget that I've never paid much attention to your previous ranting and raving of strength skills until I actually showed signs of them myself and a
bout reaching adulthood at 18 well you've never once said Maggie olings never aged I stuck both hands on my hips it sounds impossible yet it's still true and provided you have the information that's all that matters given time you'll see the truth for yourself I wagged my finger at her then dropped it I needed more information and I needed it now does every magioling have strength skills no not at all at times brothers and sisters born to the same parents differ one may have multiple skills and
the other some or even none at all it's simply the luck of the draw as far as we can understand it what else can you tell me I want details of Maggio and the people do you not have specialized scientists as we do who can provide this information she shook her head I'm not precognitive and we don't live in an age as advanced as yours is in this scientific field we don't have such strategic technology nor do we desire it patients live by a different standard one of Simplicity and selfless giving o
ur children are raised within Villages by their immediate and extended family and not within bustling concrete cities where one passes another in the street that they do not know the loveria royal family lead and it has been that way since the first male in their line was gifted with the knowledge of forethought and could guide us so is that how coliseo knew to send you here three months ago did he have forewarning I would need our friendship to believe in a world I can't see yes now you're begi
nning to understand the wider picture carlisio knew I would be needed here and before you turned 18 and met davio for the first time he saw your image the image of a young Earth woman who was important to someone close to him although he didn't know exactly to whom the king's gift is not as strong as his father's before him and you heard davio say his grandfather's Visions are like snapshots in time once he must decipher to the best of his ability our choices are our own and carlisio doesn't tak
e that away from us now it's obvious you are Davio's mate a mate he has decided not to appreciate when most men are overprotective where their soul-bound one is concerned she edged forward nothing can compare to the chemistry and our need of the one our soul is created for and no mated male does well without his chosen female if he is one of the fortunate ones to receive one any feelings for another will be slow in coming as is for all maggiolings who don't find their soul-bound mate what about
you are you mated I haven't been found a simple answer and her tone held sadness yet should you ever wish to make a stand and have davia returned I will Aid you we have our telepathic connection and it can cross the Divide hold on davio isn't returning you were there and he was pretty adamant about us not working out besides I said and flicked my fingers upward I'm quite happy if he stays there we'll both move on Bell heaved a deep sigh if you change your mind you must tell me then a rolling wav
e of contrasting reassurance and comfort emanated from her and soaked into me trust me davio will be suffering from his decision the mouse emotions regarding his female are all-consuming and that's part of the bond the males have no control over have you noticed your thoughts returning to him dwelling on him there was clearly not going to be a simple answer to that question but I gave it a shot a touch maybe a bit more I lifted my chin that stared down my nose at her but not in a good way that w
as important to point out so say I believe you about all this male female bonded stuff why would I ever want to convince davio to take on a halfling when I would only be detrimental to his line out of curiosity of course Sylvie rested her hand on my back her quiet touch reminding me of her presence as she said perhaps you need to stop over analyzing and just go with the flow nope I barely know him yet a niggling doubt reared its ugly head one that said I could know him if I wished one that a bri
ef second later I firmly quashed Belle stared at me a thoughtful look in her eyes Faith you forget I can feel your emotions you are the soul-bound mate chosen for our Prince which means you have to at least consider the full circle behind the concept frustrated I drop my head into my hands I don't have to consider it at all Dave you left his decision stands and I won't change it I Shrugged my heavy shoulders there'd be no asking him to come back what was between us was done finished over Belle k
nocked my arm with hers hey even women in PCO are prone to changing their minds just as often as Earth women do I would have laughed if I wasn't feeling so deeply lost inside I'll tell you what should I ever see davio again then I'll be sure to mention your concerns a downright lie I wasn't the type of woman to consider groveling all in all the current situation wasn't going to change with that thought in mind I lifted my head and forced My Brightest smile there must be other young and well-conn
ected women for davio to choose from perhaps a noble lady or a princess or two a hard elbow into my ribs from Sylvie that's outrageous oh I glad at her what was that for she raised her hands in the air as she quite often did with me a noble lady or a princess or two well how would I know we have a ton of royalty here on Earth it wasn't that far-fetched of an idea as I returned her SWAT it made me feel better until she kicked out at me with a low growl quit that Striker she ordered I greened feel
ing a little normal again okay you too with a scowl Belle pushed in between Sylvie and me and sat squarely between us you two are so odd she nudged us even farther apart now we do in fact have other royalty along with a hierarchical system similar to many cultures right here on Earth it wasn't an outrageous question see I gloated peering a round Bell to send Sylvia a nasty look davio can set sail and find one of his own kind we're all good Sylvie shook her head although thankfully she kept her m
outh shut not that she had much of a choice since Belle chatted non-stop about strength skills their hierarchical system their culture and almost every other necessary subject I was supposed to become aware of it was a weird wacky and very long day chapter 3. I woke with my brain fuzzy from the fantasy dream I'd had the night before one which still gently floated around and kept me snuggly happy well that was until I realized said dream was of one infuriating man named davio loveria abruptly I d
issolved that dream and bolted upright I grumbled and shuffled on my bottom toward the headboard leaning back I caught the chirpy sound of a Tui bird outside in the native pohutukawa tree at a guess he had wished me a good morning I zeroed in on the Tui Birds pretty call and turned up my receptors to a more satisfactory level simultaneously I turned down the volume of passing traffic not to mention blocking out my mother's atrocious singing from her adjoining bathroom now there was a bonus R Sub
lime perfect only the pretty Tui Birds Trio left to feel the silence finally a more fulfilling start to the day especially considering yesterday oh boy yesterday now there was a slice of reality davio loveria nope I wasn't going to think about him not worth it in fact I would forcibly thrust him and he's drafted recurring image from my mind yeah that's better there's precisely no need to go back there he was gone and so soon would Bell be away that was the way it should be pesky PC and people be
gone with that thought predominantly in my mind and as the Tui bird launched from the branch and flew I pushed back the covers and dropped my feet over the side of the bed and onto the cream carpet time to begin my day eagerly I dressed in a blue stretch t-shirt and shorts so I could go for my regular morning run before school a run that had become important since my birthday last week a need that must have something to do with my increased speed racing through to my mother's beloved kitchen I
skidded on the hardwood flooring I yanked open the white refrigerator door and grabbed a strawberry yogurt and a glass of water I made my way down the hallway and tapped on my mother's bathroom door mum's rendition of Lady Gaga's Poker Face came to a sudden halt at my insistent knocking hey mum I'm taking a run I yelled through the closed door be careful we'll do I cringed as Lady Gaga's song resumed in all mum's vocal disharmony best I leave now I took Centennial Park Drive my sneakers clipping
across the pavement as I made the gravel entrance the early morning sunshine beamed through the Treetops and I glanced left and right before checking my pace and slowing down my Sprint so I appeared more like a normal morning jogger none of this speeding along like a freak a half smirked half groaned at the thought because I really was a freak perhaps I should start a support group of other half maggiolins surely there were other bizarre byproducts like me who'd had an ill-behaved parent who'd
spread around unknown DNA as mine had not such a far-fetched idea one I couldn't help but consider when it seemed I couldn't get a certain man and his country from rolling around in my scrambled mind two three-mile circuits later I pounded around the bend and back to my front door I wiped my sweaty brow contentment rolling through me as I stretched my muscles across the road Bell exited her house three months ago she alone had moved into the Street's newest residence a six-bedroom L-shaped home
it had been how she'd remained close to me locking the front slider door she strung her school bag over one shoulder and briskly headed my way she wore skinny black jeans and a red t-shirt once she checked for traffic she dashed across the road hey Belle I hugged her as she joined me I think I may actually miss you and your interfering but after today she gave me her sweetest smile well I'm sure not going to miss you and your colossal temper I laughed come on let me just get changed for school I
won't be more than five minutes as promised I was back in five and grinned as a rumbling raw echoed down the road Sylvie's Beastie turned the corner it's disturbing and throaty Loud engine manufactured somewhere in the late 80s but it was such a cute sporty Mazda RX-7 Relic that it was in her racy gas guzzler repainted in Arctic White she brought the tiny two-door model to a fast halt by the curb she opened her car door hopped out in her short floral skirt and yellow top folded her arms across
the top of her driver's side roof and pulled her sunglasses to the tip of her nose peering over the top of them she eyed first me then Bell hop in goals this beauty of a car waits for no woman I laughed as I shook my head at her Sylvie gave me an all-knowing eye and impatiently tapped her fingertips on the top of the car's pristine roof I know you're internally cussing my car again Faith Striker but it gets us around so stop pussy-footing around and bend yourself in my grin widened I like your c
ar it's loud and proud just like you are she muttered under her breath as I flipped the lever and the front seat slid forward in you go Bell the cubby hole in the back's all yours I squeezed into my front seat and cast her a glance over my shoulder so I have very little time left to quiz you why don't you tell me something interesting about the king's forethought something naughty I said with a grin with no warning Sylvie squealed out into the traffic a horn tooted and Belle gasped as she checke
d our rear it's okay we're all good Belle wiped her brow as she settled back in her seat I'm not going to miss these rides just in case you wanted to know that Sylvie sure you will I chuckled now you've gotten sidetracked tell me something wicked about your king nothing Wicked to report she frowned although you should know that forethought and forewarning are highly sought after skills eventually you will be able to focus on someone you know and get an image of what they're doing or in the same
vein a visual forewarning when something damaging is about to occur your forethought is controlled by you but your forewarning is not forewarning will always come when you least expect it or at least that's the way it is for carlisio yep definitely not Wicked it seems there was no dislodging her loyalty and certainly not when she spoke of her King which meant I should take her words more seriously I was driven to try because ultimately the evidence was stacking up I couldn't deny our telepathic
link or my ability to read projected thoughts when I was in the same room as someone then there was Davio's sudden disappearance Into Thin Air sure I wasn't convinced on Maggio but if I could work on pressing my forthord and eventually bring forth a visual of his country perhaps that might work okay detail these images for me King carlosio's forethought appears as one would see a snapshot images can be from the present or memories returned from the past or with forewarning images of an event yet
to occur I thumbed my chin recalling the wavering illusionary image of davio from yesterday I brought forth after my tumble into mum's Garden my forethought was developing but how did I press it harder I need more proof you want evidence Belle's eyes twinkled they'll come soon forethought just like any other skill is one that develops with practice as it grows into full strength as you reach your Rising so by all means you should be actively applying yourself to your skill in fact King carlisio
reported that his father controlled a much stronger version the Old King could see more than just an image he monitored a rolling feed of shots more similar to that of an actual event playing out like on one of your televisions why is carlisio's forethought not as strong as his father's I crooked my head she'd said yesterday that higher skilled Offspring resulted from mated matches so that might mean oh carlisio's parents were not soul-bound she nodded yes and in his case his ability is not at
full strength although the gene carries forward and it will certainly return to its peak in future Generations ah I understand I fidgeted so explain to me how I can see PCO Sylvie's car screamed through the gates of the student Car Lot her fast turned catching me off guard nice one I groaned grasping my head before it hit the window I wasn't sure what was worse at times her atrocious driving or her throaty car she laughed as she found a nice parking space swerved in with unnecessary force and ho
ld up the brake gotta love these old rx-7s you still alive back there I turned and checked on Belle Sylvie cut the car's engine and snatched out the key hey what do you mean is Bell alright there's never any thanks around here oh let me out of here Bell demanded as she pressed the spring lever and bound it out after me no offense Sylvie but I'm more than happy to get out of the back of your Terror ride she flicked her wealth of brown hair over one shoulder and fixed a smile in place you'll be fi
ne once I'm gone faith we have our telepathic connection remember I scuffed my shoe over the gravel hating to think I'd actually miss her my gut churned tossing into an awful mess since davio had left my curiosity about him his family and his country had assaulted me sure there was a need within me to find even more proof PCO was real to reason out the emotional rollercoaster ride I was on but in a way I missed him the drafted emotion kept stirring one I had no intention of giving into my realit
y troubled me even my mind ached as if somehow disconnected what was with that could one mate feel starved of the other's presence without there wanting it I shuddered at the thought time to move on and it did by that afternoon Bell had gone sorrow had taken her away and I'd watched as she'd shimmered and disappeared so quickly with the large male protector who'd been Santa collect her again another sign PCO was real and they were adding up more than I could tear them down even now I was only pa
rt way home and feeling completely Moody and seriously lost Sylvie had stayed after school for drama practice as if she wasn't dramatic enough and now having no one to pester me was more than a little disturbing I kicked at a loose Pebble scuttling it across the path onto the grass as my traitorous mind moved back to davio always to davio dread him how had it been so easy for him to go then there was that moment he touched me and now never again I blew out of breath wanting to shake my despair o
ff nothing peeved me more than allowing any form of weakness storming down the driveway I winced as I caught my bag on the spiky gate left unlatched near the road front I stumbled down the uneven path wiping my cheeks oh hell I couldn't believe I was now crying I would watch your step if I were you my head jolted up as I slam to a stop I inhaled slowly turning fractionally a man a stranger he had short light-colored hair and was dressed in a nightshadeed silk shirt and pressed pants a thick blac
k leather coat flapping heavily to the ground the way he stood his legs braced wide his gaze narrowed brought me to full alert then he moved twirling around me in the blink of an eye pay attention faith I would if his speed wasn't inhuman do I know you know he stated simply sharply I searched his gaze shocked to find myself staring into violet eyes my violet eyes whoa okay who are you The Stranger circled me again the intensity surrounding him as thick and as heavy as the dark trench coat which
beat against his legs in the breeze he crossed his large arms and growled I am a warrior one who is warning you to steer clear of pco's protectors I've seen you with them his order was arrogant and far too demanding for my liking I drew in a deep breath making myself find some words I don't have much to do with them any longer he flipped a hand at me they are our Natural Born enemy his collar blew up against his thick neck as he spoke making him appear more than menacing meaning he speeded me wi
th a dark look before looking over his shoulder his nostrils flaring damn it he swore we'll have to pick this up another time carlisio's been forewarned how do you know me who are I broke off mid-sentence as he raised a heavy baton for just a moment he appeared anguished it must be this way you will not forget me Faith I won't allow it my head spun a swirl of gray clouding my vision for a brief moment or was it longer I couldn't tell no please there's no need to hurt me I blinked stumbling backw
ards hands up in instant defense I was too slow my thoughts Tangled in a jumbled mess as he brought the weapon down directly over my head I slumped heavily to the ground wanting to heat out at him but my head splintered with pain and then nothing Sylvie's voice bounced within my fuzzy head did you find anyone or even any sign of anyone she asked in a strange tone my brows pinched together as I tried to lift my heavy eyelids gingerly I patted the comforter underneath me and found the familiar pat
tern in the stitching my covers which meant my bed no that someone an unknown man answered her there's no evidence and nothing to track him from where we found your friend lying either clearly whoever it was teleported to that exact spot and then left the same way it had to have been the Warrior from carlisio's for warning Zach a female hist interrupting the male what do you feel Belle Belle was here besides her and Sylvie who were the others there were no residual emotions in the air I can't gi
ve you any additional Intel Viv I'm sorry okay that was Belle all right so who was Zach and Viv I scraped one eye open as yet another man's low growl in response to that answer rumbled around my bedroom I tensed then every drop of blood in my body heated and boiled followed by a shimmer of pain oh boy that internal reaction to the one man I'd been thinking constantly of for the past night in two days had returned he must be close too close still I couldn't help myself and even with a lead and he
ad my mind reached out for his I linked and merged settled down in that soft spot which was most definitely all mine relief rolled through me davio grogally I patted the air needing to physically touch him as well so wrong come here a fast Russell I'm here the bed beside me dipped I pushed my eyelids open the rest of the way just as his hand smoothed over my forehead I sank into the mattress and released a soft sigh oh skin to skin contact was so soothing like I'd been wrapped in my favorite bla
nket and tucked into bed by the most caring of hands then I jerked why is there pain when we don't touch it didn't make any sense but the only relief I ever found from the discomfort came when we touched or he remained more than five feet distant frustrated I rubbed the side of my head which had taken the impact of the baton's brutal blow I expected to find a solid full-sized lump only there was nothing even the ache I'd woken up with had receded okay do I fast heal or something because what oth
er possible scenario could explain this yes you do the wound and subsequent bruising is almost gone you healed within the first 20 minutes you were down I've been out for 20 minutes I squeezed my eyes shut then open them again that's not good his gaze captured mine no and it's unacceptable that someone harmed you I cleared my throat and edged closer toward him detesting that I sought more of his comfort okay how come you're back didn't you decide we weren't going to reacquaint ourselves with eac
h other like ever again I did Davio's honey gold hair fell forward over his wide brow as his gaze heeded I had to come carlisio was forewarned about the danger to you he couldn't get a complete fix because your attacker used the cloaking strength skill do you recall who approached you who knocked you out my heart raced and not from his multiple questions but from the way his hand cupped my shoulder his touch caused a whole other kind of friction a friction I was becoming fast fixated with I star
ed at his lean fingers there was only him he made me feel strangely safe and protected by physically tying me to him at no other time in my entire life had a man had that impact on me just being surrounded by him somehow soothed me the reality hit me hard the truth of my thoughts astounding for some reason or for every reason I no longer felt so lost and alone he was back my soul-bound mate was back I couldn't fathom being here without him and with more certainty than I thought possible davio I
murmured as I stared straight into his deep set gaze equal determination reflected back in his own that determination gave me the strength I needed don't leave me again not like you did before on the field at school the word slipped out so easily so right then I spoke my mind again the second time with striking Force if we're mated we should be together said I could make such a stand and I am I stood up for my rights giving him no further choice Sylvie gasped from across the room next to her Bel
le smiled softly relief evident to see on her face only they weren't the only ones present Beyond them were the other two I'd first heard a woman with dark brown hair stood to the side of the window her face half cast in Shadow as she scanned the section toward the road front she was fully armed a nasty looking blade hooked into her belt on her right she appeared battle ready her tight leather vest secured with straps over a ruffled white shirt and Inky Skin Tight Pants wearing knee-high black l
eather boots she was ready for some serious action that's Viv one of my best protectors davio offered as he watched my gaze wander over by the door is Zach another of our best my heart stopped Zach was huge a tall broad-shouldered man whose body rippled with lean muscle a fighting machine with his sword clasped between both hands and resting Point down to the carpeted ground he was dressed similarly to Viv in dark Leathers but half his chest was Bare where his white shirt remained loose and unbu
ttoned at the front I gulped an eye davio more focused now I couldn't miss that he too was dressed in a similar fashion as Zach and Viv dark leathers and a white shirt fluttering underneath a finely made sleeveless leather half coat made up his attire yep my mate appeared to have stepped out of an ageless time his clothing nothing like the teenage jeans and shirt he'd worn the day before well I said drawing in a deep breath I'm very glad I didn't see you like this yesterday one look at his comba
t Leathers would have made me freak he withdrew his sword sliding it out of the weighty Scabbard belted low on his hips hey hold on I scuttled back actually cracking my head on the white painted headboard behind me whoa I held up a placating hand as I rubbed my twice beaten scalp would everyone leave the room it seems it is necessary for me to speak to my mate privately his deep voice resonated with determination ah is that a wise idea A Rush of air left my body at the way he slowly propped his
sword beside my headboard it is when you are all I've thought about this past day when I've been so unsure whether I could have ever kept my word and stayed away the bond builds fast and even I have been unable to dismiss it the others filed out the door gently clicking it shut behind them IO continued as is the way with mates I need to be close to you to see to your welfare and quite obviously your protection he paused his large hands gripping my waist as he Lifted Me seating himself he set me
on his lap although I cannot and will not shirk my duties not even for you or for any other carlisio has a large country to govern and he can't do so alone my father AIDS him and for the past year I have too I'm okay I was on his lap it felt strangely right touching a finger to his bristly jaw I offered him a slight smile sure you Aid your father grandfather and your country except don't forget me in the vast scheme of things I won't forget you not after you've haunted my thoughts this past day
even now I can sense your connection and the ability you have to merge your mind with mine when we are together if it weren't for that I would feel discomfort his arms banded tighter about me enforcing a closeness which continued to surprise me so now what do we do I snuggled discovering my need of him intensifying just as his obviously was I watched the play of sunlight dancing through the window dappling across his face and highlighting his strong jaw and his mouth someone harmed you Zach Vive
and Belle are just three members of the team I keep quite close to me no one else will ever get through all of us to you again but there will be rules to ensure your safety I want you to hold on I cut off his words by pressing a finger to his lips so soft and what was with my fascination with his mouth his brows Drew down his forehead furrowing deeply are you still not feeling well oh I'm more than well then I slowly grinned and leaned in it seems I want more than your protection I want you to
kiss me the complete and honest truth that comment stopped him dead cold then he inhaled slowly the sound so sweet as his breath stuttered a little kiss you he murmured his eyes now turning a melting Hue of delicious Brown are you sure only if you want to I somehow managed to shrug my shoulders like his decision didn't matter either way I want to then he closed that last little Gap and there was nothing but his warm lips against mine every sound around me vanished as my world centered and became
only him he had come to me at the first sign I was in trouble no man had done that in my life my soul lifted and my heart soared desire fled and he pushed me back against the soft comforter he surrounded me my mind captivated as we shared breath slowly he eased away Faith where you are concerned my Corporal need for you will rally just as greatly as my need to protect you I believe we need rules his liquid gaze turned me into a pile of goo I inhaled slowly remembering to breathe yes I can alrea
dy tell you could use a few rules do you want me to start he grinned and curved a hand around my neck maintaining our skin to skin contact I've been raised by my parents and my grandfather taught to assert myself strongly and you must do the same with me to ensure you're heard I tapped him on the chest with my finger yeah I've already done that you need to pay more attention big fella a smile twitched his lips geek fella I tilted my head that's right so what else do I need to know about you sinc
e we're being all honest because I could sense there was something else an element of Truth below the surface in every word he spoke I almost had my finger on it you already feel the awareness of it we cannot lie to one another or I should say we can but the other will always sense it now truth there was a bonus because that's what I desired most davio caught my tapping finger and brought it to his lips gently he kissed the tip and made my heart flutter about quite senselessly these last few mon
ths of your education are important and I don't wish to take that away from you only I will rarely be here I will do what I can to give you what you need but there will be times of separation it can't be helped I stared at him strangely not liking the idea of this separation he'd spoken of ah and here I thought I was an independent woman even my mind cringed at the thought of dropping this mind merge I had created with him I loved my soft spot there is a place within your mind I'm linked and loc
ked onto where I'm resting I looked at my hand in his with skin to skin contact our tension dissolves I felt it too touching is important to ensure all is well I nodded the pain is like a brewing heat coursing through my veins I merge my mind with yours and with touch the aching sting disappears my explanation was real unnatural and impossibly bizarre but still real is this normal for mates or has it something to do with forethought merging your mind with mine has nothing to do with us being sou
l-bound being mated is a relationship a union of the two souls and is separate to the skills we hold it's also only you who is forming the Mind merge it's not my skill he frowned forethought icio certainly does not mind merge like this and bed down in my mind as you are doing he simply reads others thoughts when they're near as they project them although it is your father and his line which is unknown this strange ability may have come from him we will simply have to work around our unusual pair
ing I could sense the truth he spoke of from our bond could feel it resonate with unnering accuracy finding out who your father is will be a priority davio stroked my hair he's touched so gentle we barely knew each other yet we're still bonded so strongly it's never bothered me to not know of the man who aided in conceiving me I'm very lucky I have a wonderful mother who has single-handedly raised me without even the aid of grandparents or aunts or uncles there has only ever been Sylvie and her
mother Syria no one could have asked for a better best friend I sighed I've only ever needed them my father means nothing to me no man ever has he smiled giving me a wink ah but I will then he kissed me deeply and I kissed him back overwhelmed by the new emotions stirring Within Me he broke away first his head coming up he ducked a look at the door Sylvie's coming down the hallway I can hear her so could I that precise hearing of hours being immensely helpful the door flew open and slammed again
st the wall yeah that was Sylvie all right 10 minutes is enough for you too now break it up she admonished as she stormed toward the bed Red Gold locks flying about her face let's remember we still have a villain to unearth and apprehend she turned giving davio a fierce glower what do you think you're doing on my best friend's bed get off in the future Sylvie Carver he uttered as he pushed himself to his feet and pulled me up to stand beside him you'll remember not to storm into the room the way
you just did and disturb us correct protocol is that you knock and wait before addressing a prince Sylvie didn't seem to care as she reached past him and gripped my wrist she scowled at davio and tugged me toward her like a mother bear protecting her cub well lucky for me davio thy Prince love area she shot at him I don't have to observe your correct protocol we are on Earth you see not PCO and all this from the girl who told me just days ago that I needed to get laid I almost smiled something
was definitely firing up all my friends cylinders are you all right Sylvie well of course I'm all right or I would be if those two sword-wielding fiends of davios would stop goading me now get your butt out of your bedroom and into your living room and help me control the sudden surge of protectors you are accumulating in this house I clapped a hand to my mouth stifling a laugh mum's not at home is she she better not be best I check I ran from the room down the wide carpeted hallway and skidded
around the corner into my mother's cozy living room one of the framed photographs sitting in a place of honor on the mahogany side table rattled evio steadied the frame then curiosity getting the better of him picked it up he tapped the image is this picture of your mother and you yes you look about six his eyes twinkled and a humorous grin tugged at his lips nice puddle drat I hated that print the one of me plowing down my childhood slide only to land face first in one Almighty Mucky winter pud
dle I ignored Davio's light laugh as I continued across to Zach and Viv and smiled politely at them I'm so sorry we haven't been properly introduced I'm Faith Striker I extended my hand the female protector shook my hand while Zack idly stroked the hilt of his sword his narrowed Gaze on me before moving toward davio with a questioning tilt Viv not Zack's arm Zach she admonished mind your manners he grunted men rolling her eyes Viv turned her attention back to me my apologies my mate finds your p
resence unnatural you are not from our country and he finds Well he finds that troubling you two are mated they are davio set the framed photograph back in place and crossed the carpet toward us he slapped a hand on Zach's shoulder as he drew up to him Zach troubling or not faith is still half magioling and whether born here on Earth or in PCO she is the other half of my soul you will speak to her with the respect she's due and acknowledge her introduction of course Zach cleared his throat dippe
d his head in a half bow then shook my hand my apologies I was wary and should not have been my service extends to you just as it does and always wield to my prince I scrunched my shoulder blades together an eerie Ripple of discomfort chasing down my spine this was not a form of formality I was used to and exactly what service was Zach promising I also had to remember there was a prince involved double eerie I don't require anyone's service Sac although thanks for the offer all the same aging on
to my heels I backed away from davio and his protectors as a tense mix of animosity and irritation stirred in my gut my mate was too close forcing my tension to build I reversed faster until my back hit the lip of the hearth's upper mantle I slowly exhaled relief rolled through me the pain and frustration dispersing but only at the five feet Mark and no less davio stiffened a low mutter rumbling from his throat by the distance it's necessary no it's not he stopped toward me it's also not your ri
ght to decline Zach's offer as my mate pco's entire contingency of protectors are called to your service they protect our country and its citizens you will accept his offer with his advancement I clenched my fists blood pouring through my veins in a bubbling riot well you listen here mister I'm not a citizen of PCO nor have I been to your country as if that weren't obvious or do I even wish to go there at my biting remark he glared my face heated as I continued so it's obviously futile for me to
accept Zach's offer I don't know your protector and he doesn't know me don't gay zeroing in on me he captured my wrist with one hand his fingers firm and warm your tension is clearly spiking as is mine exactly how far away do we need to be so we don't suffer these appalling emotions I squinted if there's no skin to skin contact then a good five strides away the irritation is awful if we don't touch he dropped my wrist five strides we'll enforce it again to make certain he turned and marched acr
oss the room the required distance while Viv Bell and Sylvie all watched with their mouths gaping Zac East as davio halted is it possible for you to explain this reasoning I'm clueless about what's going on one second davio pivoted as he reached the Far couch met my gaze and questioned this seems good what about you the release of tension took me instantaneously yes thank you that's perfect nothing like two mates destined to be together standing at good rooms with the part absolutely perfect tur
ning to Zach and the others daveyo explained our issue while I resigned myself to what was we had to be touching and merged for the best outcome or we had to be a part lucky for us I had the skill to mind merge and sink into that soft spot within his mind which ensured the pain and frustration dissipated for me beyond the sitting room window the sun set in brilliant shades of yellow orange and pink which suffused The Horizon beyond the row of houses on the opposite side of the street a familiar
white four-door Toyota pulled into the driveway and rolled to a stop the driver's door swung open and I smiled as my favorite person in all the world stepped out and stood mum right at her knee-length backslit Navy skirt and red blouse then strolled around to the trunk who she Zack slid in front of me sword lifted as he blocked my view I groaned loudly that's my mother Kate Striker I slapped her hand against his arm his strangely immovable arm wow that was one solid piece of muscle she'd never h
arm anyone he lowered his weapon and stared at me like I was a pesky bug under his feet your mother she's young and her hair it's chestnut brown yours is so light so very blonde next he looked into my eyes and not in a good way your eyes are a curious shade of violet they aren't your mother's color either well for starters my mother was very young when I was born she was 18 and she dyes her hair usually she's a blonde I Shrugged my shoulders and the eye color that must come from my father not th
at I know him he disappeared on the day of my birth Zack glanced over my head as Davey approached my mate slid one arm around my waist from behind and I leaned back into him the contact perfect and preventing any opposing emotions the instant we touched thumbing his chin Zach watched my mother pull out a couple of Eco Green grocery bags from the trunk your mother looks far younger than the possible 36 years you say she must be she could pass for your older sister Davio's Hold on Me tightened the
Block in his mind suddenly lifting and his thoughts trickling through to me he too believed she could pass as my older sister that she could easily be a magioling since his people didn't age no I gripped his forearm tight around my waist and squeezed she's of Earth damn I mustn't forget you can read my thoughts if I lower my Shields he immediately blocked Zach could be right though your mother appears far younger than her 36 years she may not be from Earth I already said no my mother has not li
ed to me for the past 18 years you're crazy to think she's not an Earthling I haven't seen her doing anything magical I took a deep breath and slowly exhaled I'd like to think I'd have noticed that which meant my strength skills must have come from my unknown father it's just an observation for now yet as you said she was only 18 when she gave birth to you she has aged well although it is disturbing that you have no other known family that it's only you and her in Maggio our children are raised
within Villages by their immediate and extended family there are always relatives thunk mum dropped the trunk and bags in hand strolled toward the front door my mother would never lie to me she has no family because she's an orphan your father does she ever speak of the man who is your sire no and I Don't Force It there's too much pain there for her I only know vague things like he was 18 as she was and that he left her right after my birth davio absolutely stroked along the inside of my wrist o
ur people don't have this aging disability or people have but I can't deny that you do have a number of people amongst your population who appear far younger than their years would be we must seek your unknown father's whereabouts that is where I'm sure we'll find your lost PC and Heritage and what of dralion could he be from your enemy's country you don't know exactly where he's from any more than I do memories flicked the man who attacked me had said he'd been a warrior had arrogantly stated t
hat was so Warriors guarded dralion while protectors guarded PCO both Nations named their Elite fighting forces in that distinct way Dale had told me as such during the time she'd enlightened me to All Things Maggio it's doubtful your father comes from our enemy's land we allow our fellow peacons to travel wherever they wish but indralian circumstances are different dinaldo Windcrest locks his people down as my grandfather carlisio does not it is near impossible for windcrest's people to travel
here unless they're amongst their King's Elite fighting force of warriors how does Windcrest lock all but his Warriors down Bell hadn't covered this dralion has an energy field which Shields their country it's an energy Dome we can't penetrate yet a dome which has an entry and exit point where only their most highly skilled and trained Warriors can come and go from we can't breach this point since we don't know where it is or what its physical attributes are for teleporting I tried to sift throu
gh his mind to understand his reasoning and his obvious hatred of all things dralian but the block he had put in place remained immovable I resettled my mind into that soft spot and frowned I don't like the way you're blocking me it's best this way all our people can block if they so desire he gave a little Shake of his head but you're not to go sneaking about within others mind when you're not wanted there I had no intention of doing so most people Channel their thoughts to me so no sneaking in
volved and it's only you I can actually merge my mind with I also had no intention of trying to merge my mind with anyone else's davio was the only one I wanted to connect with in such a private way and I'd say due to this slightly infuriating Soul Bond I lit out a long breath and considered the man who had accosted me he'd definitely said he was a warrior he'd said the PCO protectors were our natural-born enemy then he demanded I stay away from them I cringed recalling the Warrior's last words
we'll have to pick this up another time carlisio's been forewarned the front door clicked shut mum was here I pressed a hand to Davio's chest and pushed him away you have to go please I have to help my mother unpack the groceries and you need to take your people with you she'll have a heart attack if she sees so many dress the way you all are his expression darkened his gaze rising over my head to connect with bells as she came off the couch and joined us fail you and Sylvie will stay and not le
ave my mate's side contact me on our direct link if you need me to return I will not be long she voiced a quick yes then he turned to me I'll be 15 minutes I have plenty of Earth clothing since I enjoy the fabrics and styles your people wear I will return to the castle to collect a bag he bent forward and lightly kissed my forehead don't find trouble while I'm gone that's an order hold on I grabbed his arm since he could leave in the blink of an eye and clearly intended to you're definitely comi
ng back right his lips lifted I will ensure your safety first before I return to my duties I have second Vive to Aid me and Belle will now remain for as long as she's required he glanced at Zach and Vive you both need to do a little shopping to blend in with the locals we'll regroup at Bell's residence across the Strait in an hour since carlisio hasn't disposed of it yet that is where we'll reside until the existing threat to my mate is removed hand on my arm Belle pulled me clear of the others
davio I take it faith is to come with us there are six bedrooms I frowned what was Belle implying she stays with us he glanced at Sylvie you too may stay with us if you wish I've seen how greatly you care for your friend I welcome any age you might offer I gasped just a second you can't think to completely reorganize my life I have a perfectly secure home right here thank you no Davio's tone rang with Fierce Adam and see in this decision you have no choice when it comes to your safety my orders
take precedence you will pack a bag and stay at Bells where the rest of us will be close enough to protect you to Bell he ordered stay at her side until we remove the threat a protector will watch over her at every moment I opened my mouth to strenuously object only daveyo wavered Into Thin Air and disappeared I kicked the space where he'd been damn that's annoying Zach and Vive chuckled and followed directly in his wake annoying annoying annoying I blusted come on I'm not missing any of this I'
ll stay with you Sylvie jumped to my side and snagged my other arm for one Bell wasn't fiercely gripping we have groceries to unpack I scowled at one then the other I can walk to the kitchen by myself Bell's grip tightened our protectors do not question orders given by our Prince and neither should you I tried to jerk my arm free what I'm questioning is this sudden imprisonment next time I'd make absolutely certain davio didn't puff away without more time on my side to argue my point I groaned c
learly I was going to Belle's place whether I wanted to or not swiftly I twisted free of Belle and shot off into the kitchen the large and homey space was my mother's favorite room the kitchen cabinets were built in the pale blue doors trimmed with pine to match the varnished wooden floor and an ultra Wide Window ran the entire length of the kitchen right over the stainless steel bench outside the last of the sun's Rays beamed in over top of the tall boundary fence between us and our neighbors t
he stunning light pinged off the steel and sent a prism of sparkly pinks Golds and blues bouncing around the room I skated to a stop and Bell bumped into my back as she took Davio's protection orders to the very exact point I caught myself ignored Belle and smiled at mum hey how was work endless today mum popped out from inside the pantry her gaze are Lighting on Bell and Sylvie either side of me oh hello girls I didn't realize you'd all be here I thought you were leaving te puke pal no she deci
ded she loves the place I opened the bags on the counter removed several packages and passed them across to Mum in fact Belles invited me to stay at her place is that all right mum stacked the goods on the top shelf half turned and nodded over her shoulder you can sleep over at Belle's place whenever you like that's never a problem actually Kate Bell breezed into the gap between mum and me I'm hoping to have faith come over for a few days not just a single night sleepover Sylvie's coming too so
it'll be just us girls until I have other house guests arriving I'd appreciate the female company well whoever knew Belle could lie so well Sylvie stepped forward clearing her throat my mother knows Belle's house guests she scratched her ear ah davio love area is one of them and he's very respectable so are Viv and Zach frowning I cross my arms okay was there a conspiracy here why would Sylvie lie so blatantly there was no way Syria Carver knew davio and his protectors Sylvie snuck closer and wh
ispered in my ear sorry you got hit on the head and I want those protectors around I squished up my mouth taking care as I eased past a crowding Bell to pass mum a bag of vegetables actually there was talk that davio and The Others May turn up today but regardless Sylvie and I know the rules around other men we'll be good there that was better less of a lie mum opened the refrigerator door and stacked the carrots into the lower cooler you know the rules do you standing back with her Gay's intent
she continued just run them by me again I rolled my eyes very funny mum tried to hide her smile but I caught it all the same well you are 18 and it's not like I haven't taught you the rules of being responsible that's right I grinned and snatched an apple rubbed it against the arm of my shirt sleeve I'll just go and pack a bag then I bit down as I walked out of the kitchen don't worry about dinner for me Belle and Sylvie joined me in my bedroom as I threw a couple pairs of blue jeans some comfy
t-shirts and my all-time favorite Violet checked shirt into a bag Bell tossed in two pairs of shoes and Sylvie nabbed my pajamas next came toiletries and Bell standing Century in the doorway of my white-tiled bathroom talk about protection City I threw my hands up okay this is just ridiculous Belle it's not like I'm going to be accosted in my own home take a step back I scooped up my toothbrush and toothpaste she tapped her head yeah okay but only because Davio's on his way I checked the time o
n my watch faith a distinct male voice rang out from my bedroom coming I dropped the toiletries in my overnighter and slung my bag over my shoulder then stopped dead in the bathroom doorway at the renewed site of him in the center of my room wow talk about a man who could halt traffic with just how good he looked his blue jeans fit him to Perfection rounding a tight butt I wanted to Ogle his tan t-shirt hugged his broad chest somehow I remembered to breathe then I remembered what I should be thi
