Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 92232 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92232 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
She releases a breath. I take notice of the sag in her body. We’ve spoken of my brothers’ choice before. I cannot, will not, lie in rest for centuries in hopes of never becoming a slave.
“Again, it could be against your father’s will.”
Turning in my arms, she looks up at me. I can see how much she wants this to be true. We both know she is not my mate. If my mate were to appear, it would be the ruining of what we have.
“Perhaps,” I say to appease her.
A smile brightens her face, taking over her features. It is too beautiful for me not to capture her lips. I begin to ascend to return to our lovemaking, but she breaks the kiss.
“No, Kendrick,” she giggles, shaking her head at me. “I have to tend to the people.”
“Your sister is a healer. The other two give wise counsel, just as you do. You can take a day off.”
“My sister Yanique is still learning to heal. Annaniah and Zandra will have the village in tatters with their antics. You want me to leave the people to them?” she says, lifting a questioning brow.
Lowering us back to our feet, I then release her. I exhale deeply. Her younger sisters are too mischievous for their own good. They also aren’t half as powerful as their older sister. The girls have power, but Venus is unmatched.
I believe she could stand her ground against one of my cousins’ strength and she would survive. Her cunning mind would be her advantage. Venus wields her magic with the wisdom of old. It is stunning to watch.
Venus summons both of our robes, the silk fabrics draping each of us, proving me right about her graceful skills. Mortal witch or not, she has mastered her gifts and talent. I reach to run the backs of my fingers down her cheek.
“I will walk with you to the sanctuary.”
“You scare them,” she says. “They can sense your power. They know you’re not like us.”
“They have nothing to fear. I have always been a peaceful being.”
“Are we lying now?”
I love the sparkle in her eyes. It reminds me of the day I met her. She intrigued me then and continues to do so now.
“No lies have been told.”
“Surely, my love. They have not,” she purrs with a wink. “Perhaps you should return this evening. My duties will be done, and I’ll be able to give you all my attention.”
“Ah, yes, you are speaking a language I love to hear,” I reply, tugging her into my arms.
“Kendrick,” she says in warning.
“I only intend to embrace you for a moment.”
I knit my brows. I felt it earlier, but I thought I could be mistaken. There is a current of power coming from her. It’s as if it’s not her own. It’s faint, but it’s there.
Just as quickly as it comes, it’s gone. I look into her eyes, searching. Venus has never dealt in black magic. Her soul doesn’t bear its marks. Yet, for her to harness another’s magic, that would be exactly what she would have to be involved in.
“What?” she asks warily.
“It’s nothing,” I reply.
I’ve been training more lately. It’s possible that I’m emitting power into her. That would explain a lot. I’ll have to be more careful.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.” I peck her lips. “Get ready. I will walk you.”
“So stubborn,” she mumbles, shaking her head.
Venus
He knows. I’ve tried to use a spell to hide it. I still don’t know what to do about all of this.
I know I’m not his mate. It tears me apart every time I think about it. To love a man as much as I love Kendrick, yet know he has a fated mate… it drives me insane.
Now this. He will figure it out. It takes too much from me to try to keep up this spell. If I use just a bit of black magic, I could completely hide the truth, but there are repercussions and consequences. I could make this so much worse.
“Do you need help?” Annaniah asks. “You’ve been staring at the same page for hours.”
“No, no. I’m fine. I will finish this up and then we can tend to those remedies.”
“You were thinking about him, weren’t you?” she says with a mischievous smile.
“Don’t,” I warn.
“You’re always keeping secrets,” she teases.
I flinch. Her words hit too close to home. There was a time when I wouldn’t keep anything from my sisters or Kendrick. I’ve been hiding things from everyone in the last few weeks.
“Some things aren’t meant to be discussed out in the open.”
“You do know I’m just teasing. I like him. He is kind to you.”
She isn’t making me feel any better. Kendrick is going to be furious with me. I hadn’t planned for any of this. I didn’t know it was possible.
It’s just…after reading those scrolls about his bloodline and how they find their bond mates, I haven’t known what to do. I look at every woman as a potential thief of my love.