Page 3 of A Fate In Moonstone

“My name is Rune.”

“Rune.” I chewed on his name and a rumbling sound vibrated from his chest.

Was that him or whatever moved inside him creating the noise?

Should I be afraid?

Yes, deep down I knew I should be.

But I wasn’t. I was enthralled despite the warning signs.

We were both Fae, there was no hiding the interest coming off both of us. The heat, the rapid heart rate, the hooded eyes, the scents.

I needed to get laid. Maybe by this guy or someone else. Might be the last time before the arrangement with the incoming prince. Of course, I’d do what was expected. Mother and Father assured me that marrying the prince would be good for both our kingdoms.

As if Rune could see the thoughts in my head, he took a step back, giving us space. I guess I got my answer.

“I’m traveling to Crysia.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “I fear these woods are quite deadly, and I may need protection from a warrior such as yourself.”

What a dumb charmer.

I scoffed. While I hadn’t seen him fight, it was clear he was a warrior. Scars, the build, the energy. It all screamed bred and forged in war. Still, he obviously wanted more time with me and there was plenty of time before I had to get cleaned up and dressed to meet my future husband.

I shoved my sword back into the scabbard at my hip and dug into the dirt as I spun around and waved him on. “Fine.”

A hand wrapped around my waist and pulled me against the warrior’s side.

“Tell me your name,” he demanded, but I forgot it.

My thoughts, the library of words in my head, vanished.

What was it about this guy that made me feel so out of sorts?

“My name…” I whispered and his gaze landed on my lips.

Oh my.

Chapter Two

“I think I’ll keep that little detail to myself. What if you’re a dangerous stranger?” I whispered and his smirk grew.

“I am.”

Careful not to touch the skin of his fingers with my bare hands, I peeled his grip away from me with the soft material of my hooded cape between us.

Letting people know about my powers was important to me if we would be touching. Until then, I kept my distance. I’ve been accused of stealing powers for nefarious reasons too many times in my life. Consent was key.

“See, what if you become so obsessed with me that you follow me home? I would have to kill you and then I’d be stuck with such a handsome mess.”

Rune shook his head, and I walked ahead.

He followed quietly and I barely made it five minutes before blabbing his ear off. Rune didn’t talk much, which made me want to know more.

“What are you doing in Crysia?” I asked.

“Family business.”

“Oh, do you have lots of family in Crysia?”