nking sternly I cross my arms you can't come and go from my bedroom as you please we have a front door and I insist on you using it yeah none of this puffing in and out stuff he studied me his brows slanting down I don't care for your antagonistic Behavior so merge your mind with mine now it's as necessary for you as it is for me he drew closer firing my blood I merged sinking into my soft spot in his mind and unable to help myself tried to catch his current thoughts I hit the jackpot as he rema
ined unblocked focusing I saw that away from me his mind had replayed what had happened my attack he wondered why now and could the attack be related to him he was certain the small and closely tied group who knew about me would never tell another of our bond included were his parents Genevieve and everyo his grandfather and just moments ago he'd informed his cousin and right-hand man he decided not to forego our bond my heart hitched it heard he told so many people when I clearly couldn't tell
a soul not even my own mother stepping up to me he caught my hand clearly you're reading my thoughts what concerns you most about them with the slow lifting of my chin I answered a million things not to mention the fact that the one who detect me was a warrior and Davio's enemy something I needed to tell him now we had more time footsteps clacked down the passageway and I swung my gaze to the door oh no mum was coming a whoosh of air and my hair blew into my face as davio dived past me and disap
peared into my bathroom flinging strands of blonde from my gaping mouth I smiled at mum as she poked her head in faith I'm going to take a bath and relax she glanced at Belle and Sylvie who smiled ever so sweetly just as I was I'll see you all later I lifted a hand yep later have a nice soak I will she closed the door Bell slid in front of it and firmly pressed her back to the polished wood okay that was too close we should all get out of here I'll go with Sylvie and help her collect some belong
ings you all right faith I'm good I was since davio had reappeared from the bathroom and eased in behind me his hands gently cupping my waist thanks Belle his deep voice rumbled near my ear his close touch soothing me as it did when we touched skin to skin I'll meet you across the road I'll bring Faith you will yes I will hold on his fingers pressed in firmer and we disappeared within the blink of an eye then reappeared right inside Belle's open and Airy living room and only a mere moment later
such a sprawling six-bedroom home the living room was long and angular with soft couches pressed to three of the four walls which gave the space an even wider appeal two stunning pieces of framed artwork hung on the walls one of a sparkling Emerald sea with a striking white lighthouse jutting out over a Stony Point the other showcased a rustic Cottage teetering on the edge of a magnificent Rock Cliff face with massive white-capped Breakers rolling in and slapping hard against The Rock both piece
s of art displayed the force of nature battling against life and my interest had always been taken by them are those images from PCO I swayed a little as I found my feet davio lent me a steadying hand yes they are the second picture is of Belle's family home on The Cliffs of Bandon the banners have held that piece of land for several Generations really my curiosity was peaked tell me about it fondant is a day's ride from loveria Castle although Bell moved away from her parents and younger siblin
gs two years ago she has a place in the village some 20 minutes by horse from the castle as well as a room in the castle for when needed we prefer our protectors to remain close did you say two years that surprised me I take it bellies in 18. I presume she was except of course as I'd recently learned no one physically aged heck she could be a hundred for all I knew she's 20 although Zach and Viv are 18 just as I am let's not talk about them though before your mother's untimely arrival I wish to
discuss any Recollections you might have had of your attack your safety must be secured so whatever you might remember would be great appreciated right I ambled over to one of the forest green couches sighed and sank down pulling my knees to my chest I tucked myself into a smaller bundle as davio dropped in beside me and caught my hand idly he traced my fingers with his you have such soft skin I would have smiled but I couldn't my mind was on the warrior what worries you he ran his fingers over
my brow smoothing out the lines resting my head on his shoulder I eased into his comforting touch there's certain haziness yet I do recall what he said now I've had time to recover and my mind has cleared I drew in a deep breath eased away a touch and looked into his eyes it was time he knew what I knew and by he I mean a warrior a warrior who seemed aware of you and who definitely knew you'd been with me he said that the protectors were our enemy I see Davey heaved to his feet and paced across
to the window overlooking the road front after a moment of staring out the window he faced me again and raked one hand deep into his thick golden brown hair battles are often fought between windcrest's Elite and hours and that will never change but it does make sense that the earlier attack on you is because of me he inhaled sharply although I wasn't expecting any Warrior attack to be so far from my home Shores and now I hoisted to my feet it's likely Tactical Ian's Warriors are smart and calcul
ating hence his use of including both him and you as my enemy I shifted from foot to foot a low growl rumbled from him as he watched me all that better be the case because you are my mate and I won't tolerate any trickery between us there's no deceit you're not my enemy and I've never met that Warrior before although you do need to consider the gene pool for my unknown father is now much wider than you first thought you believe me descended from PCO but clearly a Warrior from dralion could be an
other possibility it could but it is unlikely he sounded so certain the loud throttle of Sylvie's car roared outside and a flash of white showed through the partially turned cream blinds across the ranch slider I stepped up to him for they would soon be inside there's more the warrior threatened he would pick up our disrupted meeting at another time I've no doubt he'll return davio stiffened his Gaze on me so intent that I retreated a hasty step is there anything else you've conveniently forgott
en to tell me hey what else did you expect me to do Mr Prince I'm never returning davio last time I saw you you were adamantly giving me up call me crazy I blasted on but the first thought in my fuzzy head after being struck down by a massive man throwing about an equally colossal baton was not to blurt out all my Rising problems I happen to need you at that point in time anger surged through me nothing halting my driven spiel as I still seem to do now for some mind-boggling reason go figure now
after all that lecturing he simply copped one arrogant brow as I need you then he was there pulling me against him just so we're both clear nothing changes between us because of this attack to that end I'll have Zach and Viv join you at school for further protection Dale will also be resuming classes as if she'd never left this Warrior who is coming will not take what is mine not all is yet known about him and until it is I will do my duty as your mate to protect you from our enemy Bell slid th
e living room's glass Ranch slider open and walked in while Sylvie followed with one large suitcase in hand behind they both spied us at the same time and halted I glad at davio look for starters I'm not your duty I'm strong in my own right and my forethought is developing secondly I'm certainly not used to hearing men spout such words as your mind and Duty and protection you see in my country a girl is not helpless Sylvie let out the mother of all size oh please can't we just leave the two of y
ou alone for half an hour without any more arguing I fixed my sight on her no not after the man who attacked me told me that pco's protectors were my enemy he was a warrior Sylvie from dralion Sylvie splattered and gaped her face turning white I beg your pardon when did he say that Bell stared at me as if I'd grown horns yes when did he say that it makes no difference when davio snarled as my mate her needs fall to me and her most necessary one of protection still stands dralian Warrior included
well now don't I feel all special I tried to pour myself free of him one needful mate instead of one wanted one boy I rallied you sure have a ton to learn about Earth relationships and women in particular I might add I snagged my bag wait he inserted himself and nimbly took it from my fingers allow me Ace will be going to the twin bedroom you and Sylvie will be sharing for your information relationships work this way on Maggio after A man gives his promise of protection it doesn't falter AFR I
scowled at him you are such a pest his chest expanded as he inhaled it is not necessary for you to State the obvious just as this is not a conversation of which the outcome will change then he dumbfounded Me by placing his palm so gently against my cheek not after you already touch a part of me where your presence is needed no one will take that away from me neither you by your harsh words or due to there being an enemy Warrior on the loose you will therefore accept my Aid and give me what no ot
her can I gulped and found myself strangely melting at his sincere words it seemed I secretly liked a take charge man I cleared my throat and found my voice well when you put it that way I do so you will settle yourself in Belle's spare bedroom with Sylvie where you will rest healing or not you still took a very hard Blow To The Head he twirled me around retrieved Sylvie's bag from her then directed us both down the hallway he turned the knob on the third white painted door on the right and Stro
de inside two twin beds with burgundy covers sat either side of an intricately designed iron high table the walls painted a pale lemon and the square cut Windows overlooking the road as the lounge Windows did Sylvie claimed one of the two pristinely made beds by dropping down on it I hope this means you too have sorted yourselves out she crossed her legs set her hands on her knees and arched that knowing brow of hers I have a feeling We've Only Just Begun the sorting out Sylvie davio gripped her
shoulder regardless though I would request that you not allow my mate to think too deeply on what has gone down today if you can remind her she's important to me I would greatly appreciate it hello I flicked my fingers I'm in the room here irritated again without his physical touch to soothe me my blood once again bubbled and brewed with renewed tension how Flippin annoying but at least this time I recognize the problem far quicker I closed the Gap and slid my fingers between his fingers our pa
lms flush together such relief poured through me as the pressure melted away the ups and downs of this new relationship would be a trial I must remember too raising my hand he brought it to his chest The Strain intensifies for us both if we don't touch but more so for you of course are you calling me the Grumpy One I stared at his chest at where he now pressed my hand against his heavily beating heart it seemed we both had a lot to learn I drew in a deep breath this Soul match is so strange and
difficult does it feel that way to you my hand the one he still held pressed to his chest heated with a shocking swiftness then my pulse jumped and I swore my heart now beat in time with his to a rhythm somehow completely in sync I trembled fingers shaking in his grasp Don't Fear the change my mate you felt that too my skin rippled with goosebumps it's the bond strengthening his voice was raspy and hard deliciously hard I swung my gaze towards Sylvie tried to demand some much needed help with ju
st one shooting look only she was no help at all she grinned broadly as if ready to laugh her socks off frowning I struck a look at my mate again that better only happen the once just the once I promise you a devilish smile the female's heart follows the suit of her males aiding him in sensing any distress honestly huffing I pushed him away can you tell I'm feeling distressed right now what was I going to do with him he was impossible boundlessly impossible chapter 4. it was impressive all right
one modified 4x4 hold in Colorado in a deep sea blue color with a silver sports bar on the front and a whopping enclosed deck at the rear of the huge cab in Bell's triple Bay garage I stood before the muscular looking vehicle with ore keeping me locked in place what's wrong davio quizzed as he held the front passenger door open dressed in casual cargo shorts and a white T-shirt he waited to take us to school you're supposed to jump in you know vehicle drives on roads uses fuel can't teleport th
is one obviously it's so big did you have to buy such a visibly big beast to drive you were only gone for an hour no student I know of has a vehicle this size I tilted my head sideways to take in the width and breadth of the tires which were definitely enhanced yeah he licked his lips as he ogled his new purchase I couldn't resist snapping this one up it seems I'm an Impulse buyer No Remorse not one ounce of it in his tone well nice impulse buying I finally conceded giving him at least that much
he turned to Zach and Viv as they approached pointing out the back two doors for them hop in otherwise you'll have to squeeze into the back of Sylvie's Little Nugget of a car Sylvie caught his teasing words as she skipped into the garage and headed toward her own gas guzzler yeah yeah nice wisecrack Prince annoying she attempted to smack him as she passed clearly aiming for his head but missing since he ducked super quick last night those two seem to do much of the same always bantering and jos
hing with each other like long-lost siblings it was curiously funny to watch how they got on so well I laughed at their childlike Shenanigans at how peeve Sylvie was that davia was so quick on his toes next time I'll make contact with your big head you towering Menace she threw at him to Bell ever so sweetly she said hop in with me since the one with the big head will want to take his mate with him you can even have the front seat lovely bellgroust I've always wanted the front seat she sent davi
o a scowl I'd also like to point out that there are some things a protector should never be called to do that includes riding in a car while Sylvie's driving it I expect double pay for risking my life like this my heart pained I hated missing out on writing with Sylvie and hearing those two bicker one got used to squeezing into her ride and dealing with her crazy driving I'd earned that front seat spot I agree double the pay it is davio winked at Belle then slid a hand to the small of my back an
d guided me toward his Beast I can see you want to ride with Sylvie but you're coming with me his tone quickly turned no-nonsense all sense of earlier Play Gone we can't become complacent the warrior could return at any time especially considering his warning to do so sure I conceded taking one last look at Bell sliding into my front seat next to Sylvie I wanted to swap places with her so bad so crazy too for the first time I had room to stretch my legs I couldn't even reach the front of the cab
yeah now that was some room six and a half minutes later we arrived at school wearing casual shorts and t-shirts like other typical teenagers Zach and Viv bounded off to the main office to enroll for what was left of the school year thank heavens I needed to feel the semblance of normality after all the changes of the past few days davio wouldn't be here full time he had reminded me last night that once the threat to me was gone he'd be gone but at present he was focused on flushing out the war
rior taking his enemy down and all before he could return to his country his family and his home Sylvie parked her car and locked it up next to us in the parking lot she dashed off after Bell along the concrete pathway both of them disappearing around the high hedging next to the science block are you ready to go he squeezed my leg as he turned off the key faith he cupped my cheek lightly stroking his fingers over my skin until I turned my head toward him alone now his attention was fully on me
did you sleep well last night yeah fine although I couldn't maintain my mind merge with you through the walls the distance was simply too great for me to hold I breathed in slowly and resettled myself Comfort it again as my mind rested in that soft spot his physical touch calming me even further and you I asked since there hadn't been time for any private conversation this morning at Belle's busy breakfast table how to Fair not the best he leaned closer touched his forehead to mine and whispered
I find your mind merge is necessary to provide me with some form of relief most mates have bonded telepathically by now it aids them in staying connected over long distances although it is a link of trust and obviously that confidence hasn't yet built between us well it wasn't like I hadn't tried to form the link as I had so effortlessly formed it with Belle except as he'd said there was one simple prerequisite a telepathic link of this nature was only ever possible if both parties intrinsicall
y trusted the other so far I was still dubious I guess it'll happen when it happens I drew back we had class the Bell now blasting its first ring passenger door open I hopped out and met davio at the rear of the Colorado I leaned against the enclosed deck so how did you get a driver's license it's not like you have this kind of Transportation in PCO also I presumed since Bell had spoken of pco's 17th century Vibe of horse and cart prevailing across the land I had private tutors and my education
included both your world and mine he fetched out bags from underneath the heavy Black cover and swung both over one shoulder he clasped my hand and we walked along the grass-trimmed concrete pathway into the school like other high schools or colleges in New Zealand te puke High housed blocks of weatherboard clad classrooms many of them two stories high with anywhere from four to eight classes in a block along with a wonderful new section of classroom pods we passed the main School Administration
building now remodeled in earth-toned bricks its aluminum windows colored in a bright trim around us a thousand students made their way to class arriving by foot bus or car davio leaned in as students passed us by the frown he seemed to pick up on every little change in my temperament I missed my run this morning I usually jog for an hour or so before school it dragged at me that I'd missed it too much was happening too quickly we walked into class together and headed straight down the aisle to
the back row davio had phoned into the office this morning and confirmed he was taking every one of the classes he'd enrolled in that first day no surprises there that our timetable matched perfectly Zach and Viv intended on enrolling in the same classes so they could remain near me too except as this was their first day they were required to sign in at the office first they still hadn't made their way here but I doubted they'd be long I sidled into my regular seat davio pulled out what was Syl
vie's chair and joined me that Sylvie spot not yours he couldn't take her seat she'll be mad if you sit there I found I like making her mad which means this is my seat now and will remain so until the threat against you is removed under the desk he linked our hands together I've also got to get a hold on regulating this temper of yours I squeezed my fingernails into his palm biting into his flesh what temper would that be that vile temper you're always firing at me his gaze started towards Sylvi
e as she stormed our way Zach and Viv marched two steps behind her Sylvie glaring daggers at him clearly she didn't like the loss of her spot any more than I did snapping a chair out behind us she snarled under her breath you shouldn't be this annoying Prince annoying I laughed and just managed to slap a hand over my mouth in time to keep it from peeling out too loud although as davio held my other hand I couldn't halt my happiness from spreading that instant attraction we'd had from the beginni
ng had now grown into something more I slid a finger gently along the red and marks I'd stabbed into his palm I'm sorry about these you're forgiven his hand tightened around mine don't concern yourself with a few small marks I fast heal and you have the right to express yourself freely with me you're my mate and there's no one else I'd ever want to connect so deeply with other than you you've got away with words too and the same goes for me there's no one else I'd ever want to connect so deeply
with other than you our teacher arrived and the room quietened the lesson began later in the day once the Bell had signaled our lunch break the six of us walked out to the edge of the field and found a nice spot on the grass in the sunshine students sat eating their lunch in small groups around the perimeter of the field content after devouring a chicken salad sandwich I stretched out on the ground with my hands folded behind my head I had settled close to Davio's side and he played his fingers
through my hair as the clouds high above drifted in streaks of white across the Vivid expansor blue so peaceful my mind drifted and eyes closed my thoughts returned to the warrior I truly needed to recollect more to give davio something else to go on memory swirled no not a memory and Order somehow in some way instructions had been left within my mind and I was to follow the path Bazaar didn't even begin to cover that although I was quickly learning that things didn't always appear as they first
should I searched deeper within my mind and the Warrior's image crystallized he had a strong jawline with a long narrow nose and light-colored hair his eyes are piercing Violet hue that order demanded I unlock more missing memories shrouded in haziness and there was a way go back to the moment and relive it I did back outside my house near the front door I stood before the warrior who'd raised the heavy baton as he prepared to strike me hey in defense I threw my hands up no please there's no ne
ed to hurt me the Warriors violet eyes misted I don't wish to hurt you but you can't recall the truth not yet love area will take you that poses a danger to you which I can't allow okay hold on obviously your concept of danger differs to mine I raised a brow at the Baton put it down he searched my gaze I'm your father look into my mind and take the image I give you of my safe house make it fast my skin rippled with goosebumps had he just said he was my father Faith now there's no more time for t
hought you have the ability to block this conversation once you've taken the image bring it forth later once you're settled and more at ease I didn't hesitate to send my mind flaring into his his toned urgent and my sudden need to obey him surprising even me the image was there as he'd said and I grabbed a hold of it and locked it away just as his arms shook he squeezed his eyes shut for a brief moment as if to testing what he next had to do he swung I jerked hands clawing into grass grass faith
fingers Tangled in my hair davio I gasped and shook off the haze that had taken me your heart's racing too fast are you all right oh my goodness I had a father a father from dralion a warrior who was alive and had now made me his co-conspirator because of the impossible information he'd had me withhold no I'm not I pulled in a lengthy breath I had no intention of lying to my mate you can't trust me pardon his gaze narrowed why would that be my father I'm sorry but he is the warrior who attacked
me alert Zack and Viv moved to their haunches as if preparing to nail me to the ground how do you know this flicking a hand at them to remain back davio gritted his teeth he told me Zach scanned each Direction does she tell the truth davio you'll know if she lies we can't condone having one of our own enemy Among Us the daughter of our enemy included you understand the Bond as well as I do she speaks the truth her father is the warrior who attacked her but she is an innocent and had no true kno
wledge of him until just now Zach released a rumbling growl it hasn't been a mated bond in over 40 years between The Offspring of ours and our enemy or at least not since the Dome containment field came into play this changes everything if she truly has a warrior for a father you are Prince every O's Heir and as your protectors we can't allow you to take such a terrible Risk by associating yourself with her I don't care for your analysis Zach he clasped his hand around mine and Drew me to my fee
t as he stood Faith we've already spoken of this regardless of your parentage no one can take you from me not even a warrior no matter he's your father did I say he was going to take me from you I'd never allow it either you interned it I'm sure I didn't I snatched my hand back hey Belle stepped in between us and slapped our hands back together as an empath I don't appreciate all this simmering tension I soak in every emotion and right now I'm getting emotional Whiplash bouncing off the two of y
ou I tugged on my captured hand again he started it the Bell peeled out davio turned to his protectors this Warrior doesn't pose a threat when I have every intention of removing him as such none of my existing orders will change the warrior will die his eyebrows rose with meaning and Zach and Viv gave him a quick nod Sylvie sniffed Faith you need what the protectors can offer you need all of them and I need you she swiped her nose I know your inquisitiveness will get the better of you I have a b
ad feeling about this I wanted to reassure her only class was starting let's pick this up another time she Drew in a heavy breath and released it yeah another time students and teachers wandered toward their classes life continued circling and moving all around us yet compared to here drallian and PCO were a world away a world now infringing more and more on mine nothing felt quite right anymore I I davio I want to go somewhere alone with you then let's do that his agreement came without hesitat
ion I strengthened my mind merge soaking deeper into that spot I considered my own it was a mystery even after all that had played out that I still felt so as one within his mind I've never played hooky a prince rarely gets away with that he whispered in my ear I smiled at the thought but before I could respond he spoke to the others and tossed his keys to Zach I'll meet up with you later in the day take care and be on the lookout for the warrior he could blend in among the other students davio
paused raising his brows at me although not if you gave us a suitable description now that your full memory has returned tell me what he looks like every Instinct in me screamed not to give a single detail away I'm sorry I can't tell you it's not going to happen not when he's my father I can't give him up to you that easily it doesn't seem like a fair fight and deep inside my heart defective father or not my decision had to remain in place I would never toss anyone into the lion's den no matter
the reason why Davio's Brown gold gays bought into mine please don't tell me you feel an allegiance to your father not after he abandoned you at Birth my gut churned no it's hard to explain only to say my knee-jerk reaction is to protect him his thoughts released distracting me through the merge as they swarmed me it appeared he didn't care for my so-called intuitive reaction not when we spoke of a dralian warrior class is starting let's leave now without further warning his arms banded tighter
about me a small jerky movement and a belly rolling displacement assailed me through the darkness we ported then before I knew it we'd arrived my sandals sinking into crystalline white sand the Pacific Ocean rolled in blue Waves topped with a foamy crest of white I gasped okay you just can't whip us about so fast I'm not used to that my feet sunk deeper until the grain snuck in underneath my toes and grinning I lifted my feet and tipped the sandals off except you're off the hook since I love the
beach so much we're at papamoa domain in case you're wondering he grinned too I'm aware papamoa domain overlooked the vast ocean on New Zealand's East Coast this beach a mere 10 minutes drive from my home behind us on the grassy land patrons of a Seaside Restaurant sat within the outdoor patio area and a queue of people waited in line at the fish and Fry's shop next door to it a busy camping ground sat to the other side the long rows of colorful tents and Caravans housing holiday makers this sp
ot was always a hive of activity although a little farther along the beach only a few people ambled along let's head to where it's quieter a grade so I take it you've been here before it appeared my mate was full of surprises and they just kept coming one after the other I have come let's walk and talk he bent and retrieved my sandals and removed his own shoes tucked them near the rising Bank where the sand met the stringy grass and returned to me threading our hands together his fingers firm ar
ound mine he led me down the beach toward the quieter end as I'd requested tell me whatever you can about well about everything I was eager to learn all I could about him in particular his likes and dislikes how he spent his days what his favorite things to do were if you mean how did I teleport here then quite simply put it's impossible for one to teleport without an almost identical image of the requested location teleporters store those matching images within our minds so we can travel withou
t any mishap as interesting as that information was it wasn't quite what I meant I pressed my thumb inside his palm the question was actually a private one I want to know everything about you although this beach is one of my favorite places how did you know to come here before us endless white sand ran in a long line toward the Majestic Mountain known as Mawa several miles away for the past six months I've been driven to come here my father had the same inclination after he turned 18 and searche
d for my mother if one is fortunate enough to have a mate as around half of our population do then the males drive to find his female can become relentless hand to my forehead I shielded my eyes from the bright sunshine exactly how did you know I was your mate when you first arrived and all I'd certainly been enamored by him now he truly smiled like I'd never seen before I knew I was getting close as I need your classroom carlisio also chose to send me to where I've been compelled to come those
two factors combined told me I was close to the one I've been searching for then when I first saw you across the classroom full of students my heart simply stopped beating my mate sat before me and every part of me zeroed in on you I knew who you were at first sight so to answer your question his lips broke into a delicious grin I knew with the most insane urge that the woman before me was my mate the one who held the other half of my soul just as you hold mine I lowered my hand and heart thumpi
ng barely managed to walk without stumbling oh boy I think I might have to Muzzle you if pressed he sure could answer just the right way davio laughed his eyes twinkling I haven't finished yet remember after I first left you I promised to stay away I nodded those of us who are fortunate enough to be gifted with a mate have always found our other half to be completely distracting he drew in a deep breath and slowly let it out we know at adulthood if we are matched because our desires for any othe
r never mature there can be no other for me or for you not unless we force our feelings to be swayed that in itself is almost impossible I've certainly never desired another man other than you and I guess if I'd been raised on Maggio as you have then I would have known I had a mate you would have his fingers tightened around mine and I would have located you that much quicker had you lived on my home soil so tell me what happens to your unmated people do they let their hearts choose as we on Ear
th do in a quick answer yes he stride slowed and he came to a stop drew around me in a tight Circle and gripped my other hand until we stood facing each other or if our mate is not found life moves on and we choose another based on friendship it's not the same though the mated bond is one of the soul and no other can truly satisfy our needs other than the one we're destined for he turned me by the shoulders to face the sparkling deep blue sea then arms wrapped around me from behind rested his ch
in on the top of my head you're my destiny I realize that fairly quickly on my return home even if you hadn't been hurt by the warrior I would have been driven to return to you before too long the sun continued to warm me just as his binding hold and his precious words did I fully relaxed against him this moment Beyond peaceful I can see why you love it here he said after a minute softly rubbing his chin in my hair it's a beautiful country yet also one of the most isolated in the world although
it wasn't as isolated as I'd first thought not now I'd learned so many could teleport here at their own free will that strange thought sent a gray cloud settling over me I turned into him you can come and go at will which means you can leave me at any time and I'd never see you again I didn't want him doing that our bond grows stronger with each hour we are together he kissed my forehead that bond holds a powerful foundation for us and one I have seen grow in depth and devotion with my own paren
ts separation is difficult and not something I will ever allow for any long length of time I smiled relief washing through me I have my duties of course but as you pointed out I can come and go at will so in that regard I will never be far away from you could my green widened and I simply stared into his beautiful eyes I was barely conscious of anything surrounding us his face filled my vision and set my heartbeat to racing there was only him chapter 5. snuggling my cheek against his chest as we
stood there gazing out over the Pacific Ocean such peace rolled through me as he held me tight like two halves of the same hole we were joined together within our bond as if one were indistinguishable from the other although I still needed to understand exactly how our bond worked and to learn everything about him what's it like for you back home you mean compared to here yes he harmed under his breath taking so much time to answer I went to prod him again only he released me and picked up a wa
shed up stick from the ground let me draw the two countries of Maggio for you in the sand he moved away closer to the damp area nearer the water line I waited patiently as he drew a perfect circle with the craggy end then inside of that mapped out a large if somewhat bumpy shape positioned along the central equator line an area taking the shape of land Maggio Compares closely to Earth in size with the two lands of PCO and dralion being one continent in the center the only continent our joint lan
d mass equals 29 of the whole of Maggio the remainder 71 being the great orbiting ocean no physical breaks lie between us only a central plateau of desert which separates the two countries as effectively as any divide of ocean could he drew a central dividing line right through the large land mass we call this desert divide no man's land he chuckled lightly it's aptly named because clearly no man could possibly live there okay I grinned back enjoying his little lesson he rubbed his chin and poin
ted to the left side of the continent this area belongs to PCO and it's rich in minerals and natural deposits particularly in the highlands in the lowlands we have rivers lakes abundant pasture and flat fertile land across the desert of No Man's Land dralian's terrain is much more severe their land Rises swiftly to snow-capped mountains before plunging down into deep rainforests and jungles they have a large Central desert area so it's only on the farthest outreaches that their land is able to s
ustain actual life so that's why the people of dralion desire to take what is yours yes he pointed to the central dividing line there's a protective energy Dome that begins here which ensures we can't return their constant attacks an enchanted Shield one created some 40 years ago under the instruction of the ruling family of dralion King dinaldo Windcrest insisted on its creation after his father's early passing of which he and his son alexo still rule strongly today how exactly was dralion's pr
otective Dome created thumb on my chin I inclined my head to the side not even able to imagine an energy field that big that no one could safely teleport or even walk through forty years ago one of their finest Warriors used his skill of Enchantment a man by the name of Jill's Moyer this ability to enchant takes the form of spell making and once he'd spelled the Dome into existence it has forever since remained in place incredible agreed and those with the enchanting skill are sought after altho
ugh unfortunately they're few and far between we've been unable to spell it away it seems to be governed by an energy source which maintains it crouched he glanced at his scrawled map in the sand and tapped the land area to the right that made up dralion at the time of Moyer's enchantment we also had spies in windcrest's country although they've been lost to us these past 40 years that's awful no one should be kept from their family versus the fact that they still have spies on our land he angle
d his head upward yet we have no Dome to keep them out and we can't breach their protective field to retrieve our own lost men have you ever caught any of their spies when we unearth them on our land they're removed to a location similar to your prisons we keep their Warriors locked up within steel line cells for how long the rest of their lives his words rocked me locking someone up for what remained of their entire life seemed extreme unless of course they'd harmed or killed someone do they ge
t the chance to defend themselves no an unwavering answer why is it you rule so archaically jerking to his feet he tossed his stick out into the waves my grandfather doesn't rule archaically the love area family Rules with precision I can guarantee you there is no Nation on your Earth who'd allow their intruding enemies to go free neither do we the safety of our people and of our land is Paramount to our continued survival if not for the windcrests their spies are in ensuing Espionage we would n
ot have to defend ourselves to such an extreme they attack and kill unmercifully and arrogantly I'm sorry I sifted through his thoughts with my skill but he threw up a fast block and halted me hands on my hips I glared at him why do you keep doing that are you hiding something from me I'm not to know about you have disclosed that your father is one of dralian's warriors precautions must be taken his mouth pinched together lips turning white and in a Flash he was in front of me one hand shackling
my wrist there are thousands of Warriors just as there are thousands of protectors we protect our borders our lands and our people I understand I took in his face hold how he gritted his teeth and stood so ramrod straight every inch of his hardened body seemed alert to something I'm sorry but do you think I'm going somewhere right now I try to break free only he slanted his brows and shook his head Faith the loveria family rule so tenaciously because forethought runs through our line you can sk
ip a generation or even two as it has done with me and my father but regardless it is still acutely a part of our structured DNA that's not what I asked I tugged again on my imprisoned hand you're clearly withholding and I want the truth I deserve the truth if I left my mind fully open to yours and shared every thought what might you do with that information if your father arrived and decided instead of hitting you over the head to take you with him I would remind him that he left me 18 years ag
o and has no right to decide my future I yanked on my wrist again and groaned come on let me go I Won't Give You Up we really need to talk about your control issues he seemed to have quite a few I also can't risk allowing your father near you again not when I don't have the ability to travel through their Dome if he took you I'd never get you back he stopped so suddenly he's pain clear to see as he grimaced you mean I'd be at his Mercy since I have no ability to Port as you do yes you'd be gone
forever do you understand but I have increased speed and I mean more than just a fast Sprint I hadn't admitted to anyone that I housed that skill yet primarily because I sensed it led to teleporting only I'd yet to ask Belle or him to confirm that when did you notice your increased speed a gleam of interest flickered in his eyes a couple of days ago how fast Superwoman fast he frowned I'm unaware of that terminology that means I struggled to stop at the speed I was going likely I was all but a b
lur to anyone who might have caught sight of me good then that means you'll soon be able to teleport which will give us some more options he tapped his chin as if deep in thought more options were good seconds passed and he remained still a wave crashed onto the shore and rolled with a frothy White Cap right up toward our feet before slowly receding his gaze sharpened I still can't let you out of my sight I would never risk what we have for a father who has never bothered to hang around a low-gr
own escaped him if you're attempting to sway my mind you won't I pushed my next point no one can keep that close of an eye on another no matter how many protectors you have he half growled half groaned I persisted what happens when I want to spend time alone with my mother when you need to see your family attend to your duties back home as you have already stated will take precedence you can't be watching over me every minute of every day you'll have to concede at some point wouldn't it be best
to teach me how to teleport and then take a step in trusting me that I'll use it to ensure we're never separated not by a warrior or a dome he didn't move barely even breathed nothing okay so I had to try another approach what about my forethought surely once it starts to grow and I have visual images as your grandfather does I'll see the threat the warrior poses to me forethought is preemptive right so I can get myself out of trouble before it even begins nice thinking only he didn't think so n
ot when his throat he growled deepened even further carlisio's forewarning doesn't apply to himself so no doubt the same will apply to you you won't have a hope in Hell of seeing any form of trouble before it comes for you dang it but I wasn't giving up that easily well there simply must be something I can do let's begin with teleporting since I don't have an able parent who can teach me or I should say one you'll allow me to meet so that he can teach me or that I even want to meet so he might t
each me I shook my limbs readying myself come on help me see what I can do I gave him a quick little wink trying to lighten his mood your girlfriend wants you to teach her how to move through space and time don't be an old-fashioned boar you did not just call me old-fashioned he gave me one of his probing looks I was coming to know well I don't like this but I can see I have no choice ah I was finally getting somewhere that's right you have no choice I touch the waistband of my soft pleated shor
t yellow skirt grateful I'd slipped my black bike shorts on underneath I released the top button what are you doing davio snagged my hand and halted me from lowering the zip I have running shorts on underneath and my tank top suitable for a run but not the skirt It's gotta go so we can run super fast I want to prove to you I can I lowered the zipper and the yellow cotton slithered past my hips and pulled on the sand I snagged and folded it is this small enough to fit in your back pocket sure he
held out his hand and I passed it to him as he pocketed it he muttered start running before I changed my mind I'll be right behind you every step of the way and of that you can be certain eyeing the beach toward the more isolated Eastern end I set out keeping to the wet sand near the waterline as I ran pick up your pace devio instructed from my six without looking behind I followed his instruction swiftly I directed the energy driving through me straight to my pumping legs again he ordered excep
t don't forget to cloak it's the same as when you block your mind to hide information think of blocking your entire body though that made sense I cloaked blocking my image now for fear of anyone seeing me I greened as the increase in power surged through my muscles my feet barely touching the Sand's grainy surface for just a moment I needed to appreciate what was about to happen on my left I struck a quick glance toward the ocean it appeared flat and glass-like at this speed to my right the dry
grassy sand dunes wheezed by no more than a haze of Milky beige I laughed such Joy flowing through me I love this there was nothing but me the wind in my face the scent of salty Ocean Air and of course the rumble of Davio's Wicked growl from my rear you're almost there faith now visualize where you want to go aim for somewhere up ahead that you can see yet is still too far away bring the image into the Forefront of your mind and think only of the jump I promise I'll be right behind you his voice
almost got whipped away on the Wind yet I sensed him there through the connection of my mind merged with his I greened with abandon allowing the sheer uninhibited moment to take me and I centered my sight on the Beachside trees half a mile ahead and with a burst of speed made the Staggering jump the flash of dark was over before it had barely begun then I was there that far away stand of trees no longer half a mile distant but right in front of me why trunks loomed and I couldn't stop damn this
was gonna hurt davio tackled and rolled me sand spat in every direction as we plowed through it I've got you he grated in my ear taking the brunt of the hit we stopped a few meters shy of the trees and I couldn't stop beaming I flipped my hair out of my face as he lay over top of me I did it yes you did it he grinned too then frowned although the first time is always the hardest usually no one can stop running that's why I tackled you I apologize if I was too rough not rough at all and I'm most
grateful thank you let me check you over ensure you've suffered no injuries he gripped my hands extended them back into the sand and ran his fingers over my skin everything appears in order how do you feel I wriggled on my back pulled my hands free and wrapped him around his neck like I want to do this again waiter now can I try regular teleporting do you think still frowning he lowered his head to mine and rubbed his cheek against my cheek once I get my heart rate back under control you can co
me on be happy for me I can teleport teleporting means I can't contain you that's right although I didn't bother telling him that teleporting or not he didn't have a chance of containing me anyway he'd learn that in time I promise I'll be good and not go too far astray but I want to try that again you don't go running off at high speed before you make a jump which means you've got a lot more to teach me he moaned kissed my cheek then promptly pulled me to my feet as he stood it took me a single
speed jump before the knowledge of how to teleport meant I could move to standing Motionless just remember instead of using your speed to project the move use your mind in its place bring the exact image of where you want to travel into the Forefront of your mind then push a theoretical speed behind it give it a location and coordinates if necessary coordinates I asked as I brush the sand off my bottom for example some outdoor locations change images with the seasons while some indoor locations
change with items being moved take your living room for example if your mother shifts a chair and disrupts the image then you'll never make the jump you'll stay right where you are because that location doesn't exist in theory everything is always precise so be sure to make a habit of attaching a location or a coordinate which is a physical thought of where the image is from so you can make the jump through space the frisky Sea Breeze blew his hair about got it let me try I caught his hand linke
d our fingers together put into action his words and before I knew it the beach gave way to a moment of darkness then my bedroom enclosed us in Greening like a silly two-year-old I spun around on the tips of my toes and dropped onto my springy bed bouncing I beamed this is so cool one more rule davio pulled me to my feet tucked me up against him you will not be permitted to travel without me by your side you are my mate and until I'm certain you can teleport without any physical mishap then you
will follow my rules I gave him a cute little curtsy all School meals they exist for a reason so I won't go insane he gripped my hips and everything darkened mere seconds later we were back on the beach right where we'd arrived earlier leaning into him with an amused smile I delighted in the feel of him and the warmth of the Sun as it crossed the sky toward the far Horizon I like this beach more than ever now and I like you too thank you for the invaluable lesson the gorgeous flecks of gold in h
is brown eyes brightened then it was all worth it for that one comment alone I danced over to our shoes I tossed him here's dropped to the ground and slipped my sandals on people approached just over his shoulder Sylvie with her red hair the most obvious and Belle Zack and Viv following her you told the others to come yes I made the call Zach was complaining in my head about his hunger and Belle swore the fresh fish and fries at the local shop here are to die for we'll build a fire as it darkens
