Kiss the Sky

8

I gripped Jasin’s arm. “We have to stop them!”

He nodded, his face weary but his will unwavering. Together we stepped in front of the other men and sought out the elementals, but there were too many of them and my magic was still untrained. We couldn’t afford for me to miss. No, we needed Jasin’s magic.

I took Jasin’s hand and felt the bond between us flare bright. I closed my eyes and willed my energy and healing magic from the Spirit Goddess to flow into him. As it did, a wave of exhaustion swept through me, even as Jasin’s body began to glow faintly. I had no idea if this would work or how long I could do this, but we needed Jasin more than we needed me right now. He was the only one who could save us.

Jasin conjured fire in his other hand and it burned so hot it was almost blue. He cast it at the elemental nearest us and it went up in a wisp of steam immediately. He lobbed another ball of flame at the next one, and the next, clutching my other hand tight the entire time. The never-ending downpour buffering the ship began to ease slightly. And as he worked I felt his resolve, his fear, his courage, and his exhilaration through the bond as if they were my own emotions.

The last elemental went up in a spray of mist, and the wave suddenly ceased its attack, dropping back into the ocean. The ship rolled violently and the deck was splintered and cracked in numerous places, but was otherwise intact. All four of my mates were alive, although exhausted and drenched with saltwater.

We did it.

That was my last thought before fatigue swept through me and I collapsed onto the deck, still clutching Jasin’s hand.

6

Slade

K

ira’s body hit the deck and I rushed toward her, even though Jasin was already kneeling over her. I knocked him out of the way and lifted Kira’s small form into my arms. Her body was completely limp and her head rolled against my shoulder, her eyes closed, but she was alive at least. Kira, what did he do to you?

“I can take her,” Jasin said, reaching for Kira again.

I pinned him with a stern gaze. “You’ve done enough.”

“Is she all right?” Auric asked, his face lined with worry.

“She’s still breathing,” Reven said.

“She needs rest.” I began to make my way toward the hatch leading below deck. The other guys followed right at my heels, while Kira’s head rested snugly against my chest. I’d already been terrified for her during the elemental attack, but seeing her collapse had been too much and I’d been forced to jump into action. She seemed so small and fragile in my arms, even though I knew she was as fierce as any of us. If I could keep her cradled in my arms and safe forever, I would. She would hate it, but I wouldn’t care if it meant no harm would ever befall her.

Gods, when had I begun to care so much for her? There was no denying it. I was fond of her, though I was hesitant to admit it even to myself. It had to be that damn mate bond between us making me want to protect her and be near her at all times. And it would only get worse once we were truly bonded at the Earth Temple.

As I jumped down into the lower quarters with Kira nestled in my arms, water splashed everywhere. It was up to my knees thanks to the wave that had attacked us, but otherwise the ship appeared intact down here. I’d have to do a more thorough appraisal soon, but first I had to get Kira settled.

Auric righted a hammock and I gently placed Kira into it, then brushed hair off her face with my knuckles. She didn’t even stir, and I stared at her chest for some time to confirm she was truly breathing.

Then I turned toward Jasin and slammed him back against the nearest wall. “What did you do to her?”

His eyes widened. “Me? I did nothing!”

My grip tightened around his shirt. “Then what happened to her?”

“She took my hand and gave me her power. Our bond went berserk or something. I don’t know!”

“That’s why you were glowing,” Auric said from behind me.

I released Jasin with a low growl, and he straightened up and glared at me in return. “I swear, I didn’t do anything,” he said. “I was completely wiped out, but then she touched me and I suddenly had a ton of energy again and I could summon more fire than ever.” His face softened as he looked over at Kira. “I had no idea it would do this to her.”

“She probably didn’t know either,” Auric said.

Reven shrugged. “She did this to herself. It’s not Jasin’s fault.”

I swung my angry stare over to him. “No one asked for your opinion, deserter.”

Reven’s eyes narrowed at me and my fists clenched in return. Normally I was the calm, clear-headed one of the group who could ignore their constant bickering, but not when Kira was suffering like this. Jasin was the cause this time, but Reven had abandoned Kira before when she needed him most. She’d forgiven him somehow, but if it were up to me we’d be looking for a new man to represent water.

Auric touched Kira’s forehead with the back of his hand. “She’s going to be okay. She just needs rest.”

I stiffened. “We don’t know that. She’s never been like this before.”

“I’m worried too,” Jasin said. “But I can feel her through our bond and she’s still there. I think she’ll be fine after she gets some sleep. The best thing we can do for her is to get this ship moving again.”

I drew in a long breath and allowed my muscles to relax. “All right, but one of us needs to keep watch over her at all times in case something changes. And I’m taking first watch.”