“I am. Always. Focus, Sawyer.”
“On your cock being so close to my ass? No prob. Laser-focused.”
“No, on our movements.” Andvari moved one hand and pressed it to Sawyer’s stomach. He breathed, encouraging Sawyer to mimic his breaths, until Sawyer relaxed.
He moved his arm back until once more he stood behind Sawyer with their body’s tucked together maintaining the pose he’d created just for them. He slowly turned to the next position, using his body as a guide for Sawyer’s. His mate responded, trusting him completely, and their movements became a dance.
Minutes passed, their focus entirely on each other. Muscles strained, but it didn’t matter. Not when he had such a connection to his mate. Sweat beaded against Sawyer’s brow, but still he held. And finally, Andvari finished the routine and straightened. Sawyer turned, his eyes wide and gave the formal bow to finish.
Andvari returned it and had barely straightened when Sawyer flung himself against his chest.
“Andi.”
“I know. That was incredible, Sawyer. It was even better than I imagined.”
“It was amazing. I just… I could feel every little movement and I did what you did but I didn’t have to see you. I felt you and I knew what to do and… Wow.”
“Wow indeed.”
“We need to do that again.”
“We will.”
The back door opened, pulling their attention. Pearl bounded out, followed by Viv, who carried a tray of drinks and snacks. She sat it on one of the umbrella-covered tables, before flirting with Saeward and going back inside. Their mates all converged on the table, unable to resist anything Viv offered.
Andvari turned to grin at Sawyer. His mate turned to him as well but the smile he expected to see wasn’t there. Sawyer’s eyes widened. His breath caught. He grew pale. And then Sawyer collapsed like a puppet whose strings had been cut. Andvari rushed to his side and the other guardians ran to them as well.
Sawyer’s breath became ragged. His heart beat erratically in his chest.
“Sawyer,” Andvari gasped. “Breathe with me.”
He tried. Goddess, Andvari could see that he tried. But he couldn’t pull a full breath and he grew paler by the second. Andvari had never known such terror. He could feel his mate dying.
Draco roared. Henry tried working his magic. Andvari felt it, all around them, even as he counted the heartbeats which slowed with every second that past. Each of their mates, frantic and scared, drew closer. But they weren’t going to succeed, even with their last frantic efforts. Andvari felt that as well. Sawyer’s body was shutting down right in front of him.
“Call for the Mother,” Andvari commanded. He didn’t even care who answered the order.
And then the guards drew their weapons, the sleek glide of swords pulled from their sheaths one of the only sounds that could tear his attention from his mate.
Andvari glanced to the side. A sleek, golden cat emerged from the woods. Its golden eyes glowed as its tufted ears twitched. It ran, fast, so very fast, and from one second to the next the cat became a man. He dressed for the shadows, dark colors and a hood that covered what Andvari could see of his golden hair.
Draco turned his attention to this stranger, roaring once more and preparing to defend his mates.
“Draco, hold!” Andvari yelled the command, and his dragon barely held onto his control.
“Help me,” Sawyer whispered. His attention was on the newcomer as well.
His eyes still glowing, the man knelt by Sawyer’s side. He held out his hand to Andvari. “Blade.”
No way was Andvari giving up one of his blades. Not going to happen.
“Andi, please,” Sawyer said. His voice was a mere croak.
Andvari pulled out one of his smaller blades and held it out to the stranger.
Yellow eyes proceeded to grab Sawyer by the wrist and slam it to the ground. Before Andvari could stop him, he’d stabbed the dagger into Sawyer’s hand, pinning him to the ground like a butterfly on display.
Sawyer screamed, the sound weak and heart wrenching.