and have dinner on the beach do you like that idea I do Zach jogged ahead and let everyone over the sand dunes I'd enjoy getting to know his protectors a little better Sylvie giggled and torpar Sack never to be gotten ahead of she changed into a cute pair of navy blue shorts and a red singular tee that contrasted beautifully with its bold colors against her bright hair Bell 2 had donned new clothes putting the rest of us to shame in a long-flowing dress of deep crimson she appeared Runway ready
but then she nearly always did beside Belle I looked Dowdy particularly with my plain old discolored bike shorts on throw me my skirt davio I held out my hand for it back pocket he fished it out and Shrugged his wide shoulders it's a tad wrinkled I may have squished it badly I frowned because crumpled and underdressed was not any girl's dream it didn't help my blood boiled he was now too close and not touching me the change firing my anger Sylvie sprang in Beside Me Knocking my arm hey sorry we
're late Zach here couldn't zap us over until Belle had provided a photograph of the beach Frontage for him to match an image to who knew just how particular teleporting could be me I just ported myself what Sylvie snapped a wide-eyed look at me no no no don't tell me you can move like that too yep let me take you somewhere only daveyo gripped my arm and abruptly intervened we've already spoken about this no leaving on your own I won't concede on that point your continued security is imperative
you can port Zach huffed and gripped my shoulders you're only a halfling you shouldn't be so highly skilled first came forethought then fast healing and now teleporting exactly how many strength skills do you hold you certainly kept your father's status from us for far too long and now you're obviously keeping more Stand Down Zach davio flicks ax hands from my shoulders no touching my mate unless I give you permission riled Davio's thought swirled the odd one escaping his tight block and I caugh
t each one besides he continued just how many skills my mate holds could be anyone's guess considering the dralian scum who fathered her is clearly one of their most highly skilled your job is not to interrogate my mate but to find and kill our enemy my shoulders stiffened kill his desire for my unknown father's death irked me how dare he decide such a thing what right did he have to take my father away from me not that I wanted a father only I couldn't halt the questions buzzing through my mind
why would my father suddenly turn up after 18 years only to give me a safe location should I wish to use it what could he be after so many questions endless questions and very legitimate concerns too I shook off Davio's tight hold I needed a moment especially considering I now had a mate who wanted to kill my father I wanted answers from him first and preferably before he perished no there was simply more to unravel here than what davio had said I poked his pumped up chest with my finger you wa
nt to kill my father and I'm afraid I can't let you do that I'll certainly never forgive you if you do him any harm I want answers about why he left mum and me why he even came to Earth in the first place I'd stand up for myself I always had Sylvie's mouth gaped open faith your father left your mother the day you were born and up until he returned you've never even cared to know a thing about him he even slammed a baton into you you're clearly not thinking straight she gave me that Frank look of
hers try and argue that point I can't since it's all true but I still want to know more about him I napped her hand let's talk just the two of us a pain stabbed me in the chest I didn't care to see Sylvie turning on me and agreeing with the others she was the one who'd never wavered from my side not my entire life with the image of my bedroom in my mind I added the coordinates and flashed us there she gasped as we arrived wobbled and lifted her arms to keep her balance oh no you have to stay wi
thin the protector's site you can't go traveling about willy-nilly wherever you please when did we start listening to davio only mum has the right to boss me around she'd earned my undying loyalty and so had Sylvie he's not our boss I didn't say he was but davio is your mate he'd never harm a hair on your head davio wavered into sight frustration clear to see on his face Striker don't you dare Faith Striker me I wasn't letting him have full control over my life you're not to go against a direct
order again he stormed toward me wait Sylvie halted him with one hand raised then haremed and leaned back against the wall behind her Crossing her arms she glared at him you have a lot to learn about Earth goals stop throwing your weight around and from now on try asking Faith nicely for any request you'd like to make and nicely means sweetly put some sugar into it she's right I like a lot of sugar with any requests made I tossed my crumpled skirt onto the bed and stalked to my wardrobe I needed
something more appropriate to wear for dinner on the beach you have to turn around I snapped at him because changing required stripping first and I doubted he was leaving anytime soon he released a harsh breath that whistled between his lips change and then we leave we need to return to the others immediately I just bet we do I gritted my teeth as I thumb through the dresses toward the back of the rack being a little overly rough with the clothes I loved could he not move I gave it one second o
kay you're not far enough away go and kiss the wall five steps he remained right where he was his gaze all fired up this erratic temper of yours is completely appalling too you need to be able to control your emotions better well I would that's if my blood didn't boil whenever you're close and not touching me you know the rules I could argue with the best of them touch me skin to skin or back off it'd also help that you stopped saying you wanted to kill my father it's incredibly impolite no matt
er what country or world one comes from now turn around pronto I flicked a finger he barely managed it before I yanked off my top and pulled out an ankle length spaghetti strap dress I dropped the Indigo cotton over my head yanked it down and almost tore the innocent fabric davio groaned as he slammed a hand against the wall his gaze turned away I didn't mean you were scum just that your despicable father is ignoring his terrible apology if one could even call it an apology I took a calming brea
th and pulled out a pair of silver Flats suitable for the beach I sat on the edge of my bed and jammed them on tell me exactly how you managed to follow me here so quickly did you take a wild guess I should at least have an answer to that since I wasn't getting any others he crossed his arms against the wall and pressed his forehead to the back of his hands I simply followed your porting Airstream now are you dressed I need to see you I don't deal well with antagonism and it seems especially not
from you well that's just too bad now explain the intricacies of following my porting Airstream I was all fired up and nowhere near settling down he took a deep breath any teleporter can follow another's Airstream provided they do so within a second of their leaving any longer than that and the scent vanishes on the Wind becoming impossible to trace I inched closer toward his broad back my mind stirred demanding the Mind merge I snarled and gave in reached out and locked my mind into his soft s
pot ah I had it back he slumped forward into the wall and held onto his head faith he groaned my name his voice swamped with relief I can't explain but I can feel when you're connected to my mind I each for its return as much as I detested our argument at least we both gotten what we needed to say out I also needed him too you can turn around I've been a brute do you forgive me he turned his striking eyes zeroing in on me then the door your mother's coming my door breezed open and Mum smiled as
she peered around the corner she spotted Sylvie first then arched a brow as she caught sight of davio hello we have a visitor I'm Kate Faith's mother all I could manage was a squeak of sound I had a man in my room thank goodness I had Sylvie in here too I'm davio loveria Miss Striker a friend of bells davio bowed so damn politely why couldn't he be that polite to me and preferably all of the time Dale sent me to collect the girls nice to meet you davio and call me Kate all Faith's friends do mum
turned her eagle-like Gaze on me I didn't even hear you come home let alone hear anyone else enter you're as quiet as a mouse these days I don't mean to be I kissed her cheek I'm still staying at Belle's I use the back door but I was coming to see you or I would have after I'd finished arguing with davio anyway Belle and a few of our other friends are getting together at the Domain Bell's organized dinner and a fire on the beach I brushed another kiss against her cheek I can't miss that no you
can't her answer was a little slow and she squeezed my arms then glanced at davio again look after my daughter I certainly will he inclined his head thank you Kate we were on our way yes Sylvie said and hugged my mother Belle has Zach and Viv with her they're new to town and we're showing them the sights oh right then you shouldn't keep them waiting thanks Sylvie hooked her arm through mine and propelled us both out the door we walked down the front step and marched along the pathway toward Bell
e's place well Sylvie said once we'd walked far enough so mum couldn't see or hear us let's get a couple of things straight you're not alone in all these changes you're going through I'll always be right here and there's a reason these protectors are around and even I can see their aid is necessary we have an unknown drallian Warrior to contend with one who hurts you you're right of course she was and I understood that this wasn't all about me I hugged her I'm sorry I appreciate the apology but
you also owe someone else an apology too I agree davio shouldn't have said that about your father being scum and all but honestly he has only your best intentions at heart he wants to protect you from being hurt again and you too can surely sort out this issue instead of arguing about it just remember we're all fighting on the same side I hate it when you're always right Flippin hated it but still davio had said some careless things and even though he followed five steps behind us so my temper w
ouldn't rise I still wasn't yet ready to give in to him so quickly it wouldn't hurt him to Stew for a bit more to realize I wasn't going to get straight into line just because he'd commanded it for our mated bond to work our relationship needed to be 50 50. I can see that look on your face Sylvie groaned no giving in yet brought us back to the beach the beach sounds great right now I would concede to that much with the image fresh in my mind I took us both there just 20 feet from where the other
s had built a fire in a pit the Flames glowed orange and red and chased away the oncoming dark a swirl of wind and davio ported into I stalked around the fire pit and eased down next to Belle where she sat cross-legged unraveling a large square of heaped newspaper that looks good Vive lifted her nose to the air and sniffed from the sand where she sat smells good too there's nothing quite like hot fish and fries on the beach Sylvie smacked her lips together and dropped down next to me about time
you guys got back Zach pulled bottles of water out of a bag and tossed them to us where he sat Seated on a log behind View I caught mine in Sylvie's bottles handed hers to her while davio took hold of one of the other rounded logs stepped back a few paces and dropped it with a loud thunk the distance a perfect five feet between us so the pain I endured disappeared at least he was learning inside I logged my small win sure I felt a little bad he'd only been trying to protect me earlier except tho
se awful words of his kept reverberating through my mind just how many skills my mate holds could be anyone's guess considering the dralian scum who fathered her is clearly one of their most highly skilled I met his gaze and unscrewed my cap raised my bottle in a salute of resistance and he returned the gesture by lifting his own bottle then suddenly with a slow Shake of his head a troubled look flickered in his gaze and he murmured I don't want to fight with you it's not good for mated pairs to
be so at odds by the troops set of his shoulders he clearly meant it Sylvie bumped my arm and handed me a small paper plate of hot food here have something to eat then the two of you can make up afterward that was Sylvie forever mothering me I sighed and pulled the Hot Fish apart and slipped a morsel between my lips my taste buds danced at the Delight of such fresh fish which would have been caught that morning by the local fishermen out in the bay within our group Zach pulled Viv closer into t
he V between his legs as he settled their joint plate on top of her knees he encircled his arms around her warding off the brisk Breeze how cute they relaxed together Zach running one hand through her dark locks he talked a few FlyAway strands between their bodies where his chest was pressed to her back and she turned her head and smiled at him Zach tapped his cheek as if requesting a kiss and she giggled popped a kiss where he'd indicated then they whispered something to each other which was fa
r too low for me to hear even with my attuned hearing my mother had never had a man to care for her in the way Zack did with FIV nope she'd been a teen mother who'd had to dedicate her life to Raising Me yet witnessing Zack holding Viv touched me I hadn't exactly seen any real relationships between men and women as I'd grown up and the obvious dedication in Zach's eyes toward Viv was certainly something special letting out a slow breath I faced the ocean as the last rays of the day disappeared w
ith the sun dipping below the horizon the night sky spread out across the heavens a vast and Brilliant midnight blue with a myriad of twinkling stars blazing Within somewhere beyond all that blue another world existed one where my father had been born and now lived stunning and shocking it was also a world that intrigued me more and more with each passing minute Davio's drawing in the sand had answered some questions yet had also opened up a whole lot more this firewood isn't quite dry enough to
burn well although it'll have to do Zach snagged Another Log and nipped viv's ear as he tossed it onto the flames you're almost as tasty as this meal my mate Viv laughed and squeezed his leg affectionately their attention zooming right back in on each other as if the rest of us weren't even about for certain Zach and Viv weren't just protectors with the ability to battle and fight they were close their mated Bond shining through for all to see was that what davio and I were supposed to have Bel
le spoke up breaking the tortured train of my thought so davio what are our orders now that faith can teleport he cast his gaze out to see where the Moonlight touched the creamy white surf as it rolled in the fire crackled and a thin trail of smoke wafted up and swirled away on the Wind taking a swig of his drink he braced his elbows on his knees I have to admit I've been sitting here considering my mate's primary concern that of the warrior who attacked her and perhaps I'm being too harsh with
her regarding her security he turned his gaze to me you can teleport and well I can see that more clearly now as I didn't before about time I nod on a fry with his Steely gaze boring into mind he continued I believe that because your father didn't attempt to take you with him after he first attacked you or for that matter any time these past 18 years he might very well have turned up because of me I am my father's Soul heir are you saying dralian's Warriors would do anything to ensure your captu
re my capture then my death I won't let my father hurt you I meant that too with every fiber of my being neither would my protectors but I digress it's likely not your life on the line only mine which means I need you to consider abiding by certain safety precautions I put in place for you but we'll hash those out together first sound good that depends on what those precautions are quite simply that you inform me at all times of your plans so I can Port wherever I please I'd rather you didn't my
earlier request regarding that should still remain in place no porting without a protector that is hardly a concession on your part or a proper hashing out but I take it I'm allowed to walk wherever I please I frowned and Rose to my feet where you go I go he stood too no that's another bad concession how about I go for a walk to calm down and you stay here I set my shoulders straight you're not allowed to say no his jaw flexed I wish to get rid of this foul temper you've heaped on me tonight I
didn't wait any longer this was my chance for some much needed space and I intended on taking it stepping over the log I Strode off what I needed to do was take control of my life again because I sure needed some time and space to come to grips with my very new and very dominant mate davio was in my life now and I understood that I had accepted our bond and even though we'd fought I wanted him and all the bond entailed I certainly wasn't the sort to just give up simply because we'd yet to sort t
hese niggles out we would after I returned calming down was imperative I walked through the dark the Solitude easing my discomfort and soothing my mind so too I wanted what my mother had never had a man who'd be there to protect me which davio clearly wished to do and sadly I also wanted to know more about the father who'd given me life and then walked away from me I had a pass to put to bed before I could truly embrace my future davio was undoubtedly part of that future he was generous and atte
ntive obviously too attentive but I no longer wanted to quibble over that we could work things out weaving in and around the sand dunes I continued to set my thoughts in order I had so few people in my life it was mum of course Sylvie and her mother Syria but next to them that was it to think I had a father Who Came From Another World still shocked me he may be a warrior and Davio's enemy but he'd also left instructions in my mind to recall our conversation one which wasn't as bad as it had all
first appeared yes I definitely wanted to meet him in a secure place and just chat there was so much I wanted to ask him so much to learn I pressed the small light on my wristwatch and illuminated the time 7 Sharp I should go now while the time to make my Escape was so easy I had the image the safe location a crunching from back near the fire traveled to me like the sound of a water bottle being squeezed faith Davio's voice his tone-a-tight mix of demand and worry footsteps thumped along the san
d he was coming and I had no intention of allowing him to follow my porting Airstream swiftly I brought the image of the safe room the warrior had left embedded in my mind to the Forefront then ported through the dark I gasped oh hell how had my father known to give me this image he must have known I'd have the ability to teleport only the treacherous thought came too late I had arrived chapter 6. from Darkness to Darkness I was here wherever here was since I couldn't see a damn thing my heart f
unded should I really have come yes you should have a sliver of light chased in under the door the answer coming from that direction from someone who clearly just read my thoughts come and join me Faith I've been waiting a lifetime for this moment I'd always considered myself Brave only right now my legs shook I tapped my feet on the ground and featured it from side to side how can I trust you I clamped down on my stuttering tongue the sudden giveaway of nerves not what I wanted him to hear you'
ve always been able to trust me only you've never known me his voice was that of a stranger a man I should have known for 18 years and hadn't this had to be the most defining moment of my life and somehow I found my courage and set it in place I could do this I had to do this enough with the indecision this was my only chance for answers and I intended to get them I stepped forward the sliver of light guiding my direction squinting though the darkness I clutch the cold steel knob get it together
open the door you're clearly reading my thoughts I mattered to him I am and I'll explain all you wish to hear if you join me I wish to and I tucked the door open an inch then stopped as steel scraped loud over Steel the hairs on my neck pinned up why such thick steel for a door I'll explain that as well your strength skills have come from me your ability to read thoughts and soon the full force of forethought and forewarning will be upon you I have seen your ability will rise to the same streng
th and precision as mine he gripped the door from the other side and the knob slid out of my fingers as he hauled the door open standing before me his violet eyes so like mine he nodded his approval thank you for coming he was real and solid you're truly my father yes your mother is bound to Earth whereas I am bound to dralion although from what I've seen carlisio's grandson has enlightened you to at least that much now come out of the dark and stand before me he lowered his hands to his sides t
he door is made of steel you're not leading me into some kind of cell are you let's not forget the last time we met you hit me on the head it's no cell he clipped his heels together and walked toward a metal-legged table with two chairs tucked under it light beaming from the single bulb flaring from a lone lamp in the corner such a sparse room gray walls no Furnishings other than what I'd already noted close the security door after you and ensure you block your mind against the protector known a
s Belle it would be unacceptable if she chose to telepath you right now this time is for us alone Belle can't reach me I'm already blocked yet I still couldn't seem to block him from reading my thoughts not as davio could do with me I closed the door as requested and got assaulted by the metallic odor of fresh paint I touched the wall with one finger and came away with a coating of icky gray paint smudged on the tip no more harming me I might fast heal but I don't care to keep trailing that new
skill out gripping the back lip of the metal chair he looked at me his black coat dropping stiffly to the floor over a vivid blue shirt and black leather pants I would never harm you he lifted a brow that is again You Are My Flesh and Blood and the thought of distressing you in any way is apparent to me he angled his blonde head which I mirrored since I only hoped he meant again the same way I'd mean again I speak only the truth for you should never fear me he tugged a chair out and sat I'm stay
ing put for now patches of silver reflected here and there within the gray of the paint are there steel walls he scrubbed a hand across his jaw edged one booted foot out from where he sat and scraped around the second metal chair with his foot this entire room is still reinforced the walls are freshly painted since I saw your initial distress and wished to eliminate it saw you mean with your forewarning he rubbed his large hands on his knees as he leaned forward sit with me there's a chair and I
will explain all I can see the chair I frowned let me read your thoughts first through my forethought I'd barely made the demand when his thoughts opened fully to mine The Surge of information and images taking my breath away I clutched my racing heart he'd made the quick decision to try and disguise the steel Walls by painting them in the half hour before I'd arrived he'd been forewarned that I'd be upset and he showed me the forewarning he saw so brilliantly and with Crystal Clear perfection
it was like nothing davio and Bell had told me it would be his forewarning was real Vivid with colors and like a live feed in real time it's impressive isn't it I have to admit I saw davio explaining carlisio's forethought to you his grandfather wasn't born to parents who both held the mated Bond whereas you and I are the strength of our forethought is unequaled I itch to know more my interests so peaked I walked across and sat in the chair he'd offered me this man was my father he had passed sk
ills on to me I needed to learn and I wasn't leaving until I knew more he smiled having followed my movement with his gaze our forethought is strong he leaned across the small table and gently gripped my forearm your skills grow fast they are cementing and strengthening just as your powerful lineage demands how do you do that you're reading my thoughts and I can't seem to block my mind to you we are one in the same you can block your thoughts from me if you wish to only you're not currently doin
g so due to our close ties his fingers tightened look for yourself within your mind I did and gasped as I saw the truth he released me it's natural for our blood bond to direct our motives into complete compliance of one another in the future if you wish to block from me you will need to focus more firmly on the task so I did only a second later finding I didn't care for blocking him I wanted him to know the truth of my thoughts for now was not the time for any hidden agenda between us you can r
ead what you wish he watched me closely inclining his head then let me take you somewhere more comfortable he eased upright we have much to discuss and little time to do so he Strode out the door on the other side of the room from where I'd entered quite up I caught up to him walked side by side down the carpeted passageway my level of comfort in being around him so strong shocking and fascinating okay so why exactly do you have a steel room I know why you painted it but why have one at all the
steel room is simply to ensure carlisio can't track you on Davio's behalf I will not risk any endangerment coming to you while you're with me we'd see about the endangerment the jury was still out on that one would you explain why a steel room would stop a forewarner's tracking there's very little I know simply put our cells can't pass through the solidity of Steel they also can't pass through the energy field which protects dralion that being the case this steel room exists for the same reason
as the Dome you arrived in the room next to one which holds a large amount of metal this effectively scatters the initial image of your arrival and it also allows for a defendable position if one's porting Airstream is followed we rounded a corner past two bedrooms with Silver Thread shimmering in the white carpet under the recessed lights the walls here were painted as Stark gray too although now it is quite safe for us to move about the rooms of this apartment there is no chance carlosio can g
ain an accurate visual not with the natural use of Steel contained within this building's Construction I see and I can teleport from any one of these other rooms the amounts of Steel Aid in disseminating images but not in preventing any form of teleportation only a solid wall can do that so I can leave at any time which I would in an instant if necessary yes he grasped my shoulder I see your thoughts and I understand your confliction yet you are my daughter and tied to me by Blood a bond which o
ur magioling DNA accepts to a far deeper degree than in Earthlings as your new relationship with loveria Stands Strong so too does a blood Bond the two are no different in strength except he holds your soul my bond with him grows fast so I've seen A Rush of air passed between his lips we entered a living room ahead one scalloped wall faced a dark full-length glass slider and in the adjoining room a tidy Kitchen in tones of black and white with a marble breakfast bar appeared utilitarian clean I
moved toward the one and only piece of furniture in the lounge a two-seater gray leather couch where are we with that precise hearing of mine I caught the crashing of the surf somewhere close at the mount which meant we were only a 30-minute drive from my home Harborside or Oceanside I sank down into the leather ran my hands over the chill of the fabric ocean and we're on the top floor of the exclusive Towers this is the penthouse suite oh he had some fancy digs so you just moved in no flinging
out the back tails of his leather coat he eased in beside me I purchased this apartment after the towers were built 18 years ago I needed a base close to your mother and you really I checked out the room again in case I'd missed something that said 18 years of occupation so you didn't care to decorate some color would be nice white black gray and silver everywhere this apartment is here for one reason only and as I've said I can't be followed I come here only to check on you and your mother that
's when I can do so without your grandfather becoming aware of my departure from dralion I rubbed my nose I have a grandfather did that mean I had other family as well yes he angled his head to one side that intense Violet gaze of his trained on me to both questions I tapped one foot having him reading my thoughts was going to take some time getting used to how often do you check up on us I spend a few short minutes visiting your street two or three times a week it's the most I can manage how co
me I've never seen you before I'm forced to keep my distance your grandfather rules dralion with a firm hand an iron grip that doesn't allow me to acknowledge my weakness my One all-consuming Love he paused for a moment then continued which is for you and your mother I looked at him trying to find a breath as everything swayed before me breathe he rubbed my back I inhaled and vitally important air shuddered back into my lungs how shocking my mother you love us Andy did you say my grandfather rul
es dralion he took my suddenly Frozen hands in his and rubbed them too we have much to discuss and you have much to learn wolf returned and he continued you are a Windcrest and my name is Prince alexo oh hell hell this couldn't be happening my so-called grandfather must be the hated dinaldo who davio would gladly kill right along with my father you're truly Alexa a small cough as he cleared his throat please don't call me by my given name I am your father and I have waited a lifetime for my daug
hter to name me as such right Dad I exaggerated you can't think it's okay to dump this kind of information on me or at least not this fast after 18 years of nothing rising to his feet his jacket flapped out behind him and he crossed the room and pulled the glass slider open the salty scent of the ocean floated in on the night Breeze and he stood there in the doorway facing me the moon a golden orb framing him from behind enough with the sarcasm I wasn't being sarcastic I understand you're hurtin
g but the truth is still the truth no matter which way I present it that I understood was even grateful for considering the kind of week I just had sure you're right about that so tell me why you steered clear of my mother and me for my entire life because of your mixed heritage dinaldo would only ever see Kate as an Earthling and my weakest link disposing of her as quickly as possible so why become involved now with me that is it is not I who became involved but the protectors your mate is maki
ng my life difficult in his claim of you and that is why we now meet hold on give me a minute to think this through I'm still coming to grips with the fact I'm standing in the same room as my father who I might add has been silently watching over me since my birth he rubbed his forehead and moved toward me you are safe with me we are one and the same our blood bond is cemented at Birth and that connection is Unbreakable that's why I've never risked coming into contact with you before for the phy
sical effect of being in each other's presence is the same as you being in loveriers I would want you with me indralian and you would want the same but I don't have the heart to take you from your mother she loves you and I certainly can't expose her whereabouts to Donaldo not when I've seen he would harm her he wants full-blooded heirs not halflings so you've both remained here in New Zealand I clutched my head pressing all ten fingers into my skull my mind was stretched to capacity almost read
y to explode take a deep breath alexo instructed we will get through this oh I knew I'd get through this only where would I be at the end dropping my hands to my knees I met his gaze okay so there's no risk to me because of dinaldo Windcrest correct no he would never harm a Child of Mine the risk is to your mother alone her death would be a certainty allowing him to see me married to another to give him full-blooded heirs but I've never cared that your mother is from Earth not as he has how does
he even know my mother exists because I won't take another woman as my wife I also wasn't careful enough 18 years ago I mentioned Kate to him and I shouldn't have from that moment on he's been searching for her you've never given us up no he took a second his chest rising and falling as he inhaled I see both donaldo's strengths and weaknesses he doesn't hold forethought as you and I do since it can skip Generations but he is a great leader although by the strength of our familial blood Bond you
too would find yourself called to serve him he sat at my side I've always wished for you to have choices in your life for those not to be taken from you as your mother was taken from me yet now carlosio involves his grandson and davio pursues you this means it won't be long before our spies in PCO report back to Donaldo that you exist that would be dangerous not to you but you would be forced to leave your mother if you wish to ensure her safety and for the past 18 years I've spent my life ensu
ring that is so I shuddered Donaldo has never met me how will his spies connect me to you you hold the coveted forethought strength skill your eyes are the rare Windcrest violet your features are so similar to one of the other females in our family's line I could go on but those things alone isolate you directly as mine no drallian spy worth his weight in gold will ever withhold that kind of information from Donaldo not if he saw you I'm not in PCO nor do I ever plan to travel there dad I live h
ere in New Zealand whoa and had I just called him dad freaky you called me father he grinned and clasped his hand over mine nothing pleases me more than hearing you say so damn it he'd said the blood Bond was seriously strong and I surely couldn't deny that I hope you realize I'm not enjoying this whole mated relationship or this whole blood Bond thing that's going on someone who shall remain nameless tried to convince me it was all going to be a fabulous thing I stirred my hands in the air in f
act she told me I needed to consider the full circle behind the mated concept although she didn't mention the emotions one would feel for their blood bonded parent she should have let me guess the empath convinced you you have to watch them they're pesky people all they work on are feelings and at times feelings can't become involved well they are now davio is my mate and I have accepted him I can't walk away from him any more than he'd ever allowed of me a snort you make him mad I happen to do
that to people and he's no exception he dragged in a stiff pool of air I used to make your mother mad too I miss that you did something more we had in common and I couldn't help my small smile she never speaks of you I'm not surprised considering the way I left her he clenched his teeth your mother is unaware of everything of whom I am of where I come from of why I left her the day of your birth harsh words yet true how can the mated relationship cross planets first my mother and now me that que
stion is one that's always confused me I'm not aware of earthlings being mated to our own but I don't see why it can't happen it certainly has between your mother and me and I accepted that before your birth I sucked in my bottom lip nibbled on it my mother's very intuitive perhaps she has some Inkling perhaps you let something slip back then no Kate has believed me gone and that ending gives her the least pain which certainly eases my own my legs tingled and I stood and paced out the prickling
I have no idea what my mother believed became of you she said you left us but I've never asked her for the details there was never a time that seemed right having not heard his approach I jumped as he settled an arm over my shoulders it's difficult to watch your distress when we don't have long together there is still much we need to speak of lay it on me I might as well have it all I need to explain your boiling blood in the presence of your mate how do you know about that ah of course he had f
orethought the aggression you experience around the direct bloodline of lovaria is a part of our genetic makeup we've detested our enemy for centuries as they have done with us my mouth opened carry on then shut a thousand years ago our family separated from PCO taking the Lesser opposing land of dralion at the time tremendously Bad Blood remained between the windcrests and the loverius and that came about because our families alone held the highest skill of forethought a war raged and they unfo
rtunately won you can't let bygones be bygones A Thousand Years had passed and they still Ward it's been millennia ours is an age-old war and one that will never end over the centuries information has been passed down within our line that the loverius won that battle from long ago unfairly having seen the written evidence I agree with my father the loverius should have left and not us this means the only way to gain back our stronghold on PCO is to eliminate in full the love area line you wish t
o destroy all three carlisio his son and grandson I pulled in a ragged breath I couldn't condone that I'm not asking you to condone it he was so proficient in reading my thoughts double freaky I'm simply explaining why our two lines have so opposed each other even though davio has not yet thought of it that state of tension is yet another which will prove you are descended from me he crossed his arms you must understand our history has decreed our future that our blood will always war with their
s well isn't that incredibly helpful and super annoying too I'm sorry he tilted his head confusion evident in his gaze perhaps you can explain one thing to me if I can how is it you can stand the presence of your mate I've personally witnessed you touching that should be impossible or at least extremely unpleasant considering our blood Feud ah I merge my mind with his and provided We Touch we cease clashing his gaze narrowed you merge your mind with his don't you mean you read his projected thou
ghts there's no merging of the mind with this skill of ours um he hardly allows his thoughts to escape what I mean is I bed down in his mind and it's real nice and comfy but I only do that with him you must be able to do it davio said the skill of Mind merge must come from you frowning the lines on his forehead deepened if it's a part of my forethought then I've never activated it I certainly never needed to merge my mind with your mothers as our blood never Ward this is unusual to me everything
was unusual but I kept quiet on that front you don't mind touching the darkness of a loverier's mind confusion chased across his brow is this not aggravating in any way no it's not aggravating the man infinitely is but not the Mind merge I see then perhaps this merging is a necessary extension of your forethought due to you mating with a love area well out of the two of us he should know follow my forethought if you will I wish to show you more of what will soon be possible for you he walked ou
t onto the balcony so very far above the ground we need the open air for it to fully activate I was up for that and truth be told my blood bond with him demanded I please him geez that was irritating outside under the night sky we walked to a darkened Corner along the balcony that ran the width of the penthouse suite far below the glass railed enclosure moonlight shimmered over the sandy beach and turned the white-capped waves rolling into Shore a stunning silvery hue a few couples walked hand i
n hand alongside the surf and seagulls hopped about the Rocks near the jutting rise of the mountain so close that Majestic Mountain gave this place its name the mount as locals affectionately called it this is the perfect spot he tapped his head look inside my mind I focused and examined how he took Davio's image and brought it to the Forefront of his mind as soon as that happened my mate's image shimmered into Vivid life then a live feed of images rolled through as if I stood right with him he
paced Belle's living room Zach and Viv standing to one side and bell and Sylvie the other no one spoke the room eerily quiet they have no idea what to do my father explained in a whisper but as they speak ensure you listen for you will hear every word they utter I waited as davio continued to walk back and forth his lips flattened and his eyes darkened to the point where all flecks of gold within the brown were extinguished carlisio did not see where she went the words rumbled from Davio's mouth
as he ground his teeth together she is either near too much metal or Beyond dralion's energy Shield if that's the case and the warrior has taken her he paused his gaze narrowing on Zacks and we kill him without asking questions Sylvie pulled a tissue from her pocket and wiped her red and eyes how why I don't get this after all these years why take her her voice wobbled and I cringed I should never have left her without first speaking to her of my intentions not that I'd known of my intentions a
t the time my father squeezed my arm Sylvie is angry at me not you she has always been there for you and she loves you like a sister remember that always I know but they think you took me when it was I who left davio wants me back and our last words had been in anger I hated that just look at him we have yet to meet and he already wishes me dead I stared Into My Father's Eyes hey you did hit me on the head he's been a tad upset over that I pressed my fingers into the back of my neck and rubbed h
e's not going to like finding out who you are heck even I couldn't have imagined exactly who you'd be with a deep inhalation I returned to the live feed Sylvie left the room with Belle and davio let loose with a string of Blasphemous words as Zach and Viv stood with him not good my cheeks flushed with heat which was made infinitely worse by the subsequent acts of death and destruction he voiced next okay well I'd say davio and his protectors aren't people you ever want to meet I fanned my face w
hich means wetter from here Dad he crossed his arms you should return to him without a doubt are you sure Anton Aldo can't find you on Earth so right here is where you must currently stay I have to consider what to do about the protectors while ensuring your mother remains safe he paused pushed a hand through his hair davio is still your mate and before we met you'd already chosen him a choice I'd never take away from you he sighed I wasn't given that option with your mother and I will not repea
t history and take that choice from you a choice my father took from me to that end I'll return to dralian and attempt to figure out where our lives are headed from here it will take time so be prepared to stay under the radar until I can formulate a plan I have to consider everyone involved even though I detest the thought of doing so with the loverius he shook his head resolutely I never saw this mated Bond coming neither did I although I agreed with him staying here sounded best particularly
when I too wished only to keep my mother safe I'm glad you're not taking my decision to remain mated to him from me when I said I would never harm you I meant it you must trust in me and believe I will always choose the best future for you which means I need to let you go so you can return to davio before he raises all hell he's preparing to leave Earth and gather more protectors and should he do that we will all be in far more trouble than our lives are worth I'll go now he touched my arm yes a
nd a word of warning I want you to inform love area of who I am and what he is now going to be up against let him know I will never see my daughter harmed and if he chooses to make you a pawn between our two Nations I will see to his death just as quickly as he stated he'd like to see to mine I screwed up my forehead feeling a terrible ache righto that'll be a super nice conversation when I get around to it thanks for that I'm sorry to have put you in such a position Alexa touched my brow do not
become distressed your forethought is gaining in strength and will soon be here in all its fullness Don't Force It but when it comes to you it will be strong he inhaled sharply and pulled me into his arms ensure you maintain your awareness and take extreme care I squeezed him tight in return the full strength of our blood Bond pulling me towards staying right here with him this is strange but I don't want to leave you the word Spilled Out because I truly didn't I wanted to learn more about this
man who was my father we hadn't had enough time together yet I don't want you leaving me either he hugged me even tighter tucking my head in under his chin the familial connection of the blood bond is both a burden and a privilege one I could never deny not with denaldo or to my birthplace of dralion although I am so bound to your mother and must ensure her safety comes before all else I understand you will need your mate more than me so go to him I lifted my head how can you be so accepting ca
rlisio loveria is a thorn in donaldo's side while his son every o and Grandson davio are no better I am their enemy but for your sake I'll do whatever it takes to ensure this war doesn't escalate certainly the days ahead of us won't be easy but we'll get through them together His Thoughts flickered with more insight only he blocked for the first time now go I will be in contact again as soon as I am able recalling the last image of where davio had stood in Belle's living room I attached the coor
dinates and made the jump although my mate better watch out for he was about to learn I'd never accept any threat he now made to kill my father not now I'd met him and spoken to him at length the dark ensued whizzing by then I was there I toppled against davio and sent us both to the floor I landed on his chest then jabbed an elbow into his neck to keep him down swiftly I merged my mind with his and bumped down in my soft spot if I were you I'd stay still I have something very important to say t
o you Faith he tried to grab a hold of me but I pressed my elbow in firmer as I eased up over him into a Crouch I said stay still a low growl rumbled from behind me and at a guess coming from Zach definitely Zach a blade glinted as he slid it up against my neck looming over me clothed in his black battle leathers and his legs braced wide apart he muttered Viv take the other side I'm here to talk to davio not you the sharp press of Eve's blade poked into the soft skin of my neck on the other side
trapped between two blades Zach snold Davio's not thinking clearly and you're holding him forcibly to the ground that's not going over very well with me too bad I happen to like speaking my mind and I'm not going to stop now carefully I eyed the man I'd flattened to the ground so I heard you were heading out to cause some chaos you want to explain his eyes reduced to Bare slits his gaze focused on my neck and he answered not me but his man damn it sack she's bleeding stand back both you and Viv
it's our duty to protect you a warm trickle of blood dribbled down my throat taking a slow breath I I Dave you The dralian Warrior the man we both know is my father I stopped for this wasn't easy to say I'm sorry but he's Prince alexo Windcrest the son of King Donaldo both blades moved scraping down an inch more blood and Davio's eyes closed as he took a shuddering breath I have her Zack swords down now both of you he had me oh he did his hands were firm around my wrists and within a split seco
nd he shoved my elbow and his neck to the side and took full control I shook as I slithered from my Crouch down fully on top of him it seemed my life was no longer my own and at every turn the proof only grew stronger I dropped my forehead to his chest my heart aching at the loss of the life I'd had until so recently then I let the burden go and my tears fell I let it all out the path I'd chosen in my life had dropped away under my feet and I was in a maelstrom don't cry he stopped Twitchy hands
sweeping around my back as he rolled me over he moved to his feet fluidly Lifting me with him Faith No don't you dare cry here sit he pushed me onto the padded couch and hunkered down in front of me these wounds are healing it's nothing to cry over he swiped across the sword necks and directed a murderous look at Zach and Viv as he did I wiped the back of my hand across my cheeks did you not hear me my father is not only your enemy but your greatest enemy I met with him and more than that I str
uggled to leave him after he told me I must go the blood bond is strong why did none of you ever tell me such a thing existed you were never supposed to bond with your Warrior father exactly Viv came up beside me I'm sorry you were not told but what we feel toward our family is similar to what we feel for our mated one only our mate holds our soul you've met Windcrest which means your allegiance to him will now surely grow lifting his sword Zach allowed it to hover that can't be allowed to happe
