She nodded. Energy still roiling inside her, she rocked on her heels to help alleviate the need for action. “What was with the chanting and the waving your hand at the door?”
Rhys turned on a light and closed the door behind them. “I was disengaging the wards. This place is protected by powerful magic. Only me or those who are invited can see it.” He closed his eyes and chanted again. Then he walked to the kitchen and rummaged through the rough wood cabinets. “We're safe. You can relax now.”
She let out a strangled laugh. “Yeah. Relax. Easy.”
She wandered around the dark, yet comfy living room, wringing her hands. She ran her fingers over the books on the shelf and the lamp on the table. She bumped her leg against the overstuffed leather sofa. Peered at the cabinet on the far wall stuffed with knick-knacks. A sad smile crossed her face at the thought they were probably his mom’s.
Rhys set a first aid kit on the counter, then crossed the room to her. He gripped her nape, bringing her fidgeting to an end. He caressed her jaw with his thumb. “It gets easier. You learn how to absorb the magic. We need to take care of those wounds.”
“I'm fine.”
He searched her eyes so intently she had to look away. She was afraid of what he'd see. What she'd see in his eyes. There was no way he was fine with everything that'd happened. As soon as it all sank it, he'd be booting her out.
Makenna eased out of his hold, though it was the last thing she wanted to do. In truth, she wanted to tackle him to the floor, strip him bare, and ride him until she'd worked off all the excess energy fueling her jerky movements.
Instead, she walked to the kitchen and made a show of looking at the knife block. “So you have anything to eat here?”
“Kenna.” His voice was in her ear, his warm breath tickling her neck. He turned her around. “Look at me.”
He tipped her chin, not giving her the choice. She saw nothing but concern there. Maybe even love? No. That couldn't be right. It was too soon. Not to mention, soon he'd realize he hated her guts for what she'd done.
His brow furrowed. “I could never hate you. Don't even think that.”
She tilted her head. “How did you know what I was thinking?”
“I didn't really. I felt it.” Rhys brushed stray locks of hair from her face. “We're mated. Bonded. It means we can feel one another, no matter how far apart we are. We experience each other's emotions, can sense the other's state of mind.” He smoothed the wrinkle on her nose. “Does that bother you?”
She made a face. “But I can't feel what you're feeling.”
Maybe she was broken. What if she wasn't capable of bonding with him? She was so damaged it wouldn’t surprise her.
“Of course you can't.” He lifted her to the counter and situated himself between her legs. “You just came into your powers. That's overwhelming in itself. With everything else that's happened, it's probably difficult to know how you're feeling right now, let alone someone else. Am I right?”
She nodded and rubbed her chest. “I do feel you, though. In a way. Here.” Words poured out of their own volition. “When we were apart, it hurt. Like a piece of me was missing.”
“It was the same for me. When the bond is first forming, mates are usually together almost every minute. If they're not, it weakens them, and can be very painful.” He grimaced, his face telling her he was reliving those moments without her.
She'd not only hurt herself in sending him away, she'd caused him pain. Again. She hopped down and slid away from him. “I didn't know. I'm sorry I sent you away.” She laughed, but it wasn't happy. “And that I threw you through a door.”
He leaned against the cabinet. “No apologies. The spell had started to fade. You were overdosing on power.” Rhys frowned when she dodged his touch. “Kenna, it's okay.”
She shook her head, swinging her arms back and forth as she paced. She needed something to do. Looking down at her torn and bloody clothing, she latched on to the first thing that came to mind. “I'd really like a shower.”
Rhys ran his hands through his hair. Resignation settled over his features. “Of course. It's back there.” He motioned for her to head down the hall. “To the left.”
Makenna walked in the only door on the left and switched on the light. It was small but bright and clean.
She startled as he followed her in. Too close. He was too close. With the way she was feeling, she needed space from him or she was going to jump his bones.
She didn't want to use him and that's what it would be. Using him to get rid of the restlessness eating her alive. If she was going to be with him again, she didn't want it to be like that.
Rhys moved around her and turned the water on, checking the temperature. He tugged a towel from the shelf and hung it for her.
Then he shocked her by backing her into the sink. “You wouldn't be using me. We're mates, Kenna. Whether you were charged from your power or not, we'd want each other.” He gripped her face and brought his lips to hers. Her mind blanked as he kissed her senseless. When he pulled away, they were both panting. “Take a nice long shower, and I'll get dinner ready. You need protein after your shift.”
He backed away, and she missed his warmth. Especially when she could tell releasing her was the last thing he wanted to do. But he understood she wanted some time alone. That much she could sense.
“Rhys?”
He turned on his way out the door. “Yes?”
“Thank you. For...everything. You saved me.”
He smiled, pride shining in his eyes. “You're the strongest woman I know. You helped save yourself.” He grabbed the doorknob. “I'll bring you something to wear.” With that, he closed the door, leaving her alone with her thoughts.
She could feel the willpower it had taken for him to leave her. But he respected her needs. More proof he was a good man. Wolf. Whatever. He had a good heart.
And she'd hacked away at it with a jagged knife.
