Page 103 of Her Ivory Flame

“I don’t remember you waking last night,” his voice groggy behind her.

“I didn’t,” she breathed and she felt him squeeze her hand gently.

Goosebumps ran down her spine and she rolled towards him while keeping her arm stretched out along his, not wanting to let go of his hand. Once on her back, she could feel his grip around her loosen and she glanced towards him.

Maroon eyes caught her gaze when she looked at him, sleep was still evident but they were bright and unnerving. That thread in her stomach instantly vibrated through her and she found herself silently staring back at him.

His hand moved slowly asking permission and she nodded before he traced up her side and then up to her face, his finger grazing her scar before pushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear like he had done so many times before.

She held his stare the entire time, and she could feel her insides become knotted in heat and fluttering she couldn’t stop.

Neither Declan or Silas ever made her feel so comforted as Kaden could with such little gestures of affection, and she began to wonder what would happen if she did let him all the way in.

Before she could say anything, a knock on the door echoed through the room and she could hear Finnley on the other side. “We better get moving.”

“Be right out.” Kaden responded but didn’t make an effort to move for a few more seconds, his eyes still watching her carefully.

“What do you think will happen when we get to Bromel?” she asked quietly.

“I heard they are going to hold a ball at the mansion, a way to pull Mavros’s attention from Elnora and then probably nothing after that.”

“You think he will attack Bromel?”

“I don’t think so. I think the attack on Elnora was a test to see if you could fight back and if his spy has reported you have some of your power, he will try to figure out a different way to hurt you.” His hand gripped hers a little tighter and she let the corner of her lips pull up slightly.

“Training is a must when we are there, I need to get my power back if he is attacking the smaller villages.” she sighed. “He needs to be stopped.”

“We will figure it out,” he whispered. “I think we are at least close to breaking that wall of yours down.”

“I hope so.”

He moved towards her and pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his arm sliding out from under her neck gently before getting up out of the bed.

Neither of them said another word while they dressed, she herself went into the bathroom to give herself privacy to change. Kaden had yet to see her naked and she wasn’t about to strip completely down in front of him now.

It didn’t take long for them to finish and walk out the door, Kaden followed her and joined the rest of the group waiting at one of the tables.

“We should be able to fly in easily, grab the horses and supplies, and be on our way just before the sun rises.” Finnley said, his arm wrapped around Raine.

“Any travelers we need to watch for in your last patrol?” Kaden said towards Xander and watched the other male shake his head.

“Not that I could see.” Xander shrugged.

Kaden glanced towards her and gave her a warning look. “Remember, you can’t say anything about what has happened the last few days. If anyone asks, we got caught up in the storm and we broke the wagon which set us back a day.”

“Broken wagon huh?” she smirked. “Classic.”

He gave her a playful glare and heard a few of the other males chuckle.

“Let’s go.” Boone interjected and they all made their way out of the Longhouse, her heart racing a little bit faster.

She didn’t want to leave, but knew she had to if she wanted to keep her home safe, and she trusted Kaden with his plan.

Once out, Finnley scooped up Raine in his arms and she looked to see Kaden holding his arms out to her, waiting for her to initiate contact.

“You don’t need to ask anymore,” she whispered. “ I trust you.”

The light in his eye brightened and he scooped her up in his arms around her back and under her knees. Her arms wrapped around his neck, her breath catching at how close their faces were and then laid her head against his chest to hide the color rushing to her cheeks.