n davio pointed a finger at Zach his gaze fixed right now your actions do not Aid me in any way to me he said don't speak another word in front of my protectors I cupped his cheeks stared into his eyes I learned something else Windcrest blood battles in my very veins when I'm near you everything within me every cell and tissue is designed to aggressively oppose yours surely you already knew of this he greeted his teeth damn it yes but it didn't cross my mind since we were mated it's not like a W
indcrest and a loveria meet very often and when we do we aren't shaking hands and making friendly swords and bloodshed are usually involved I glanced at Zach who stood ramrod stiff my blood coating Davio's fingers the same things happening now davio wiped the blood on his shirt your Bloodshed is my bloodshed and I need you I won't be separated from you ever it would be a deadly kind of Hell a certain Madness if I had to live without you he leaned in for me who fathered you has never changed how
I felt it only means I must take more care yes but how does that happen when Alexa Windcrest is my father he touched his lips to mine with the softest of kisses I will strategize for it I pushed him back strategize how a smile the gold flecks flickering to life in his eyes you are the one person I can't tell not now your blood bond with your father has come into effect then he ducked in and kissed me proper tracked him but I couldn't leave him any more than I had wanted to leave my father Heaven
Help me but I had returned to my mate as Alexa had instructed and now I needed to give my father some time to figure out our future I nipped Davio's lips and broke away alexo told me to come back to you although he did ask me to stay under the radar he intends to come up with a plan at his groan I eyed him let me finish alexo doesn't wish for Donaldo to know about me all that I attempt to go near PCO for fear of donaldo's spies within your country spotting me I paused taking a deep breath but h
e did have a very forthright warning for you you are never to harm me and you are never to place me as a pawn between our two Nations if you do he'll kill you just as surely as you would kill him one brow cropped up Windcrest believes I'd be open to giving him any length of time to formulate a so-called plan the man is an idiot I'm taking you with me to PCO as soon as I read it of dralian spies hey did you not hear me say I'm not to be a porn I gripped his shirt and shook him I know I mentioned
the death and Destruction part he mumbled turned sharply on Zach as he closed in on us swiftly kicked out his leg and toppled Zach to the floor leave my mate alone she did not mean my death and destruction surely you can see I'm in no mood for trouble from you take Viv and leave Zach Rose and brushed the back of his pants I'm not going anywhere not when your trouble has just begun I caught Davio's hand we need privacy without asking I took us both away we arrived a moment later in the bedroom I
shared with Sylvie perfect he smiled I should have thought of that Zack and Viv shimmered in enough davio opened the door and tugged me down the hallway everyone to bed he yelled over his shoulder there is nothing more we can do this night we'll have to wait until dralian spies have been ferreted out and wholly removed I tripped into his back and he swung me into his arms and carried me into his bedroom he shut the door with his hip crossed the room to his king-sized bed covered in a royal blue
comforter and sat me down on the end why could I not stay out of trouble well this is nice I jiggled about on the mattress desperate for some normalcy perhaps changing the subject from all the Doom and Gloom that had just gone on might help I pointed over his shoulder at a pretty piece of framed artwork is that somewhere in PCO like the prince in the lounge the painting a bright and beautiful landscape one of a fast-running river nestled among a forest of trees captured my attention you're attem
pting to distract me but it won't work he moved to the large Bank of Windows and pulled the Velvet curtains a shade of mushroom Brown across although it is late almost two in the morning it's that late already boy time had flown with my father and I should go to bed I jumped to my feet with a narrowed gaze he stepped in front of me all six foot four of him yes that bed behind you where I can watch you I know you heard the part about my father being Alexa Windcrest I don't think he'll want me sle
eping with you as much as I loathe the windcrests taking my arms he leaned in of which I always have and always will you are not specifically my enemy you are my mate and we are going to sleep together but no butts he touched his lips to mine I will only concede to the point that PCO suffers from draliant spies breaching our country's tight security I agree that you shouldn't be permitted to travel to PCO under those conditions or as I've said until any spies are fully removed so that means our
relationship doesn't change I want you in my bed I can no longer deny my feelings towards you I want you closer to me right by my side where I can watch over you spies other worlds blood bonds I flashed my cheeks heating again you want to watch over me lovely and here I'd thought my life was all about final exams in a couple of months go and change for bed you are sleeping under those covers with me until the morning which means you have two minutes in order to ready yourself for any longer and
I'll personally hunt you down I could see he wasn't going to give in give me five minutes no you have to and just so you're aware I'm already Counting he turned and headed toward the attached bathroom off his room hey I stomped after him you can't make those kinds of Demands and walk away on Earth those involved in a relationship discuss things you're supposed to come up to three minutes and then I'll come down to four the door clicked shut as he closed himself Within I banged the door come on y
ou're a prince For Heaven's Sake you should know the end deal should have been three and a half my blood began to boil I'm going back to five no he called through the solid wood I don't bargain I thumped the door again for good measure before flashing to my room where I should have been sleeping with Sylvie although where Sylvie had gone I had no idea I grabbed my clothing from the twin bed and returned davio waited in the doorway I stopped breathing in deeply as I stared at his low slung blue p
ajama pants that was it that was all he had on I'll need the bathroom I squeaked as I tried not to focus on the solid wall of his chest where did Sylvie and Belle go checking places you might have ported to places where you might seek some time alone I'll send a message to tell them you're back and to return he stepped to one side allowing me to enter I pocket my lips and let them pop I can't believe I'm sleeping in here with you his brow creased his index finger sliding underneath my chin I can
't have you several rooms away from me as you were last night we'll sleep together and by sleep I mean sleep he bent his head kissed the tip of my nose this is not the time for us to strengthen our bonds sexually in fact that kind of relationship between Mates is generally reserved for marriage even as old-fashioned as that sounds well that was an unexpected answer after he just demanded we sleep together I cleared my throat well in all honesty I'm relieved because there was the whole glaring is
sue of my father who had a very long sword instead of a shotgun so we're in agreement to abstinence I touched a finger to his chest and tapped it oh my his chest was rock hard and rippled with muscles I let out a soft sigh I liked all that muscle liked it lots and lots yes your idea is solid we'll go with that could now go and change for bed he turned me around by the shoulders gave me a push in the right direction showering in 30 seconds flat was a record for me I dried off fast hold my yellow
Cami top and pajama shorts on with a quick whiz of my toothbrush over my teeth I left the bathroom and halted in the doorway to the bedroom propped up in bed his back pressed to the headboard davio waited for me he held out a hand and I walked across and scooted in beside him swiftly I merged my mind with his and mumbled this is a first we'll adapt let me turn off the light he flicked the bedside switch and plunged the room Into Darkness I blinked and adjusted down I'll need to touch you maybe h
old your hand since we need skin to skin contact so your anger doesn't rise is that acceptable you're actually asking instead of just demanding I couldn't help but smile then shuffled down and settled my head on the pillow at night I always wrinkled my Cami top up just enough over my midsection so I could stroke the scar I'd had since birth as I did his fingers bumped into mine he caught hold of my hand only the rest of him was too far away a gaping distance considering the size of the bed a min
ute later and I still stared upward this doesn't feel right can you come closer sure his breath hitched as he rolled into me then he wrapped his arms snugly around my waist and kissed the side of my neck is that better I moaned oh that is so much better I smiled threaded my fingers through his then I caught a stray thought from his mind he was thinking of his loved ones back home his grandfather parents and someone else named Silas wriggling onto my side I faced him who's Silas my cousin we grew
up together at loveria Castle our mothers are sisters if you're as close as you say why isn't he here 's my right hand man and attending to my duties while I'm not there he touched his head he's also knocking telepathically right now and even though I'm blocked I can still sense him needing to make contact oh if that's the case go right ahead and speak to him I traced my fingers along his brow in the near dark only a Slither of moonlight beamed in through the small Gap in the curtains where the
y hadn't quite been pulled fully across thank you I won't be long I tucked my pillow more comfortably under my head as he conversed privately with Silas long minutes passed and I snuggled closer the sound of his even breathing lulling me I'm sorry Silas is insistent a yawn escaped me insistent about what tomorrow afternoon there's a gathering of protectors we all need to be there it's very important but be assured Bell will stay you're leaving not for long and you will stay put right here with b
ell and Sylvie we'll see he groaned and I grinned in the dark so what's the meeting about Australian spies that's the one issue I need resolved since I wish to have the freedom to move you there oh I'm leaving Belle with you so you said and Sylvie I want you to stay close to Sylvie okay quit that I flicked his arm you're not going to be away for very long I believe I can look after myself for a couple of hours I yawned again clapped a hand over my mouth and murmured I'll be fine truly promise me
you'll be here when I return I promise good now sleep you're yawning and I've clearly kept you up too late I should be taking more care of your needs great I could swear the man worried more about me than anyone in my entire life ever had his innate ability to do so truly sucked I don't want to go to sleep yet I want to stay up all night talking to you you're the first man I've ever slept with this is kind of cool faith my name was a warning as he brushed his lips across my forehead I know we'v
e had a rough day especially with what played out earlier with Windcrest but remember we have a future together we have an entire lifetime to talk I called up against him yet another yawn escaping just ignore that I mumbled only my eyelids felt like lead whether I wanted to or not I drifted good night his soft murmur seemed to come from far away and then I was out slipping assuredly into my safest Haven chapter seven I awoke and stretched then stopped at the heavy weight of Davio's arm draped ac
ross my waist his breath warm on the back of my neck a smidgen of dawnlight sneaked in between the heavy fall of velvet curtaining over the windows and highlighted his features I smiled no longer did he have last night's Dark Shadows under his eyes they'd gone and it appeared he'd rested well pushing up onto my elbows I checked the time my watch said 5 40. not much sleep but I was okay with that in all honesty I had to be because my legs ached I stroke down my right thigh to my calf then back up
again The Itchy ache felt like coiled energy deep inside needing to be released I should run swinging my feet to the ground I checked over my shoulder to make certain I hadn't woken him after such a late night an extra hour of sleep wouldn't hurt him not when I could look after myself this outing alone would certainly prove it I snuck out of his bedroom tiptoed down the hallway and peeked in on Sylvie my lips lifted she slept so snugly in her bed the intricate burgundy quilt was fluffed up arou
nd her neck or it was until I bounced on top of her only she didn't wake didn't even stir I took a length of her red gold hair and yanked wake up sleepyhead she groaned and lifted a wobbly hand blindly patting the air she knocked my hand away you're such a pest go back to sleep and leave me alone you disappear then reappear without even a word to me then sleep in Davio's room and I'm not happy about that sorry mum but I promise all we're doing is sleeping nothing else I gripped the top edge of h
er covers went to Paul but she yanked them right up over her head I chuckled her typical morning moodiness only encouraging me further I'm going for a run and didn't want to leave you behind not like I did last night I'm sorry I scared you you want to run around Centennial Park together oh you're so funny she whipped a knee into me from underneath the covers I don't run and you know it I'm a sane sleeper and you're forgiven I grinned you're such a spoilsport you won't get fit lying around in a b
ed she pushed the covers down and dragged an eyelid open one piercing blue eye sending a sharp look at me what's wrong with your legs I can feel the mini earthquake from here why are you wriggling about like that she was right my lower limbs shook even clamping a hand on them didn't help I don't know I woke up like this she dropped her eyelid as if it weighed too much for her to handle then go for your run and make it a lengthy one Bell said with your sort of skills accumulating you'll have an o
verabundance of energy to expend many of their highly skilled people need to run it out a couple of times a month truly no one's ever told me that it made a whole lot of sense though in that case I'll pop home change and do just that run until I've expended my energy shut the door on your way out she rolled over and heaved the burgundy quilt back up and over her head I smiled for I had been dismissed Sylvie fashion one half second later with the precise image of my bedroom in mind I flashed ther
e oh yeah I love that speed at my dresser I pulled out a pair of sky blue running shorts and a white T-shirt in the bathroom I tugged a comb through my hair and secured it in a ponytail running socks and lace-up Adidas sneakers on I dashed to my bathroom and whiz the toothbrush over my teeth at the other end of the hallway I checked in on my sleeping mother with her dark hair tumbled in complete disarray over her pillow she mumbled in her sleep so like Sylvie I couldn't help but smile I jiggled
from foot to foot bent and dropped a kiss on her forehead then snuck out without waking her tub of yogurt glass of water another Shake of my legs and I was off I took the pathway the thicker tree canopy swaying overhead in the breeze I pounded down Centennial Drive the hum of chirping sparrows and Buzzing Bees resounding all around another minute and the Sun would rise fully over the Eastern Horizon I was in Paradise I adored spring and seeing the roses bloom in a myriad of color over our fence
from Mr Ray's Place next door this park with its varying shades of breakout green and gold soothed my very soul spring was the most beautiful season good morning I jumped my heart losing 10 very necessary beats as davio stepped out from behind a tree that's not funny I glared then half stumbled at the Yum Yum side of his white sports t-shirt pulling tight across his chest where did you come from from behind the tree a devilish grin obviously I tugged my ponytail Tighter and set out again was car
lisio being nosy no this time I shook Sylvie out of bed for the information stubborn red head was almost impossible to wake up he reached for my hand as we ran and I merged my mind with his oh boy there it was instant gratification feet pounding the ground I built up my speed why aren't you asleep like she is I left you behind for a good reason I pumped my legs going faster still wherever you are is where I'll always wish to be he grumbled panting hard I glanced at him laughing that didn't sound
very wishful that's because we're running like there's no tomorrow is there a reason for this he clutched his side no idea other than that I'm just warming up we need the isolated end of Centennial Park where the town's perimeter merged with the country the pavement gave way to an open area of grassy land and now I truly let loose catch me if you can I'm not letting you get away you appear to be having trouble keeping up with the halfling I've come to notice you're very feisty in the mornings o
nly the mornings he smiled and I grinned back hey I can't help it Sylvie didn't get all snippy at you for no reason not after I've trained her so well to be that way and talking about Sylvie I mentioned to her I woke with Lively legs apparently Belle told her it happened a couple of times a month amongst your skilled people something about excess energy yeah you have to deal with it and run for a good hour or two like this but for now go as fast as you need to I'll somehow manage to keep up with
another surge I did just that we wove our way through the bushy lower Basin of a gully the next two hours passing quickly as we tracked away and upward along the papamoa Hills considering our mated Bond I broached the question foremost in my mind as we made the scenic Hilltop and stopped hands to my knees I drew in a couple of deep breaths why is it we still haven't created a link as in a telepathic link I know it requires trust but as a mated pair shouldn't that be a given I have a telepathic
link with Belle we should have and I do trust you he rubbed my back except we're dealing with more issues than most mated couples we'll give the telepathic link more time when it comes we'll be able to speak to each other no matter where we are and we'll both need that I straightened looked him in the eye I take it there's never been a Windcrest whoever trusted a love area he muttered his answer first then repeated it a second time with more strength we are born enemies but not you and me come h
ere he pulled me into his arms we will work this out we better his hold tightened the people of PCO are my first priority but no one not a soul will be able to drive us apart he bent his head pressing every hot inch of himself closer as his lips touched mine I grinned as he kissed me are you trying to make me miss school I wouldn't mind a second later he ported us to my room except one's education is important I tilted my head to the side taking a quick moment to listen for the sound of my mothe
r nothing everything remained quiet mum's not home would have gone to work by now but at some point I'd like you to to have a proper meeting with a sit-down conversation do you want to speak to her about what exactly anything she doesn't know you and I'd like her too he smoothed his finger along my jaw I can't mention Maggio for the obvious reasons but I'd like that too to have a sit-down conversation now dress and ready yourself for school I'll return in two minutes I rolled my eyes you need to
cease with demanding such short spans of time for me to get ready for either bed or anything else chuckling he shimmered and disappeared before I could finish my argument how annoying I stomped to the bathroom took far longer than the required two minutes as I showered then dressed in my favorite pair of faded blue denim cutoffs I pulled on a gray and blue striped hoodie and blow dried my hair minimal makeup and I was done back in my bedroom and lo and behold guess who was back he tapped his wa
tch as he frowned 15 minutes that's the new standard get used to it I merged my mind with his stood on his booted toes and kissed his cheek you look nice by the way I stepped back and circled him scrumptious he was dressed in a black shirt and jeans his dark hair damp and curling delectively around his neck and you look too far away he crooked his finger beckoning me back to his side I grabbed my school bag and joined him we need to get going we surely do he firmed his grip on my hand and we mad
e the jump we arrived behind the trunk of the largest tree at the edge of the field as we stepped out from behind it the Bell peeled loud and clear davio steered me toward the mathematics block we've stood leaning against the wall next to our calculus classroom door her dark locks clipped behind her ear as she chewed gum she blew a purple bubble and popped it pushed off the wall in skinny black jeans and a white I heart New Zealand t-shirt hey don't you think I'm starting to look the part we've
popped another bubble acting as if she hadn't just held a blade to my neck the day before no hard feelings I certainly didn't have any toward her and Zach and clearly those were reciprocated laughed I believe you are I'm impressed then his gaze narrowed where's Zach she touched her hip he's not always glued to my side then she peered over her shoulder through the window in the door Zach stood behind his desk his Gaze on Viv Bell seated farther away at the back of the room we're just waiting for
you guys and Sylvie to show I'm here Sylvie skidded around the corner her bright yellow tank top and red mini skirt highlighting her pale complexion she was one of those rare redheads who could wear any color and the brighter the better she snatched my wrist and dragged me into class we need to be quick Mr Houghton is on my six and I don't care for another detention slip the one I got last week was enough she yanked out a chair and dumped me in it behind me davio groaned sorry I squeezed his arm
it's all right Sylvie was fast I'll sit with Belle and make sure I keep enough distance so there's no pain or anger Rising for you hey Sylvie snapped her fingers in front of me Mr Houghton is here in the seat behind me Zach leaned forward and knocked my chair leg with his foot sorry about yesterday the sword and all did you have a nice sleep I did thanks I frowned as davio sat next to Bell at the back of class Belle leaned into him laid a hand on his forehead and murmured something in his ear t
o Zach I muttered how come those two are so chummy Zach glanced back at them not chummy Belle is relaxing him he must be stressed and it only takes her a second to help ease any discomfort she's an empath remember discomfort likely caused by the fact that we sat so far apart man the emotional swings of being mated were definitely crappy for both of us I took a deep breath as Mr Houghton shut the door Sylvie knocked my arm with her elbow and set a pen in front of me you can thank me for that late
r I gave her a nod as Mr Houghton dropped a pile of papers on his desk and shuffled through the first few finding what he wanted he looked out at the class open your textbooks I'll put the page number on the board with a black marker in hand he scribbled across the board's surface and the lesson began I wriggled in my seat behind me Zach and Vive whispered and I extended my acute hearing past them toward davio at the rear only I halted as I caught another conversation I seriously can't believe h
ow hot he is even the Name of Love area is hot Lauren one of my classmates smacked her glossy red lips together one hand running through her bleached blonde hair I'm so gonna get him into my bed Melanie Steeples pressed one brightly painted pink fingernail against her plump lower lip oh boy Melanie was the worst kind of bragger not to mention she had a reputation for sleeping with almost every guy she could get her well manicured fingers on I groaned and buried my head in my Palms because I wasn
't going to make it through an hour of calculus if I had to listen to those two pampered misses talking about how they wanted to get their hands on my boyfriend fell I opened our telepathic link we're going to have to swap places now if you don't mind okay sure frantic chair scraping from the back of the room why can I feel your distress so strongly because you're an empath and I'm feeling a whole lot jealous right now I snatched my books and squeeze Sylvie's shoulder I gotta go and sit with my
boyfriend before I kill Melanie and Lauren and bury their bodies in my backyard I'll explain later Sylvie tapped her pen on my rear you are making less sense as everyday passes go I did breezing to the back as Dave you eyed me ah I could drown in his seriously hot stare only my moment of delight came to a halt as from my left Melanie and Lauren's chatter continued something about me swapping seats with Belle and how dare I only davio stood and reached out took my hand and steered me into Belle's
now vacated seat I tried hard to ignore the girl's vindictive words as I sat he tucked my chair closer to his swept an arm over my shoulders and nipped my ear don't concern yourself overly much with them I wasn't I know how you go through withdrawals when not in my company I couldn't have you getting all explosive in class at the front of the room Mr Houghton continued to write on the board rolling my shoulders I tried to analyze my feelings it seemed jealously was a very real emotion for me no
w hey do you see that Lauren muttered to Mel in a low hush I easily caught you and I should have first dibs on him face a he hasn't been here for long and she's already picked him up take a look at Zach and Viv IO squeeze my hand halfway down the room Viv ripped off a sheet of paper as did sack they ball the paper up and with complete accuracy born of great Marksmanship sent their paper missiles flying one hit Melanie Square in the forehead and the other hit Lauren beside me davio chuckled and M
elanie and Lauren spluttered around us other students laughed at them too Mr Houghton with his head of gray hair and black smudged fingertips turned around and frowned at the sudden Amusement ringing forth the room quietened Mr Houghton shook his head cleat his throat and returned to his cherished whiteboard Zach and Vive did that for me I looked into Davio's eyes they are protectors and none would sit idly by and listen to your name being slurred no matter you're a Windcrest he leaned in and nu
zzled my cheek just be grateful they didn't bring their daggers into school otherwise it wouldn't have been paper missiles coming their way to davio it was such a simple explanation but not to me and daggers by All rights your esteemed protectors should be slaughtering me I still felt bad about how I tackled him to the floor last night after I returned from my trip to see my father I had gone a little overboard only my emotions had been all scattered at that point in time it wasn't easy having a
boyfriend who wanted to kill my father his chair scraped a little I will hear no more of that I've made it clear to them you are mine I adore you he gripped my hand completely and fully you do because I couldn't help my Rising emotions for him from taking me either I adored him as well absolutely leaning forward he kissed my cheek his lips twitched against my skin no one will be able to make me as happy as you will likely no one will provoke you and be as great of a nuisance either his eyes gli
ttered at that declaration nothing you say will drive me away from you lucky me I pulled my hand out of his and picked up my pen stop chatting I have a Calculus exam in less than three months and I would appreciate being able to pass it he slid his elbows forward on his desk his voice dropping lower is it possible you feel guilty not prepared to answer I busied myself writing down Mr houghton's calculations from the board look at me my mate I'm not listening to you please try and look busy if we
get caught talking we'll end up with detention slips and trust me you don't need an after-school detention at a time when you need to leave for PCO he leaned in closer Mr Houghton is practically deaf otherwise we'd have already scored a handful of them already what have I said to upset you know look Lauren grumped For Heaven's Sake it appeared our doings had again captured the attention of the two classroom Vixens Lauren shoved an elbow into Melanie's side I saw Lauren he's clearly besotted wit
h her and why I have no freaking idea faith is too skinny and she has next to no boobs I froze at their comment sure I was a b cup and unlike them I hadn't had my breasts surgically enhanced to their back-breaking Double D's another two missiles of paper zoomed from the front Melanie and Lauren squeaked as they got hit again davio chuckled just ignore them Zach and Viv are dealing with it my protectors are still wound up after last night he snuggled an arm around my waist they clearly have no id
ea what they speak of you're perfect just the way you are as well as feisty and strong-willed which is exactly how I like you no one else could ever stand so strongly at my side other than you thank you I wanted to smother him in kisses I adore you too I tapped his nose with my blue pen you're perfect for me as well hopefully you'll be able to stand just as firmly at my side too this relationship goes two ways and I'm going to make sure it all works out the corner of his lips lifted and his eyes
crinkled I wanted to keep on Staring at him only Mr houghton's voice droned on and I tipped up my textbook page 101. paragraph four I sighed calculus oh how boring chapter 8. I made my way down the hallway then halted as Davio's low growl resounded toward me right from the direction of Belle's dining room Zach and Viv were supposedly with him while Belle had told me she and Sylvie would be collecting supplies for the weekend as my forewarning activated I stilled a wavering vision of davio seate
d at the large oak table across from his two protectors shimmered into life before my eyes shocked I squeeze my eyes shut and gasped as I caught another protector seated at Davio's right side he wore battle Leathers studded with bits of Steel and a sword glinted at his side his hair short and springy and the same stunning Red Gold shade as Sylvie's slowly the vision of the four of them in discussion melted away wow my forewarning my ability to see what was to come had definitely Advanced but why
had I been forewarned about there being a new protector in the house he was with davio so they clearly knew each other and no one around davio would harm him or now me not since he'd made that abundantly clear to one and all that such a thing wasn't permitted no more swords being bandied about near my neck I waited hoping for more as I recalled alexo's solemn words your skills grow fast they are cementing and strengthening just as your powerful lineage demands for certain the more I use them th
e stronger they became a thrilling thought and I was eager to experience for myself even more of what alexo had shown me of his skill loud complaints came from up ahead then Viv scraped back a chair and Strode down the hallway toward me here you are we need to be away including davio Sylvie called and said she and Belle are on their way back we'll leave the moment they've returned I was coming but just had a vision one a forewarning there's another protector here with daveyo who is he Ah that's
Silas davio had spoken telepathically to Silas last night his cousin a man I actually couldn't wait to meet since davio had said they were close he'd called Silas his right hand man you're all leaving for this all-important meeting in PCO now we are and Silas is here to ensure Davio's return the protectors in PCO have already been called together and are awaiting us we have spies to find Viv classed my arm making certain PCO is safe should you venture there is imperative of course not that I wan
ted to visit PCO right now not when my father was sorting through a plan as well but still I could understand Davio's need to ensure his country remains safe for me to visit for whenever that might happen make your goodbyes fast Silas has never been one to dawdle sure thing we walk together into the dining room and Davio's gays veered immediately to mine he pushed back his high-backed leather chair and stood Faith come and meet Silas he motioned to his red-headed cousin Silas this is my mate fai
th it's a pleasure to meet you Silas pushed back his chair and extended his hand to me davio has spoken of you and your bond of your father and your meeting with him I'm aware of all nice to meet you too I shook silas's hand his cousin was tall the same immense height as davio he towered over me his hand firm around mine memories surged as I looked into his eyes images formed and oh wow a vision my knees buckled and I dropped to the floor under the heavy weight of a pressing feed so similar to a
lexos in all its full and absolute Glory what's happening Dave your knelt beside me his face stricken it's a vision and a staggering one at that don't touch me if he did I might lose my shaky hold on the images and the last thing I needed was for them to flitter away carefully he eased back only an inch but it was enough eyes closed I followed the images those actually mimicking a memory from back in the summer and not a vision in itself I'd bounced into Sylvie's lounge with its bright burgundy
couches and blue carpet the framed photo of Sylvie and her mum hanging prominently on the wall facing the fireplace Sylvie and Silas had been chatting both deeply immersed in their conversation then as they'd hugged I'd cleared my throat from the doorway sorry am I interrupting an important conversation no not at all Sylvie had jerked back and clutched her chest this is Silas a friend of a friend he was just leaving yes I was Silas had wheezed right past me and when I turned to say goodbye he'd
already disappeared out the front door gone within the blink of an eye ha a friend of a friend Sylvie must have blatantly lied to me that day no wonder that memory had soared forth a forewarning as such from the past hot tears burned behind my eyes and I opened them and stared at davio Sylvie's hiding something from me what I've met Silas before several months ago now and my vision was of a memory from that time he'd popped around to visit Sylvie and they've been chatting in the sitting room whe
n I turned up neither heard me walk in then Sylvie mumbled something about Silas being a friend of a friend he left before I could even utter one word to him bolted straight out the door as if the hounds of hell were on his tail and now he's here only how had Sylvie known Silas back then he was a protector Davio's cousin and episiot and we'd only learned of them recently Silas davio eyed his cousin what's this about damn Silas muttered his gaze wide with shock faith is right we met several month
s ago in the summer I'd been visiting Sylvie as I often do and hadn't heard her arrival I got out of there as quick as I could though yet clearly not quick enough davio scooped me off my knees wait you visit Sylvie often I squeaked my ears buzzed I'm so sorry faith devio scrubbed one hand through his hair he slashed a hard look at Silas how could you not have told me you'd met my mate while visiting your sister his sister I know I screeched right before I lost all breath davio gripped my arms hi
s gay searching mine clearly we need to speak Sylvie and Silas are twins both born prematurely in PCO 18 years and two months ago to my mother's beloved older sister Syria Sylvie was going to talk to you about it all this weekend although I had no idea you'd already met Silas otherwise I wouldn't have just introduced you you're saying Sylvie isn't from Earth my heart bumped out of rhythm such deceit and lies and all coming from my best friend no less the magnitude of her dishonesty broke through
me shattered my heart into a million pieces I closed my eyes and shoved Davey away I glad at Silas and the last straw snapped how did I not guess you have the same hair the same blue eyes the same damn freckles even it hurt to even look at him Sylvie had been by my side my entire life and this deceit had gone back 18 shocking years Sylvie was no friend at all why is Sylvie here all I'd ever shared or known with her had been the worst kind of a lie shame rolled through me and anger so cutting an
d painfully deep from behind me a racked gasp rent the air Sylvie stood Frozen in the doorway hands to her mouth and her eyes bugged wide while Belle stood next to her Silas Sylvie stared at her brother what are you doing here her tormented gays swung to me Faith don't move I can explain I sucked in a fast breath and stormed across to her lie Sylvie I shoved her shoulders and she jerked back a step since we were children I ground out never more Furious in my entire life we've known each other si
nce we were babies and not once in all these years did you ever tell me you're a blasted PCN From Another World entirely what kind of a friend lies to that extreme I'm so sorry faith she grabbed my arms her fingers pinching in razor tight I didn't know how to tell you I had a twin brother not with everything that's gone down since your strength skills came into being but I was going to tell you now the weekend is here I promise I was going to tell you Fury blew through me what about the past 18
years you didn't think I deserved the truth sometime then tear streamed down her cheeks please let me explain explain I was losing it and I knew I was but I couldn't halt the pain wrecking through me how about saying I have a damn brother I've never told you about faith how about saying I was born in PCO how about saying I'm from the same place as Belle Belle had never lied to me about where she'd come from and whether I believed her or not in the very beginning I'd still listened right from the
start surely Sylvie could have spoken up then my pain doubled so explosive this was the worst kind of betrayal I turned my back on her and everyone else in the room there was no way I was willing to listen to any one of these so-called PCO protectors this information had been withheld by all of them I stormed through the living room my hair flying around my face I hauled the ranch slider open where are you going davio caught me around the waist and swung me back inside before I could step out e
veryone stood behind him I'm leaving I didn't want to see him at all not for another moment not since he too had most certainly been a part of this subterfuge you have a country to return to or have you forgotten just as you forgot to enlighten me of Sylvie's connection to you no I'm not leaving you this upset you haven't heard Sylvie out listen to her she had a very good reason for remaining quiet you mean dodging the truth tricking and deceiving me and not just for a few months but 18 long yea
rs I staked him with one very venomous glare one that should have slain him on the spot you're no better than Sylvie and who knows just how many more secrets both you and she have left Untold and likely all for my own supposed good too my best friend isn't my best friend at all and it appears nothing I have in this world is real anymore nothing and my heart broke at the thought goodness Sylvie had to have been planted here since what other reason or purpose served such a lifetime of Lies carlisi
o was my father's enemy held the forethought skill could so easily behind this huge farce for certain he had sent Belle and davio I couldn't focus it was all too much like torture to consider how very badly I'd been used such heartaches swarm through me just go away all of you leave me alone I desperately needed space no nobody shall leave this room until you've listened to Sylvie's full explanation just as she wishes for you to davio gritted his teeth at Sylvie here's your chance explain now he
snapped at her in my worked up State I had no intention of listening Sylvie's had long enough to tell me the truth and you and your black heart have had enough time too but no everyone has to wait until poor Faith finds out on her own and before the truth can fully emerge Zach block off the door davio swished a finger in that direction I won't have my mate this distressed without me she comes with us Warrior spies on the loose or not Zach sliding behind me and cut off my path to the outside and
show freedom Silas and Sylvie circle to the left of me while Belle and Viv swept around the other side six Against One they all corralled me in and the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as everything within me Rose for the fight to come I would defend myself not give them an inch Bring it on I snarled so beyond caring of the choices they'd all enforced on me faith it's your father dad's voice resounded through my head dad even more shock course through me at the instant formation of our
telepathic connection tell devio and his protectors to stand down if they attempt to take you against your will to PCO then I will intervene a snarly order right now they're placing your very life in danger and I won't stand for it Danger I firmed my stance no of thou never take me of that I would make absolutely certain who are you speaking to davio accused from two steps in front of me your enemy and my father yeah I said that with deliberate purpose and gloating davio glowed no that can't ha
ppen well obviously it has faith if they don't do as I say I'll make my presence known with several of my best warriors in tow I do not make that threat lightly they will not be allowed to take you with them not in any way shape or form oh yeah now look who had the upper hand it seemed I had a force on my own side bitingly I answered davio alexo's riled by your threat he said he'll bring in a contingency of his Warriors if you don't stand down and leave you don't have a choice you're the one goi
ng not me he shook his head with arrogant stubbornness not when you trust your father enough to create a link and we've been squabbling like small children my leaving you right now would be more dangerous than you can ever imagine tell Silas and Zach to force Davio's removal you've got five seconds or I'm coming in no one takes my daughter against her will Alexa Windcrest meant business I set my Gaze on Silas Prince Alexa is coming with armed Warriors you've got five seconds to get davio out of
here I was more than happy to give Sylvie's brother that warning 4. my father shouted along our newly created link proudly I held my head high my gaze directed right at Silas that would now be four seconds Silas motioned for Zach and Vive to step forward and take davio don't even try it davio spat at his protectors faith is my mate and I won't leave her behind we take her with us three three Silas I planted my hands on my hips the tables had well and truly been turned Silas Zack and Viv pounced
on davio they took him down and Silas mumbled between clenched teeth I'm sorry cousin but as our Prince your welfare comes before all else and right now we aren't well enough armed to take on several Warriors davio bellowed and kicked out at his imprisonment the four of them slowly shimmered and disappeared from my sight him screaming for me not to leave him not to ever turn him away out of there now Faith neither Bell nor Sylvie can teleport and I want to see you immediately my apartment this s
econd I'm coming I didn't spare Sylvie or Bell another glance I left glad to be done with my backstabbing best friend and an empath who could surely sense my wounded emotions Saturday the next morning I studied the incoming rain as I sat on a bar stool at my father's breakfast counter in his penthouse suite overlooking the ocean the Gusty wind blew against the windows and I swayed to the beat of its blow the stormy waves rolled in heavy and hard white foam patterned within the deep blue for as f
ar as the eye could see the wide expanse of windows before me opening up the entire Skyline the skies were a massive angry bubbling gray clouds and rain sheeted down and drenched the deserted Beach below it was a storm of the Lakes I'd not seen in many years a storm that ricocheted within my heart as well deep inside me a storm of dark emotions brewed and suffocated every good memory I'd ever had of Sylvie I was alone with no one even my father after my arrival here yesterday hadn't been able to
stay with me for more than a few minutes to calm me down not when he'd been on duty during his forewarning and his threat to bring in warriors with him had been the absolute truth in order not to raise too much suspicion he told me to remain hidden within his apartment and that he'd return as soon as he'd sorted out any and all issues back on dralion thank goodness mum still believed I was staying at Belle's place so I hadn't had to leave my sanctuary and burden her with my heavy heart not that
I'd have been able to tell her why I was so down I still had to keep the truth from her for her own safety sake this was all such a mess although at least I had a sanctuary now that not even daveyo could locate not through carlisio or by any other means my relief was tangible yet I was still alone I'd always hated being alone I thumped my legs frustrated with the fierce ache that pushed through my muscles and limbs another lie Sylvie and davio had inferred that my need to expand my excess energ
y would be once or twice a month but that need clearly drove me again today with vicious frustration I pushed off the bar stool and slipped outside onto the balcony I pulled the image of my bedroom into my mind caught sight of the unwavering form of Zach standing in one darkened Corner his face half cast in Shadows although not his glinting blade belted to his hip the fine steel Sean reflecting the PC and protector's insignia davio had clearly set Zach there in order to catch me when I returned
not happening not even for a fresh set of clothes which I desperately needed I focused my forethought on my mother and sagged with relief as she lay tucked up safe in her big bed Zach wouldn't go near her would certainly never harm her at least in that I had no doubt next I focused on davio he came to me crystal clear very strong and determined as he opened the entrance gate to what appeared to be a massive open-air Arena ONE rather reminiscent in structured to one of our ancient Greek Arenas wi
th its circular Dusty floor sprinkled with sand block seats were layered back and up to at least three stories in height thousands of Spectators could pack the Arenas closed-in seating all struck I panned out and took in more men practiced with their swords and Spears and axes with shields and headgear worn for protection the battle Fierce men wore ancient Leathers their red tunics and leather flap skirts from an era on Earth so far gone the men in battle practice were huge emanating great stren
gth and accuracy as they wielded their brutally sharp weapons I cringed as one's blade struck flesh and Bone blood spurting as the injured man groaned and fell to the Sandy ground his partner the one who'd maimed him bent to one knee at his side and checked on him applied pressure to the terrible pumping arm wound then tossed him over one shoulder waved and disappeared Arch that blow had to have hurt although the man could likely fast heal all Davio's protectors could possibly a prerequisite for
being amongst the elite band of his country's finest davio closed the gate behind him then jogged across the arena wearing black jeans and a midnight blue shirt with chunky boots he fisted the hilt of his belted sword he slowed then stopped next to Silas once he reached his cousin he muttered Zach has reported there's still no sight of faith I've instructed him not to leave his post not unless it's to bring her immediately to me Silas inhaled and slowly nodded at least we did one thing right th
is past night and have captured and contained one of dralian spies which Windcrest told her of the warrior is now in the cells with the other imprisoned Warriors another threat thankfully taken care of if there are any other spies about they're not anywhere within this group or even close to the castle everyone here is well known to each other all background searches have been completed oh my davio had ferreted out one of the spies already although I hadn't doubted he would well done debut eyed
his battling men his gaze narrowed Belle and Sylvie have searched for faith in all her favorite places but there's been no sighting of her either by them or any of the protectors I have searching for her no one's seen my mate in 15 hours his voice broke at the end his pain quickly becoming my own which had me rolling my eyes in disgust stupid Bond Silas pulled out his sword and rested it between two hands blade flat let's battle cousin that'll get your mind of her every o and carlisio will be do
wn from the castle soon and it won't go over well if they see you weeping over your girl he knocked Davio's arm with his elbow a smirk on his face my goodness Silas was as much of a Tormentor as Sylvie was my heart panged I missed Sylvie and I hated that I missed her davio sent Silas a sharp glare I don't weep although I am steaming mad I didn't care for the way Faith enforced my leaving or the way she took her anger at Sylvie's deceit out on me ah but think of Faith's betrayal that kind creates
the worst damage Silas arched a brow it's also not really Sylvie's fault she couldn't come clean with the information sooner not when your grandfather wouldn't allow it they were extenuating circumstances davio met his cousin stare and briefly nodded agreed the girls have always been close and with faith finding out about Sylvie's Heritage the way she did it clearly broke her heart Sylvie's too yes there's been substantial damage which can only mean finding faith has become even more imperative
