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And just like that, Leaf’s peace evaporated. With a huff, he faced the water. Shaking his head, he forced himself to concentrate on Frostwing, not how she compared him to a dead man. It wasn’t her fault. She was still adjusting to Elphyne. It was unfair of him to make her feel uncomfortable. And it was another reminder that he had to keep this relationship professional.
The water had been comforting—the way the Well used to feel. She’d given him that.
She made a sound too much like a sob, and his ribs squeezed.Welldammit, he could not figure out females for the life of him. And it was entirely his fault, not theirs. Feeling foolish for his outburst, he decided he should give her something back. He removed the unbuckled saddle from the horse and softened his voice to say, “Give me your hand.”
“Why?” Her eyes were wary, but she offered her palm.
He placed it beneath the horse’s throat, then guided her other hand to its back, so it placed her face forward to the beast. He guided her ear to its heart. The horse snuffled. “There you go,” he crooned. “Embrace the horse. Listen to her heart. Let her warmth soothe you.”
She flicked him a bashful pout, but he encouraged her to keep at it. After a few minutes of listening to a heartbeat, a small smile touched her lips.
Letting his mood sink back to that place of solitude, Leaf instinctively drew from his inner well. He stepped away and thought of Frostwing, of that peace she’d gifted him. Just before he started a portal, Nova’s gentle touch landed on his hand. He didn’t tell her to leave this time. Instead, he continued to draw on mana and marveled as it flowed out. He knew before the portal opened that it had worked. This time, his expenditure felt different. Clean. Bright. Balanced.
Blue light and sizzling energy crackled and buzzed in a widening circular formation, opening in the middle to display a snowy landscape. A single snowflake drifted in from the other side.
“Well done,Papi.” Nova patted his hand.
“If that word means what I think it means—”
She smirked. “It means daddy.”
His jaw clicked shut. He was about to say pup, but this was worse.
“You’re so bossy,” she smirked at his furrowed brow. “It’s a good fit.”
“Absolutely not.” His teeth ground, and he collected the horse. “Let’s go. Put on your cloak.”
“Yes,Papi.”
“Nova,” he warned. “I mean it.”
“Fine.Hoja de los Guardianes. Always with the official names. Sheesh.” She tossed her cloak around her shoulders and jogged after him. “But for the record, a term of endearment would make this fake mating thing more believable.”
Leaf mounted the horse and offered his hand as he considered her words. Haze called Peaches sweetness. Shade called his mate darling. Even Rush, the brooding shifter, called Clarke princess.
“Not me.” He lifted Nova onto the horse.
She settled snuggly between his thighs. “I called my ex Jace, and he called me Estrella—a star. Nova is also a star, but nicknames are far more romantic. Don’t you think?”
“Names other than official titles are ridiculous and confusing.” He splayed his hand over her stomach and tugged her hard against him. Her squeak of surprise was utterly satisfying. “Any mate of mine would know that.”
“What’s this for?” She pointed to his hand on her stomach. He usually avoided touching her while they rode.
“We must be physically connected when we enter the portal,” he explained, voice deeper than intended. “There’s a chance we end up in different locations. And there’s a chance you’ll fall off vomiting again. Would you prefer I touch you elsewhere?”
She covered his hand. “It’s fine.”
Nova’s hand still covered his as they crossed, and as they rode over a snowy field. The ruse, he reminded himself. That’s why he didn’t shake her free. The ruse had to look convincing.
ChapterFifteen
Nova shivered beneath her stolen cape and wet hair. She’d have waited to bathe if she knew they were about to enter a cold climate. But Leaf didn’t wait for permission, nor did he ask her opinion about his plans.
Thankfully, the moment they passed the portal’s electrical field, she saw the habitat less than a mile away. Unfortunately, the crossing made her nauseous. Coupled with the sudden violent shivering, she almost toppled from the horse. Strong arms banded around her, squeezing her tight.
“Won’t be long.” Leaf’s warm breath tickled her cheek.
She tried to nod but shivered instead.
