"Temperament takes after the mother?" Elara was surprised, the faint mist in her eyes clearing at once. "What about you? Does your temperament take after your mother too?"
"I might, but they definitely don't." Austin lifted Elara and pressed her against the wall, burying his face in her neck and nuzzling her playfully. "But looking at Cinderaven's personality, I doubt mine takes after Mother Goddess Andralena." He couldn't believe the great mother goddess had a side like Cinderaven's.
Her neck tickled. Elara's eyes softened, and she smiled. She placed her right hand on Austin's face, lifted his head, and nuzzled his nose gently. Austin breathed in her cool, faint fragrance—one he craved and willingly surrendered to. His clear voice held a quiet longing. "Have you missed me?"
His passion