a Haggard sigh from Silas that woman is so much trouble my comment wasn't meant to make finding her more imperative but simply to explain matters davio yanked out his sword in one very precise motion take care how you speak about faith his cousin only grinned I am attempting to aggravate you into battling with me and it's working I need the old davio back the one who can focus on the here and now and therefore keep his concentration in a good healthy fight one which I'm currently spoiling for t
hat's it davio gloward and shift his sword but only for long enough to pull his shirt over his head without any Hinder he threw his top over the Arena's safety barrier where it landed with a soft swish on one of the benches then he hauled his Blade free and tapped it against silas's weapon let's battle right now oh boy so impressive his chest muscles rippled with strength and no wonder since he clearly trained hard with his weapon while on home soil I'm going to send your over inflated butt stra
ight into the dirt firm words and I didn't doubt he'd follow through on them Silas is green widened with complete satisfaction now that's better I've had no one of your strength to battle with all week and I desperately need the distraction so did I and it seemed devio wasn't going to disappoint either of us he lifted his booted foot and kicked said butt get over there now and stop irritating me you've got two hours to train with me before we head out again in search of my missing mate that's al
l the time I can give you I'll take those two hours but don't forget the dunban project which must be overseen we are expected out there by nine this morning I checked my watch it was six now I'd go for my own early morning run then be back here to hide out from eight to nine thank you Silas for that information rubbing my aching lower limbs I closed my forethought and opened my link with my father Dad it's me good morning my daughter I've cleared an hour and will be with you soon my relief at n
ot being left alone any longer swept through me my forethought is strengthening and I've noticed Avio has stationed one of his protectors Zach in my bedroom so I can't return to collect any clothing mum will be fine but I wish I could tell her what's going on you can't not if we wish to continue ensuring her safety and don't forget should any harm be about to befall your mother our forewarning will activate yours as well as mine I would go to her in an instant if I thought her in any danger as I
'm sure you would secondly there's an ATM card in a metal box in the hallway cupboard go to the mall and spend whatever you need and then drop the card back in the same spot just remember to keep a low profile wise advice if davio was accurate in saying Sylvie and Belle were keeping an eye on my favorite places okay thanks I'll just grab some stuff I've gotta run literally he chuckled along our link I'll join you in your run I'll meet you at the base of the mount the mounts walking tracks made t
he perfect spot for a run either around the base or to the peak which usually allowed one to take in the stunning view from the top once they reached it thanks see you soon I closed our link found the card and ported to the sports shop in nearby Tauranga Harbor cloaking to make sure I wasn't seen Sylvie had never come with me on these particular trips not since she considered that if one owned Sports clothing then one would probably need to use it which she had no intention of doing morning slee
pians were precious to her I wandered around the shop greened when I found the perfect pair of Nike running pants and a matching gray hooded t-shirt socks and sneakers next then I paid for the items and buzzed next door this shop sold casual clothing and lingerie I took a quick minute to choose underwear nightwear and a couple of lightweight shirts and jeans so I was covered for the next couple of days walking to a safe spot at the side of the building I cloaked to hide my departure and flashed
back to the apartment once in the bedroom one which dad had said was mine and thankfully far better furnished than any other room in this penthouse suite I dropped my purchases onto the bed and dressed in my new training clothes Yep this room had an oak dresser with a pretty oval mirror a large chest at the end of the bed with an array of bedding stored in it two side tables and a tall Corner lamp with a fringed Edge The View was to die for as well The Wide Window overlooking the ocean and the m
ount Rising High to the side with the ATM card back in the metal box I winged my way to the base of the cone-shaped mountain the rain still pounded down but there wasn't anything I could do about that a river of water was gouged into the Sandy base track making it muddy which forced me to Veer off the regular route but to compensate i instead jogged up the more sheltered bushy path snaking upward along the western side to the summit every step soothed me bit by bit draining away the sharp press
of excess energy up ahead a familiar form wavered into sight and I joined my father who looked so incredibly youthful in his black running shorts and white T-shirt running on the spot I smiled at him sorry about the atrocious weather we're putting on for you today I'm glad of it since it'll Cloud carlisio's forethought he hugged me then adjusted a white Adidas cap on his now drenched head with this bad weather though I should have suggested we run indralian I don't mind where we run rain or shin
e neither do I he reached out a hand and Tenderly wiped the water coursing down my cheeks he popped a kiss on the top of my head and murmured particularly since it means I get to spend more time with you this is like a dream come true for me although I'm sorry you've been dragged into this age-old war I'm only sorry we've missed the last 18 years getting to know each other but I intended to make up for it now we'll deal with the war and everything else somehow I rubbed my still achy thighs and j
ogged faster on the spot you said we could have run indralian though isn't draliant dangerous for me to visit you said so only a few days ago Alexa took my elbow his hand gentle as he Steed me up the track let's keep you running since we're both already soaked and yes taking you to dralion is still dangerous since the Dome room is located within an underground chamber of the palace and I don't want you stumbling across your grandfather by chance oh that he hadn't told me before I take it that in
formation needs to remain between us where the Dome room is yes you'll need to guard that information with your life Faith but don't worry that you'll slip up and allow that information out he grinned so charmingly your faithful Windcrest blood alone will ensure you'll never tell a soul of the location cool that's good to know he ran in a fast pace beside me now that we finally have a chance to talk tell me about your decision regarding Sylvie will you speak with her and when in other words I sh
ould speak to her I let out a long sigh at the moment I'm still too angry with her that anger hurts so bad even though I knew I would have to come out of hiding sooner or later and speak to Sylvie I couldn't go ignoring her and her deceit for the rest of my life and your mate he'll be searching for you again come eight o'clock how do you know that I bounded over a snaking tree root pushing up out of the hard packed soil right across the track white shell remains were littered around the area to
both highlight the obstacle and to Aid in keeping feet on the Steep track through my forethought I watched him and Silas in the arena and caught their conversation earlier this morning I caught their conversation too I chance to glance over my shoulder at him since he'd fallen behind as the track had thinned to single file in the denser bushier area do you follow the protectors and their actions often I was so curious about him and all that he did tree branches snagged at his white T-shirt and p
ulled at his cap He adjusted the peak down lower over his face to Shield himself from the pelting reign not usually since I neither have the time nor the inclination to do so but your grandfather does by keeping spies close in their camp which reminded me of what Silas had said in my forethought did you catch the part where Silas referred to the capture of one of donaldo's spies last night they've locked him in their cells with the other imprisoned Warriors I did and with great interest since I
was made aware that the man did not check in this morning with donaldo's security team he was the only spy we had right within the protector's barracks stationed closest to lovaria Castle your grandfather has decided he isn't sending any more Warriors out for another few weeks he detests losing good men which meant it would in fact be safe for me and PCO should davio or one of his protectors find me and take me there I opened up my thoughts to my father rather than voicing them that is true and
should there be any imminent danger my forewarning would also activate I imagine it'll be some months before another Warrior is sent to infiltrate PCOS tight Inner Circle again there are thousands of protectors and unfortunately all are known to one another within their close-knit groups so a new Warrior must be sent in at their lowest level where he will first be accepted without too much questioning relief poured through me just as the rain lightened to a drizzle we joked out from underneath t
he dense Bush line and hit the grassy Hilltop powering on I kept my sights on the peak so close it's a good thing PCO is safe even if dralion is not dad jogged in beside me his expression grim parts of dralion will be safe for you he pushed his damp cap back we're almost at the top we'll speak more there for I have a plan I like plans I ran keeping One Foot In Front of the other as we hit the uppermost track the drizzle lessened even further to a fine mist and the wind eased the breeze now lifti
ng with the fresh scent of Pine and the sweet teas of the salty Ocean Air once we reach the upper Plateau we hiked it over to the picnicking area and sat at one of the tables with its wide bench on either side dad faced me from across the other side of the table well at least with all this rain we've been assured of complete privacy up here no crowds for sure yes it appears only the lunatic windcrests came running today smiling he glanced about the area devoid of any tourists and other Runners t
he wide Panorama of the ocean stretching out along the Eastern Coastline in Haze of blue please I mock frowned I'm no lunatic no but you are a Windcrest his smile drifted away come on tell me everything tell me exactly why you and my mother aren't together has always insisted that mates are rarely parted his eyebrows squeeze together the color as golden as his hair was that is the case but denaldo would never have accepted Kate as my wife or as the mother of my children so you've said before but
mum is your mate I tapped the table top could you not have swayed dinaldo in some way no which is why after she gave birth to you I was left with no choice but to leave her in peace with the one thing she'd ever asked of me and that was I asked surprised by that answer you faith Kate had no parents no siblings no family whatsoever when I found her she'd always desired children of her own and even though I could never tell her of dralion I could in the short time we were together give her a chil
d one which she'd so earnestly desired so that's why you left her straight after my birth that and other things alexo stared off into the distance I could also no longer continue to hide my repeated trips out of dralion to be with her I had told Ronaldo of her and his reaction made me fear greatly for her safety everything was compounding each constant coming and going so difficult on your mother since I had no choice but to hide my Origins in the end she believed there was an affair the break i
n his voice echoed with terrible pain and after several drawn-out moments he continued I allowed her to believe such a thing so she would hate me and not become destroyed by my decision to leave hot tears straight down my cheeks his pain suddenly becoming my pain still you continue to protect her by staying away I do and never could I have imagined how strong you would become it's true that children of mated pairs carry their skills to the fullest degree but due to your halfling blood I couldn't
possibly be sure when I initially told your grandfather about Kate he didn't wish to risk waiting 18 years to discover what skills you might come into now look at what you can do he would be honored to have such a granddaughter as you I'm not weak at all I have all your skills including the coveted forethought and forewarning and even though I'm not full-blooded surely my being so highly skilled is enough to secure my mother's safety that's my plan I thought of it when we first met at my apartm
ent but I had to be certain of the outcome having Donaldo see your skills is proof the mated Bond prevails over any mixed heritage now I'm also assured any future children Kate and I might have could also carry such strong skills Kate being an Earthling no longer comes into play Donaldo has no argument about our line being weakened by such a match his brow Rose our family should no longer be torn apart I want and need to have you both where you belong and by belong I had no doubt he meant indral
ian my heart plummeted what of davio and my relationship with him I might be angry at him but I missed him so how did I build on our bonded link from within enemy territory because regardless of our fight I didn't want to leave him certainly not forever I eased out from behind the wood and slatted picnic table and stood my feet soggy in my sneakers and the pressure of Dad's words rocking through me what if mum won't forgive you for leaving her she never even speaks of you Alexa edged to his feet
as well gently took my arm and flashed us back to his apartment he gave me a tender smile but I have every intention of trying once I can see that the time is right in which to approach her it seemed the decision was made it would be impossible to deny me Faith your blood like mine is the same even dinaldo's constant demands for skilled grandchildren are ultimately dictating how I react I'm so sorry I felt for him for the tortuous position he was constantly in I wrapped my arms around his neck
and hugged him as you said the Windcrest blood that flows through our veins is both a burden and a privilege it was a burden that had kept my father from his family for 18 years a weight I had no desire to continue inflicting on him truly I had so very few options left dad helped me as lost in his thoughts as I was in mind until finally we broke apart go and warm up take a bath and change into dry clothes he urged me toward the bathroom I shut the door on the lavish room with its gorgeous marble
bathtub vanity and sparkling brass fixtures and fittings the hot water ran clear as I poured in bath oils scented with vanilla and Jasmine one decision-making bath coming up I had an uncertain future ahead of me but not an uncertain mate changes would be afoot changes my mate would need to accept changes I needed to soon tell him about chapter nine it was barely six in the morning and on top of that Monday had now rolled around I scrubbed her hand up and down my thighs and slapped them my legs
were throbbing for the umpteenth day in a row and to think I used to like my runs I stumbled out of bed and yanked on my Nike running pants and t-shirt tried to lift my heavy eyelids past halfway as I shoved a brush through my hair as I did I unblocked and opened up my link to Dad hey you sound exhausted my legs are on fire what's with this daily two-hour run I'm not sure I only experience excess energy three to four times a month and then that's entirely dependent on how often I use my skills p
erhaps you should increase your usage and teleport around more I groaned and pushed my tired muscles to the kitchen I'm coming out of quarantine today did I tell you my head hurts just as bad I was sure I had yes your fast healing should have dealt with that perhaps take a rest after your run will it matter if you're late to school you'd have to ring only a parent can Lodge I stopped mid-step down the hallway cracking my first smile in days ah that sounded odd didn't it he chuckled it does since
I don't own a telephone those Contraptions are out of date when one can use free telepathic communication no worries I continued around the corner I'll head in I'm going to have to talk to Sylvie sooner or later that much I'd come to accept over the weekend he cleared his throat your separation from love area is likely the cause for your headache I recall suffering many after leaving your mother oh and a word of warning watch out for the birds he signed off the birds I mumbled to myself frownin
g as I opened the fridge strange message I grabbed a yogurt drank a glass of water and pocketed a muesli bar for later sneakers laced I lowered and stretched my legs then jogged down the building's internal stairwell rather than taking the elevator at the front security door I checked both directions and zipped across the road hit the boardwalk and followed it around to the base of the mountain Around Me A Flock of Seagulls screeched there were a few about clearly after a free feed from me I ran
through the throng of them lining the walkway no you're not having my muesli bar I snapped go and get your own food a flap of my hands and they flew off ahead the Rocky Mountain Base track appeared on one side the Mountain Rose High and on the other the harbor water lapped in over the rocks taking care I scaled the entrance gate hooked my hands on the top rung and bounded over I wobbled as I landed on the other side while above a flap and Rush resounded half a dozen white feathered seagulls zoo
med in fast the birds opened their beaks and the pippies I couldn't miss spotting dropped from their mouths like missiles I ducked as shellfish splattered like bullets on the rocks at my feet Harbor Ducks cackled and the seagulls hissed at their meal being stolen I stumbled back as Birds everywhere dived in on the smelly treat Grover stob a single bark and one golden labrador on a length of blue leash wrapping on the pathway pounded toward me yelping his Jaws open and draw flying the dog sprang
over top of me as I dropped low what had I done to the universe today I flattened myself to the ground as the dogs owner tripped over the Rocks his sneakers skidding on the crushed shellfish his arms flapping as he lost his balance Birds took Wing over the water the dog chased and An Almighty Bellow resounded as the man went flying into the water a shower of Salty Sea spray coated me and I wiped my face and heaved to my feet the man trudged out of the water with one equally wet dog hanging off h
is heels he rung out the dripping ends of his blue shirt his dark hair plastered to his skull as he mumbled under his breath sorry about that didn't mean to get you wet my dog has a mind of his own some mornings the birds didn't help either I bit my lower lip to stop from giggling because I'd never taken myself too seriously at least the day can only get better right yeah so true he chuckled and his dog rolled his torso in preparation for a fast dry or maybe not dropping my head into my Palms I
waited for the inevitable next spray I got hit with the wash giggled some more although my legs ached even greater time to get moving I brush the sticky gravel off my backside slapped my sore legs and muttered under my breath as I set out yeah Dad thanks for the warning and all watch out for the birds geez just you wait until I get a forewarning about you I'm going to give you minimal information every part of my body ached but still I ran I circled the Mountain's perimeter then took the track l
ooping to the summit each grooved and planked step along this track different to the route I'd taken with Dad a sheep gate appeared ahead but my legs gave way before I made it there mind fuzzy I dropped to the grassy patch of ground a wrenching pull from within assailed me as if my mind sought the merged link I could create with davio yet with him nowhere close I couldn't make the connection I groaned my need to sink into my soft spot doubling yep my mind definitely needed the physical connectio
n of the merge this skill one my father didn't seem to have yet I did so annoying the summit looms so close I had to get there I flashed to the top slumped back to the ground my legs are dead weight for the first time in close to three days I unblocked my link with Belle I dragged in a deep breath and called out to her hey long time no hear Faith Striker how dare you ignore me I've been so worried okay she wasn't in the best of spirits I'm sorry I didn't realize empaths got so upset they do when
the boss gets angry I'm okay I tried to raise my hand to my head but my arms shook badly the thumping continued in my head tripling in severity I'm at the summit of the mount something's wrong tell davio I need him we don't have a telepathic link yet so I have to go through you I can feel your pain through our link what's going on I dragged in a deep breath I'm going to pass out but you're a fast healer fast healers are really sick The Summit give me a minute I took several deep breaths each on
e stuttering in and out I'm back what have you done to yourself is he coming tears leaked out and ran down my cheeks I can't move and it's all hit me so suddenly it's as if my mind is crying out for his he's on his way the air stirred just the gentlest of breezes then another whoosh he was close my mind sword and I lay blinking my head swimming as his thoughts flew right at me most not so good my mind rolled around within his and I soaked in everything and let out a long sigh of satisfaction my
headache eased back although my legs still felt like jelly oh yum I now had what I wanted the merged link returned I rolled onto my side lifted my head as I tried to push to my feet I staggered there he was just along the rise pushing One Foot In Front of the other I yelled davio he spun around gays narrowed on me then he flashed in front of me dug his hands into my waist and held me upright where the hell have you been for three days I tried to lift my arms only they flopped uselessly at my sid
es my legs barely holding me up around I lost my balance a Grumble as he caught me you look so pale why can't you stand what have you done to yourself everything's spinning I feel strange I hiccuped oh my tongue got stuck over tingly lips I tried again oh I giggled at the silly word are you drunk with his hands under my arms he Lifted Me Higher his fingers tickling I laughed stoppie I wobbled wagging my head at him no be wonky and angry his eyes were darkening in that way he got right before his
temper exploded definitely getting angry which meant I had to find my feet I glanced down where were my feet I sneakered as I saw them no wonder they didn't want to work they were spinning or was that still my head now I'd finally reconnected our merge he growled Silas and Zach Have Arrived I looked up and oh hello they had arrived one big smile for them howdy davio Lifted Me Higher until we were nose to nose and I dangled several inches from the ground what's happened to you oh I'm just a hang
ing what about you what was wrong with me I laughed again impossibly giddy staring into my eyes he took a deep whiff are you under the influence no pee hand to mouth I burped good grief I certainly sounded intoxicated but I am high I titted as I clutched his shirt front see hi hi way up high in the sky I couldn't think straight it was as if I'd guzzled a whole bottle of vodka not that I'd guzzled vodka before but if I had I'm certain this would be how I felt Silas grumbled I think your mate's be
en drinking sounds and looks like it to me too Zach added unhelpfully I tilted forward banging my head into davios no sloshy dumbfounded I scratch my tummy setting me on my feet my mate gripped my chin with his forefinger and thumb tipped my head back and looked into my eyes your pupils are dilated and your skin is flushed he turned to Zach ask Viv to meet us at Belle's place tell her I want our personal physician brought to me immediately I heard Zack's answer seconds later it's done I swayed a
nd smiled drinking in the heady sight of my returned mate goodness but you are so gorgeous Missy you I've missed you too he scooped me up in his arms held me close to his chest and stuck his nose in my hair breathing deep he sighed I really missed you let's get you back to bells and find out what's wrong with you she's clearly drunk Silas stepped up and at seven in the morning no less not drunk I slapped silas's chest and giggled some more you're annoying he can be at times davio tucked my head
under his chin close your eyes I don't want you being sick while we teleport oh no no sikki I slurred as I tried to catch my fingers in his beige button-down shirt my eyelid slid shut the jump was Swift as he flashed us back to bells and my stomach rolled once we'd arrived I gulped great mouthfuls of air and tried to clear my foggy head gee maybe I was wrong maybe I had been drinking it certainly felt like I had ooh yeah that unreal bottle of vodka had a lot to answer for carefully davio propped
me on the couch and held my shoulders as he crouched before me over his shoulder he called out Bell some water please Bell appeared with a glass and I grinned sloppily at her I missed you she frowned Tut tutting under her breath I can't believe this you're drunk she aged in kneeling and taking my chin in her hand I'll just tap into your oh oh no she's so drunk she's making me feel drunk then Bell slipped onto her bottom and belched I clutched my stomach Giggles rolling through me Silas rolled h
is eyes as he lifted Belle her limbs flopping around as he propped her beside me he glared at me hail can Channel reactions along with emotions so if she says you're drunk then you're drunk you gotta wee alcohol problem there Blondie I half Snicket half giggled my chest bumping up and down Silas is funny he snorted and set his hands on his head faith davio arched a brow at me what did you drink I blinked lifting my finger and jabbing it at him nothing excuse me Your Highness I jumped albeit slop
pily having not seen Viv arrive I blinked and brought a far too young looking Doctor into sight he'd arrived with Viv oh right they all looked Young davio stepped over to speak to him and the moment he let go of me I fell sideways into Belle Greening at her I mumbled so missed you I hiccuped Belle squinted at me through half-closed eyes shush I'm tired she fell flat on her face I laughed as I lost my head rest and slumped on top of her we were a pathetic pair Miss the doctor hunkered down before
me lifted one of my eyelids and sent a bright beam of light flying I recoiled shoved my eyes shut and sank my anxious mind even deeper into davios go away I tried to Flap my hands at him but they went nowhere you're not allowed to hurt me davio will kill you if you do the doctor checked my temperature his hand moving over my forehead she's most definitely drunk your highness allow her to rest for an hour or two her fast healing will deal with the excess of alcohol quicker than any drug I could
ever prescribe might do you need me to stay yes I need you to take every precaution with her health I snuggled into Belle's back my friend's gentle snoring so comforting although the sound was partially muffled by the cushions in her face here let me take her somewhere more comfortable Silas grumbled something loud I cranked one eye open as he picked Belle up and set her gently down on the opposite couch with my anchor gone I slithered into Bell spot headfirst and ate a mouthful of fluff as I di
d davio turned me over swept clinging strands of my hair from my face his gaze so concerned try and sleep okay isn't appreciating your current state of inebriation since she can't fast heal you have to do it for her by healing first since she's tapped into you and why do you smell like you've swum in the ocean he pinched his nose Birds he frowned you're seeing Birds he rubbed his forehead I guess you will if you're drunk I didn't bother to defend myself no one believed me and quite frankly I bar
ely did either I yawned and burped the noise hammering the nail into the coffin of everyone's current assessment of me lie beside me mind thinking me you mean your mind merge no Lucy he groaned but better down beside me wrapped one arm around me to hold me in place like I was going anywhere sign I borrowed the world around me darkening before it disappeared I stretched an uncurled and oh boy my body felt like my own again go back to sleep it's only been five minutes Davio's voice rumbled under m
y cheek I feel so much better I elbowed up so do I Bell straightened on the other couch stood and blinked we better already I think we are I tried to wriggle up higher wait pressing the back of his hand to my cheek devio frowned the doctor said an hour or two but you feel cool and your words aren't slurred anymore I was never drunk I rolled my shoulders really wanting to move if it's of any help I may have imbibed on too much sea water but that's it I promise he scrubbed his stubbly jaw if you w
eren't drunk then what happened I need to move I squished up my mouth please let me up I got a look in return that said a definite no I slumped back okay so my mind might have missed yours and I got a touch tipsy when we reconnected now that my head is clear that's what I believe happened across the room Silas doubled over in laughter and it was impossible to tune him out I threw a scowl at him before catching sight of Sylvie fidgeting from foot to foot near his side great I needed to speak with
Sylvie and clearly waiting any longer wasn't an option davio squeezed my arms are you sure that's all it was yeah I'm sure it seems you can send me spinning out in all sorts of different directions even when only seconds back in your company Silas scoffed they had to be alcohol involved the blonde was definitely drunk I narrowed my Gaze on him I don't like you much and I should know since I watched you rambling on about me all weekend and it seems you're nosy too davio scratched his head if you
were watching why didn't you come because you need to learn who the actual boss is lips lifted that would be me the doctor cleared his throat reminding us all of his presence excuse me your highness but is she saying she watched others as in with the coveted forethought skill davio turned sharply to Viv take the doctor back and have Stavros Aquaria wipe his memory of the past quarter hour to the point of when you collected him I'll not have him recall Faith or what she's spoken of you have a pr
otector with the skill to wipe memories wow that was a new one Viv disappeared with the doctor and davio ran his hand over the back of my head are you sure you're okay ah I'm thinking it could be a recurring problem depending on how angry you are right now you're back I can't be angry about that he touched his lips to mine except in the future you can't run as you did if we have an issue we address it he was right yeah we'll see he raised an eyebrow we'll see I'll start with Sylvie I need some p
ractice on dealing with issues because eventually I would have to Enlighten davio of my father's decision and I wasn't looking forward to that let me up he did and I faced Sylvie this wasn't easy to do with her wearing her favorite pink and white striped pajamas her red locks are messy tumble sticking everywhere I cross my arms begin I issued tears swam in her eyes I'm not sure where to start I can't remember the early years only from the time I was about six or seven and start there she rung he
r hands together mum made it pretty clear PCO was a secret she said carlisio had sent us that he saw enough in his forewarning to interpret that you would have a soul mated bond with someone close to him he presumed davio but he wasn't 100 certain she paused her voice trained I don't know if carlisio ever imagined us being here this long but with your father keeping his distance there was no way carlisio could accurately identify if he was from dralion or PCO and since carlisio simply couldn't r
isk davio losing his future mate if you disappeared as your father had we stayed and I remained close to you something that was never a hardship not when we were the closest of friends I inhaled taking all her words in I considered you a sister much more than a friend and you know it I've been betrayed by you her lower lip trembled I know and you've every right to feel that way but I couldn't speak of it yet one day I knew you would be mated and quite possibly to my own cousin please you have to
know that I'll do anything to make this up to you I never wanted the lies that have been there between us I sighed and shook my head this was so hard because in the beginning when we'd been so young as she'd said she surely had been an innocent carlisio it appeared was the one at fault and her explanation tugged at my heart I've always told you everything do you have other siblings a father because now I know you have a brother a cousin and an aunt and uncle she caught a hand to her chest tears
streaking down her cheeks yes I have a father he has brothers and sisters I have other cousins and family unrelated to davio I'm so sorry but you have to forgive me for never telling you in my heart you are my sister and I know I've hurt you trust me I'll do whatever it takes to repair the damage she crossed the small Gap and took my hands I'll make sure you meet them all please you have to forgive me I'd never in our entire 18 years been able to handle seeing her in pain and I couldn't now I'l
l never forget she wiped her nose can you forgive davio bumped me forward from behind you're hurt more if you don't move past this releasing a new wave of Tears Sylvie hugged me I squirmed hating not just her pain but also whenever she got this upset it wasn't like her she was the stronger of the two of us always the first to Mock and banter I patted her back okay okay you're forgiven thank you but you'll still need to make things up to me since I wanted her to calm down and relax that meant she
needed to cook ing always relaxed her chocolate chip cupcakes would be a good start in making things up she sniffed and sucked in a deep breath are you asking me to cook you some cupcakes I gave her a nod that's just the beginning of this whole forgiveness thing I'll be after rocky road tomorrow okay but we'll talk more later I need that we will win this time right now I have one very determined father who wants his own forgiveness from my mother Alexa intends to right the wrongs of these past
18 years and admit to his lies and what he's withheld which means way too much on my mind are you saying Alexa wants Kate back she frowned that's pretty much it but with her comes me davio froze and his gaze bored into mine are you saying you intend to travel to dralion around us his protectors Drew closer including Viv who had returned my heartbeat raced yes and what am I supposed to do I have an actual family one I've never known you try turning away from that his hands pinched into my arms hi
s breath blowing out it's that damn blood Bond then he unblocked his thoughts churning in a whirlwind toward me through the merged link I fell back a step at seeing his need he wanted me to choose him over alexo to decide on embracing PCO over dralion for him there was no other choice look at me he was so focused I'm already falling in love with you I can't allow you to leave me not even for a day or three in the case which has just passed if you were gone forever Beyond dralian's Dome it would
kill me I held my breath why did he have to say that I understand what you're saying I lifted my arms and wrapped him around his neck squeezed my hands together so there was no letting go I cried thoroughly wetting his shirt shush don't cry we'll work this out his tone rang softly in my ear I can't fix this if I couldn't he couldn't I don't know what to do it's also hard I sucked in a stiff breath if you make me give up my family I'll hate you you're my enemy and perhaps that's the way you shoul
d stay maybe we shouldn't tamper with history his jaw twitched his fist bunching wincrest is brainwashing you no he's not stay right here he turned on his heel snarling at Silas I won't be gone long don't allow Faith to leave this room or your sight I need to consider what should be done he flashed away and there was nothing but silence endless minutes ticked by I can't believe you said that Sylvie came around in front of me he's my cousin I've spent as much time with him as I have with you and
he's in pain I only spoke the truth how on Earth were we to make this work our relationship is impossible dralian and PCO are at War I shook my head you and Silas have to take him home to his family and to his people it's where he should be not here with me her mouth pinched into a tight line you haven't seen mates who are bound to each other attempt to regain their lives after one has passed away or become lost to the other if you left him for dralion it'd be like suffering a death he's been in
a great deal of pain this past weekend and I don't want to see him suffer such a loss again Silas I looked at him you and Dave you are close surely you can see this won't work between us will you take him away you would agree to remain out of his sight Beyond dralian's Shield if I did no moving back and forth and giving him hope where they'd be none I'll do my best my father deserves this time to have his wife and family back that was a trick question Silas crossed his arms and glared like my s
ister I'd never do as you ask as much as I hate to say it he wants you and I'd never begrudge him the mated Bond even if it's with you if you left him to live within the protective boundary of the Dome he'd suffer greatly that kind of pain I'd never allow I ground my heel into the floor dad yes I've been watching how do I get out of here without one of the protectors following my teleporting Airstream you have to mask it you must use a water source to teleport through meaning you leave your curr
ent location and use a pool of water the sea a river or a pond once you're submerged in water provided no one has taken hold of you you teleport to the next safe location no teleporter can follow you through the water's natural Airstream masking got it Silas gripped my arm are you speaking telepathically to alexo Windcrest yes I slanted my head what of it Zach call davio and tell him Faith appears ready to do a runner and you his Hold on Me tightened you will stay right where you are without war
ning he took me straight to the floor when I say stay put I mean stay put shoving me onto my front he thrust his knee into my back I bucked against him locking and kicking my legs see Silas I panted this is exactly why I don't trust you you're mean and nasty no what I am is loyal and that would be to davio Belle knelt at my head not so rough Silas you're hurting her I rolled my eyes at the carpet what's actually hurting is his trunk-sized knee knifing me in the back get over it Silas muttered my
knee will soon be the least of your problems I kicked out at him again but nothing worked I barely moved an inch the air stirred lifting strands of my hair and a deep growl echoed through the room I return and this is what I see daveyo definitely daveyo and a very mad davio yes it is Silas snarled in my ear a second later I lost my breath as my arms were wrenched behind my back and he jerked me upright onto my feet his grip punishing from behind she is nothing but trouble I glared at davio it's
crazy for a love area and a Windcrest to be mated stepping forward he tipped up my chin his fingers stroking down my neck I still want you I yanked on my arms but Silas continued to hold me militarily firm my father deserves to have what he gave up 18 years ago he's earned his family back and I can't keep that from him the blood bond is too strong it trumps what we have his hands moved to cut my face it can't we hold each other's Souls what you're feeling is the familial loyalty behind the bloo
d Bond I wanted to kick him you are a terrible listener I can't fall for you and I can't change what's between us I tugged still trying to free myself from the loaf holding me geez you need to let me kill Silas before I can continue yelling at you this being restrained is not working for me Silas snarled in my ear show some respect I kicked back at him managed to thump him somewhere good since he grunted hard I hope you mate with your enemy in fact I'll pray for it Silas Carver like that would e
ver happen he laughed and released me handed me to davio and said she's all yours congratulations and all that I snorted then bit back a smile somehow seen the funny side of this terrible situation this is so impossible davio took my hands no one takes you from me work with me on this I can see it will be difficult to keep you tied to one location I'll have to allow you to come and go from Dryland just as your father and his Warriors do speak to your father now and discuss your need for free acc
ess he pressed a finger to my lips shaking his head just do it for this is an argument you'll never win I sighed I think we need counseling you're too uncompromising again with the finger to the lips for both our sakes give me this I rolled my eyes dad I'm here is there any way I can come and go from dralion as you have done over the years the Dome room even with its limited knowledge by others is naturally available to every Windcrest and our most elite Warriors so in answer to your question ye
s although you would have to ensure each reason you have for coming and going was legitimate in case you were ever questioned I need to complete my education I've always intended to go to university it was a start that would work Donaldo has always encouraged education amongst his people and yours would be a given I looked at davio free access is available to all windcrests and warriors if I use my education as a reason to come and go I simply have to take care he ran his hands down my sides see
who needs counseling I sighed you are insufferable you know that it's one of my finest charms he grinned then crooked his head which you'll come to appreciate in time that'll never happen his lips touch mine oh he did not fight fair I was so hungry for him so intent to dull the past three days from my mind until only the piece of his thoughts spread out through the merge even as that blanket of warmth wrapped around me I didn't stop kissing him I didn't want to give his mouth up for even a seco
nd I was drowning in him literally losing myself in a sea of craving hey excuse me there are still people in the room Silas snapped I moaned and whispered against Davio's lips what shall we do about Silas Silas is family come with me we still have much to speak about I grabbed his shirt hold on I do have to get to school and first period will already have started education remember we'll go after we speak he flashed us to his bedroom and he tightened his hold on me his mouth moving along my neck
nibbling in a way that had me right back in that pool of craving I grinned I thought we were going to speak he nipped the soft skin of my throat we will his mouth traveled upward and he took my mouth in another hot hot kiss you have my heart he's gay softened and my heart pounded what we have will not be torn apart by another faith give me your promise from your heart to mind that you will uphold the same vow what I'll promise is to annoy and pester you for all time will that suffice and by the
strength of my blood Bond I was going to abide by my father's will as well I'd never had a family and I desperately wanted one now that the possibility was within my reach it'll do but we'll need to work on how you deliver your words I rubbed my nose against tears we should be in class he smoothed his hands down my back I've never told you but I undertook my studies six days a week jamming 21 years of education into as few years as possible just so I could be done at 18. you did that was impres
sive you never took a holiday really Silas and I were tutored together and now the two of us have the freedom to do what we've always enjoyed I laughed yeah like returning to school with me he tweaked my nose I like to think of it as spending as much time as I can with my mate but what I was referring to was being with my people and defending my country alongside carlisio and everyo ah you mean aiding your grandfather and father into continuing the war against dralian against my own newly found
family there's that he quirked a brow you said School let's get you there so we can make second period before we go I ran my finger down the front of his shirt you said you would speak to my mother I did will this afternoon suit he wrapped his arms around me and flashed us to my bedroom I was home again after almost three days away my mother means everything to me so yes as you do to me his words were a vowel and I stepped away from him even though I didn't want to you're so serious all the time
we need to work that out of you I rummaged through my wardrobe seeking the dress I wanted to wear it was a short white number bought for my 18th I took it from the hangar at the back this was the perfect dress for Mr Sirius turn around he crossed the room braced one hand on the windowsill and stared out across the road I pulled off my training gear tugged the glove-like white dress over my head and down my body then adjusted it into place are you okay you're suddenly quiet I stepped in behind h
im and rested my cheek against his broad back he turned his brow shooting up I was scared to look now I know why I insist you change you insist I couldn't help but smile my mother bought this for me I stepped back reached over my desk at just the right angle to retrieve my scorebooks and drop them into my bag please a choking sound only his heated thoughts escaping his block cemented my decision no I snuck my hand into his and zipped us straight to the field ha I was right to Stand My Ground I l
oved the way he looked at me in this clingy number particularly after so many days spent apart then after school he met with my mother and we sat over hot drinks and cream cake having raised me single-handedly mum knew me better than anyone she was so inquisitive but who wouldn't be when their daughter brought home her first man had a knock on the front door some hours later I stayed on the couch while mum walked out to answer it I eyed my man squeezed his hand idly stroking mine my mother likes
you she is much like my own mother tell me about her it's Genevieve right yes she's soft-hearted and yet one of the strongest women I know she can't wait to meet you I looked into his golden brown eyes can't promise when it'll happen when it's time he stood and pulled me to my feet yet right now I must leave I have a training session with Silas his mistreatment of you must be dealt with I sidled closer make him sweat it out kick his butt over and over right you need to take him down because I'd
be super excited if you did that Silas is still family all I need to make certain is that he's never so rough with you again butt kicking is necessary I pursed my lips we have to have a talk about you leaving me out of all the fun stuff as well I wish I could see the butt kicking going down I'm sure you would he raised my hand to his mouth lightly kissing my fingers then turned and pulled me along behind him walk me to the front door since I best leave the regular way walk me to the front door
repeating his words I smiled and mocked asked gosh now I just have to get you to arrive in the same regular way too we need my mother who spoke to a door-to-door Salesman the salesman ceased speaking and davio took the opportunity to thank Kate for her hospitality she gave him a bright smile anytime I squeezed my mother's arm I'll be back in a minute I stepped through the front door and walked down the steps behind me the salesman said something about taking a year-long subscription to the New Z
ealand horse and Country magazine I frowned now why would a Salesman sell a Tony a rural magazine who didn't own a horse okay something was wrong with all that davio set a hand at my waist guided me along the path to the road and I snuck a look over my shoulder oh no my breath caught thick sunglasses hid my father's eyes and a dark cap covered his blonde head he wore brown felt pants a brown check shirt and knee-high riding boots as if attempting to look the part of a countryman but I wasn't foo
led any longer the sight of him meant davio had to go pronto with jittery legs I picked up my speed you look suddenly nervous he opened the front gate I stopped my fidgeting it's just that you're leaving I'm used to having an argument and then you leave don't make anything out of it his lips lifted you want an argument before I go I tapped my watch glaring not right now I harumped I'll see you at Bells at 8. you will then chuckling he shimmered and disappeared from my sight phew wiping my hand a
cross my brow I ran back to the house for I had more important issues at hand I had an all too familiar salesman that needed locking firmly inside and a mother who was about to freak out what I wouldn't give for a regular old day chapter 10. never had I seen a man looking so uncertain of what he should do I stepped up to Dad yanked off his black cab and exposed his head full of short light hair next I pulled off his darkened sunglasses and those remarkable violet eyes of his were clear to see th
