Total pages in book: 401
Estimated words: 390373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1952(@200wpm)___ 1561(@250wpm)___ 1301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 390373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1952(@200wpm)___ 1561(@250wpm)___ 1301(@300wpm)
Kneeling, I searched the notam for Delano’s unique mark. Next to Kieran’s, his was the easiest for me to find. Delano?
The only sign he gave that he’d heard me was a twitch of his ears. I didn’t move, just rested my hands on my thighs. He inched farther into the chamber, his body so low to the floor that his belly almost dragged. His winter-blue gaze darted to where Casteel stood and then swiftly returned to me. A heartbeat passed.
Suddenly, Delano sprang forward, bounding across the space. I braced myself, but he slowed a foot or so away. I had a feeling Casteel’s presence had something to do with that as he sat on his hind legs before me. A shudder of relief ran through me when he brushed his forehead against my cheek, letting me know it was okay to touch him. Closing my eyes, I wrapped my arms around his shoulders.
I didn’t want to bother you. His voice was as soft as his mark. I know you’ve been resting, but I…we could sense you. And I just needed to see that you were okay.
Oh, gods.
A soft warmth unfurled in my chest, making my heart ache in the best possible way. You’re never a bother, Delano. Never.
He pressed his head harder against my shoulder. You scared the shit out of me.
I’m sorry. My fingers sank into his soft fur. I didn’t mean to.
I know. He pressed forward, resting his head on my shoulder. Just don’t do it again.
My lips curved into a smile as I clung to him, feeling the knot of worry loosen in my chest. I hadn’t realized how much I needed this until now. I’ll try not to.
You’d better. Delano pulled back, briefly rubbing his forehead against my cheek. My smile grew as his fur tickled my nose. I’m glad you’re awake.
And that I know you?
He rubbed the soft side of his muzzle against my cheek in response. I didn’t need to read his emotions to know that relief flowed through him, which made me think of Tawny, Vonetta, and everyone else. Even if they had been told I was fine, they still likely worried since they couldn’t confirm anything with their own eyes.
I should’ve made it a point to see you earlier. It’s just…
I get it. He rubbed the top of his head against mine once more. You’re here. There was a pause. You’re Poppy. That’s all that matters.
Inhaling a stinging breath, I hugged him tighter. And you’re…you’re the best, Delano.
His cold nose grazed my neck, and the emotion I picked up from his was the softest, sweetest kind of love. You should let go before Cas castrates me.
Delano’s fur muffled my laugh. He would never.
“I’m starting to get jealous,” Casteel remarked.
A low chuffing sound vibrated through Delano. Told you.
I gave Delano one last squeeze before I forced myself to let go and stand, missing his warmth and softness immediately. Delano turned, but he didn’t go far. He stood so that his side was pressed against my hip and leg.
Casteel leaned over then, brushing his lips against my cheek as he said, “Something is going on.”
Pushing the hair back from my face as I looked up, I saw Kieran coming down the short hall. His gaze found mine. A moment later, I felt his woodsy presence slipping into my thoughts.
You okay with Emil coming in?
I nodded.
Kieran looked over his shoulder. “You’re good.”
The moment I saw the auburn-haired Atlantian, the sluggish, cold unease swirling inside him reached out to me—
Shock rippled through me, and my lips parted. Wait. I hadn’t tasted his emotions before I knew what he felt. I’d just…sensed it. And now that I thought about it, that had happened several times since I’d returned from Mount Lotho. I just hadn’t realized that I knew what Casteel and Kieran were feeling before I tasted their emotions.
My abilities were changing or improving. But before I could allow myself to wonder if that meant other talents related to such had also strengthened, Emil jerked to a halt just inside the door, his gaze connecting with mine. Happiness and relief pierced the muddy cloud of unease, bubbly and light. A wide smile broke out across his handsome face.
He took a step and then stopped again, bowing his head as he began to lower himself.
“Please, don’t,” I said before he could kneel. “That wasn’t necessary before.”
“Not so sure I agree with that,” Casteel muttered under his breath.
I shot him a sharp look, which he responded to with a wink. Lips pursing, I turned my attention back to Emil. “And it’s not necessary now.”
“Thank you.” Emil straightened, the smile spreading even further. “You are a sight for sore eyes.” He strode forward, and Casteel muttered a curse. “I’m so glad to see you.”
“It’s good to see you, too,” I said. Before I could ask what the source of his unease was, Emil was in front of me, wrapping his arms around me and lifting me off my feet.