Caedmon loped toward her in an awkward gait that was a combination of hands and feet. When he neared, he slowed and pushed himself upright, not stopping until he stood before her in all his beastly glory, chest puffed out, his head high, pausing for her inspection.
Morgan scanned his massive form in awe, breathing a sigh of relief when she saw no injuries beyond a few minor scratches that were already knitting shut, even as she watched. She threw herself against his chest and immediately felt a pleased rumble under her head.
Magic sparked against her skin, heat tingling against her wherever they touched as he shifted forms until she found herself wrapped up in the arms of the man. When she pulled back, his hold tightened, and she glanced up at him in concern.
Only for him to slam his mouth down over hers.
The kiss was raw and hungry as he ravaged her, and she arched into him with a hum of approval. Then he pulled back, his forehead pressed against hers, panting as he tried to get his breath back.
“You were magnificent.” She wasn’t sure if she was referring more to the kiss or the fight, but it worked for both situations.
He seemed to read her mind, flashing her a wide grin that made her breath hitch. She traced the tattoos on his face, allowing her hand to brush briefly through his long dark hair, loving the way the wild strands tangled with her fingers.
Chirping from the creature and softly spoken words fromAtlas reminded her that they weren’t alone. They had to keep moving. Morgan pulled back with a sigh. As they approached the pair near the river, Atlas tossed Caedmon his pack, and the man dressed quickly, much to her disappointment.
Caedmon approached the beast confidently. The hippogriff cocked his head as if sensing him, chirping almost excitedly, and Morgan remembered that Caedmon’s gift was with animals. She watched the two of them and would swear that they were actually speaking.
Atlas came to her side, slipping his arms around her waist, tucking her close. After a minute, Caedmon removed the shirt from around the creature. The hippogriff shook her head out, rising to her feet, pawing at the ground. It was all she could do not to yank Caedmon away. But instead of being aggressive, the beast calmed and walked toward him, then gently bumped her head against his chest like an affectionate kitten seeking attention.
A low chuckle escaped Caedmon, and he continued to pet the beast for another minute. Then Caedmon patted the great beast’s shoulders before stepping back and heading toward them.
And the hippogriff followed as docile as a kitten trailing after its mother.
Morgan’s brows rose at the sight, her heart light as they approached. “What are you going to do with her?”
“Nothing.” Caedmon gave her a wry smile and snorted. “You try telling a two-ton beast to go. See how that works for you.”
Morgan couldn’t suppress her grin at the cute pair. “What should we do?”
“Continue our journey.” Atlas released her reluctantly, his hands running across her curves before he finally pulled away. “Once she feels safe and secure enough, she’ll leave.”
Morgan wasn’t so sure about that, getting the sense that the creature had imprinted itself on both the men like a baby chick, but she didn’t argue.
As they began to walk, the hippogriff would nudge the men with her head every once in a while, chirping at them curiously.Morgan wasn’t sure if she was showing affection, wanting to play, or just trying to hurry them along.
When the hippogriff looked at her, Morgan suddenly felt very small.
Until she saw the nasty wound on the animal’s hindquarters was still bleeding sluggishly. “If she goes anywhere, she’ll leave behind a trail for the zheng to follow.”
Before the guys could argue, Morgan held out her hand toward the beast. She half expected the creature to snap its beak at her. Black eyes assessed her for a full minute before the creature slowly approached, head lowering until she pressed her massive head against her hand.
Her fingers sank into the softest down she’d ever felt, pure magic humming under her palm. She closed her eyes and gasped in surprise and awe as magic danced inside the creature.
Everywhere but the wound.
Morgan concentrated on the darkness around the wound, allowing her own magic to rise and fill the space. The two different types of magic shimmered when they collided, wavering for a second before they began to thread together.
Stitching the wound slowly closed.
Knowing she could do nothing else, Morgan reluctantly pulled away and opened her eyes, already missing the warmth from the creature.
While blood and dirt still painted the hide, the injury was closed, the claw marks fading. There would be a light scar, but the beast would be okay.
The hippogriff chirped softly, prancing about them, and Morgan couldn’t help but smile at the creature’s antics.
“It’s getting dark.” Caedmon snagged her hand, pulling her between him and Atlas. “We need to keep going.”
As they followed the bend in the river, Morgan stopped dead at the sight before them, her jaw dropping at the sight of the majestic fae kingdom nestled in the valley.
