CHAPTER 18
A lora tucked the bedspread over her pillow and straightened the end to align with the bed’s wooden frame. The cloth wasn’t quite perfect, so she tugged on it until the material’s edge met her approval.
She peered out the window. Through a natural hole in the Rolmdew tree, a deep purple glowed in the distance, foreshadowing the rise of Lemuria’s only sun.
Veromé would be here any moment.
Her chest lightened, and she twirled the gold bracelet around her wrist, the one he’d given to her as an anniversary gift.
The familiar scent of oceans, salty and fresh, wafted by on the breeze. Veromé.
Eager to see her mate, she turned around. He materialized in the center of the room, bit by bit, the pieces forming right before her eyes. He’d returned from his dark place, the one he went to during the night. How she cherished the brief moments at sunrise and sunset, their only time together.
His smile, the one she’d fallen for, tugged at his lips. He opened his arms in invitation, and she raced into his embrace. As he held her close to his chest, she breathed in his scent, committing the salty, fresh fragrance to memory so she could make it through another day without him.
“It is always good to have you in my arms.” His deep, strong, masculine voice rumbled in his chest.
She relished his embrace, holding on, not wanting to ever let him go. “I have so much to tell you.”
He pulled back just enough to study her. His brow furrowed over his beautiful blue eyes. “What is it? Is something wrong?”
She ran her finger along his jawline, enjoying how the stubble teased her skin. “No, nothing is wrong. Quite the contrary, in fact.”
Worry lines formed around his eyes. “I don’t like the sound of that. What are you up to?”
Feigning irritation, she pursed her lips. “Why do you always assume I’m up to something?”
Cradling her face in his palm, he tracked his thumb over her bottom lip. “Past experience is a good indication of future behavior.”
She pouted then ran her tongue over his thumb, enticing him.
“You tease me,” he hissed before claiming her with a deep, sensual kiss.
She leaned into him, her body quivering beneath his caress. Between their thin clothing, her hardened nipples pressed against his chest.
He groaned, the vibration traveling through their connection from his lips into hers. Long and hard, his erection twitched along her abdomen.
Good. She enjoyed teasing him, but missed him just as much.
He broke the kiss and placed his forehead against hers. “Tell me. What happened?”
She focused on his beautiful eyes. “Carine came to visit me tonight.”
His brow furrowed. “Zedron’s slave? Why?”
“We met in the market and I invited her over. I didn’t think she’d take me up on my offer, but I’m glad she did.” She couldn’t contain her smile as it bloomed over her face. “I think she hates him as much as I do.”
Veromé’s gaze narrowed. “Why don’t I like the sound of this?”
“Come, let me show you something.” She drew away from him, gripped his hand, and stepped to her dresser.
She picked up the small disc sitting on the worn wood and held it between her fingers, smiling slyly at him. The deep blue shimmered in the light.
Her chest swelled, and she couldn’t help but tease him. “Do you know what this is?”
He crossed his arms, but his lip curled at the corner into a delightful grin. “A visus bacin recording device. Did you put something on there just for me?”
She choked out a laugh then straightened her shoulders. “No, it’s not mine. Carine brought it to me. It belongs to Zedron.”
“What?” Veromé’s features slackened.
She held up the disc for his inspection. “This little thing will help me win the war.” With a quick flick, she palmed the sphere and shook her fist. “I’ve got you Zedron, you cheater.”
Veromé inhaled. “What did he do?”
She glanced out the window. The sky was as bright as she’d seen it in a long time. Soon, the familiar tug on her insides would start. She had to hurry.
“Do you remember Ram? Aramie and Demir killed him. Seems that pissed Zedron off. He prevented Ram from returning to Lemuria after he died and threw him in a broken human body. That’s against the rules and I have the proof,” she held up the disc, “in here.”
“What did the council say? Did they sanction him?”
She shrugged, trying to look as nonchalant as possible.
Veromé tsked. “Don’t tell me you didn’t show them the recording device.”
She raised her chin. “I haven’t decided yet how I want to use this information.”
He inhaled. “You’re going to see him, Zedron, aren’t you?”
“So what if I am?”
Alora…” He shook his head, his handsome features tightening.
The familiar tug started in her gut. For once, she was glad to go. As she faded into her dark place for the day, Veromé’s last words echoed in her mind. Don’t take matters into your own hands.