is is for your own good I scolded tell mum you still love her and be quick about it the horse and Country magazine fell from my mother's hand flapped to the entryway floor and she swayed not breathing then knees caving in crumpled dad grabbed her I was getting around to revealing myself once loveria left scooping her up his gaze flitted over mum's face he dragged in a deep breath then stuttered as he released it are you all right I'm holding my wife a single tear slipped from the corner of his e
ye his voice dropping to a whisper I could never get this close before not in all these years ever I strained to listen to his words you're not going to faint to are you no I'm good he reeled back a step then caught himself Mom's okay I pressed the back of my hand to her cheek found it clammy which was totally expected in these circumstances I'd say fainting is the right reaction to have after seeing your husband 18 years after he last disappeared he gazed at mum his throat working where can I t
ake her her bedroom you'll have the most privacy there since it looks out over the backyard I'll be in my room if you need me he lifted her higher in his arms brushed a kiss against her lips the hopeful look in his eyes tearing at my heart I can't believe I'm holding her bedrooms at the end of the hallway and yes you are holding her now go and make up I'll try but I doubt our coming conversation will be easy clutching her closer his knuckles whitening he murmured if you hear or have any forewarn
ing that my discussion with her is too difficult for her to handle then interrupt also keep the protectors away I'll be on guard my mother moaned her eyelids flickering down the hallway at the end I urged pointing the way dad set off with her and rounded the corner and the click of her bedroom door shutting both eased a touch of my nerves and set them to Rising all over again I leaned back against the wall my hand Shook and so did my legs so nervous this was the strangest feeling knowing that my
parents were about to have such a Monumental talk right now would be one of those times I'd call Sylvie but that wasn't happening she would let the information slip I fidgeted as the house became super quiet theirs was a private conversation and I had no intention of listening in I flashed to my bedroom and sat at my desk rocked back and forth and when that didn't help I pulled around a textbook I would read although whether I took much in was another matter three hours passed with only the occ
asional higher toned words drifting to me from mum this was killing me eight o'clock now loomed and with no signal from Beyond I changed into my favorite faded jeans and a violet stretch t-shirt brushed my hair until I could brush it no more then braced myself I had to leave otherwise davio would turn up here wondering where I was flashing fast I bumped down in the area just off Belle's kitchen the Heavenly Aroma of roast beef wafted through the air Steam Plant from the oven as Sylvie her hands
gloved slid out a deep blue dish holding tonight's meal my mouth warded can I help I stepped into the kitchen not that I had ever been very helpful in a kitchen hey there you are she popped the dish on a wooden board and looked over her shoulder at me I'm all good she wiped her hands on the white apron tied at her waist you can set the table though how's your mother what do you mean the hairs on my neck Rose you know she Shrugged while poking a fork into the meat she met with davio what did she
think of him oh that I wiped my brow yes that you're acting strange she liked him that's it yep is your brother joining us for dinner I pulled plates from the Crockery cupboard and set them on the table came back and collected Cutlery and glasses because he and I seem to be getting along so well if you didn't notice she laughed he and davio aren't back yet and I didn't think to ask she returned the roasting dish to the oven this meat needs another 10 minutes tell the others in the family room fo
r me that's dinner will be real soon will do with the table set I walked down the passageway to the family room at the other end of the house Zach and viv's hushed voices drifted to me as well as the action going on with the TV a staccato round of gunfire they must be watching something gruesome hey I rounded the plush Brown gold Corner couch that seated eight Zach lay sprawled on his side in a forest green t-shirt in jeans with Viv tucked in front of him wearing a mini skirt an emerald tank top
Zach played with viv's dark hair then elbowed up and smiled at me Davio's with Silas in the Castle's training room sword practice do you need me to seek his return I plopped down beside Bells sitting to the right of the others no but Sylvie said dinner's in 10. is Silas coming Silas was the one I'd have to keep an eye on particularly as my father relied on me right now to ensure all remained safe at home Bell knocked my arm with hers he'll be here now that all things Sylvia sorted Zach's brow R
ose a grin taking over his face I can't wait to see how much of a mess he's in he outied my sword Pricks on you ten times over Viv squeezed his arm we really shouldn't have poked her no you shouldn't have I flicked viv's legs and she sat so close no doing that again I really can't believe you both wanted to slice and dice me when all I did was nail him to the ground geez how does davio manage to put up with you lot Bell smiled we're loyal and we've been friends a long time I looked at her for I
certainly saw the loyalty and friendship she spoke of I nodded it would be great if I could form such strong friendships in dralion to such a degree it would be nice to meet new people and at the very least I had a new family that counted for so much already what's going through your mind Belle rested her hand on my shoulder your emotions are bombarding me I rubbed my hand on my jeans I'm glad davio has all of you I'm looking forward to forming the same kind of bonds with others in my father's c
ountry as an empath I hope she'd understand my words they'll let out a close-mouthed hum I get what you're saying Zach twined another lock of viv's hair around one finger I wouldn't care to live in another country and not form new friendships either but a word of warning don't align yourself too strongly with any of the Warriors there well my father's a warrior so what does that matter who I align myself with I flexed my fingers along my thighs my thoughts sipping back to my father and mother mu
m was incredibly independent had to be to raise me all on her own and I was much the same as her thinking of mum had my worry for her Rising again and even though I really wanted to check in on her and Dad they needed this time alone no spying for me I heaved to my feet to find something better to watch rather than the Mindless Killing Spree going on with the current movie here let me find you guys something better more appropriate for visitors to my R world I rifled through Bell's DVD collectio
n in the cabinet spotted the ever classic Braveheart movie I swapped it out this sack will suit you lots of swords killing and battling too but with some all-important historical information about Earth gathered along with it a good choice over my shoulder I grinned at him then my mouth dropped open the hindsack bay chested and looking so gorgeous davio stood in his dark leather pants hanging low on his hips with the weight of a very Wicked sword belted at his side licking my lips I stood look a
t that I have my very own Braveheart right here in this room just minus the Kilt merging my mind with his I skipped across the room and plowed into him I missed you I ran my hands over his broad shoulders and tipped into him you're late I listen to your conversation regarding dralion from the passageway it is a Zack said davio bent his head rubbed his cheek against mine you'll need to take care I won't have you around other Warriors I'll take your request under consideration I wrapped my arms ar
ound his neck kiss me he swept his arms around me his lips are mine his skin pressing hot and oh so close now this was the kind of under consideration I wanted because in two seconds flat I was delirious belkoft okay you too I have to put an end to this it's dangerous for an empath to be saturated in your overabundant kinds of feelings it makes me get all mushy when I don't have a mate to get mushy with I stared into Davio's eyes you want to tell me how you slaughtered Silas then I did no such t
hing he grinned and it was such a telling lie drat I should have been watching him with my forethought no scrub that perhaps I should have been watching my adult parents maybe I should ZIP home for a moment and check on mum I couldn't do that I needed to fight the urge and leave them be for a bit longer I clamped my teeth together hey davio ran his finger under my chin by the sour look ah nothing couldn't exactly delve into any of that I wrinkled my nose I can smell dinner Sylvie did say 10 minu
tes and that time's about up I'll take a quick shower first tell her I won't be long and behave while I'm gone he swatted my backside and turned orders once again dispersed only I followed him and I couldn't stop myself Belle snatched my arm as she caught up the dining rooms this way I looked in the direction I wanted to go toward Davio's room and that shower grumbling at Belle I muttered daveyo needs to send you back to PCO pronto I can't see what use you are here anymore she laughed as she yan
ked me behind her at the kitchen bench Silas lifted his head arrowing a look at me I smiled ah Silas it's a shame you fast heal I just couldn't help myself a grunt I'm also sneaky so watch out Sylvie pursed her lips and flicked him in the arm with a tea towel go and sit down she walked up to me and you you promised me this morning we'd talk I took the seat next to hers inhaling the smell of cooked beef plated right under my nose this looks wonderful I made cupcakes for desert I grinned no wonder
I haven't seen you all afternoon I've been busy studying by the way cooking is my form of study she was right for her grades were already there and her acceptance are given for the University's food technology course there's no change in your plans for next year we'd always talked about studying at the same campus just different courses nope I apologize for keeping everyone waiting davio eased into the leather-backed seat at the head then he arched a brow and looked down the table at me with hi
s jaw smooth and shaved his white button-down shirt pressed to Perfection he looked better than cupcakes is there a reason you're seated so far away from me ah I tapped my fingers on the varnished tabletop Sylvie and I are catching up he folded his arms and gave a quick nod then let's eat lifting the fork to my lips the scent of spiced pumpkin and baby potatoes with Rich dark gravy drizzled over the roast beef made my mouth water we're leaving dad I held my Fork steady you have the worst timing
how's mum and leave for where oh my father couldn't mean dralion surely not so soon I'll squeeze my hand from beside me what's wrong she whispered in my ear give me a minute she Shrugged and picked up her water glass I asked about mum I straightened in my chair is she okay Kate's fine or at least as fine as can be in these trying circumstances but as I said we're leaving mums agreed to go like right now she's wary but I've assured her she can speak to you first we'll meet in my apartment don't b
e long I can tell when someone's chatting telepathically with another Sylvie set her Cutlery down with a glare that had to be your father since he's the only one other than Belle who you've created a link with what does wincrest want now I scrunched up my face as everyone around the table stared at me I hated this come on speak to me she urged it's not so bad I looked at my food and my stomach did a slow dive I'd known this moment would come but having it arrived so quickly well I wasn't quite r
eady for it I dragged in a deep breath my mother's agreed to go she needs to speak to me the chair at the head of the table scraped and I closed my eyes as davio gripped my shoulders from behind to dralion when holding on with every fiber of my soul I spread my mind deeper through my mates you knew this was going to happen just as you know I can return my father promised that would be so a damn windcrest's promise he pulled out my chair all four legs gouging into the wooden floorboards once on m
y feet I spun and met his darkened gaze you were okay with this all earlier today we compromised I realized that he's jaw clenched his mind a turbulent storm of thoughts and all coming directly at me we haven't had enough time to speak of the finer details of you knowing exactly where the dome's entry point is before Windcrest takes you and to make certain you don't allow the man to blindfold you I have to know you'll have access to the image and can safety return I can't risk allowing you to le
ave otherwise I've already been told where the location is he slid one hand around the back of my neck and Drew me closer and where is it palming his chest his heartbeat racing under my palm I answered I won't allow any blindfolding I promise you I asked where it was his fingers tightened damn if only I held the skill of forethought or mind merge as you do I need to be able to read your thoughts I'd still block as you usually do with me I tapped his chest besides the Dome protects dralion for a
reason s can't know the image of where to get in he snorted I can't stand this shaking my head I pushed up onto my toes stop freaking out just this once Silas snuck around the table and motioned for Zach to take Davio's other side he eyed me I know the signs my cousin is preparing to take you from here fingers biting even deeper into my skin davio glared at Silas one day you'll have a mate and feel what I feel with a low growl he pulled me back toward the solid Pine wall behind us although with
Silas on one side and Zach on the other there was no Escape I need to go I urged him please I can't let you go yet I want more time with you Silas narrowed his Gaze on me we're going with your plan of making it in and out of dralion on your own Steam he released a thought duck no I dropped scrambled back as Silas and Zack slammed davio into the wall get off me davia bellowed both his shoulders pinned you bull-headed protectors derive far too much pleasure from this he appealed to Zach I hunger f
or her as you do for Viv me more time with her I'm not leaving yet Zach didn't move not one muscle your protection comes first I don't care about my damned protection right now only being with her she holds the other half of my soul which proves you're not thinking clearly she needs to go and you need to go but in different directions don't even try to force me back to PCO against my wheel again davio shoved into Zach Silas tightened his hold on his cousin feet planted wide we hardly need a cont
ingency of Warriors hard after your hide davio your mate already has a workable plan that's the best I've heard remember the plan where King dinaldo need never know of your relationship with his granddaughter do you not think an all-out War should be evaded when tensions between our two countries are already so inflamed because that is what will happen if you don't let her go Donaldo Windcrest wouldn't rest if he knew a love area cavorted with one of his own we need to take every precaution whic
h means taking you back to PCO where there is a larger safety net of protectors in place the air seemed to crackle and snap and davio narrowed his Gaze on me come here and ignore them I inched forward needing to touch him one last time Silas snelled stay there faith I can't not when davio needed me the same way I needed him Dave you're grunted hooked one foot out and snagged it around my knees I toppled forward hit his chest and he wrenched one arm free of Zack and wrapped it around me Silas for
ced him back to the wall and Zach pulled at me shoved me clear if you've joined The Fray snatching Davio's legs she twisted and sent them all careening to the floor only before they hit the ground they were gone all four of them gone blinking I stared at the spot where they'd been no this wasn't happening I needed to say goodbye to him properly I dropped my head into my palms and sobbed pushing my forethought forward I brought his image into my mind he was on his back pinned to the ground within
an indoor Training hall with steel-bladed weapons lining the block walls he bucked and Silas and Zach held him tight Viv still on his legs he's not happy but that's to be expected Bell murmured in my ear they've taken him to the castle where he's safest so you can leave without issue you're saying I can't go to him I locked down the training Hall's image for porting my fingernails biting into my Palms Davio's pain right now ricocheted through me as if it were my own only Belle was right I neede
d to leave for dralion and I couldn't forget that or my mother Silas protects him that's his job don't make it harder for him Bell urged Sylvie wrapped an arm around my shoulders you can see he's safe go now the moment you do Silas will release him the vision melted away and I wiped my cheeks take notes for me in class I hugged her and tell davio that I appreciate the fight her lips lifted a smidgen you'll have more than a fight on your hands if you don't keep your word and return to him try not
to take three days next time I'll be back before you know it I looked at Belle and Drew in a long breath look after him for me she squeezed my hand Silas is in my head and telling me you better hurry I'm the only one who can keep in contact with you and also calm davio I need it there now I'm going to speak to my mother first before we leave I'll let you know when I stood back raised my hand in farewell and Flushed Away seconds later I arrived in the dark of Alexa's safe room and opened the con
necting door to the suite The Familiar screeching sound of metal on metal assaulted my ears I'll get the light dad flipped the switch and beckoned me in he changed and now wore dark leather pants and a silver threaded loose shirt a leather jacket slung over his arm my mother in the living room he steered me down the hallway I've been gone for hours and Ronaldo and several Warriors are tapping at my head to be heard I need to make contact with Donaldo soon are you sure everything will be all righ
t yes he set a hand on my shoulder denaldo will want you and he'll accept Kate since she's given birth to a highly skilled daughter there's no more hiding he paused although there is one more thing I need to mention before we leave I let out a breath preparing myself I'm listening during my time on Earth I went by the name of alexo Striker I groaned rather loudly you made up my last name yes but you'll have it no longer for obvious reasons you're now a Windcrest I turned the corner and strode in
to the living room eager to reach my mother she sat on the gray couch then stood the second she saw me I ran to her meeting her in the center of the room her arms bending tightly about me and mine around her I hugged her hard shaking because I'd finally reconnected with her again the past few hours of worry settling at least a little Within Me I'm sorry honey mom's voice wobbled for everything the lies for whom Sylvie and Syria are I can barely believe all Alexa has told me dad cleat his throat
don't take Sylvie and Syria's involvement upon yourself I saw the same forewarning as carlisio did at Faith's birth that our child would somehow have an impact on loveria's family I knew there would be some kind of Future Link only it wasn't one I could halt not after I returned to dralian and found every single move I made followed so closely I couldn't even sneeze without a warrior reporting it to my father it wasn't an easy time and he'd been my age at the time which somehow brought an elemen
t of light to things my mother's Embrace tightened her cream cardigan flapping to her knees I should never have withheld my knowledge of your father from you he clearly loves you only I never knew she released a deep breath and her hands shook I'll do everything in my power to keep you safe even if that means living in dralion and acting as his wife my heart squeezed did you say acting yes dad grimaced that is her decision and I will be content with it for now my mother crossed her arms that's r
ight you will dad let out a rush of air took mum by the shoulders his gaze softening with her you need to relax around me I'm certain Ronaldo will be distracted by faith but no one must think you're not fully committed to us being back together and that includes around my sister Goldwyn for she has the sight of a hawk and misses next to nothing I frowned I have an aunt are there other family there as well dad turned to me I have only the one sibling Goldie was my parents late surprise and at 19
she is only a year older than you although Goldie comes and goes from dralion and where does she come and go to Goldie's chaperoning hope in Australia although hope hardly considers it chaperoning she's 18 and an absolute Delight my mother's brows Rose you haven't mentioned hope before who's she he's jaw clenched we'll speak of Hope another time when we're not dealing with quite so much but she is family now we are deviating and I must speak to dinaldo and prepare him for what's to come we'll le
ave this mount apartment once I've notified him walking into the adjacent kitchen he began his communication releasing a sigh my mother moved to the couch he's hiding something but right now sit I need to know about davio loveria your father told me who he truly is a prince of PCO he's also my mate sitting I clasped my hands in my lap the bond builds between us fast and he has the same feelings for me that I have for him then I'm doing the right thing she cast a glance across the room at dad I n
odded I don't see there being any other choice dinaldo's expecting us those three words from my father may be freeze and in that instant my life changed forever I stood my heart pounding I need to use my forethought to collect the image of the Dome room and before we go yes take it from my mind he didn't question my request I connected and pulled the image my eyes widening truly that's the Dome room it was dark and dungeon-like there were no doors just four gloomy walls constructed of a gray bla
ck brick with slabs of four stones in a dull gray green aged cracks in the floor surface oozed with slimy green moss so repulsive eek does no one care to clean the place up it must remain the way it is no one would ever imagine such an image as the secured point in and out of dralion and that in itself adds a level of safety we require does anyone guard it should I expect someone to jump out at me when I arrive no it's completely blocked off and well below ground level you see the walls I return
ed to the image yes but what of that old well in the center does that not lead somewhere the yucky green stuff trailed over the black and brick edging of the well the well is deep and we've never found the end of it the energy within that well is what the enchanter Jules Moyer tapped into he spelled the Dome into existence using his skill I screwed up my forehead way too from there we'll move quickly since the Dome room smells as bad as it appears we'll meet in Aldo at my personal apartments on
the East and third floor the palace is a large residence with over 400 rooms it's a fortress and has stood the test of time for hundreds of centuries my mouth popped open I should have expected this yet because I hadn't seen it I hadn't truly comprehended it now I did we are running out of time Donaldo has never been a patient man and knowing whom I bring makes him even more so my father tapped his head I see him pacing the receiving room he took my mother's arm and looked at me the last image y
ou'll need is the main reception room of my Apartments he flicked up the image and I gasped so beautiful stunning white and blue diagonal floor tiles captivated with a central motif of a massive W the area was ballroom-like in size elegant sitting chairs covered in a white gold detailed fabric the legs and arms are polished golden wood were tucked against the walls in sets of four at least 20 separate sets in total around the perimeter of the room separating each set a white Marble Arch framed d
ouble doors which led away from the area in varying directions I blinked taking it all in a high ceiling Rose may be 20 feet with 12 brilliantly lit crystal chandeliers six each side both lines running parallel to each other beautiful not to mention light beamed from them over striking scenes of hand-painted artwork displaying battles much like in the Sistine Chapel here on Earth wow when you said you lived in a palace you truly meant it it's now yours and your mother's home too do not forget th
at my mother cleared her throat let's just go dad tipped his head to me you have the images and I will move ahead of you and see you in the receiving room you will right after I speak to Belle I don't have a telepathic link with my mate and he needs me to check in you two go on ahead he blinked away taking my mother with him and I pulled open my link with Belle I'm leaving I have the image of the Dome room yes of everything I need I'll tell davio take care I'll speak to you soon I took a deep br
eath later I close the link no more waiting it was time chapter 11. I flashed through the Dome room sucked in only one breath for the taste of mold in the air coated my tongue in that mere moment then I was there arms lifting as I balanced on the slippery and shiny blue and white floor tiles of the receiving room it was as I'd seen only now included in the room were my parents along with four men three clothed in heavy combat gear surrounding the one who could be no other than Donaldo Windcrest
my grandfather and the ruler of dralion his violet eyes cut directly to me moved over every inch of my face I froze even though I hadn't been moving with his bearing stiff and proud he appeared a clear leader a man with thick brown hair and a full dark beard one giving him the appearance of an age greater than the youthful one of the others of this world then He adjusted his shoulders and stepped forward in leather boots he wore an impeccable red shirt with silver buttons his long legs encased i
n black leather pants dad stepped up to him and Ronaldo raised his arms sees dead to him in a firm form Embrace his thumbs adorned with two large gold Insignia rings they released each other and Dad lifted a hand indicating my mother meet my wife Kate wincrest dinaldo's gaze darkened to a striking Hue as he inclined his head at mum if my son says you are weird then you are welcome here I can see your daughter is alexos another spearing glance at me dad beckoned me forward come here and meet your
grandfather I cleared my throat and pushed One Foot In Front of the other shoved my shaky hands behind my back and tried to keep my composure not easy dinaldo cooked his head raising his hands to me don't be wary of me child his eyes crinkled at the corners I wish to meet my granddaughter it's a shame Goldwyn and hope aren't here this is a moment none of the windcrests should miss my heart pounded as Donaldo embraced me and kissed both my cheeks you are in your rightful place and my gratitude n
ow goes to your mother for keeping you safe since your birth I will accept her for she gives you to us you mean that no harm will ever come to my mother he nodded it shall not the mated bond has prevailed and given me a skilled granddaughter it has not been an easy afternoon with your father missing but his arrival with you now sets me at ease we shall spend as much time together as we can in the coming days he released me turning his Gaze on my father I hope you understand Kai Moya will be call
ed to see to your wife's confinement here as an Earthling she can't be permitted to leave through the Dome room Faith May Since I have no intention of revoking her use as one of our direct blood Alexa glanced at Kate you'll be Spellbound to dralian by Guy a warrior enchanter guy is the 19 year old grandson of Jules Moyer the warrior who first Enchanted the Dome energy field over dralion 40 years ago what his family line spells remains in place do you agree with her hands straight at her sides sh
e nodded as you wish I'm not leaving he set his hand at her waist then it shall be done good dinaldo boomed it pleases me well that your intent is to ensure your wife stays bound to dralian and to you your marriage will be one of fruitful means and by that I expect from this woman more grandchildren my mother turned a startling shade of white and I cringed what had I gotten my mother into no she was strong I shouldn't question her decision to come she would hold her own footing with my father an
d grandfather dinaldo looked over his shoulder Michael collect guy he'll be in the Warriors barracks I shuffled from foot to foot but within half a minute the warrior returned with another this man was young with unruly cold black hair and pale blue eyes when he stared at me Silva came to life and swirled about the edges your majesty you called his hand tightened over his side buckled sword dinaldo faced him I want you to enchant Alexa's wife she is not permitted to travel through the Dome room
and outside of dralion he has brought her here from Earth ensure your spell holds firm and can't be undone I need her full name for the spell and that one looks like hope guys gays returned to me who is she I opened my mouth but halted as Alexa took one menacing step toward him mind how you speak guy this is my daughter faith and she's permitted four rights to travel where she pleases within our land and Beyond he motioned toward my mother my wife's name is Kate and they both take my last name d
enalto crossed his arms iron guy what's bothering you your frustration is clear to see if you need to talk do so guy inclined his head I apologize our Warrior spy was captured days ago in PCO and my own father two years passed I thought we were close to finding their steel containment cells and now we've lost a vital chance to do so send me to PCO no one will work harder than I finding our imprisoned Warriors a deep inhale I can't send you your father is contained somewhere beyond our reach and
there isn't a chance I'll lose you in the same manner you're only a year into your skills and I'm already working on a replacement for the warrior who was Unearthed your father and the others Warriors captured over the years will be found but this all takes time dinaldo scraped a hand across his dark brown beard Now spell my son's wife so we may all get some rest this night guy spoke a precise verse over my mother a half minute later he was done bowing to dinaldo she can't leave sire he flashed
away without another word excellent Donaldo nodded at alexo I will see you all in the morning I have much to see to after this disruptive day rest and recover good night then he vanished without waiting for a response the Warriors who'd stood around him leaving the second he did I shook my head my mother was now powerless to leave dralian unquestionably giving up her freedom alexo's brow creased and he lifted a finger to his mouth in a shushing motion at me I know what you're thinking but there
are stuff about we'll talk more in the morning for now you'll find your Chambers down that passageway he pointed since there were several exits the fifth door on the right tomorrow I hugged him I'll send Jilly to you she's the head of this wing I hugged mum too will you be all right I'll find you in the morning and we'll talk as Alexa said she cupped my cheek kissed my forehead sleep well I'll try mum had made up her mind she was here and not leaving neither could I for now I turned and headed t
oward my room the passageway was wide yet dimly lit with wall sconces holding candle-like bulbs I didn't slow since all the doors were closed but at the fifth I halted the curved ornate brass knob chilled my palm as I pushed the door open I did a double take wow this room was three times the size of what I had back home with an enormous bed I'd likely get lost in across the polished wooden flooring I walked and gripped one of the four carved hardwood posts Rising high above the bed a canopy of s
heer lace netting swished down each post and I pushed one corner of the laser side and ran my fingers over the Violet silk bed covers so pretty with detailed stitching in moven golden thread I scratched my ear this would take some getting used to double glass doors sat to one side of the room partially hidden by the softest Snow White curtaining I bounced across to the door pushed back the curtaining and gasped this was dralian the moon full and high and at first glance far larger and more orang
e than Earth's Moon hung within a black blanket spread across the sky millions of diamond-like stars glittered and twinkled below my window the moon's glow shimmered over a high Rocky Cliff face the cliff dropping swiftly down to meet the ocean the great orbiting ocean from Davio's lesson on the beach I pinched myself swung both balcony doors wide and stepped outside ornate Inky gray pillared railing and gray tiles completed the space along with two chairs in the corner tucked under a round latt
ice work table hands on the railing I brought the image of the cliff top fully into my mind and ported on the craggy precipice I stood the ocean so eerily beautiful below almost Beyond magnificent in its violent Splendor the waves rolling in hard and spraying high with a silvery mist whipping around I greened at the sight of the palace spread out before me the wind whisked my hair about my face as I took in my new home four Majestic floors in height all built in gray black stone and from each of
the many corners a slender Tower Rose to double the height of the palace at least a dozen Towers in all this residence was a fortress although a stunning one with light shining from behind stained glass windows along the lower floor I shivered as the wind picked up bringing wizard a chill to the air along the far property line iron gates enclosed the property and Beyond those an array of darkened outbuildings Rose the forests swayed in the distance this land so vast and stunning I wrapped my ar
ms around my waist as the Ocean Spray drifted over me since I couldn't travel any farther this night and had no desire to not when I needed to remain close to mum I flashed back to my balcony discovering more about this land would have to wait until another day certainly this new world was part of my heritage my father had been born here and the depth of that knowledge had never run so greatly through me until this very moment I stepped inside gently closed the double doors and tucked the snow w
hite curtaining back in place excuse me milady I swung around a woman stood in the doorway with a tray in hand she popped a quick curtsy her full-length blue skirts touching the ground as she did may I come in of course Milady I've brought you a supper tray with tea and biscuits my name is Jilly and I'm the head of the Eastern Wing staff she set the silver tray on the hardwood bedside table and adjusted the white apron tied at her waist it's nice to meet you Jilly as it is to meet you she smiled
may I be of any assistance I nibbled on my lower lip you're so young oops I clapped her hand over my mouth I'm sorry this aging thing still catches me off guard her eyes brightened Prince alexo said you were raised on Earth but I am a full generation older than you I have two grown daughters and two teenage sons and nothing catches me off guard speak to me as you wish I'm here to Aid you however you might need it then I could use some help I have no clothes for tomorrow I seem to be turning up
all over the place without them I'll see to that immediately simply tell me what you prefer to wear curls of mousy Brown bounced around her pixie face as she searched an apron pocket she pulled out a notepad and pencil I'll jot down what you'd like I raised a brow okay um low-cut jeans and I wear t-shirts of any color I like skirts and blouses and summer dresses she scribbled down my requirements also training pants and Sport shirts I run daily and like to get my exercise in choose milady yes si
ze seven please is it truly appropriate to send someone to Earth for such purchases yes you wear what you desire I'll have one of our Warriors a young woman by the name of Alexis go shopping at one of your malls on Earth Alexis loves to shop and for local clothing we have a tailor I'll send him to you whenever it is necessary for specialty items thank you if you will allow me to show you your amenities she spun around headed toward one of the two side doors and I followed her this is your bathro
om and everything you should need will be stocked within the vanity but if you have any particular requirements let me know a deep white porcelain bath sat against one wall and a shower next to it a mirror hung the entire length of one wall and thick white towels sat on top the Vanity's counter I opened the cupboards and drawers and found it fully stocked this is wonderful lovely follow me if you will coming I dashed out after her she opened a second door beside my bathroom flicked on a light an
d illuminated a dressing room that was way too big for what I'd ever need this is where your clothing shall be hung once Alexis returns with it I'll instruct her not to disturb your sleep should you be resting when she returns that's all right I sleep deep I doubt she'll be able to wake me even if she tried as you wish do you have any questions she headed toward the tray she brought in and poured a cup of tea passed it to me with a smile and waited ah is there a training room in the palace where
I can run in the morning I'm not keen on heading out into any unfamiliar territory just yet yes a training facility on the ground floor I tapped my head could you show me the image at her confused look I added I have forethought her mouth opened you mean like Prince alexo oh that's wonderful the prince said you were his daughter but I wasn't aware you held the rare skill of forethought Julie clapped her hands this is exactly what our people need the image is in my mind take it her exuberance ha
d me smiling and I connected and gathered the image talk about another wow moment what a training room including cross trainers treadmills and weights also very similar to what one would find at any local gym back home a lap pool 2 three lanes wide and indecently long sat beyond the glass banking of Windows separating the two divisions of the training area I see the Windcrest family like my home world's conveniences they do and why not since travel is open to them the Warriors facilities outside
the main gates is also as well equipped I sipped and set the pretty teacup down snagged two biscuits chocolate-coated toffee pops of all things does Alexis shop the supermarkets on Earth too yes laughing Jilly retrieved the empty tray there are certain foods like chocolate which your family adores I stopped me by it my family she'd said my family I now had a family and far more than just my mother and me I tingled all over there were others the aunt named Goldwyn whom dad had spoken of and anot
her person named hope whoever Hope was I couldn't wait to meet both of them too if that is all I'll see you in the morning Julie backed away toward the door good night yes good night to you too the door clicked shut behind her and I smiled as I returned to the balcony doors looking out over dralion some of my uncertainties melted away mum and I would make this work faith I groaned and I mean I truly groaned it was just as well Belle was the only PC and I'd created a telepathic link with it's lat
e Belle and it wasn't that I didn't wish to speak to her it was that I didn't wish to have anyone intrude on this special moment how are you I'm good how's davio he requires an update is he with you yes we're in the Castle's recreational room and he's pacing a hole in the floor this rec room is where we relax but not right now no one will retire for the night he's so agitated Silas is ready to knock him out just so we can all get some rest a very loud sigh came through so if you don't mind an up
date davio needs to know of Donaldo Shiva chased down my spine I can't speak of him it doesn't feel right just a second davio is tapping on my shoulder and I need to be the intermediary between you both I waited counting is 22 seconds past okay let me remind you that these aren't my words but his and then it came you will speak of Donaldo I need to know what occurred on your arrival what has happened every minute since and I want it word for word now it would take a genius not to know that those
words hadn't come from my mate but still I snarled you can tell my mate that my mother has sacrificed her freedom for mine she is now bound to dralion I flicked the lock on the balcony's doors and crossed to my bed sacrificed what freedom Bell's tone rose with the question my mother is Spellbound to dralion she can't leave AFR why would Windcrest do that when she is from Earth davio is breathing down my neck give me a second to pass on what you said pulling off my jeans I gritted my teeth then
left my t-shirt on as a makeshift nightie and tucked myself into bed 28 seconds later she was back you can still move about freely asked in a tightly controlled tone yes but I will not be leaving my mother this place is new for me as it is for her give me a couple of days we both need to settle in she gasped can you not come now even for a few minutes no I hadn't forgotten that my mate had kidnapped on his mind earlier I'm sorry but I have to say good night as far as I was concerned this convers
ation was at an end tell davio to stop pacing and to sleep tight then I closed down the link and for a moment considered blocking it only I didn't it seemed I couldn't go that far I stretched as the first rays of dawn warmed my face again I needed to run my legs throbbing throwing back the Violet silk bedspread I opened my eyes to the site of clothing piles and piles of clothing draped across the richly upholstered settee at the end of my bed what had happened to a few new pieces of clothing the
contents of an entire clothing store lay in heaps before me not just the odd item I crawled down the mattress and sat near the largest pile carefully I poured new and very expensively labeled pieces across my lap while these were mine I slowed my inspection and grinned leather jackets and pants and cute cable knit sweaters were bunched in and around jeans of every color as well as t-shirts and blouses skirts and dresses enough for all the seasons I would have to sincerely thank Alexis she surel
y knew what she was about in the shopping Department you're up Julie halted on her tiptoes as she walked out of my dressing room Alexa's needed assistance with hanging your clothing but she had to dash off to do the same for your mother she too requires a wardrobe now she's here thank you and pass along my gratitude to Alexis I whipped up onto my feet searched and found some training clothes within the piles and pulled them free I don't mean to be rude and run but I have to head to the training
room excess energy and all I understand she motioned toward the dressing room if there's anything missing let me know I will I jumped to it changing and porting off to the gym I skipped straight to the closest treadmill of which three stood side by side I turned up the speed and elevated the slope humming under my breath arms pumping so good faith mum stood at the entrance to the training room her gaze wide on me I'm coming I jab the stop button and hopped off the platform then caught her up in
a hug as she met me halfway how'd you know I was here Alexa gave me a tour I asked him to leave me alone to speak with you for a few minutes get back on the treadmill she said as she shoot me toward it your father explained you have to run each morning to deal with your excess energy I scrunched up my face but did as she bid you worry too much it's a recreational Hazard of being a mother she rocked back onto her heels as she eyed the increase in my speed that's really fast and you can keep that
up for two hours yes now tell me how you're feeling my words were a demand I didn't wish to wait to hear how she was well she exhaled loudly your father is such a stranger to me and it's not easy being in such close proximity to him again is there even a little love you were once mates no honey I don't love him anymore how can I when he left me and never thought I was strong enough to handle the slightest of explanations she rested one hand on the sidebar closest to me I pined for him for years
I was lost and lonely and I vowed never to let another man into my heart who would hurt me in that way again I'm afraid I can't ever allow your father back into my heart suffering that pain once was enough where are you sleeping cause my bed is big enough to fit 10 people in it in case you want to Bunk down with me we've done that often with each other over the years bunked down together either her bed or mine I've got my own Suite of rooms next to alexos and for obvious reasons I need to stay t
here she gave my arm a Quick Squeeze what I need is for you to resume your studies I can see you'll have to live two lives one on Earth where you'll need to complete your education and one here in dralion where there's your future to embrace good morning Alexa strode into the room the large double doors swishing shut behind him I've spoken to dinaldo he's aware of your upcoming exams of your need to return to school you may return as soon as you're ready faith hey Dad where is he now I kept movi
ng on the Belt not once breaking my stride he's in a meeting he lowered his voice yours are unusual circumstances you have lived on earth your entire life unlike any other Windcrest before you dinaldo will need to see you accept your heritage and your country here as well but I'm sure you can do both with ease of course I can I try my hardest for certain dad caught mum's hand and settled it into the crook of his elbow and you need to adopt dralian too so let's finish your tour flashing away they
left in a blink and I picked up my speed oh my father was in trouble because I knew my mother hadn't finished talking to me I laughed as I imagined him getting an E4 one that was usually reserved for me as my giggle subsided I centered my mind it was probably best I not think about Sylvie who'd surely be dressing for school about now or Belle who hadn't as yet contacted me this morning and certainly not davio in case I felt the need to go to him nope I would not use my forethought on them this
morning not when it was Donald who intrigued me the most right now I focused on him and his image shimmered into my mind he sat on a golden threaded Regal chair at the top end of an elevated stage within a meeting Hall men women and children of all ages lined the outside perimeter of the public room some standing and some sitting on wooden benches denaldo's personal guards stood evenly spaced out in a half circle behind him a man dressed in dark cotton pants and a clean shirt approached from amo
ngst the people the newcomer asked a question and Donaldo answered he offered advice to the man and then asked for the next person to come forward I stayed with him intent on the discussions at hand those between him and his people as he oversaw issues that had Arisen within his land time passed two hours later the door thumped open and I jumped my vision dissolving in single file six men and two warrior women entered the room the man at the front of the pack was colossal in size with oily black
hair hanging down over his shoulders a vest of gray leather flapping open across his chest fire-breathing dragon tattoos curled one over the other on his muscular chest and arms sharp silver spikes were pressed into every inch of his leather belt which held a roughened metal Mallet dangling from one side I gulped oh no this could not be good his dark brows Drew together my name is Killian to my right is abelard next is Frey then Hiram lately and Nicholas the warrior women to my left are zernina
and liada blunt and to the point I glanced at the women they look scary one had half her head shaved on either side giving her a mohawk of bright red a piece of coiled silver-paced one nostril and round silver hoops looped through both her eyebrows tight Leathers showed off a toned and strong body nice to meet you I rubbed my chin although kept my hands to myself the second woman cleared her throat a little less than a strip of black leather contained her breasts and black leather pants hugged
her hips the Exposed Skin from her waist up was painted in a dark camouflaging mud and she held a bloody dagger in one hand welcome princess a firm knot of her head I tensed jabbed the treadmill stop button and halted thank you for the welcome the man beside Killian stepped forward the one named abelard we are the leading eight of the Warriors and should you have any need of our services then our King has stipulated you ask Brown scraggly hair fell forward to cover one half of his face and he ha
d a singular spiked piercing in one ear biceps bulging his fists spawned around not one but two bloodied swords I cleared my throat and found my voice once more I appreciate the introduction one by one they snapped a severe bow then promptly left the exact way they'd come I shivered that was intimidating faith my father speaking in my head I see the letting eight visited do not worry about them you only ever have to call on me and I will come donaldo's intention would be to ensure they knew you
held a strong position which is why he asked them to introduce themselves to you it is his way you could have told me that was going to happen I teleported back to my room and sat on the end of my bed and unlaced my sneakers I could have but you need to stand strong on your own two feet now particularly when your Rising is so close ah what's arising I seem to recall Bell using that word at one time arising occurs around a month following a magioling's 18th it signifies the conclusion of your ski
