The following day seemed to drag out. True to his word, her father called her into his study to discuss her behavior the night before. He’d lectured her for what felt like hours for flying off and staying gone so long that she had the entire family worried for her safety.
She’d pretended to be contrite and assured her father she wouldn’t take off in anger again. When she was finally able to get away from him she was relieved.
As day finally turned to evening, she dressed carefully, to not raise suspicions, and went out into the garden under the guise of enjoying the evening air. As soon as she was out of sight, she shifted to phoenix and flew off toward the hollow.
When she arrived, Lock was already waiting for her. She flew in a lazy circle around him before she finally landed and shifted back to human.
“I’d never seen a phoenix in their shifted form before. You’re beautiful, no matter what form you take.”
She heard the reverence in his voice and blushed a little. “Thank you,” she stammered.
When he opened his arms to her, she walked into them and wrapped her own around his waist.
“How much trouble were you in when you returned home last night?”
“I ended up with a huge lecture from my father about how it was irresponsible of me to fly off like I did. At least they didn’t suspect I was off seeing theenemy,” she said, rolling her eyes when she said enemy.
“I wish I knew w hat caused the feud between our clans. If we knew, maybe we could fix it.”
“That would be nice, wouldn’t it? It’s silly, the way they keep acting. I doubt anyone remembers what started the feud, but they cling to it like children.”
“That is a very good description, beautiful.”
Kyleigh sighed softly. “I won’t be able to stay long. I don’t want anyone to realize I left. My father is likely to chain me in my room if I scare my mother again by being gone too long.”
“Chains, now that’s an image I won’t get out of my head any time soon.”
Kyleigh laughed and slapped his chest. “Get your mind out of the gutter.”
“Where you’re concerned, Ky, that’s impossible. I suppose I need to let you go. I’ve got some responsibilities I have to take care of tomorrow, but meet me here the day after?”
“Of course. I’ll be counting down the minutes,” she replied.
“As will I, beautiful.”
When he leaned down to kiss her she melted into him. What started out as a sweet kiss turned heated very quickly.
“You better go before I find my control snapping completely, woman,” he growled at her.
“I almost want it to snap,” she said cheekily.
“Temptress. That’s what you are.”
She could see the reluctance in his eyes when he released her. “Go on, be safe and I’ll see you in two days.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” she replied. She gave him one last, quick kiss, then shifted and flew back home.
As soon as she’d returned to the castle, she made her way to her chambers. She hated to wash his scent from her skin but she couldn’t risk anyone realizing she’d actually left the castle grounds.
“Did you enjoy your little visit, sister?”
She jumped at the voice behind her. “Bal! Don’t do that! You nearly gave me a heart attack. What are you talking about? What visit?”
“Don’t play games, Kyleigh. I followed you to the hollow. I saw you with Lauchlan Adair.”
“Oh, so he was fine to play Rounders with when you were a boy, but Goddess forbid I spend time with him, is that it?”
“We didn’t know he was an Adair back then. Why do you think we stopped going to the hollow? It doesn’t matter. You know he’s off limits to you.”
