“Ash, my beloved,” he whispered, his breath warm against her neck, his thoughts leaving no doubt of his love.
* * * *
After they were both sated and their sweat had begun to dry, Sorntar stroked a finger along the upper swell of her breast. “This is new.”
She tracked his finger. A faint mark darkened her skin, growing as she watched, forming a knot-like pattern composed of many individual colored threads. It reminded her of a tattoo. Sorntar was running fingertips across his own chest now, too. He had a matching pattern.
“It’s the mark,” he said, his tone neither worried nor surprised.
“The one denoting members of the Twelve?” she asked sleepily.
“Yes.” His voice sounded stronger, renewed. “We’re healed, blessed by both the Great Mother and the All Father.”
Ashayna stroked her tattoo and marveled. “Does it mean we can go home?”
“Yes.”
Ashayna got to her feet and mulled over his words for a moment while she arranged her blanket into a dress. She didn’t want to think about the real world at the moment, not when Sorntar’s scent still coated her like the finest perfume, but it didn’t look like she had a choice in the matter. “What about the creature Dakdamon created?”
He stood up and stretched. “One problem at a time. The other members of the Twelve will find their way to us.”
“What about Lamarra?” she asked around the tight knot in her throat. “The Dead King still has her.”
“We will find her and together we will face what comes.”
“With Itharann’s help?”
“Yes, the three of us together,” Sorntar agreed, drawing her forward until Ashayna stood looking up at him.
She studied his face for some moments, then reached up to stroke his jaw, just to reassure herself he was real. “There is something I’ve wanted to say to you for a long time now—should have said before.”
He leaned into her and rested his chin against the top of her head. “Some things don’t need to be said. They are understood.”
“Yes, but it’s still nice to hear it, I imagine.” She nipped his shoulder in a playful kiss. “Some emotions are so powerful words can’t describe them. That is how it is for me. I lack the words to even begin to convey how much I love you.”
“Ash. While you might be lacking in words, your actions speak clearly.” He caressed her bare arms, and then curving a wing around her shoulder, he tucked her against his side. “And I plan for my actions to speak as clearly as yours, for the rest of our lives. Hum, I think we need more practice.”
A chuckle bubbled up within her. “First, I need to thank your god and goddess for bringing us together.”
As she took in the beauty of their quite glade, she sent a silent prayer to the gods. She stayed like that, her body touching his, until the shadows stretched out long behind them. And for the first time Ashayna could remember, she felt whole.
The End
Afterword
Thanks for giving Betrayal’s Price a try. If you enjoyed the read, you may also like Herd Mistress, book two of my In Deception’s Shadow series.
I’m also launching a newsletter for fans, highlighting future projects, sample chapters, freebies, review copy giveaways, contest and more. To gain access to those kinds of fun tidbits and bargains, just visit my website http://www.lisablackwood.com/ and sign up for my newsletter.
About the Author
Lisa Blackwood grudgingly lives in a small town in Southern Ontario, though she would much rather live deep in a dark forest, surrounded by majestic old-growth trees. Since she cannot live her fantasy, she decided to write fantasy instead. An abundance of pets, named after various Viking gods, helps to keep the creativity flowing. Freya, her ever faithful and beloved hellhound, ensures Lisa takes a break from the computer so they can rid the garden of cats with delusions of conquest.
To find out more about me and what I'm up to come visit my website.
http://www.lisablackwood.com/
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http://www.blackwoodsforest.wordpress.com/
Betrayal's Price (In Deception's Shadow Book 1) Page 29