lls coming in can you give me more of course as this Rising is reached you'll feel an overpowering assault on all your senses the adrenaline pumping through your body causes an all-time high and your moods will swing also when your Rising begins you'll need those closest to you to Aid you in draining the excess energy I'm speaking of your strength levels rising to three times the strength they currently are I couldn't imagine that I'll have three times my normal strength and my hormones will be
raging is that what you're saying will happen during this Rising yes but thankfully a rising only occurs once still you'll have to take care not to hurt anyone as you go through your Rising allow others to Aid you because it will take two or more people to match your strength and the moods that link it why am I only hearing about this Rising now you are new to Maggio there is much you don't have the knowledge of but all will be known in time I'll teach you all you need to know thank you and whil
e we're chatting is there anything else you'd like to enlighten me about so many new surprises likely awaited me as I said prepare for a difficult few days lately I've been inundated with difficult days I can handle a few more if you'd like to go and visit loveria take the time now while you can no I'm not leaving mum not this soon thanks for the offer though I cut the link rolled my shoulders mum Was Here and Now bound to dralion for no other reason other than me she needed my support and I int
ended on giving it to her I lobbed my training clothes into the bathroom's hamper and showered I could handle a rising just like I could handle having daveyo for a mate chapter 12. I could not handle a rising two shaky days passed days where my emotions spiked the levels going up and down and all over the place but still my Rising had not yet come to pass I also had school to consider I really couldn't afford to take any more time off or else I'd get too far behind oh look my ladies Jilly said o
ne hand flat on the sitting room windowsill as she gazed outside mum Rose from the Imperial Corner chair and joined Jilly at the window what is it Julie pointed to the West King dinaldo and Prince Alexa are about to ride have you been to the Stables yet in two short days I become reliant on Jilly's presence she cared for us in a way I couldn't have done without only was she the head of this win but quickly becoming a friend particularly to Mum the two were the same age and got along famously no
but I've always loved horses mum smiled when I was a child the local Stables sponsored four of us from the orphanage for a season I was only 13 but I was fortunate enough to have writing lessons for two weeks her smile grew where are they going I asked as I moved in beside mum Julie glanced at me the four-day tribal Summit which is being held half a day's Journey from here King dinaldo is going and Prince alexo is traveling as far as the village of herring he'll be back in a couple of hours her
brow quirked it was mentioned yesterday I remember now I rubbed my head at The Familiar ache as it began the one which meant I needed daveyo and to cement our merge it seemed I couldn't go three days without needed to fuse my mind with his why don't they simply you know Kate clicked her fingers do that flashing thing they do instead of traveling by horseback I listened as Julie explained how Donald preferred riding on Horseback at times how he liked to travel through the villages and see the cou
ntryside faith you there hey Belle I'm coming soon I told her I would return to school today especially in light of my mother's settling in where's davio the training Hall he's venting his frustrations on Silas again how far away is soon not long I cross the room to the ornate coffee table collected my textbook and scooped up my sandals from the floor mum it's almost nine and I'm supposed to be at school she eyed the book in my hands yes you should go she turned to Jilly you'll stay with me yes
and I'll ask a stable hand to saddle two of the smaller Mares we'll take them for a ride there's a beautiful path right along the edge of the forest I hugged Jilly who jumped mum will love that what a great idea she patted my back um certainly stepping back I grinned at her blush as I gave mum a hug you too have a fabulous day bless Julie I officially loved her summoning the image of the Dome room I flash through it to the training Hall of which I'd already locked down the image from when Silas
had taken davio there the other day I arrived in the blink of an eye curled my toes into the cold slate flooring and loved in a breath of air tainted with the clear scent of sweat all around me men battled in pairs their swords clashing and steel ringing loud I fell back a step hit the brick wall at my back and scraped my shoulders in all the times I'd watch davio in this room over the past two days I'd never once seen it filled with protectors in this way I'd presumed only daveyo and his neares
t use the space located in his grandfather's Castle so where was he I reached out with my mind and searched for him the connection always came with ease when he was close only he wasn't here amongst these men not as Bell had said do not move one of the men pressed a very sharp blade to my neck the prick joined blood which meant he was in trouble should davio learn about this now who exactly have we got here boys looks like a pretty blonde who's not where she's supposed to be the man gloated as h
e moved directly in front of me his sword scraping around to the front a bitter slant to his lips and his chest bared and drenched in a river of sweat only protectors are permitted within the Castle's indoor Training hall and you are not one of us another man swept in beside the first poked his blade into my arm his eyes all gleaming and bright drop what's in your hands why hadn't I considered the possibility of this if only my forewarning worked on me I opened my fingers and my textbook and san
dals fell to the floor with a thump I raised a brow my overly aggressive emotions once again Rising due to the other Rising I still awaited now that's handy them being on the ground where I'll just have to pick them back up again he snorted we have a smarty pants eh I'll admit to being a touch Moody lately a girl has to go through her rising and all apparently I clenched my fists and glared at the giant before me black hair was plastered wet to his scalp his neck almost as thick as his head and
his shoulders were so wide he could easily carry a full-grown man over each side so enormous and I should probably keep my mouth shut if you don't mind I'm after davio loveria no said the first one narrowing his gaze and holding me firm the fine for teleporters sneaking into the castle is a week in the cesspit the cesspit is not a pretty place I'm Derek and the one with the other blade is Warwick he'll be taking you to the cesspit for your upcoming stay he's right Warwick Twisted me around in a
move so fast and jarringed everything blackened anyone who turns up unexpectedly like you have would know that this is not the way to gain an audience with our Prince in a Flash we were gone he released me the first drag of air I pulled into my lungs so rotten my stomach heaved so dark only a wall-mounted Lantern cast a small glow down the passageway of gray bricks on each side Warwick shoved me from behind now a long a little farther are our steel line cells for those lovelies like yourself who
can clearly teleport to wherever they wish no my heart thumped my name is Faith your prince is my mate I didn't hold back not when it appeared my life might very well be on the line I couldn't be contained within a steel line cell not when should I go missing Dad wouldn't hesitate to search for me here a war would likely ensue something I didn't want to have happen the monster only laughed with deep grunting noises that boomed and hurt my ears so says you and every other little pretty who wants
the princess theirs I've heard it all before so why don't you shut up you've got some time to learn this isn't to happen again he pulled open a stale door oh hell I was out of time tell I'm here when are you coming same opening words as always only this time I loved the sound of them Warwick shoved me into the cell and I crashed to my knees Warwick some kind of the door slam shut my connection with her cut off I squeeze my eyes shut nothing the steel that lined this cell finished me inhaling I
coughed at the reek of sludge all around I stayed still in the dark where I'd Fallen the sludge covering the floor seeping into the knees of my jeans no more I pushed to my feet and slimy Mark ooze between my toes gagging my movement only stirred up the stench beneath me until it clogged my Airways oh boy this really was the pits davio I screened his name where the hell are you peering through the pitch black toward the door I slipped through the muck and slammed my fists against the cold metal
the doll fart of each hit reverberated all around I mean it davio get me out of here Warwick I sagged against the door as Davio's voice echoed on the other side davio I'm coming the steel door cranked open and I grabbed my head at the sharpness of my mind flying toward my mates such a piercing need to connect one I couldn't hold back he's answering grunt sounded as I made the merge and snuggled into my special spot in his mind then a beam of light hit my eyes and he caught me tight Silas take th
e lantern Davio's voice rumbled over my head got it Silas stepped forward into the light and took it Davio's arms firmed around me this should never have happened trust me you don't want to hear what I have to say about the way your protectors protect but let me Enlighten you anyway I drew in a deep breath as he led me out of the cell that one I pointed at Warwick who stood in the flickering lamps glow needs to die I'm sure he does davio scooped me into his arms but first let me take you out of
here I can't stand seeing you in this place and he did zapping US straight into an outcropping of trees which edged a Roaring River the instant change of location the bright vivid colors and the shock of morning sunlight beaming through the dense foliage had me pinching my eyes shut I took a moment slowly opened them again and when I did Silas appeared before me no high bellowed and jammed a finger at him you have to go back and kill Warwick he crossed his arms before I do that I have to make ce
rtain you don't take your anger out on my cousin I huffed as davio Set Me Gently on my feet and gripped my shoulders I can't believe you're here you should have told Belle you were coming we would have been on the alert there's always certain Security in place particularly within the castle until I've introduced you around to those in my closest Circle you'll need to take all care then alert this I snapped Warwick dead no Sala side how about I go and see to Warwick I'll return once I'm done with
him and I'll bring something back with me that'll take that awful stinky smell away frowning he slanted his head at me and sadly I didn't mean you I scowled hating all things Silas go he wavered and disappeared we'll clean this muck off you in no time the river's deep enough in the center and it's not too cold devio shoved off his boots and taking my arm steered me down the bank and into the river I'll do anything to get rid of this stink the water Rose past my knees then my hips as I walked in
deeper I rubbed my arms as the chilly water covered me this is phrasing I stopped lowered down into the water's fast flow until I'd covered my shoulders hey Silas was back and far too soon catch he tossed a large bottle from his position on the bank and davio caught it midair I'll give you two a few minutes to clean up thanks and bring Viv back with you when you return davio called back over the Rushing River water lowering down in front of me he squirted out a glob from the bottle and raised h
is brow dunk love I didn't argue went under the frigid water and after it closed over my head I popped back up to a new kind of goop landing on my head with the cold water flowing briskly past us davio scrubbed my hair until I smelled lavender sweet instead of icky and foul Shadows darkened his eyes his worry and lack of sleep clear to see I'm sorry I touched his cheek with my palm I couldn't come any earlier mum needed me I understand how is she I traced along his jaw the two-day stubble rust b
eyond my fingertip have you slept at all I searched his mind but he was blocked there was nothing your mother he insisted she's handling things although I need to be home by the time School finishes this afternoon buy so soon his jaw tightened it's Thursday and you've been gone since Monday night the weekend is coming you're sleeping in the enemy's territory and I don't know from one minute to the next whether I'll ever see you again the tumbling water sucked at my clothing don't go getting mad
at me I'm unstable at the moment as it is I meant with my Rising since it still hadn't quite Taken full form and begun the delay had my emotions tossing up and down in a stormy mess all that additional strength three times as much which would soon be upon me I stamped my feet in place trying to keep my circulation going as nice as this river is I need a warm shower he took my arms and lowered us further into the water where the current whipped my hair into a tangle around his neck you didn't ans
wer me ah freezing my butt off here I've got to get out that's all the answer you're going to get for now his gaze darkened then I'll have your answer after you've showered I'll meet you in the recreational room take the image from my mind so I know you'll always have a safe place to arrive an image of where he said flashed into his mind and I stored it next came an image right on the cuff of that one that showed a very exclusive male bedroom this is my private domain which means I expect to see
you I gritted my teeth one day at a time a low growl rumbled from his throat that's all I've heard through your link with Belle these past few days I need to see you Silas stood on the bank Vivid his side she took one look at me and held out a towel come out of there you're turning blue I pushed my way toward her shaking more as the cold wind hit me I accepted the white towel she held out and wrapped it around me how fast can you move I've got you covered she wrapped her hand around my wrist an
d we zipped from the Chile River to a brightly lit yellow bathroom oh this is perfect now where am I Sylvie's quarters this is her bathroom she pointed to the yellow vanity top where Sylvie's hairbrush lay with strands of red gold hair Twisted in the bristles beside the brush her favorite gold clip sat my heart pained I missed her Sylvie's at school I'm sure you two have shared clothing before and she'd want you to help yourself her bedroom adjoins this bathroom thanks we've backed up after you'
re done come to the rec room we'll be waiting for you I stood alone after she ported away and because I couldn't help myself I focused on davio he remained on the Sandy edge of the riverbank a matching towel to mine covering his shoulders faith will not commit Silas I haven't seen her in days and she's already said she's leaving this afternoon Silas raised his hands hey I'm the last person who'll ever understand her well this I do understand the longer my mate remains with Windcrest the stronger
her blood bond with him grows my fists bunched for I couldn't be everywhere and all at once how could he not see that I unclenched and switched my forethought to Sylvie she sat in our physics class where I should be only not while I dripped water all over her bathroom floor I shut down the visual and flipped the shower's lever to piping hot with her favorite lilac soap I scrubbed my skin until it glowed red in her castle bedroom I pulled open drawers found a red button-down blouse that was mine
d which she'd borrowed an e on ago I teamed it with a pair of her dark blue jeans and because I wanted to feel a touch Glam added her three-inch fire red heels refreshed and with my hair dry and tucked behind one ear I ported directly to the rec room such a massive space 50 to 60 feet long and just as wide divided into two noticeable areas the half Where I Stood had polished wooden flooring a table tennis platform and a pool table behind me Paul Q stood slotted in a wooden frame against the wall
and next to them a game board hung to keep markings on the eastern wall square cut wooden edged windows with soft draperies of caramel cream tied back overlooked a green garden with tall hedges at the other end of the rec room four separate white leather couches faced each other and Zach and FIV sat on one Silas and Bell the other and daveyo opposite them he stood and I met his gaze and soaked in the sight of him his custom fit black jeans hugged his tight rear and a paneled black and white shi
rt lay loose and untucked damp hair hung to his shoulders he'd clearly showered too how are you feeling he asked me much better come and show me he held out his hand I zapped straight to him my mind merging solidly with his I should probably warn him about my coming Rising which was clearly already doing a number on me because it was either that or I was losing myself I hope you didn't have Warwick killed and I hope I smell better he inhaled as he leaned over me you smell like lilacs and Warwick
still leads I sighed I heard what you said to Silas at the river so I should warn you right now my Rising is close and my emotions are swinging back and forth I'm just waiting for the tripling of my strength which sounds real swell I rolled my eyes geez I can't believe there's a rising I'm sure looking forward to when I completely lose it Silas laughed and here I thought you were always this emotional and annoying I am not normally this way I snapped around and glad at him much davio took my ar
ms and backed me up toward the couch clearly your rising's close which means you'll be staying here since you'll need those closest to you to get through it he settled one hand over my mouth don't argue that point with me either I won't have you go through your Rising anywhere else but with me I tugged his hand away I have school he sat pulled me down with him onto his lap your need to attack others will become uncontrollable what you have is me know what you have is me my heart raced and I lean
ed in because in that instant my mood jackknifed and I very much wanted him he clearly caught my change in mood and napped my wrists this is what we call uncontrollable I brushed my nose against his nose I want to drag you behind this couch and show you what I call uncontrollable he let out a slow stuttering breath there are others in the room so no you won't you're increasing anger and desire are all part of your Rising kiss me and prove it as much as I'd like to I can't now you've enlightened
me as to what is coming I looked at his lips and licked my own you want to explain exactly why as your Rising escalates the full force of it will hit you giving in to you now will only make things more difficult at the end if it helps during my Rising I used to count by around 30 you'll find yourself able to breathe the tension away Zach piped up counting aided me as well during viv's Rising she experienced the same physical pull as to what you're displaying it's worse if there's been some lengt
h of time apart and you two can't deny you've had that I glanced at Viv you really controlled it I did not that I cared for keeping my hands off my mate I yanked my hands free of davios and wrapped them around his neck it seems I don't care for keeping my hands of you either I leaned in and kissed him actually devoured would be the more appropriate word since I wasn't prepared to stop and it was perfect until my craving for him surged yet again I retreated a bit breathing fast Silas grabbed me a
nd in a heartbeat Lifted Me Away from the one I wanted as he did the most feral sound gained momentum in my chest until it rose up as a hissing spit I kicked out at Silas and swiped my hand at him Nails drawing blood calm down you can't control yourself so this is the new way I'm going to insert some control biting words in my ear I really hate you Silas it hurts not to touch him it truly did for the gulf Silas enforced had me slamming my elbows into his stomach he granted his hold tightening as
he pulled me even farther away I'm doing this for your own good I double hate you that's okay the feeling's mutual he hauled me to the wall at the far end of the room I was too far away from davio my mind merged shattering I sobbed grabbed my head between my hands as pain lanced through let go of me I'll leave if I'm not wanted here davio growled low and menacing from across the room you're wanted it has to be this way until you can think more clearly I ground my teeth together my vision darken
ing a Blackness smothered my sight I shut my eyes my forewarning activating in the midst of such turmoil guy moya's image crystallized his midnight black hair and pale silver blue swirling eyes unmistakable he traipsed through some kind of communal dining hall where dining protectors sat at low wooden benches around wood and slatted tables with a sword belted at his side and a sharp dagger sheathed at his wrist he Blended in with his battle leathers forewarning I shoved my eyes open and I'd Bell
is there a dining hall nearby I see a lot of protectors eating together maybe 200 of them yes in the village five miles from here oh hell I grabbed both of silas's forearms I have to go and I swear no one can follow me don't let it happen my forewarning doesn't include any of you it didn't include me either but someone had to stop guy from walking amongst his enemy death would come to him fairly fast otherwise davio was a blur his legs flying as he sprang toward me you're not going anywhere I d
ived behind the pool table and rolled clear pulled the image of the communal dining hall from my forewarning and Zapped straight to it such a hive of activity but guy was there he patrolled moving about the room with Grace and purpose toward the table with the greatest number of protectors what he was doing here was he on a suicide mission chapter 13. behind me the air stirred they had all come and davio bolted toward me he whipped his right arm around my waist hooked me back against him then br
eathed down my neck you need to cease leaving me I wriggled against him edging closer and not farther away as I should you were forced from me first I tried to find guy through the crowd drallian's enchanter halted his gaze catching on mine he let out a low snarl I'm here for love area and I know you can hear me through your forethought his thoughts flew freely easy to catch which meant guy wanted this he wanted his own demise and I couldn't let him have the one he was after who is that man davi
o ground out I had to make a decision and fast wait for me somewhere and we'll speak I yelled to guy he lifted his middle finger and shoved it at davio then stepped in behind another protector in the crowd and disappeared from my sight he flashed away fast obviously he's not one of yours davio swung me around until I faced him you knew the warrior was here give me his name he's gone only he hadn't gone as far as I'd hoped also my forethought showed me guy waited in a field of green grass and beh
ind him high on a steep rise loveria Castle sat which meant I had to go to him since I had no idea how long my order would stick davio gripped my shoulders and shook me answer me I fisted my hands deep in his fine black and white shirt and dragged him to me I kissed him until my skin hated and so did his I pulled back breathing deeply I don't have time for an argument right now I pushed him away and dropped then swept one leg out and tumbled him in a move that had my mouth opening oh this had to
be the start of my tripling in strength I should not have been able to take him down I brushed my hands off and ported out of the room then arrived in the center of the frigidly Cold River I'd already over acquainted myself with today but a necessary visit in order to mask my porting Airstream I'd have to thank Dad at some point for telling me earlier how that was done shouts resounded behind me and holding my breath I dived deep nipping straight to the field where guy waited water flooded to m
y feet in the Lush grass about time guys jaw clenched what the hell are you doing with love area does denaldo allow his own family members to consort with our enemy now no he doesn't but Alexa does knowing lies would only dig me into a deeper hole I chose the truth you know I'm Alexa's daughter and that he brought me here from Earth love Ria's cousin Sylvie was schooled in the same town as me we're best friends and I met davio through her or it was something close to that Dave you and I are mate
d that whole Soul Bond thing he eased one foot forward damn not good what did Alexa say about this I wiped my damp face with my wet sleeve hoping I didn't look so much like a drowned rat but rather like someone who knew what she was talking about that dinaldo can't know Alexa reveres the mated Bond and accepts I'm here with davio but if you wish I'll work hard on finding your father and our other imprisoned Warriors provided you promise not to breathe a word of what you've now learned not to any
one his eyebrows pinch together and then slowly flattened out you would keep your word yes none of our Warrior men should have to be caged behind Steel although I need time and I need you to give me sufficient space to find them and see them freed do we have a deal he sought it closer I'll give you that time and keep your secret but I want updates he halted his gaze moving over my head that castle up on the hill is a stronghold that must fall we don't imprison their protectors not as they do wit
h our Warriors I followed his line of sight Blue Sky reigned over a stunning castle of Greystone with turrets and flags flying a castle that would compare to any of England's finest residences davio is my mate and this war isn't mine but I fully agree there should be no prisoners he withdrew his sword from his Scabbard and pressed it into my hands then this is for you the audralliance princess and I will not leave you unarmed mated to davio love area or not make sure you find my father if you ne
ed my Aid just ask I took his blade curved my fingers around the burnished Hilt as guy blinked away my fingers and toes tingled and I closed my eyes the lightest of hums rumbled through my very soul I smiled stroking the hilt over and over such a sweet song as if it were in my very blood and it resonated directly from the blade around me the air moved chilling my moist skin I lifted my sword arm and held the blade steady Davey appeared and beside him Silas who held on to Belle dammit who told yo
u about using a water source davio was dripping wet from head to toe slowly I turned the blade in my hands over and it shimmered so beautifully in the sunlight my father I tracked a finger carefully down its length and whistled in appreciation I take it carlosio told you where I was yes and where is the dark-haired Warrior he saw you with he returned home I pulled my gaze from the weapon looked my mate straight in the eyes guy holds the skill of Enchantment and is the grandson of Jules Moya the
warrior who first spelled the Dome containment field I offered the information because davio could never get to guy and it didn't matter that he now knew davio fisted his hands at his side what are you doing with that sword I spun the piece around and balanced it over my two index fingers one each end of the smooth metal my heart pounded guy gave it to me I pulled it back and clutched it to my chest I think you might have some competition I swear I'm about to fall for this blade he flicked his f
ingers motioning to Silas to move around me merge your mind with mind faith we don't need you getting any more aggressive with what you have in your hand obviously your strength is increasing Silas brought Bell to help calm you down no I straightened to attention taking the hilt and gripping it in the palm of my hand my brow Rose as I stared at it okay I seriously love holding this weapon he groaned it's the battle skill taking you it comes into being once one fully touches a blade Silas whistle
d as he edged closer yeah it feels good doesn't it like the blade in your hand is singing to you I twirled around and swung the blade in a deadly Arc aiming it directly at silas's head I wouldn't come any closer if I were you we've already gotten off to a bad start and you're not getting this pretty thing from me hell daveyo pushed a hand deep into his hair tossing up the wet mess I should have guessed this would happen every Windcrest I know holds the battle skill why should you be any differen
t it appears I'm not hands the sword over Bell stepped forward her Gaze on me I'll keep your weapon safe for you 'll need instruction on how to wield it but with a blunted sword and not that one I narrowed my gaze pointing it now at her but she was right I didn't like it although I understood that was the truth instruction with a blunted sword would be needed taking my time I lowered the weapon and pressed the tip a few inches into the soil pulling my hand away I side as the hilt swayed back and
forth best to walk away quickly I left guy sword behind and merged my mind with davios as I Advanced on him you are in a whole lot of trouble right now I have to have my hands on something and it's going to be you his chest Rose take it easy we'll compromise I pressed my hands flat to his chest as I knocked into him what kind of compromise you need to train in the battle skill so you can move fully through your Rising I'll give you Warwick and Derek to battle with but it'll happen under strict
guard you'll have triple the strength and it'll take both of them to wear you out I taped his chest with my finger you are such a flirt I wanted nothing more than to come face to face with the two men who taunted and imprisoned me when I'd first arrived here he eased a hand around my waist those are your increased emotions talking I like it and I like you I can see he glanced over my head but I was too late to react Silas snagged my arms from behind they should be dangerous pain now we have a Wi
ndcrest in our midst I scowled over my shoulder at Silas who I really wanted to kill you take all the fun out of being mated Silas Carver he cocked a brow does it look like I care no to davio he said I'll look after your mate and call Warwick and Derek I can see this is going to be a long day I'll see you in the training Hall I'll have Zach and Thief meet us there reached for Belle who nabbed guy's sword he took her with him as he flashed away Silas came around in front of me look a word of warn
ing devio watching over your battle training is not the best idea particularly when these men will be raising weapons against you he hooked a finger into his belt you understand what I'm saying I mimicked his pose lifting my chin yeah that I need to take care he glared you are worse than Sylvie now four minutes remain go and see what you can find in her drawers I didn't stick around I nipped straight to Sylvie's room and searched through her drawers I found a pair of sky blue shorts and two sing
let tops in white and gray I shook out the dust and dressed tightened the string on the shorts and double layered both tops I laced Up sneakers and pulled my hair into a tight ponytail in the training Hall Warwick and Derek were ready and waiting as I returned both dressed in full black ninja-like gear they even had strips of black cloth tied around their foreheads at over six feet in height and twice my size I should have sensed some form of unease but I didn't the side of them had me grinning
my blood racing through my veins at Double the speed I wanted this particularly Vengeance at the way Warwick had treated me idiot are you ready Silas asked extending his hand toward the rack of blunted training swords like you wouldn't believe the others have arrived they had Zach and Viv wore their battle Leathers the same as I'd seen that first day Belle rushed through the double doors and waited at the edge of the room Silas gripped my shoulder once battle training is marked with honor althou
gh because of who you are we can't afford to train you in the arena before your peers I shook off his hand your protectors are not my peers davio shimmered into the room and my attention zoomed straight in on him he wore midnight black pants and a billowy white shirt his sword belted at his side and boy did he look hot and Incredibly delicious my mind scrambled fast to bridge the gap and merge he looked at me then right past me his sight zeroing in on Warwick and Derek as they selected their bla
des he marched toward them I'm warning you both inflict one unnecessary Nick or scratch on my mate then I'll go for your blood keep her training clean and professional he cleared it Silas you arbitrate to the others in the room his voice boomed as he said Zach you take the Southern Wall Viv the Eastern Belle you're on the western by the doors and I'll take the windows All Eyes alert and make sure no one enters and disturbs these proceedings they all took their positions I frowned and Silas point
ed to the rack the safety measures are necessary now Choose Your Weapon walking along the line I reached for the one which I sensed the energy humming from the strongest a beautiful long and perfectly aligned blade yet as I wrapped my fingers around the hilt chills raced down my spine I focused a dark vision curling around the edges of my mind a forewarning and these I couldn't control I gripped the sword tighter pushed for more and a face emerged from the Shadows Derricks he battled and out of
the fog a blade punched forward slicing deep into his stomach he staggered blood spurting as a man shrouded in red snatched at the gold chain at Derek's throat and ripped it free I gasped as the vision slid away never had I witnessed such a dark forewarning I stormed across toward Derek someone harms You by use of this blade I tossed it to him Hilt first do you fast heal smirking he caught it and held it up yes we train with these blades getting hurt happens even though they're blunted Warwick c
lapped her hand to his back and laughed ha I believe I've cut you with that one before Derek grinned back at him and the two jostled shoulders together no they weren't listening and this was what my skill was about you have to hear me Derek I had forewarning what I saw is real Silas came forward and took the sword from Derek he ran his thumb over the engraving on the hilt this one is favored by davio lifting his head he scrutinized me we'll remove it today if it brings such harm as you speak wil
l that do I nodded yes get rid of it he tossed the weapon to Zach and the protector flashed away with the sword then reappeared seconds later without it I sighed Silas placed a hand on my shoulder when one trains you must use a blade that perfectly aligns to your grip he returned to the rack and withdrew another this one fits a woman's hand to perfection it's viv's baby thank you I accepted it and the metal warmed in my hands no forewarning this one was good it's perfect near the wide Bank of Wi
ndows daveyo tapped his fingers restlessly on the window so he leaned against keep your eye on Derek he approaches of course I whipped around let's begin this showdown one Rising about to be dispelled Derek tapped his sword against mine looked past me to Warwick closing in on my rear and instructed we'll train in turns I'll guide her on movement and balance and you can instruct on finding an opponent's weaknesses and benefiting from them to me he gritted out copy my moves he sliced a figure eigh
t in the air and swung at me I twisted and just in time threw up my arm our swords meeting with a ringing crash dead center I eyeballed him as I breathed rough oh you did so not want to go there then I grinned my heartbeat racing show me that again I said keep it clean gave your paste fist clenching ignore my mate my Windcrest blood fired push as hard as you like davio told me I'd be able to whip your butt today with this additional strength and I'm going to since it'll be the only time I can ye
ah these two men better watch out Earth woman was smart and crafty you've been warned Derek rocked from side to side I believe I might like you like is a strong word but by all means try and prove it as you wish Derek struck again and I met the blow my lesson Had well and truly begun for the next three hours my adrenaline continued to Surge the Euphoria almost overwhelming in its intensity wow I loved this battle skill the rush brought such Clarity forth between my mind and body and the torrent
of energy which I let loose invigorated me I fought against both Derek and Warwick the men far exceeding my experience yet even though I didn't have their skill I still had more energy from my wonderful rising and was able to hold my own hours passed and at times I lost my footing but I was back up within seconds and rearing for more weight up Silas stepped into The Fray coming up right between Derek and me and once we'd lowered our swords he marched across to davio and the two spoke your mate h
as moved into the full strength of her Rising do you agree yes she should start to Tire soon Tire ha tired was the last thing I felt I could barely stand still as I waited for Silas to give me the all clear to continue hands to his knees Derek puffed loudly I might bow out for a bit and let Warwick take over in full free to rest as you need to Silas said to Derek as he returned his gaze cutting to Warwick if you need me to jump in yell out a quick nod from Warwick I rushed forward and swung Warw
ick caught the strike his eyes glinting with appreciation we battled hard the fourth hour came and went then the fifth the sixth I was having the best time davia groaned swaying as the eighth hour approached he pushed off the wall and circled Warwick and me you're not slowing down tell me how you feel like I'm on fire and I hate the thought that this Rising won't last much longer Warwick's attention diverted and I took advantage cut my sword over his left side he barely caught the hit stumbling
as he did Sweeping in behind him I kicked the back of his knees it was a dirty trick but he toppled forward and I dropped on top of him mushed his cheek into the cold stone floor and bit out in his ear so sorry about this Warwick but a girl has to go through her rising and all I'll get you back he groaned I never forget Derek Rose from his sidelined position and headed toward me it's my turn again davio flashed directly in front of me and slammed a hand into Derek's chest you may leave and take
Warwick with you I'll drag the rest of my mates rising out of her another way that's an order yes your highness Derek nodded bent and helped Warwick to his feet then cast me a Sly look until the next time we meet it was a promise I didn't want to wait for not with my emotions spiking I pushed against Davio's back tried to get past him to now Derrick with another strike hey come back here I taunted as he walked toward the door can't you ignore one order don't be a wuss come and fight me davio blo
cked me his frowned fierce I tried to dodge past him but he whipped out an arm and kept me in place damn he was being obstinate and completely immovable with a snigger Derek shut the door behind him and Warwick drat I'd lost my chance for more Payback I've told you your strength is three times what it should be calm down davio pulled me uptight against him burrowed his nose against my neck and breathed deep I need to consider your next move he murmured in my ear you and Silas fight me or send fo
r more protectors I slipped out of his hold and skipped in place oh yeah do that send for more lots more protectors a ragged sigh I can't we've already seen this morning how a warrior can Infiltrate The Village and right now I can only allow those who I implicitly Trust near you Derek and Warwick are amongst those I trust he grabbed my hand worked his fingers underneath mine and dragged the weapon free he tossed it to Silas hey give that back Silas grinned and backed away with the sword toward t
he rack listen to me Faith devio gripped my jumpy hands by my count the first three hours was about your battle skill training and the following five have seen you moving through your Rising my Rising was six hours and you're still going strong we need to up the ante and drag this out of you with speed with Spade I still wanted my blade back only Silas slid it into the Weaponry rack I moaned and tried to push forward let go my fingers itch for that weapon he continued to block me look at me I di
d and he quirked a brow the speed I'm talking about is a hard run the Castle's Meadow will make the safest place I can give you Silas to run with if you like a groan from Silas and his back sagging clearly he didn't like the idea of running with me super I'd love that anything I could do to annoy Silas would be perfect I rubbed my hands together brought the image of the meadow interview and holding Davio's hands zipped us straight there Silas shimed in beside us clearly following my porting Airs
tream it's almost dark the sun hovered on the horizon across the other side of the Rolling fields of lush grass streaks of vivid red spearing into the darkening sky my mother I clasped a hand to my mouth I've left her alone for the entire day check in with Windcrest if you wish to find out how she is but he would have told her what was happening that you're going through your Rising you're right my feet tingled and I jogged in place I can't go anyway I gave him a wink sure you don't want to run
with me I can make it fun he tweaked my nose we both know I can't be left alone with you right now you have no self-control left and I'm only holding on to Mine by a thread he slid his gaze to my lips I want to hold on to you and never let you go oh that I'd love yes give me my mate now which means it's time for us to go Silas swept in between us pushed me back and motioned to the track the large field we have this spot all to ourselves do your worst if you can oh his jibe was exactly what I nee
ded to divert my attention from davio there was nothing I liked more than competition I hit it out my Pace fast and Silas ran in beside me together we rounded the field again and again oh after hour another three hours passed the moon having risen High overhead and glowing a stunning Orange it's Light bathing the field in a golden Shimmer Silas dragged back and coughed his breathing labored as he lost his ability to keep Pace with me I felt for him what I double checked that couldn't be right I
felt compassion for Silas I slowed and ran backwards while he stumbled in Pursuit Of Me guess what I sing songs he whimpered you're a pest I laughed then gasped hold a hand to my chest and suddenly panted it was as if I was winded surely not damn what's that I hear Silas tapped his hands to his ears are you short of breath each lung full of air I breathed became harder to drag in my Rising was almost done a staggering length of time with my last burst of energy I ran and did a full cartwheel the
n with a grin dropped to the ground I lay on my back the twinkling Sky a glittering array of diamonds overhead Silas flopped down beside me and let out a long mind you've no idea how painful that run was Sylvie will not believe me when I tell her about the feet I just managed you mean I managed I lifted my heavy arm and dropped it down hard on his chest I'd beat you up right now but that's about all I can manage there's always tomorrow he chuckled actually chuckled I'd like to see you beat me up
when you're not going through your Rising better I'd win the fight the air swirled around us and I merged my mind with davios as he knelt at my side that's unbelievable eight full hours for your Rising he reached over and clapped silas's shoulder my gratitude knows no bounds Silas groused I'm sleeping in and don't think to wake me not for anything remember that no bounds in my books means unlimited days of sleep-ins a laughing answer and davio ran his hand over my brow I'm so proud of you I sta
red into his gorgeous eyes I might be whacked out but for some reason you still seem hot he slid an arm underneath me and scooped me up let's get you off this damp grass I snuggled closer laying my head against his shoulder can you show me to a bed I'm not up for a water Escape before slip and sliding all over the Dome room floor before I finally make it to my own bed indralian one second he flashed us both away the cool night air gone as we made it to his bedroom yep definitely his bedroom it l
ooked identical to the image he'd given me this morning a royal blue comforter covered his king-size bed which dominated the room square cut wooden windows with heavy drapery tied back at the sides faced the meadow we just come from while across the other side of the room three doors LED elsewhere one was partially opened showing a glimpse of a blue and cream-tiled bathroom Beyond do you have a bath can I take one before I go to bed you can he brushed a kiss against my forehead and carried me in
to his bathroom gently he set me down on a white Wicked chair beside the bath plugged the hole and lifted the silver lever to run the water it gushed out all steamy and hot your clothing should have been purchased and hung by now I'll fetch it I won't be a moment take your time I'm not going anywhere he walked out the door and since my head felt like a rock I rested it back against the chair's headrest my eyelid sliding shut wait I jerked back upright my clothing should have been purchased and h
ung by now davio I yelled out what clothing he Strode back into the room with a small bundle in one hand and laid a pair of brushed cotton pajama shorts and a lemon singlet tee on the Vanity's smooth marble countertop after you had to borrow Sylvie's clothing earlier I contacted Syria she took Sylvie with her after school and the two of them purchased some items you might need and then passed them onto Crossley he hung your new belongings in my wardrobe who's Crossley my personal assistant and h
e's very discreet no other staff member enters my private rooms other than him he takes care of all my needs and oversees my schedule you'll meet him he flits about as necessary davio tipped a bottle of bubble bath into the running water and as it streamed out the scent of lilac perfumed the air I see and how long has this crossly been around he cast me a glance since I was a small child it's important I have a trusted man around he doesn't speak of his duties to any other we'll certainly never
mention when you're here and in my bed opening the vanity door he returns the bubble bath my parents and grandfather have their own Wings elsewhere in the castle you won't come across them these rooms on this Wing are exclusively mine a mountain of bubbles found did Crossley leave that here for me too yes he pulled me to my feet I loved the way you smelled earlier Crossley stocked the shelves you'll find a toothbrush and everything you might need there as well okay he done all this for me in sho
rt I had clothing and the necessary items so staying with him was no issue my heart lifted his care of me so comforting I looked into his eyes desperately wanting to express those words I know he whispered and touched his lips to mine you make a great boyfriend I want to be more than your boyfriend I want to be your world just as you're already mine you're lucky I'm so tired right now otherwise I'd be all over you smiling he lifted my hand to his lips gently pressed a kiss to my palm his eyes so
seductively beautiful have your bath we'll speak once you're out sure I won't take long you better not he left and shut the bathroom door with a soft click I missed him already I shucked my sweaty clothes off and sank into the blessedly warm water such Bliss I stretched and soaked the ache of my sore muscles slowly receding Hank heavens for fast healing although unfortunately that skill didn't ease my exhaustion only sleep would do that I dunked my head washed my hair and rinsed the bubbles out
then rested my head on the rim and drifted faith a knock on the door I hope you're not falling asleep in there I slid down into the water grabbed the sides and heaved back up not at all I'm coming I dried dressed and dragged the door open davia was there and I merged my mind with his let's get you into bed you look ready to drop he set a hand at my waist guided me to his monstrous bed and pulled back the covers I slipped between the sheets and he tucked me in tan silk pajama pants and his mouth
-watering chest on display he walked around the bed extinguished the lamp on his side table and shuffled in beside me with his drapes remaining open Moonlight shimmered in and lit his beautiful brown eyes speckled with gold he inched closer ducked his head to my neck his warm breath tickling my skin I don't sleep well without you this Bond grows so deep and strong and it'll only continue growing deeper and stronger with the passing of each day his voice was a husky murmur as he stroked a hand do
wn my arm then he rose up over top of me and I caught my breath there's no Bell or Silas here to separate us at the moment which sounds perfect to me his lips brushed mine sometimes their company isn't desired or needed I'm in perfect agreement with that I wrapped my arms around his neck twined my fingers deep into his golden brown hair curling onto his shoulders I need to kiss you like really kiss you his gaze moved over my face his eyes filled with that need say yes yes then he kissed me exact
