“We are mated, both in the human tradition and that of my people.”He doesn’t reach for me or touch me.A part of me wishes he would, because then I would know if this was just a dream.
Mated?That sounds way more serious than married.As everyone around here knows, if something goes wrong, they can divorce and move on.Mating implies something permanent and primitive, like the relationship is more solidly bound.“And how did all the animals get into the cabin?”
He cocks his head.Those intense blue eyes study me as if he can see through to my soul.“It upsets you to have them in our dwelling?But you were the one who invited them in.”
I did what?“No, I couldn’t have done that.They’re wild animals.Even if they did, I would never invite them.Bears and mountain lions attack people.Deer run from us.They don’t drink champagne and eat cake.They’re dangerous.They don’t belong inside.”
He sighs.“What do you remember about last night?”
My bottom lip trembles and I feel perilously close to tears.“Nothing.I don’t know who you are or why we’re wearing matching rings.I don’t know how those wild animals got into the cabin.I haven’t a clue where my best friends are.I’m so sorry, but I don’t even remember your name.”
He nods with compassion filling his gaze.“I thought as much.I didn’t know the extent to which the Empyrean Ritual would affect you.Return to your home with me.I will help you remember, and we can get rid of the animals together.”
“You can restore my memories?How?”
“By touch.”
“And why can’t we shake hands or something out here?”I feel helpless and stupid, two emotions I would rather live without.I want to remember now.
His eyelids lower to half-mast.“Because you don’t like an audience when I’m inside you and the moment you remember everything, I know we won’t be able to keep our hands off one another.”
“Oh.”With a few simple words my entire body aches—for him.For his touch.
The idea of heading back to the cabin, getting rid of the animals, a roll in the hay with my new sexy hubby, and grabbing some coffee, sounds like a better plan than the only one I had.So far, running naked through the forest, barely resisting the urge to scream at the top of my lungs like a crazy woman hasn’t helped much.
“Okay.I don’t understand why I don’t remember anything.I really want my memories back.”For a reason that is beyond me at the present, I trust him.If he says he can get my memories back, something tells me he will.That’s good enough for me.
“Anything you need, mate, but let’s get you inside.It’s not safe out here.”He scans the area like he expects an attack.From what?The mountain lion is alreadyinsidethe cabin.
The way he searches the trees causes another memory to jiggle loose, this time of him searching the streets of Reno – wait, we were in Reno?– outside a tattoo parlor, looking for someone?But who?
A tattoo parlor certainly would explain the new ink on the side of my neck.
I swivel in the direction of the cabin and begin the return trek with him at my side.
“I know we have some history together and I’m sorry for what I’m about to ask you but, what’s your name?”Embarrassment floods me that I have to ask this question.“I had way, way too much to drink last night, and my head is all jumbled.”
He sighs.“It’s to be expected.Although I wasn’t certain how our astral bond would affect you, especially after we completed the Empyrean Ritual.I apologize.Euphoria is a common side effect among my people when they take a mate.It appears the bonding experience has caused you some memory loss and confusion.”
Some?And the award for understatement of the century goes to…
“I see we have things to discuss.It’s best if we talk in private.”He doesn’t touch me, but gestures in the direction of the cabin I know is back there somewhere, even though I can no longer see the cheerful place through the trees.
When I don’t move, he holds out his hand.I stare.I want to touch him.Badly.It’s like he’s my new drug of choice and my dealer all rolled into one.
I take a deep breath and hobble to him, wincing with every step.Now that I’m not high on adrenaline, I realize I have torn my feet to shreds.Every step hurts like a bitch.
“Madison.You’re in pain.”The next thing I know I’m in his arms, cradled against his body like precious cargo.I don’t know if it’s the skin-on-skin contact, or the oh-so-familiar position, but I’m certain he carried me exactly this way last night.As he walks, memories of missiles, exploding fireballs, a horse, and evil men in black suits flip through my brain like a short film.Did ALL of that really happen?It wasn’t a dream?
Whoa.
“You’re right, Rygar.We do have a lot to talk about.”
Twelve
B.I.L.L.: If I had eyes, I would roll them.
Lake Tahoe Cabin, Sunday 10 am
