Page 188 of Vameer

My heart beats.

We are alive.

She is alive.

I keep my arms around Rune as I sit up. Adjusting her so she’s cradled in my arms, I hug her to my chest. And I stare at her throat.

At the smooth, unmarred flesh.

I lower my eyes to her chest. And I watch it rise and fall.

I blink, releasing tears that are just tears onto her bloody shirt.

My gaze lifts.

Over her face.

To her eyes that are still closed.

Up… to her horns.

I close my eyes and hold her tighter.

Lightning still dripping from my eyes.

She cannot be hurt like that again.

I press my lips to her forehead, pushing out a small, controlled purr.

My mate will not ever be hurt like that again.

Opening my eyes, I turn my head to look at my brother. Sitting by my side.

The corner of his mouth pulls up. But I see it all on his face.

The worry. The pain. The toll of waiting.

Finally, I look at Dread, sitting across from us, a few feet away, back against a tree.

The druid who does things that should not be possible.

I hold his gaze. “You have my trust. Until the end.”

He dips his chin.

Chapter 111

Rune

Comfort and warmth fill my chest.

Something tugs at the edge of my mind. Something I should remember.

But I’m too comfortable.

I inhale, long and slow.

There are so many scents.