ly as I'd longed for all day his mouth capturing mine as he shared his breath and his deep desire he was my rock the one man who wanted me by his side and never wanted me to leave this was the mated Bond this was what I wanted with all my heart to know I'd always have him no matter he was a love area and I was a Windcrest maybe we could be the ones to Halt the fighting between our countries it would certainly be a dream come true if we could all too soon he pulled back his breathing rough as he
rolled to his side and tucked me in beside him you're exhausted and need to rest go to sleep one day you're going to stop ordering the about I can't wait for that day to arrive I doubt it ever will so don't bet on it a light chuckle we'll see I close my eyes on a sigh every last ounce of my energy now sapped and since I had none left even to argue with him I slowly drifted and allowed the Knight to take me under its Heavenly Wing my mate exactly where I needed him to be chapter 14. are you dress
ed the clump of Davio's heavy step on the other side of his dressing room door had me scowling no I'm not dressed yet hands on my hips I eyed the racks of clothing he'd had Sylvie and Syria purchase for me my shock and anger Rising last night I thought his gesture was so sweet this morning was a different story particularly when I'd entered his walk-in wardrobe and discovered that he'd purchased even more clothes than what Alexis had would you give me some space for a change you're too close and
it's making me madder he knocked on the door tell me what's wrong my shoulder stiffened I'm feeling a touch more pressure in the clear light of day it's noon and crossley's delivered brunch I want to take you on a guided tour of the castle and show you my home I want you to meet my parents and carlisio and Silas will be up shortly you realize I actually have a home and it won't be here I'm a visitor at the moment I clenched my fists and why on Earth would you think I'd wish to meet any of the m
en in your family have you forgotten the Battle of our blood s against a loveriers meaning I'm going to hate your father and grandfather at first sight I'll only want to Grump and Grizzle at them which is not a good look right now you're worrying about things you shouldn't they'll love you simply because you and I have formed a soul bond with each other that's what all our people desire the door rattled I'm coming in I'm still in my nightwear then he was there appearing out of nowhere as he flas
hed in and grasped my hands you're annoying I glared at him and don't look at me like that like what he leaned in and rubbed his cheek against mine like you're about to get away with buying a department store of clothing for me and without listening to a word I've even said I see he picked up a length of my hair and wrapped it around his finger if what was purchased doesn't suit you then I'll have the items returned and changed I rolled my eyes I want you here he tugged on my hair drew me even c
loser I have no intention of Living Without You I live in dralion now you can't keep me from my new family and Country I have an obligation to them one I can't turn away from I'm well aware he heaved a sigh and flipped through the racks of clothing he selected a short white skirt and Violet tank top from a draw he pulled out a one-piece White swimsuit then pressed it all into my hands put the swimsuit on underneath your clothing and we'll forgo the family meeting instead I'll take you to the cav
e on our property for some more bonding time there's a private underground Cavern with a natural pool I'll ask the others to join us so your bonds strengthen with them as well which others Zach Viv Bell and Silas what about Sylvie Sylvie's at school and taking notes for you but she'll be ready to collect at three this afternoon she can join us once Silas brings her well that's where I should be I checked my watch I have calculus and pear after lunch and Sylvie will be grumping the entire time if
I'm not there she seriously hates calculus not to mention any form of physical activity the two combined always put her in a foul mood right then we'll head to school first for those two classes afterwards I'll bring you back here for a swim how's that for a concession a concession wasn't what I was after although what he'd offered was immensely helpful let me offer my own options how about I head to school and you do what you normally do here like aiding your father and grandfather in running
this country I'm not in hiding anymore I even know the dreaded dinaldo Windcrest so there's so much less for you to worry about I'll worry regardless his gaze narrowed I'm also grateful that you realize he's dreaded get out of here so I can get changed I smacked his arm you're completely impossible sometimes yes but I'm you're impossible I'll be in the sitting room off my bedroom he kissed the top of my head reversed and disappeared out the door two minutes later I walked out of the dressing roo
m his voice traveled to me through the open door leading into his sitting room that might be a problem I'll deal with it crossly thank you I waited a moment until the man dressed in dark pants and a crisp white shirt who must be crossly had closed the door on the far side of the sitting room only when all was clear did I step into the spacious and private abode a cozy arrangement of padded chairs and a sofa in a blue pinstripe sat underneath the windows overlooking the front Meadow while brunch
was set out on an oak dining table in the corner an impressively tall oak bookshelf with a myriad of leather-bound tones lined the far wall while a gold figurine of two men in battle sat on a polished Corner stand I lifted my chin and scratched my throat nice digs from behind a sizable writing desk with a leather swivel chair tucked behind it davio stood and smiled come here I cross the deep blue carpet so Lush and thick while he walked around his desk and perched his butt on the front edge I sl
owed my Gaze on his then as I joined him he pulled me into the V between his leather clad legs gently I rested my cheek on his shoulder and gasped at the stunning picture hanging in Pride of place on the wall behind his desk the large portrait showed a woman who could only be his mother Seated on a red velvet Imperial chair her delicate and young features framed by hair the same gorgeous color as Davio's but where his hair was short hers swept down over her shoulders in Lush waves of brown with
glimmering shades of gold woven Within in an elegant cream-baded gown she gazed at the three suited men surrounding her rather than at the photographer's lens davio stood to the right his father in the center with one hand on his wife's shoulder and his grandfather to the far left all three men bore striking resemblance to each other from their wide brows to their Patrician noses and cleft prominent in their chins so much love encapsulated them all and it stretched forth from the image to me you
look like your father and grandfather when was this photograph taken the day following my Rising a huge celebration ensued in the ballroom he threaded his fingers through mine my mother longs to meet you and since she's not a direct love area descendant her blood won't battle with yours I'd like to meet her too but another day I lifted a hand and traced a finger along his lower lip I seem to be building a Fascination for your smart mouth as I have a Fascination for yours although right now it's
to do with feeding you I need to ensure your well-being when did you last eat breakfast yesterday and I haven't exactly had time to eat since although the Heavenly scent of bacon escaping from underneath one of the steel domes covering a plate in the center of the table wafted toward me and made my mouth water then let me feed my mate davio swept me across to the small table and pulled out a chair I sat and he eased into the chair across from mine stretched out a leg and hooked it around my leg
s making the skin to skin contact I needed to ease my boiling blood begin wherever you like he turned his palm out in offering the sleeves of his impeccably pressed sky blue shirt rolled to the Elbow thank you I lifted the domed lid closest to me and uncovered bacon strips and a mound of scrambled eggs golden hash browns set to one side along with several plump Gourmet sausages ah now that's surely going to replenish my energy far better than my usual tub of yogurt on the Run I lifted the second
serving lead and greened as fresh bread still warm from the ovens delighted my senses now that's what I'm after davio removed the domed lid on the third plate and exposed a prized Treasure of Pancakes stacked at least 10 high with layers of banana and warm maple syrup oozing out from between them I couldn't wait for a taste of that I tracked my finger through the top scoop of fresh cream and my taste buds tripped over themselves for a proper bite I pulled the entire plate closer and knife and f
ork in hand cut into the delicious layers do you eat this way every day I moaned as I chewed my first mouthful I would if you promised to join me he ran his thumb over my lower lip swiped a trace of cream and licked it from his thumb you've so got a deal he arched a brow stabbed his Fork into the Tower of delight and scooped a mouthful for himself I believe this will be our first seated meal together that's if we get right through it he was right I'm going to make it through this meal if you are
deal together we ate until we were full to bursting patting my stuffed belly I closed my eyes and settle back you look content his voice was husky I cracked one eye open then the other I am but I really should go soon I shouldn't be frittering my day away with you when there's School exams are just around the corner I'm well aware and I understand your need to leave pushing back from the table he stood and took my hand Silas will appreciate that I'm staying as will my father and grandfather I w
on't have to miss the meeting they wish to have or to Aid Silas out at dunban he brushed his fingers along my cheek I'll be there after school to collect you I leaned in and gave him a quick kiss sure you meet me there just in case I've forgotten where PCO is and all I winked and stepped back go and slay some actual dragons I left to the giddy sound of his chuckle and zipped straight to my mother's home the only home I'd ever known until just a few days ago I searched my bedroom for my backpack
I was down a textbook but I tossed the rest of what I needed for calculus and pair into my bag and Flash to school oh yeah I truly loved that I could Port like this the afternoon Bell shrilled and students tracked to their classes I jogged across the field from the tree I'd emerged behind and in my Calculus class I searched amongst the students for Sylvie hey here Sylvie waved from the back of the room I dropped into the seat beside hers hey back at ya where's the teacher sick there's a substitu
te coming she crossed her arms and arched a brow at me you've missed almost a week of school and don't go using your record-breaking Rising as an excuse with me what's been happening to keep you away a whole new family I set my refill and pan on the desktop who told you about my Rising mum gave me an update this morning she got the news straight from Aunt Genevieve who popped in to see us in front of us two classmates Jensen and Rua shuffled on their seats and leaned closer yo what's arising Jen
sen slurred disgustingly as he bumped shoulders with Rua anything that rises in the morning is interesting Sylvie rolled her eyes and haremed obviously it's not the kind of rising you're thinking about get a life and go and listen in on someone else's private conversation Jensen went to kick Sylvie's chair but she slammed her foot down on his ankle and ground down hard damn Sylvie pulling his ankle free he shook his head you're lucky you're a girl look the other way she gave them a fierce frown
which seemed to do the trick grunting they turned their attention back to the front of class Sylvie tucked her head closer to mine sorry about that she whispered I can't believe your Rising took eight hours carlisio's took seven and that was a major why'd it take you so long you're asking me baffled I Shrugged I've no idea I guess it's because you're a Windcrest she squeezed my arm which reminds me how's your mother I can't imagine what she's going through with all these changes I gasped I haven
't had time to check do it now we pop a visual you've got four thoughts so you might as well use it Sylvie was right and now was as good a time as any channeling my vision through the Dome room as Alexa had taught me I focused what came to me was an indefinable image one blurred beyond recognition I'd never seen such a thing I focused instead on Dad and the same blurred image reappeared he and Mum must be together had to be since the Blurred images were identical I frowned scratching my head now
provided I sent it on the Dome room first I could see those Within dralion I'd watched davio in Reverse plenty of times during the three days I'd been with Dad what's wrong Sylvie bumped her shoulder against mine um all I'm getting is a blurred impression Sylvie's eyes widened and she clicked her fingers oh one time my curiosity got the better of me she spoke fast I asked carlisio what happened when his forethought showed him something he shouldn't be looking at he said he saw blurred images my
leaps titled to the corner as I considered what I shouldn't be looking at they were together dropping my head into my upturned Palms I groaned ooh but they're my parents and they're not supposed to be getting back together mum said she'd need to act her way through being with Dad she's clearly changed her mind about him she rubbed my back their mates who've been separated for a long time even my mother struggles when she's away from my father during the days we're here in Te puke I'm sure you m
issed Avio when you're away from him I looked up I try not to think about it but you do I ran a hand over my forehead yes I understood the mated Bond even now I wanted to talk to davio but without a telepathic link I couldn't just thinking about him had that need escalating though I opened my forethought and brought his image forth he stood in a navy and gold decorated State Room Silas Stood Beside him carlosio and every o within their group too I cranked up the volume faiths with Sylvian class
the image is grainy but I'd know Sylvie's profile anywhere carlisio scrubbed his roughened jaw as he spoke to davio there aren't any problems that I can see hold on carlisio was watching me while I watched him spooky davio said a hand to his chest I just needed to know she was safe and where she should be carlosio laid a hand on his shoulder his lips thinning I know how troubled you've been but she's fine we should speak more about her Windcrest blood I probably shouldn't listen in on their priv
ate conversation but since it was about me I stayed with them carlisio continued there isn't a doubt we're all in agreement about Alexa Windcrest with his daughter falling into our lap we mustn't allow this opportunity of seizing him to pass Us by she must be contained then used to lure him out you mean contained as in holding cell contained Silas interrupted with the other Warriors we've captured or just on her own the hairs on the back of my neck lifted this couldn't be happening davio would s
tand up in a second and fiercely disagree to any such containment or that I be used to lure my father out of dralion and directly into their lair he had to I waited slowly he nodded I'll do it could carlisio's eyes brightened the Vivid golden brown of his eyes matching the honeyed color of his suit jacket for the people of PCO his words were a cheer every o folded his arms over his red silk shirt buttoned under his flapping black leather vest not looking nearly as certain as carlisio she's your
mate devio are you sure you can do this you'll need to use her to hand her father over to us standing taller davio let out a long breath I'm sure father Alexa will come to her Aid should he see what is about to unfold hopefully she doesn't even make it into the cells although I understand the need for donaldo's son to be captured and contained we'll hold the upper hand for once in this long and drawn-out War if we can enab him he is the one with forethought the most valuable of skills I gritted
my teeth worked my jaw from side to side how could davio sell me out this way I wouldn't let him I closed my forefoot down and turned on Sylvie your family seriously sucks I stopped as abruptly as I'd begun jeez I couldn't speak to her about this she'd likely inform them of what I'd heard when I needed to sort this out myself it's all right mates struggle when parted from each other I understand that she got my Angry comment wrong and I didn't correct her we only have pear after this and then we
leave you'll see davio soon enough I would and we'd be speaking when I'd heed at my father's apartment after first finding out about Sylvie's deceit and been gone for days before returning he'd said in the future we needed to address our problems that if we had an issue we'd talk about it well right now I had an issue a very big one there would be no containing me or capturing My Father by doing so never would I place myself in such a position of vulnerability and I'd certainly never accept him
doing it either not happening ever the boys are here Sylvie slung her bag over her shoulder as we exited the pay goals changing room the last to leave perfect I took a deep breath as davio Strode toward me within the Stillness of the gym Silas beside him you two took your time in there he caught my hand and my mind thunked into his so annoying did you have a good afternoon in small circles he stroked my palm with his thumb and because I couldn't help myself I swayed into him damn it where was m
y focus he'd spoken of imprisonment no I didn't I held my ground you want to talk about it yes but alone I shot Sylvia look one she thankfully understood I'll see you in the cabin once I'm changed she linked arms with Silas and the two of them flashed away daveyo pulled me closer let's go he zipped us there so fast my feet sank into soft sand the air warm and the entire Cavern filled with a light steam which rose from a large Crystal Clear Pool of water a few feet away dark rocks lined every sid
e of the underground pool other than for this Beach area while muted light tunneled in from an entrance to the side with a finger under my chin he tipped it up you seem to be out of sorts did Belle tell you of the rumor know what rumor is that he sighed there was a serving maid in The communal dining hall who saw us together she leaked word that I found my mate he paused a muscle in his jaw ticking I had no choice I had to confirm the news people are referring to you as my halfling mate that you
come from Earth you told all your people about me how dare he I didn't mind him telling his closest but allowing all his people to know would Place me in a great deal of danger I mean how many halflings were there in PCO there was certainly only one halfling who now resided in dralion and that was me I gritted my teeth you don't think the next Warrior spy sent here might check out this leaked news you don't think they'd be curious to see who davio loveria was mated to that they might wonder if
your newly found mate might also be my father's newly found daughter how many other halflings are there in PCO other than me he went to open his mouth only I buttered in I listened in on your conversation with your father and grandfather you intend on using me as a pawn to capture my father you want to lock me away in the very cells you not long rescued me from you shouldn't have listened in and your father will never permit you to be locked away with his forewarning he'll come and that's what w
e're after now we've spread the word about your mixed Heritage he'll be here soon I have no doubt about that how dare you I broke my mind merge with him the sharp pain of loss slicing through me I would never use you like this davio ever you're my mate and I'd never hand you your parents or your grandfather over to dinaldo yet here you are wanting to do exactly that with me you'll never come to any harm when all we're after is Alexa's capture why must you capture him at all distressed and so hur
t I backed away from him too many of your warriors are infiltrating our Shores and taking what isn't theirs an attack at one of our largest diamond mines occurred three days ago seven lives were lost and Alexa was behind it as is dinaldo who pulls the strings you can't assume that yes I can it was a methodical attack by a team of eight of which they're called the leading eight indralian Donaldo hates all things patient and this wreaked of alexo's forethought in how well it was run and carried ou
t your father and grandfather work together they know exactly what they do when they send their bloodthirsty Warriors out Warriors yes bloodthirsty a memory surged forth that first morning while I'd been running on the treadmill the letting eight had introduced themselves with bloodied weapons in hand but no my father had been with my mother at that time taking her on a guided tour he hadn't been a part of that strike and I'd never concede to laying the blame at his feet so where does this leave
us I won't allow you to capture my father through me Alexa must be taken no you must change your mind I'll never side with the Enemy I met his intense gaze with one of my own you would do everything in your power to keep your family safe you can't expect any different from me what are you saying gaze narrowed he thumped one foot on the ground that I'll never allow you to use me in the way you intend to my father goes out of his way to ensure I have free choice he allows me to come to you and yo
u want to do what lock him away and kill him a second two his death would not be sought his confinement would I shook from head to toe I can't allow that to happen don't do this to us this is not about us but my people their safety must come first and yours will never be in question of course it's in question you do this and I can never roam freely on your land you have to take back my halfling status and let it be known it was only gossip you have to insist I am from PCO make something up but y
ou have to do it and before word spreads too far he shook his head your warriors took seven lives this week 238 lives this year they are killers with only one purpose they take what they want so you've made your decision yes A Rush of wind Silas arrived with Sylvie and he bellowed with laughter as he threw her out into the water Sylvie went down then with bubbles Rising she resurfaced and blew out a fountain of water that does not get any funnier no matter how many times you do it Silas you're s
upposed to leave me on the edge of the pool not throw me in it you are such a pain in the neck she cupped her hand and sprayed water at him this was how I should be living I should be free and having fun I was 18 yet living the life of someone who had the weight of the world on her shoulders I couldn't do this anymore and it was clearly too dangerous for me to stay here I would never give davio an opening to take me the crystal clear water beckoned my water source my way out chapter 15. daveyo h
adn't seen it coming I had dived in fully clothed and flashed back to draliand before he'd even registered my intent but it had been the only way from the quiet sanctuary of my room I watched him through my forethought he was more agitated than I'd ever seen him he hadn't spoken to anyone after I left he'd returned to his private quarters and that's where he'd been holed up for the past four hours Silas entered his room and joined him you have to speak sooner or later I realize your mate's gone
he sat opposite davio on the blue pinstripe sofa concerned radiating across his face pressing his elbows to his knees davio stared at the wall she wants me to choose her but there is no choice all I can think about is the hundreds of families who've suffered a great loss this year and I can lower those numbers if we eliminate Alexa the only right decision is the one I've made yet there will always be PC and deaths at the hands of dralian's Warriors Silas pointed out not that high we need to be g
iven a fighting chance to defend ourselves you and I both know how fast and precise their attacks are I touched a hand to my chest of course I didn't agree with the loss of lives would never condone an innocent man or woman's killing but this war wasn't my doing and it would never end with the capture of one man not when that man was my father I couldn't lose him not now I'd finally found him Sala side what about you this isn't like you to use an innocent to gain the outcome you want there must
be a way to make this right Dave you scrubbed both hands over his face there is no other way he shot to his feet and stormed to his desk faith will not leave dralia now not if she hopes to protect Alexa and herself he picked up a framed photograph from his desk and stared at it she is the one I want and I can't have her Silas crossed the room and squeezed avio's shoulder so how are we better off she'll be on her guard as will Alexa this argument and the loss of your mate will have all been for n
othing the photograph in Davio's hands was the one I kept on my bedside stand the one of Sylvie and me as we'd celebrated my last birthday at Pier's restaurant he must have snuck back and pinched it davio set the frame back on his desk she will have alerted him she left before I could prevent her and before I was supposed to have taken her to the holding cell I should have done as carlisio bid and made it quick only I wanted more time with her this is my fault she escaped tears slipping free I c
losed my eyes I missed him no matter what he'd done I rubbed my temple The Familiar ache of being denied our connection rolling through me three days was all I'd ever lasted in being kept from forming the merge of the mind with him I doubted I could go much longer than that and be able to sustain the pain already it had begun to build faith mum peered around my bedroom door come in she smiled all blushy and pink and glowing which had me recalling exactly what she'd been up to earlier that day yo
u and Dad are together again huh I rolled my shoulders how did you she coughed clearing her throat no please don't tell me how you know that the things you and Alexa can do are almost Criminal trust me I wish I didn't know I patted the bed beside me sit we need to talk about my mind merge she eased in beside me tilting her head go for it dad first said my mind merge was an extension of my forethought that I'd activated it because of my warring blood with davio what I do is merge my mind with his
and with touch skin to skin I no longer experience pain yet if Dad had this ability to bed down in your mind worrying blood or not he would discover there is no choice he would have to mind merge with you I looked into her eyes intently I can go a few days without the merge but when I'm not with davio my mind cries out for his not affected at all like I am but then he can't mind merge I'm the one who has the skill not him so I'm certain this is a separate ability entirely which means I sighed f
inally giving into the knowledge which resonated deep in my heart and soul I can't go more than three days without him I need to reconnect to his mind to restore the balance of the merge I don't know if anyone else has this skill everyone's presumed it's part of my forethought and we all know how rare that skill is maybe this mind merge skill is a rare one too I see I shook my head no you don't see a magioling strength skills are passed down through their DNA I didn't receive this skill of Mind
merge from my father or from the Windcrest family line I had to have received this skill from you from your family line you are 36 and you could pass for my sister you are an orphan with no known family you are also mated to Alexa Windcrest when there has never been any other mating between an Earthling and one of theirs before now there is davio and me there are too many variables you can't be of Earth don't you see it Faith No I don't have any strength skills she Twisted her fingers together n
ot all maggiolins do I laid my hand over hers please you have to know something which could help me this is so important already my head aches and I can't go to him her brow creased you fast heal why can't you go to him my fast healing skill doesn't Aid me in this it had not relieved the symptoms for me on the Mountaintop when I'd needed it so desperately only reconnecting to Davio's mind had completed the healing I heaved a sigh I can't go to him now not after he's chosen to use me as leverage
to capture dad mom's eyes widened her hands shaking under mine it just happened today mum I'm sorry to have to tell you like this so she stated you know my maiden name is Saul and that I was just a baby around three days old when I was orphaned what I haven't told you is that the nuns who ran the home said my mother's name was katarin and that she came alone my mother left me there the truth came tumbling out and she grimaced it hurts to know she never returned she promised the nuns she would bu
t she never did because of that there was no option for adoption katerin soul I repeated the nuns named me after my mother they weren't sure what else to do I repeated the name again that of my grandmother's name it's a start is there anything else in his dark Leathers dad entered the room a glow to his cheeks similar to my mother's I've been watching your conversation my apologies it's a bad habit he clenched his jaw in the future everything you two discuss of this kind of importance you will d
iscuss with me present we are a family I pressed my fingers to my temples we have a name katarian soul now where do you suggest we go from there he planted his feet wide we start by back dating Kate's age 36 years ago dralian's Dome had been intact for four years if qataran's Soul was from dralion she would have been a Female warrior for that's the only way she could have gotten out I bounded to my feet are you saying that's a possibility he pressed a finger to his chin no there have been no sou
ls as Warriors until two years passed when maslin's Soul joined the ranks and he is the first from within his family line he looked at me the skill of Mind merge has never been recorded in our land which is why I believed it must be an extension to my forethought what do you think now I agree with your assessment it's a separate skill and quite possibly rare we need to seek more information mum rose and cross to Dad's side how do we do that what if kateryn's soul he took her hands it is far more
likely she came from PCO where there are no restrictions on their people's travels glancing at me he said which means you'll need to have love area searches history books we have to be certain he must hold the information whereafter I'll contact Belle now before you do understand that I would never fall for any of the love area families tactics it hasn't happened in the past and it won't in the future if you were locked up I would find a way to get you out without being captured I have forethou
ght for a reason he wrapped an arm around mum's waist we'll leave you alone to make that call they flashed away in the silence I paced shaking out my hands as I crossed from one side of my room to the other this upcoming conversation wouldn't be easy taking a deep steadying breath I opened the link Bel can we talk I need you to be the go-between again between davio and I since I don't have a link with him of course no telepathic link yet Sylvie told me why you left if it helps I don't agree with
what's gone down it's not right that he's using you in this way to capture your father yeah but I have another problem a big problem I opened my forethought and she shimmered interview she sat in the rec room thumbing through a leather tome could you call davio to you I need to see for myself what he says I didn't have to wait long he's here and he was he'd ported to the rec room bringing Silas with him I rubbed my forehead outlining every detail as it had gone down with my mother and father I
studied Davio's reaction during the telling he stormed to the windows his fists clenching and unclenching faith is lying a bit out this must be a trick soul is a common family name as is the given name of katarin with our form of record keeping it would be impossible for us to locate a woman who's not been seen for 36 years Silas joined him at the windows I agree This sounds too convenient what it is davio continued in a snail is windcrest's strategy to circumvent what we've done his wife is of
Earth and faith is a halfling all along Windcrest has said he won't allow any Warrior spies to know of his daughter's connection to me he crossed his arms this battle is between him and us and I'm certain he'll turn up here to Halt what we've done the spreading of the truth that I mated to a halfling I don't see he'll have any other choice if he wants to keep Faith safe great it appeared davio didn't believe me well what of my ability to mind merge has anyone ever heard of what I can do no if th
is has nothing to do with your forethought as you've said then you're the first I've heard of but let me check she asked davia my question and he snapped his answer if I'd known about it I would have said so before now it's damn convenient Windcrest says it has nothing to do with forethought or his family's line of skills I sat in silence how could davio ignore the facts when I found my voice I murmured Belle I'm starting to believe this skill isn't known because it's a lost one a skill that is
so rare it no longer exists explain why you believe that she repeated what I'd said to davio once she had I laid down and rested my head on my pillow the canopy sweeping overhead I mean a deadly one there is no one known who seems to have held this ability I can't forget that time on the mountain I had no use of my limbs and was barely with it I also can't imagine trying to survive past that point if davio hadn't turned up she was quiet and then there's my mother she told me she was left with th
e nuns when she was three days old she repeated every word to davio and he ground his heel into the floor I don't believe this now she thinks to hold her safety over my head no this ruse will not work against me Belle can you feel her pain through your link she shook her head there's no pain just a slight headache and I'm not surprised by that Dave you gritted his teeth then to believe her words I demand she come here and see me the only way to tell she speaks the truth is to see her eye to eye
and I couldn't do that not until he'd promise to revoke all he'd done as well as to take back his decision to imprison me no I won't come I'll never allow him to hold me captive either by his decision to use me as a pawn or to lock me up within a steel cell told him and it's a lie he gritted out I groaned we were getting nowhere Belle perhaps if you could try and research the matter for me I'd appreciate it and what will you do stay put for how long I looked at my mate where he stood I wanted to
go to him and ease his pain yet instead I took a deep breath and held firm on the mountain I couldn't have helped myself I needed you and Dave you then as I need you both now Belle repeated my words and daveyo plowed a fist into the wall damn it she is a Windcrest through and through she plays with my emotions there is no skill on this planet which ultimately kills if there had been we'd have heard about it before now he stormed from the room let him go I told her but contact me if you have any
information there was nothing more to be done for now chapter 16. I pushed back the sweaty strands of my hair stuck to my forehead dad pushed me in The Empty Arena distracting me from my pain his blade cut across mine and made me groan at the impact dad I whimpered as I tried to hold my stance you have to give me a break this session is killing me you know I'm hitting the three-day Mark away from davio my training clothes were saturated my feet so wet I slipped within my own socks he twirled ar
ound and came at me from the behind his white shirt billowing another two minutes you can't arrive there too soon I won't arrive there at all at this rate and why are you working me so brutally hard now in front you need to perfect this move every second counts he sidestepped and crossed his blade in a beautiful line bringing it right up under my nose I slammed my blade down cutting him off in the nick of time hey okay that's enough I muttered I happen to need my nose why did he keep changing po
sitions one moment he was in front the next behind to the side it was endless mum called out from the sidelines her arms crossed and pressed to the top of the safety railing Alexa her nose is bleeding and she's so flushed I wiped my nose the back of my hand now coated in blood I'd never had nosebleeds before I dropped my sword because I hurt everywhere okay so what exactly was your forewarning all about you never did elaborate he took my elbow as I stumbled to the side of the outdoor Arena I can
't elaborate not when I have no wish to alter my forewarnings course you've practiced these battle moves and now the field of play is far more even great and devio thought my father wasn't fair he was too damn Fair my time's almost up I can't do any more I know he cupped my cheek you can go to him now the time is right love area will be in the training Hall where he works out with Silas here take this he lifted a very new and gleaming sword from a bag lying on the bench and passed it to me with
a smile it's yours I had it crafted for you by our sword Smithy consider it a belated 18th birthday gift so gorgeous the most beautiful blade I held it up balancing it horizontally across the tips of my two index fingers perfect I flipped the blade and the fine Hilt slid snugly into my palm thank you I glanced at mum who nibbled on her lower lip hey I hugged her I'll be back you better be I didn't spend the last 18 years watching you grow for no reason agreed I ported to my room splashed water o
n my face and changed into a figure-hugging black catsuit I belted my sword at my side and it blended with ease into the brassy strip that ran down the side of the clingy suit stretching I ran my shaky hands over both legs I was going in to fight and I wouldn't be backing down with another two painkillers popped into my mouth I gulped water I taken meds this morning primarily out of habit and particularly since my fast healing didn't work at all on this pain I'm not sure the meds helped but they
certainly couldn't have hurt I opened my link with Belle and fanned my face do you have anything yet no still nothing it is as davio said there's no record of a skill like yours the failure in her tone increased my pain hey you tried and I'm most grateful you did I won't stop looking but you need to return please davio is in the training Hall going at it with Silas again I flashed straight there my father had said the time was right and no more would I delay I'm here I'm coming she rushed out I
turned about within the training Hall davio puffed as he stared out the large Bank of Windows in form-fitting black jeans and a black T-shirt the grassy meadow and Rolling Hills spread out into the distance Silas Stood Beside him heaving deep breaths as well from their workout I close my eyes each breath becoming more difficult to draw in right now I had to maintain my focus because for certain I needed to withhold the Mind merge no matter what it would be my only leverage provided he could see
the pain I was in opening my eyes I set my Gaze on him davio he spun around his hand on his sword helped belted at his side you're back Shadows under his eyes showed he'd had very little sleep of late and with them being so deep and dark I wanted to cry Silas gripped his shoulder she's here it's not your imagination Davio's gaze traveled over me your skin is flushed but apart from that you look fine I'm a Windcrest we try not to show our pain fighting words as the pressure of the merge I withhe
ld magnified and pressed out within my skull he stepped forward breaching the five feet mark and it all went to custard I grabbed my head no don't come any closer I had to ensure my safety and my father's first there would be no mind merge I stumbled back trying to gather more distance between us only he flashed in behind me and I thumped into his chest gripping my shoulders he turned me around his lips flattened into a tight line your heartbeat is racing out of control because you're not mind m
erged with me do it now I wheezed only if you revoke what you've done I had to stick to my plan inform your people I'm not a halfling and then promise me you'll never lock me away in order to capture my father I can't my people's safety comes first then give me some breathing space it hurts too much with you this close he clasped my face in his hands looked deep into my eyes merge and the pain will be gone no I wiped my bleeding nose his eyes darkened and he let out a low growl you walk a danger
ous line with your actions I'll give you a minute and no more he walked away boots thumping across the hard floor faith Belle flew into the room the double doors crashing open Zach Viva and Sylvie were hot on her heels see she said breathing fast I told you she was back I staggered to the wall braced a hand on it as davio paced a parallel line five strides from me she may be back but she is more stubborn than ever he glared at Belle see what you can do Belle eyed me her hand extended I can allev
iate some of the pain let me touch you it's bad I can feel it as she Advanced I withdrew my sword don't you dare tap into me as you did the last time I drew in a breath and it rattled around in my chest this fight is between davio and me I need him in every way not just physically but mentally and emotionally I faced him please you can't lock me up or use me as leverage against those I love just days ago you said no skill could kill so that means in your eyes it can't be necessary for me to merg
e you also said I'm a halfling but I say that's not true open your eyes and see that I hold a skill given to me by my mother's line you have to revoke what you've said more blood dribbled from my nose he grimaced when did your nose start bleeding I've been working out with my father too hard obviously more drips a steady stream and far more than I expected I pinched my nose but the blood continued to flow then merge his knuckles turned white as he fisted his hands why is it you want me to merge
so badly you don't think this skill can kill in your estimation I'll be fine just like this my vision wavered and I blinked to bring it back into Focus being near you and withholding is accelerating my death I can feel it enough you aren't dying not when you can fast heal Zack Silas disarm her but do it gently we've hidden behind he glared at me you stand there and I can't do a damn thing I lifted my sword against Zack and silas's divided approach Zach came at me from the front and Silas from th
e side Viv was right behind them you do what you need to and I'll do what I need to I met Zach head on using Alexa's fast move to spin and Dodge I dealt with him then caught vivstrike Silas thrust his blade at me and I met his Advance next our swords clashing for the barest moment my heart soared and in the next a hot burn tore through my lungs I held up a hand bent half over and grabbed for air cease I shut it as liquid filled my lungs slammed a hand to my chest and heaved blood gushed from my
mouth and splattered the floor she's bleeding internally Zac bellowed kneeling in front of me Viv pulled the sword from my hand and Silas gripped my arms Sylvie screamed but I barely heard her I shoved against Silas swept my leg low and kicked him then everything blurred and my own heart stuttered within my chest I dropped to my knees Silas caught me around the waist from behind and jerked me back up bending over me his hands fisted into my stomach he wrenched cough it out all of it he shoved hi
s fist in hard again and a racking spasm took me more blood now merge with davio before you die he growled in my ear I lifted my chin found davio he stood his face ghostly White there's so much blood he stared at the floor too much blood there will also be death before capture I promise you that he dropped to one knee not breaching the mark which would end my life the stricken look in his eyes showing he now believed too you have a strength skill passed on to you through your mother's line and i
t's a deadly one you are a full-blooded maggiolin and everyone here has heard me Silas will spread the word and you promise not to imprison me I needed his promise everything hindered on it my father will not fall for any future ploy you know I don't lie I scraped in air pleading he shoved out one hand merge with me and it will be as you ask I close my eyes and allowed my mind its release from Darkness to light I fell into him he helped me tight such strong arms so warm you truly are the most di
fficult mate ever course words and they seem so far away I swear you will never do this to me again faith do you hear me you're my mate always mine I couldn't lift my heavy eyelids how does she feel to you a voice echoed in my head if you let her go for a second maybe I could tell was that Bell a rocking motion lips pressed to my brow it's been hours Belle yes but she no longer bleeds and I need to clean her up faith will not want to wake up this way you can still feel her mind merge yes the voi
ces drifted away and the dark welcomed me again water splashed a soft cloth brush my face my arms and my chest warm and soothing water flowed over my body the dark still clutched a hold of me but it was receding I'll carry her a deep voice Davio's I'd never mistake his tone for another wake up love if you don't stir soon you'll leave me with no choice I'll have to go after your father that wasn't happening I wouldn't allow it Sylvie is threatening to pull me apart limb from limb for what I've ma
de you go through she said she'd make it hurt I smiled for Sylvie surely wood a finger brushed over my lips that's it wake up for me I push the receding dark fully away and blinked my eyes open brown eyes flat with gold search mine davio there'd been so much blood and pain the battle for my own life and dads had been fought and I'd won you almost left it too late I rasped touching a hand to my throat he Lifted Me Higher in his lap where he sat on a couch in the rec room it'll never happen again
two tears slip free of his eyes and straight down his cheeks I love you I never want to go through a day like this again losing you would have killed me with a shaky hand I wiped his tears away and your mind is open not blocked at all as it usually is are you feeling all right he caught my hand and pressed my palm against his cheek I had hoped to shock you awake by remaining unblocked but it didn't work he blocked quickly and I couldn't help but smile at least I could always trust in the knowled
ge that he would from the side table he nabbed a glass and held it to my lips your throat's dry drink I sipped then gasped as I caught my now change state someone had removed my catsuit and clothed me in a pair of blue jeans and a thick white sweater I seem to remember water I aged up a little on his lap and did a quick search of the rec room for anyone else although we remained alone who aided me Gail and Sylvie gave you a bath he took the glass from my shaky fingers you're still healing so lie
still footsteps echoed and Sylvie breezed through the door shaking her head at me as she approached she muttered so finally you're awake three days of worry and sleeplessness and Page turning with Belle just to find out you have a lost skill that can kill she stopped in front of me and flicked my leg with her finger you're a full-blooded maggioling it's no wonder your Rising took so long the signs were all there yes they had been Dave you're groaned his lips pursed in a grimline hell it's all m
y fault I should have listened to you your mind to care for and never will I make the mistake of putting your life on the line again you mean that you are my first priority I soaked in the sight of him for I couldn't get enough then I love you too he's gay softened you are more precious to me than you can imagine I grinned I think this is where we kiss and make up you want to get to that now no kissing Silas throwed in and halted beside Sylvie I sent him a dagged look for goodness sake you have
the worst possible timing he crossed his arms if you go pulling that kind of stunt again I won't be held responsible for my actions he eyed devio have her swear her allegiance to you so none of this damn nonsense ever goes down again Dave you laughed get out of here I was just about to do that gladly he took Sylvie's arm and blinked away davio pulled me closer right now repeat after me I clapped her hand over his mouth don't even go there will be no swearing of Allegiance because dralion was my
home and my relationship with davio wasn't only about the two of us no the scope was much broader there was Guy moya's Lost Warrior father to locate and many others and I was a full-blooded Windcrest one who had the chance to write a very bad wrong Davio's arms tensed his whole tightening on me okay what are you thinking right now because I can tell by the look on your face it's entirely wrong I hooked my fingers into the front of his shirt and held on just that loving you is going to be a wild
ride are you ready for it he took my face between his hands and kissed me so urgently that a wild ride began I'll deal he murmured between kisses somehow this has been protector by Joanne Wadsworth this audiobook has been Auto narrated copyright 2013. audiobook production copyright 2022 coming next in the princesses of myth series is warrior book 2. you can find more information about all Joanne's books by visiting her website at joannewadsworth.com
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