Page 241 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

I reach out, but he catches my hand before I can touch the wound. “I’m fine.”

“Don’t listen to him, Elara,” another voice says. “He took a nasty hit to the back that needs healing.”

“Jaxon!” I throw myself at the Fae.

He catches me with a laugh. “Come now, love. It’s only been a few days. Surely you didn’t miss me this much.”

I draw back and take in his features—features he shares with his sister.

“How are you here?” I ask.

“I hitched a ride with Erik.”

The white-haired Fae, Erik, steps forward, a smirk firmly in place. “More like you threatened your way aboard my ship.”

Jaxon shrugs. “Well, when I heard you were on your way to abduct a young woman from Virendrell, I knew I had to tag along.”

My gaze bounces between the Fae, brows lifted. “What’s going on?”

Are they friends?

“And that is my cue to leave so you two can explain.” Erik crosses the cabin.

He claps a hand on Jaxon’s shoulder as he passes, making a point to step around Rian, whose agitated shadows curl around his torso and back.

Erik places one foot out of the cabin before stopping and pivoting on his heel. “Oh. Forgive me. Where are my manners?”

A gust of air blows back the strands on my face. I blink, and Erik is in front of me.

I lean against the table as he bends forward and takes my hand.

Sparks radiate from his touch.

I suck in a breath.

He smirks then presses my fingers to his forehead for a prolonged second.

When he finally looks up, he lowers my hand, but he doesn’t let go. “My name is Erik Malestrom. Miss Elara…”

Warmth deepens the color of his aqua eyes.

I cannot explain what possesses me to respond, only that it feels imperative that I do.

“Stonebloom.” I clear my throat. “My name is Elara Stonebloom.”

His eyes glint. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Elara Stonebloom. I only wish it had been under less chaotic circumstances.”

I don’t know what to say.

I dip my chin.

He smiles widely.

Tingles skitter across my cheeks.

Rian growls again. “That’s enough.”

Erik’s smile morphs into another smirk.