AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Leaving Casimir for a fruitless search wasn’t something I wanted to dwell on. Henderson’s commentary helped.
As we journeyed further, however, he spoke less and less. He seemed almost distant where he'd been chatty when we first arrived, and I wondered if he’d picked up on something I hadn’t.
I released a burst of power, feeling for any living creatures nearby. Nothing bigger than a vulture was within earshot.
"Henderson?"
"Hmm?" he answered distractedly.
"May I ask you a question?"
"Of course."
"Why did you tell Casimir about me severing your soulbond with Helene?"
It wasn’t easy, ignoring the icy stab of heartache my mate’s sudden departure had inflicted. It was there, just under the surface, no matter what I was doing or thinking.
He’d had his reasons to deny the soulbond. Unfortunately, my heart didn’t seem to care.
"Why indeed," Henderson chuckled.
I didn't get the joke. His small smile seemed at odds with the alertness of his eyes.
Henderson was a reliable male. He was also an accomplished witch. Not much would get by his notice.
It made me feel better about including him in this mess. I'd needed a ride, as Vera had put it, and Henderson was motivated for his own reasons.
"I shared my tale with your mate because I respect the power of the bond. Too many run in head first, fully embracing the connection. And just as many staunchly avoid it, as though it is the curse of all curses."
I hadn't consciously made the decision to accept the mark until it was happening. I'd been thinking of him, and how I'd come to accept him as my mate. And how he felt moving on top of me. Inside me–
This was not the time or the place.
"Once I knew your soulbond went only one way, I suspected Casimir of being bullheaded and you of growing jaded."
He glanced down at me. "Possibly both of you were a little of each."
"Definitely," I muttered, no less confused as to why he'd shared our secret.
"Plus you had that awful tracking spell that Sersha used against you and it only added insult that your mother had been the one to brew it. All of these things combined to create a terribly stressful environment for you both, yes?"
"Yes." Very stressful, but not unbearable.
Well, the whole running out on me post-coital bliss had felt like a blade buried between my ribs, but I never felt that he wanted me out of his life. If I’d thought he did, I would have been long gone with no intention of ever returning.
"Raven, what does an animal do when it feels trapped?"
"It attacks. Or it will try to flee."
"Exactly," he hummed merrily.
He didn't speak again. I ran his words back through my head.
"Henderson, forgive me, but are you saying it was inevitable I'd flee?"
"Or attack. Just as he did, though it was only with words."
"But that was all before you told him what I did for you."