She stripped and climbed in the steamy stall. The water stung on the few cuts she had left. She scanned her body, marveling at the speed she’d healed. One more thing to get used to in her new world. Her new life. That's when it hit her.
Makenna could never go back to her old life.
In all the fury and terror of the night, it was the first chance she'd had to actually think. Strangely, she wasn't as upset as she thought she'd be. As she soaped up her hair and body, she realized that as scary and shocking and stomach turning as all the shit was that had come down on her, she could handle it. It felt right. The good parts, anyway. The war inside eased, the many sides of her beginning to find some peace with one another now that part of her was no longer in captivity.
The door opened, then closed again a few seconds later. Rhys. Taking care of her yet again. He always seemed to be doing that.
And she'd repaid him with nothing but agony.
That ended tonight.
She rinsed and shut off the spray. Standing under the water and being still had little appeal.
She dried quickly and pulled on the gym shorts and T-shirt he'd set out for her. She rolled the waistband and tied the shirt in a knot at the small of her back. They were so huge they swallowed her. Taking a whiff, she let the scent that was all Rhys soothe her raging system. Only it didn't soothe anything.
It only charged her desire for him and ramped up the adrenaline in her system.
Shit. Makenna needed to talk to him, not throw him down and have her way with him. She had questions, and there were things between them that needed settled. She had to get it all out soon, before the shock of the night wore off, and he realized he'd be better off without her. She'd say her piece, then give him the out he'd surely want.
Her heart cried, her wolf howled, and the goddess screamed. But there wasn't a choice. She couldn't be his queen. His people would never follow her, never trust her. How could they? How could he ever trust her?
Determined and heartbroken, she opened the door to face the hardest thing she'd ever do.
<
br /> When she got to the kitchen, Rhys had a pile of burgers, every condiment known to man, and three bags of chips on the bar. Along with two kinds of cookies and four different sodas.
He gave her a sheepish grin. “I wasn't sure what you liked, so I set everything out.”
She stared, her stomach growling. How could she be hungry at a time like this? But she was starving.
“Thank you.”
“Sit. Eat.” He pointed at a stool. “Shifting takes it out of you. You'll get used to feeling like you're starving afterward. Unless you've been hunting.” He laid buns out then cocked his head at her blank stare. “Kenna? Aren't you hungry?”
She snapped out of it, the meat too much to resist. At least now her cravings the last few days made sense. “Yeah. Sorry.”
She sat down and pulled two burgers from the pile.
Rhys sat beside her. He didn't fix his own plate until she had everything she wanted. They ate in silence. The whole time, her leg moved back and forth rapidly, her toe pecking against the bar. The only thing keeping her in the chair was the fact she felt a serious need to shove every bit of food she could into her mouth.
Rhys watched her as he ate, refilling her plate as she emptied it. He got up twice to get her a fresh soda or water bottle as she drained them.
So many new sensations. Weird cravings. It was like her body had gone haywire.
Three burgers, four handfuls of chips, several cookies, two Cokes, and three water bottles later, she was finally full. She jumped up from her seat and took her paper plate to the trash.
Rhys finished his meal, and they cleaned up the mess without a word. Energy built between them. She got more worked up by the second. When the kitchen was clean, she returned to pacing the living room.
“We're always keyed up after a fight. Or a hunt. What you're feeling is normal. It's amplified for you because your magic has been contained for so long.” He blocked her path. “Stop fighting it, Kenna.”
She ground to a halt right before she ran into his chest. “Stop fighting what?” Again she refused to meet his eyes.
Now that the moment was here, the last thing she wanted was to set him free. The battle in her mind amped up again, this time for a different reason. She knew she was no good for him, that she'd only hurt him more. If that was even possible. But she wanted to keep him more than she’d ever wanted anything.
Rhys gripped her nape, tangling his fingers in her hair. “This. Us.”
He moved in until there was no space between them. His heat seared through her, warming her to her soul.
“You deserve better than me. I'm broken.” She loved him, she could admit that. And if she truly did love him, she had to let him go. She couldn’t take the time to explain everything or apologize anymore. If she did, she’d never get out what she had to say. “You don't have to stay mated to me. I release you.”
His eyes darkened, and his jaw tightened. “I know you want me. I feel it. Do you not want to be mated to me?”
Makenna rushed to take the pain out of his voice. “No! I mean, yes, I do. But you can't possibly want to stay mated to me. Not after everything I did.”
He released her and paced in front of her. “I'll admit I was angry at first, and shocked. Obviously. But that wasn't you. You were under a spell. You didn't have a choice.”
“I'm not just talking about Kylian. I accused you of lying, of trying to use me. I threw you through a wall for cryin' out loud!” She threw her hands up.
Why wouldn't he just be honest? Did he want her power so badly he didn't care about anything else as long as he could save his people? As soon as the thought formed, she discarded it. Rhys wasn't like that.
His head snapped up and suddenly he was back in front of her. “I want you. Not just because we're fated. Not just to save my people. I would never use you like that.” His eyes narrowed. “But you know that.” He grabbed her face. “I want you for you. You're mine, and I'm yours. Don't push me away, Kenna. Trust me.”
