Kiss the Sky

11

“I understand. I can feel you through the bond too.” She leaned back into my touch. “I can sense where you are and sometimes feel your emotions.”

I chuckled softly. “Not sure I’m thrilled with that aspect of the bond.”

“Why, are you hiding something from me?” she asked in a teasing voice.

“Not at all. Just as long as you can’t read my thoughts. Although if you could, you’d see all the things I’d like to do to you now that we’re finally alone.”

“No mind reading, I promise.” She stood and turned toward me with a seductive grin. “But maybe you can show me some of these things…”

“Are you sure? You’re still recovering.”

“I’m all right. Besides, we can test out the theory that touching gives me energy in return.” But as soon as she stepped into my eager arms, she swayed a little and I found myself supporting her weight. She pressed a hand to her forehead. “Sorry, I got a little lightheaded there.”

I held her tight against me as concern overcame my desire. “How about we just relax together instead?”

She nodded. “Probably a good idea. I’m sorry though.”

I pressed a kiss to her lips. “Don’t be sorry. All I want is to be by your side.”

“Thanks. I wish I had the strength to do more. I’d like to continue what we started in the Fire Temple.”

“Soon. Once we’re on dry land again maybe.”

Together we climbed into the hammock and she curled up in my arms. A sense of satisfaction and peace settled over me as she tucked her head against my neck. Before I met Kira I’d been the type of man who had a new woman in every city I visited, and I’d only spent a single night with each of them. Cuddling with a woman was out of the question—that was how people got attached, and that was the last thing I’d wanted. Until Kira.

“Auric will want to join us too,” she mused, as she played with the collar of my shirt idly. “Are you sure you’re all right with that?”

“I don’t mind. I’ve shared women with other soldiers before, and if it makes you happy then I’m all for it. Even if Auric isn’t my favorite person.” I wrapped a strand of her red hair around my finger. “Although he’s not my least favorite person anymore either.”

“No? Who is?”

“Reven.”

She snorted. “I think the other guys would probably agree with you.”

“He left us when we needed him most. I’m not sure I’ll ever trust him again.”

“He came back at least,” Kira pointed out.

“He should never have left in the first place.” Why was Reven even here, when he didn’t seemed to care about Kira at all? He wasn’t good enough for her. At least Auric—annoying though he may be—was a prince, and he obviously loved Kira as much as I did. Even Slade, who avoided Kira as much as possible, obviously had feelings for her he wasn’t ready to admit yet. But Reven? I couldn’t tell what he wanted, and I worried he would only hurt her in the end.

“I have to believe the Gods chose all of you for a reason,” Kira said.

As I held her close I stared up at the ceiling, the hammock creaking under us, matching the roll of the ship on the waves. “The Fire God said they chose us to help bring out certain aspects in you.” For me it was bravery and passion, but I wasn’t sure what the others were supposed to be helping Kira with. All Reven brought out in Kira was frustration, and Slade wasn’t much better. It would be up to me and Auric to keep her happy during what came ahead, which was why I’d agreed to share her with the prince more than any other reason.

Kira was going to face a number of obstacles in the future and she needed people by her side she could trust, who would support her and help keep her strong no matter what she faced. I’d already pledged my heart, mind, and soul to that task. I had no doubt Auric would too. But would the other two, when the time came?

9

Kira

A

s we approached Stormhaven, Auric’s wind buffeted our sails and the ship sliced through the waves at an unnatural speed. I stood on the prow and gazed at the capital of the Air Realm in the distance, a barely visible assortment of tall buildings shining bright under the midday sun. With each passing moment it grew in size, and in only a few more hours we’d be stepping onto shore again.

The Air Realm was known as the center of culture in the four Realms, prized for its fine art, music, and literature. Thanks to a rich trade of dyes, spices, and oils, the Air Realm was also the wealthiest kingdom in the world. I’d never been to Stormhaven before in all of my travels, and I couldn’t help but feel excited at seeing the City of a Thousand Spires, as it was called. I wished Tash could be with me, especially since she’d always wanted to visit the Air Realm for the shopping and fine cuisine. She’d been my best friend in Stoneham, where I’d lived the last few years in the Earth Realm, and I missed her greatly. While I enjoyed the presence of my four mates, I missed speaking to a fellow woman now and then. Especially Tash, with her cheerful demeanor and easygoing attitude. Even after I’d killed her abusive father—in self-defense, of course—she’d remained strong and didn’t seem to harbor any resentment toward me. I closed my eyes and imagined her now, likely running her family’s inn, her dark hair braided as she worked. I prayed to the Gods she was okay and that I would see her again soon.