Page 60

I threw my head back and laughed again, unable to help myself. The world stretched beneath us like something out of a storybook. The trees rolled away in endless shades of emerald and gold, the lake glittered like scattered diamonds, and little cottages looked no bigger than toys tucked among the hills.

"This is incredible!" I shouted into the wind. "People are supposed to walk! Maybe drive! Not... not this!" I stretched one hand toward the clouds, my heart hammering with pure, uncomplicated joy. "This is the coolest thing I've ever done!"

His wings caught an updraft, lifting us even higher.

"You're showing off," I accused, laughing.

"Perhaps."

"You're absolutely showing off."

"Perhaps," he repeated, sounding entirely too pleased with himself.

I grinned so hard my cheeks hurt. "Don't you dare land yet."

A low chuckle vibrated through his chest beneath me. "I had no such intention."

Every few minutes his mouth found my neck again. Soft kisses. The scrape of a fang that never quite broke skin. The low, pleased sound he made whenever I shivered. I sighed happily and snuggled closer, resting my cheek against his shoulder as the wind carried us over Screaming Woods.

"Best. Day. Ever."

By the time the familiar roof of my little house came into view, I was flushed and aching in places that had nothing to do with the cold air. Azaren landed lightly on the front porch, never once loosening his hold on me. For a blissful moment neither of us moved. His forehead rested against mine. His eyes searched my face as though he still couldn't quite believe I was real. Neither could I.

A loud, thoroughly offended Mrrrow! turned our attention and we both looked down.

"Oh." I'd completely forgotten I was still holding Reggie.

The cat wriggled indignantly between us, gave Azaren a look of unmistakable disapproval, then launched himself from my arms. He landed neatly on the porch. Shook out his fur. Turned toward Azaren. "Hsss."

Azaren blinked. "...Did that creature just hiss at me?"

"He did."

"I carried him all the way home."

"He appreciates your sacrifice."

"I sincerely doubt that."

As if to prove him right, Reggie flicked his tail directly at Azaren's boots before trotting to the front door. He immediately rose onto his hind legs and began scratching the wood with determined little rakes of his claws.

Scratch.

Scratch.

Scratch.

"Mrrrow!"

I laughed. "Apparently someone would like to come inside."

"He possesses functioning paws."

"So?"

"He is entirely capable of opening the door himself."

"Azaren."