With a deep sigh, he said, “Pardon me, I have a few things to take care of.”
As he left the kitchen, Nia turned to Shadow. “What’s that all about?” she asked softly.
Her striking eyes darkened. “Just over a year ago,” she murmured, “Hedori rescued Jenna from the Dark Realm, where she was held captive. The thing is…” Her mouth turned down a little. “She’s his destined mate, but because of the abuse she’s suffered under a psycho fallen who had her imprisoned, Hedori gives her the space she requires to heal. But I think he needs a little break from her seeing him as nothing more than a protector.”
“Aw, man…” Nia whispered. “I feel for him.”
“Yeah, me too.”
Nia glanced at Lore, grateful they’d finally overcome all their obstacles, and found he’d already served her roast beef and veggies with a healthy helping of pepper sauce. He’d spooned some broth into his soup plate.
Her heart melted. “Thank you.”
He nodded.I need you to keep your energy up.
She picked up her cutlery. “I’m okay. I had some of that energizing drink Hedori makes?—”
I meant for later.
Heat flooded her face, and she shoveled a forkful of food into her mouth. Soft laughter coasted through their mate bond.
“What’s next, Nia?” Shadow asked, thankfully distracting her.
Her mate, Nik, cast a quick look at her, obviously hearing Shadow’s question. The warrior was inked within an inch of his life, and the snake tattoo on his neck was seriously terrifying, especially after her serpent-filled ordeal.
As if sensing her wariness, Nik said, “It’s just ink.”
Heck, shereeeeallydidn’t think so. That snake was staring at her. And smirking.
Ugh. Nia shook her head. Just because the warriors all possessed mystical Gaian swords tattooed on their biceps, it didn’t mean the snake was magical, too.
As she ate, she told Shadow about having to return to New Orleans to finish her vet residency, about her little pups…
She sipped her water and cast a quick look at Lore. Thankfully, he’d eaten more of his soup this time.
“You finished?” he asked, setting his spoon down.
She had only finished half of her food, mostly because she wasn’t really hungry. “Yes.”
“Good.” He dropped his napkin, rose, and scooped her off the chair?—
“Eeep—Lore, wait! What are you doing?” She grabbed him around his neck.
Laughter broke out around the table.
“Thanks for dinner,” Lore said, cool as all hell, and headed for the door.
Oh, man!She buried her face in his chest as he walked out with her, the door shutting behind them, so sure her cheeks resembled a fire hydrant.
“I can’t face them after that,” she moaned, looking up. “They’re all going to know why you carried me out.”
“So?” An eyebrow arched, his eyes dancing with amusement. “Or do you think they all go to bed and lie piously next to each other?”
She blinked, then burst out laughing. “On second thought, I can’t wait to have my wicked way with you. Man, all the licking and sucking…”
His hold on her tightened fractionally.
A sly smile crept to her mouth. “I have ropes, too.” She let her voice drop an octave to husky. “I’m gonna tie you up, then do the dirty with you or maybetoyou… I’ll have you helpless and at my mercy.”
