Maverick nodded his thanks and strode off down the left tunnel to check out the pool. It was dark that way, but shifter eyesight ensured he had no problem seeing.
I cast more magic lights and then set off after him. But not before whispering my thanks to Kai as I passed.
His cheeks turned a cute shade of lilac when I brushed my fingers across his hand. The merman was such a sweetheart. Thank the goddess not all my soul-bonded mates were assholes.
34
Raven
When we stepped into another cavern, this one bigger than the last, my jaw dropped for a second time. The bioluminescence combined with my magic lights revealed a stunning pool. Steam rose gently over the water’s surface, creating a warm, humid environment.
Zane immediately stripped, tossing his clothes aside and jumping into the water with a splash. I tried not to ogle his butt before he disappeared beneath the surface.
“The goddess must have listened to me when I said I needed a hot bath,” I mused.
Maverick chuckled. “Wait a few minutes first, little mate. If there are any nasty predators in that water, I’d rather they ate the incubus than you.”
“I heard that!” Zane yelled as he popped up like a seal. “There’s nothing in the water, pet. Come join me so I can wash every delicious inch of that sexy body.”
My bear growled and tugged me closer, but I shoved him back.
“Play nice with the incubus!”
“Yes, care bear, share your toys!” Zane taunted.
I cast an annoyed look in his direction. “I am not a toy!”
But as irritating as the smart-ass incubus was, the thought of dipping my body in hot water was too good to resist. Only…I couldn’t swim.
My face fell. I’d drown if I jumped in the water, and Kai wasn’t here to save me again.
“Don’t worry, little mate. I won’t let you drown.” My bear smiled, having read my thoughts. Before I could argue, he stripped my clothes from my cold, aching body and tossed them aside.
Once upon a time, being naked in front of a male would have been unthinkable, but I wasn’t the same witch anymore. Meeting my mates had given me confidence. I knew my worth, and I also knew they wanted me. Even if I didn’t smell as fresh as I would have liked, and my hair looked like rats had nested in it.
Unable to resist the lure of my bear shifter’s deliciously furry chest, I snuggled closer. He wrapped his muscular arms around me, bridal style, and carried me into the water. Focusing on Maverick’s steady breathing calmed my anxious brain. Nothing would harm me while my bear held me in his arms.
“There’s an underwater shelf over here where you can stand, pet,” Zane called.
“Climb onto my back, little mate, and I’ll swim us over.” I slithered around and wrapped my arms around his neck. The way my skin rubbed against his was doing all kinds of bad things to my body, but I ignored my urges.
There wasn’t time for fun. We needed to wash, eat, and rest for a few hours before pushing on. My vampire was close. I could sense him in my chest. While we didn’t have as strong a bond as I did with my bear and the incubus, my soul had connected to his.
The faint tether between us hummed with anticipation, and I’d noticed that the closer we got to where he lay hidden, the more my jaw ached. Almost as if like him, I had fangs waiting to drop from my gums. Which was ridiculous. I wasn’t a vampire. Or even a shifter with sharp teeth.
I shook my head. Perhaps the lack of sleep and hot food was messing with my brain.
Maverick sliced through the water, my weight not impeding him in the slightest.
“You weigh next to nothing,” he rumbled, having read my mind again.
“I dispute that statement,” I shot back. After stuffing my face with pancakes for the last three months, I’d gained weight. Mostly on my ass, it had to be said.
“Your ass is perfect.”
“Will you stop reading my thoughts!” I really needed to get a handle on my mental shield, or I’d have no privacy ever again.
Kenji scoffed something derogatory in my head, but I ignored him. He must have returned from wherever he’d disappeared to. My familiar was a law unto himself.
