All I can do is blink my agreement. Within seconds, our connection is stronger and deeper, melding the two of us into one. Our hearts and breaths are in sync, and together, we stand motionless while he pulls power from me, then disperses it into the air around us. The deep connection is the most intimate experience I’ve ever had with another. His thoughts and power flow through me, along with images from his life, while mine flow through to him.
God, she’s beautiful and so strong. Steady, not too fast, almost done.
Blushing, I close my eyes and savor the connection, but there’s an element missing. Opening my eyes, I lick my lips and stare at him intensely, trying to convey what I want without having to speak the words.
He moves his hand from the side of my head to the back of my neck. Pulling my head back, his eyes silently ask for permission, and I give it. He lowers his head and kisses me deeply and firmly, like he’s been kissing me his entire life and knows exactly what I want. Unhurried, he takes his time, his mouth capturing mine again and again. I loop my arms around his neck and moan, surrendering to him, while all sense of time and space is lost.
“More,” I cry, needing more of him and to release the last of this energy.
Without saying anything, his hand dips into the waistband of my leggings and cups me tightly, but it’s not enough. I thrust up silently, telling him I need him to take me over the edge. He runs a finger along my seam before finally sliding into me.
Moaning, I pick up my leg and bring it up around his hip to give him greater access. He slides two fingers inside me and brings his thumb up to my nub. While his fingers plunge in and out, his thumb rubs circles, and ripples of pleasure spread out from my center.
“Fallon,” I gasp, gripping his shirt.
“I’ve got you, sweetheart,” he assures me.
Feeling my body coil tighter and tighter, I bite my lip. Heat keeps building and building, until I can’t contain it anymore and my body explodes. Squeezing my eyes shut, I give a low moan and ride each wave until they finally subside.
Opening my eyes, I search his bright green ones, and a blush spreads over my chest and face. His eyes are serious and full of emotion. Leaning down, he captures my lips again, but this time, his kiss is hard and hungry.
The last of the power is pulled from my body, and the connection lightens. He pulls back and stops kissing me, but his long arms reach out and wrap around me, giving me a full body hug while we catch our breath.
“Damn, you’re beautiful. That was one hell of a kiss, and I barely refrained from joining you as I felt you come undone through the connection,” he admits huskily. “But more than the physical, I could see flashes of your life, hear your thoughts, and experience your emotions. I almost didn’t know where you left off and I began. It felt good and…right.”
I pull back from his embrace. “It’s strange the way I know you now. Not the basic stuff like your green eyes and sexy mouth,” I say, lightly tracing his lips with my fingers, then I drop my hand and tap his chest, “but the heart of you—your beliefs, the loyalty you feel for Garrett and your men, and the heartbreak over your mother’s death.” I take a deep breath and shudder, remembering the dark abyss I’d found in him. “And the absolute hatred you have for the dark elves.” I don’t even know what to say about it.
He grips my hand. “And I know you—the innocent way you view the world, the fierce love you hold for your family, and the dedication to finding your destiny and making all the sacrifices mean something. If this is what it means, I want it. And I want you to be a part of my life. I want to show you my kingdom and introduce you to Garrett and my men.”
My eyes search his, and I see the serious intent burning in them. “I want it too,” I drawl slowly, “but I have to speak to Valerian first.” I reach a hand behind me and scratch my shoulder. It’s itching something fierce. I wonder if I’ve brushed up against poison ivy or something.
“I understand,” he states, his thumb rubbing over my hand. “We’ve got time. Garrett said to give you a kiss for helping to save his life. Do you think this qualifies?” He chuckles.
“Not even close,” I rasp, wanting more of him. Pulling him closer, I wrap my arms around him and lift my chin.
32
ARDEN
Strolling into the lounge the next morning, I find Astor relaxing on the couch with his nose buried in the MacAllister grimoire and the usual dark shadows surrounding him. With the fire roaring in the fireplace, the shadows appear like they’re dancing around him.
“Find anything interesting?” I sink down onto the couch beside him and lean over to see what he’s reading. I subtly inhale the scent of him and squirm.
“A lot.” His eyes are lit up with excitement as he lifts his head to reply. “For instance, I found the spell to replenish the stone.” He flips to a page marked with a piece of paper. Tilting the book, he points, but instead of the spell written down, the page depicts the same red dragon and blonde witch from the first page—the original MacAllister couple. The written portion of the spell is intricately woven into the illustration showing how to merge the flame and blood. Interestingly, there are several smaller illustrations and spells hidden throughout the image as well.
“It’s incredible,” I breathe, looking at it in wonder. “The journal mentioned I’d have to conduct this spell and give it a burst of power. Thank you for finding this for me.” I read through the spell. “And I think the replenishment spell is relatively straightforward, although I have no idea where I’m going to get more power.” My eyes dart to his for confirmation and find him assessing the page.
“I believe so,” he says distractedly, “but I want to study it further before we attempt the spell.” His fingers trace some of the cleverly hidden words and spells.
Raising my eyebrow at his comment, I wonder if he realizes he just said “we.”
“That’s not all I found,” he drawls, flipping to another marker. He tilts the book for me to read the page.
The entire page is dedicated to explaining the MacAllisters’ affinity for blood magic. Their essential power is rooted in this affinity. It started with the creation of the stone itself, then slowly evolved to become their primary power, and they became masters at wielding it.
“More than half the book contains spells for blood magic,” he explains. “This is why you reacted so strongly the first time you tried it. There are spells in here I’ve never even heard of or tried. When you want to wield it again, you’ll need to start small and build up a tolerance, but your heritage is blood magic.” Shutting the book, he lays it carefully on the table in front of the couch.
Remembering the power of the blood, I shiver. It worked, but it also felt like I was pulled under a tidal wave. “I’m not sure,” I tell him hesitantly, “but if I do, I want you by my side to help me.”
