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“That’s cold-hearted,” I say lightly, trying not to sour our previous truce. I don’t want to fight with him. I hope my next fated mate is nicer. Surely if one guy got fractured into a bunch of different pieces, the odds are thatsomeof them would be sweet.
Weirdly, it makes sense to me. I know that I’m more than just one aspect of my personality. The idea that someone’s soul can get split up into different pieces, and that they would all be slightly different, totally tracks.
Since I’ve fully accepted that this is real life and no longer a coma dream, I’m grasping at straws to make myself oriented to what’s possible.
A fractured soul is somehow the least weird thing that’s happened to me lately.
Sunder simply grunts at me, setting down his load, and walks back outside. I follow him out as Bobble runs around the area exploring on tiny, quick feet. I watch the small tabby cat closely as he scouts the perimeter of the clearing. Forest on all sides. I trust him not to wander far. He’s always been good about coming when I call him.
I shake my head, still marveling at the life I’ve found myself in, but my musings are promptly interrupted by Sunder. He seems to enjoy the scenery, too. His eyes are on the trees and brush around us as he walks over.
“Ready?” he asks after scanning the area with the intensity only a grumpy faerie could manage.
“We just got here. Can’t I relax for an hour and stretch my legs?”
The long car ride next to him put me on edge. I never know which side of him I’m going to get. Will he bite my head off and tell me I’m human trash? Will he be soft, showing deep emotion while rubbing my hand? It’s so easy for people to pull me in. I’m so gullible. Any sign of vulnerability and I totally swoon. It’s exhausting keeping my defenses up around him all the time.
“We came here so you can focus on your training. We don’t have time to waste.”
“No,youdon’t have time to waste. I’m in no hurry to follow you around like a lost puppy for the rest of my life.” Images of enslaved children in cages flash through my mind. Who knows if that story about his peoples’ suffering is true? An hour won’t make a difference, regardless. Right?
Sunder turns that intense gaze to me, boring into my soul.
“I thought you wanted to learn.”
“I do, but I don’t like you pushing me around and making demands of me all the time. You’re like a little general walking around with that scowl, barking orders. Relax. I’m going for a walk to loosen my mind with meditation and exercise.”
I say that last bit with too much of a smirk. His scowl deepens as I walk away, Bobble at my heels.
Chapter Fourteen
Sunder
Pacing around the fire pit, the gravel crunches underfoot. An hour. She’s been gone for over an hour already. I should have followed her. I shouldn’t let her out of my sight. She could be dying from snake venom right now as I wait here for her like a trained monkey. I roar with frustration into the trees, needing to release some nervous energy.
That Shard encased in her cat is with her, but he’s just a six-pound house cat. Even a deer could stomp his lights out easily. He’d be no match for a snake, let alone anything more dangerous.
My mind carefully avoids mention of the creatures from my home that could easily snap up not just the cat, but Mira and myself as well.
Danger. All I can see is danger.
I should be meditating, preparing, but I can’t focus with her gone. I wish the bond would snap into place already. Then I’d be able to feel her, know she’s alive. Why did I let her go? Appeasing her whims isn’t more important than keeping her safe. Sighing, I resume my pacing.
Finally, footsteps approach up a trail through the trees as I catch her scent on the wind. I stop in my tracks, wanting to melt into a puddle as the relief washes through my tense body.
“What kept you for so many hours?” I snap as she appears in the clearing, followed by the cat.
“Oh, we stopped for lunch, got a massage, mani-pedis. Typical around-the-forest stuff.”
I keep my expression neutral, not exposing how anxious I’ve been.
“Your levity is somehow even worse than if you had actually done those things.”
She rolls her eyes at me. “Lighten up. I’m fine, and I’m here. What do you need?”
I shift uncomfortably on my feet. “Let’s get started.”
My tattoos, muscular chest, and arms are already visible through my white t-shirt, which I now pull over my head. Mira’s pupils dilate slightly as she subtly admires my physique, increasing my confidence that she’ll be lured into completing our bond. Eventually.