“But I─”
“All this is overwhelming, I know. But you belong here. You belong with me. Nothing you can say or do will change that.” He leaned his forehead to hers. “You're home now.”
Makenna raised her head. Home. Rhys was home. Warmth suffused her, touching places that had been frozen too long. She may not be worthy of him, of the new life she'd been given, but she'd go to her grave trying to be.
He shook her lightly. “You don't have to prove yourself. Just be who you are. That's all I want, is you.”
The damn broke, every barrier falling, every excuse fading away as she looked into his sincere, darkened eyes.
They met halfway, their mouths colliding in a hard, brutal kiss. Their hands were everywhere, clothes flying across the room as they were torn from their bodies. The fire between them erupted into an inferno. They'd been deprived of each other for too long, their bond screaming for the connection and their bodies fighting to accommodate.
Makenna ran her hands over his sleek, muscular back, then up his chest and shoulders. She dug her nails in, pulling him closer. He kissed and bit his way from her lips down her neck. He licked his mark on her skin and sent shivers through her.
“Rhys.” His name was a plea.
“I need you, Kenna. Gods, I need you. I’ve dreamed of this.”
So had she. Remembering the first and only time they'd been together sent shock waves through her already vibrating body. She ran her hand down his stomach and wrapped her fingers around his rigid length. He sucked in a sharp breath.
Leaning her back over his arm, he ravaged her breasts with his blazing hot mouth. The need was painful. She had to have him inside her. Now.
“Rhys, please.”
Fathomless eyes met hers. “I can't be gentle. Not tonight. I need you too badly.”
“I don't want gentle.”
She wanted the real Rhys. Unleashed and not holding anything back. The goddess screamed for her counterpart, and he answered back in Rhys’ eyes.
Yes, he would give her everything.
He kissed her roughly, his hands clenching her ass. She went to wrap her legs around him, and he pulled back. At her furrowed brow, he smiled with wicked promise.
“Not tonight. Tonight you’re getting truly claimed.” She didn’t have time to wonder what he meant. He spun her around and bent her over the back of the couch. He ran a rough hand up her spine, following it with his hot lips. “Can you take me, Kenna? All of me?”
“Yes. Please!”
Desire had claws and they dug into her skin, setting it on fire. For Rhys. For what only he could give her.
His fingers teased her center, finding her more than ready for him. “All for me. Mine, Kenna. You’re all mine.”
She glanced at him over her shoulder through lust-fogged eyes. “And you’re mine.”
“All yours.”
With that, he drove in with so much force the couch scraped across the floor, moving at least a foot. She screamed with the incredible pleasure pain. It was everything she wanted. Rhys unrestrained. Giving her his all.
One hand on her hip, one on her shoulder, he set up a rhythm she felt in her soul. She surged back, meeting him thrust for thrust. Harder. Faster. Deeper. The energy in her blood rode the bond between them, speeding their hearts and fueling the love they made.
“Oh God, yes. More!”
Sliding his hand up her belly, he pulled her up until her back met his chest. He pounded harder, faster than humanly possible.
“Feel me. Feel us. This is what forever feels like, love.” His words whispered in her ear. His teeth sank into his mark.
Makenna exploded, crying out his name as the world shattered. Red light wrapped around them, warmth encircling them. Sealing their souls together as their bodies melded. Rhys followed her over the edge, groaning her name against the skin of her neck.
They sagged against the couch, depleted. The light faded, and with it the surge of power that’d charged them both.
She smi
led, loving the feel of him wrapped around her. “I guess I know how to burn off that energy now.”
Rhys chuckled and kissed her spine. “I’m more than happy to help with that anytime.”
He pulled out and they both moaned. She wasn’t ready to be separated from him yet, but they couldn’t stay that way forever. Scooping her up, he carried her to the bathroom and ran a bath. He helped her in, then climbed in behind her, settling her between his legs.
They soaked in the steaming water in silence. Contented silence. The world had righted itself. Their souls were at peace, elated at having their other half with them again. There were things to deal with, but for now they’d bask in the sublime comfort of one another.
When the water cooled, Rhys dried them off, then led her to the huge, fluffy bed. She sank into the luxury, snuggling in as he curled himself around her.
Minutes, maybe hours later, Makenna could no longer keep the real world out. “Will they ever accept me?”
“Some already have. They came with me to find you tonight.” He readjusted her, turning her to drape across his chest. “It’ll take time, but they will come to trust you. To love you.”
“I hope you’re right.” She frowned, resting her head against his heart.
The fear wouldn’t leave despite his assurances.
“Hey,” he tilted her chin up. “No worrying tonight. There’ll be enough of that in the morning. Just rest. Enjoy the peace while we have it.”
“I’ll try.” She snuggled deeper, loving the warmth and safety of him. She let it wash over her, calming her spirit. He was right.
There was plenty of trouble waiting tomorrow. Tonight, they had each other. Finally.
She was home.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Believer
“You blew up a liquor store?”
Sleeper (Rise of the Fianna Book 1) Page 27
