“Sorry. Worrying about you in Eldridge…” He shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. “The thought just made me snap for a second. It’s incredibly dangerous.”
“I’m aware. We’ll stay in unpopulated areas. It’s better if we can get in and out unseen.”
Someday, he was going to have to deal with his past, but this wasn’t the time to push him on it, so she addressed his concern about her safety and let the rest drop. They shared the extreme fear of losing loved ones.
“You’re serious about him?” Sam asked.
“Yes.”
As close as she was to Sam, the bond that had developed between them over the years wasn’t any stronger than the bonds she shared with Cass or her siblings. It was as deep of a bond as anyone could hope for with a loved one—but it was in no way romantic.
As far as a potential mate, she’d always dreamed of the deeper bonds described in ancient stories. Unrealistic though it may be, she believed in the legendary soul-bonds that formed so intricately as to tie two people unbreakably.
What she felt for Rodric was incredible. The beginning of a connection far stronger than anything she’d ever felt with another person. And that waswithoutconnecting to him with her magic. Touching his lifeforce energy would surely intensify what was already forming naturally between them.
“Rodric and I have some challenges to overcome. Pretty major ones, truthfully. But I’m very serious about him.”
Sam shook his head at her, the worry fading from his eyes to be replaced with his usual playful affection. “Just don’t be kissing him in my house.”
“Mmm. No promises,” she joked.
Stealing his mug, she sipped the sweet floral flavor mixed with the bitter cinna as she went to start dinner, thinking about her mysterious dance partner as she did so.
Rodricpausedbeforeenteringthe kitchen, steeling himself to have to make small talk with a stranger. They had ridden hard to make it this far before dark, and he was exhausted.
So much so that without the prospect of a hot meal, he would have gone straight to bed. This was the beginning of a long journey though, and he knew to appreciate hot food when he could on such expeditions. They had plenty of nights in the open ahead of them, and Zora would be in a much better mood after spending a night in a warm stable.
Celina was positive that Connor was in Eldridge somewhere, they just needed to narrow down the general area.
Hearing the relaxed sounds of laughter and low voices, he moved silently into the room, stopping just inside the doorway to observe before making his presence known. Celina was leaning against the counter, smiling at her friend as he cooked at the stove. Leaner than most, Sam was still tall and muscled, movements light, almost graceful. His lack of alertness confirmed he was not a warrior or a hunter.
Assessing their body language, he noted the calm, relaxed energy flowing between them. They were standing close, sharing personal space, which, from what he’d observed, was rare for Celina. Old friends certainly, probably more.
Never pausing in his cooking, Sam took a sip from Celina’s mug and passed it back in smooth succession. They were obviously quite comfortable sharing drinks, making him wonder what else they had shared. His gut clenched at the thought of his enchantress in the arms of another man. Possibly this man, if the affection flowing between the two was anything to go by.
The possessive thought wound through his mind and wouldn’t let go. Unusual, yet powerful and right. He’d never felt that way before, the uncomfortable feeling stirred only by Celina.
Bristling slightly as Sam brushed up against her, Rodric knew that he definitely wanted her for himself alone. Exactly what he wanted her to be was yet to be determined, regardless of the stirring she alighted in his soul. He shifted his weight, preparing to move toward them, when Celina tensed slightly and turned around.
He smiled, intensely pleased that Celina was already so attuned to him, had sensed his presence before Sam had. Her cheeks glowed a little warmer as he approached.
“Hello,” she greeted, returning his smile.
He placed a hand on her lower back, thumb moving softly in silent greeting. Satisfaction and a bit of relief bloomed when she leaned into his touch instead of pulling away. She wasn’t going to shut him out while he worked through his trauma.
“I’d like you to meet my friend, Sam Silvan. Sam, this is Rodric Velton.”
Sam nodded to him in greeting, a small but controlled amount of tension rolling off him. “Ale’s on the counter if you’re inclined, or there’s coffee, if you prefer caffeine before bed like Cela,” he said before going back to tend his dishes on the stove, quickly checking and plating the food.
“Onlythisblend of coffee, because it’s my favorite,” Celina admonished Sam before turning her eyes back to Rodric with a smile. “You should try some. It’s worth the risk of not sleeping.”
Rodric filled a mug with coffee and settled into a chair next to Celina, leaving Sam the open chair across from them. It may be Sam’s home, but he wasn’t about to give up the opportunity to sit next to her.
“Barnabus isn’t joining us?” Celina asked.
“No. He’s already retired for the night. The rain hurts his bones.” Sam placed the dishes on the table for the three of them. “You’ll have to meet with him tomorrow about the map.”
“And you’ll help?”
