by Ivy Barrett
Matt slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her snuggle against his side. “Why don’t you look happy? You just passed your final assessment.”
“Because they’re not going to like what I’m about to say.”
“Are you ready to embrace your life path?” Hyalee asked. It was the final question. If Serena agreed, she would become a permanent member of the Order.
Strengthening her resolve with a long look into Matt’s dark eyes, Serena replied, “I am more than ready to embrace my life path, but my life path has taken an unexpected turn.”
“Serena,” Hyalee cautioned. “Think carefully before you speak. Words spoken in the sacred circle are binding for life.”
“I understand that. I have been given a rare and wonderful gift, and I am truly grateful. I will dedicate my life to serving others as the Deity intended. I will ease suffering where I can and help others to restore balance when it is lost. However,” she paused and smiled at Matt, “I am being called beyond the valley. I’m not sure yet where I will travel, but I know with absolute certainty who will accompany me.”
She expected Matt to return her smile. Instead, he drew her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “I don’t want you to make this sacrifice for me. I told you we would find a compromise, some way for—”
“It has recently come to light that I am not the only soul seer in the valley.”
Hyalee gasped. “Are you certain? Who would conceal such a gift?” She looked at her brother and they came to the same conclusion at exactly the same time. “Orillia!”
“Orillia has assured me she will make her gift available to anyone in need.”
“She must enter the Order,” Hyalee insisted.
“No.” Kapali placed his hand on his sister’s shoulder. “She should be allowed to follow her life path, and so should Serena. Those too inflexible to bend often break.”
Matt cupped her chin with one hand. His features were still tense, but tenderness shone in his eyes. “Are you sure this is what you want?”
“I want nothing more.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed against his warm chest. “I didn’t know what contentment was until you stepped into my life. I want to wake in your arms and grow old at your side. I have shown you the wonders of my world—along with a few of the horrors. I’m ready to experience life beyond the valley.”
His mouth claimed hers in a deep, consuming kiss. She responded with equal fervor, her devotion growing with every beat of her heart.
Dark Star Doms 4:
Mastering the Mystic
When Miranda, a famous mystic therapist, is slipped a ring imprinted with images of murder victims, Enforcer Drake O’Bannon agrees to protect her. Drake has no use for mystics. It doesn’t matter that she’s intelligent and caring—and makes him want to explore every inch of her curvaceous body with his hands, his lips and tongue. Only a fool would trust a woman who reads minds for a living. And Drake is nobody’s fool!
The mystic link Miranda uses to show him the images ignites their smoldering attraction. His assignment is to ensure her safety, not provide her next orgasm. And her sassy mouth makes him eager to bend her over his knees and spank her naked bottom. She understands the danger is real, but she will submit to no man! Despite his determination to protect Miranda, Drake fears his desire for her endangers them both.
