Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 92232 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92232 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
She tilts her head and smiles at me. “What makes you say that?”
“You and I know he has allowed for my past to meet my present. This child is somehow his doing. Venus wasn’t my true mate. How did I get her pregnant?
“How is my true mate now with child, my child, when I have never known the feel of her body,” I say.
“It is a good thing to have the favor of the gods. Especially when one is being enslaved.”
“What does all this mean?”
“There are plays happening that will cause a war. The hunters have turned their attention to your mates. Just as they have forced Ray to you, they will force the others to find their true mates as well.”
“The hunters?” I ask and furrow my brows.
“There have been many who have tried to find you all and you’ve done well to avoid them through time. However, the true hunters have been thwarted at every turn by your guardian.”
“Guardian? What guardian?”
Her smile grows. “You didn’t think your father would leave you to be hunted and do nothing, did you?”
“He hasn’t done much for us, so forgive me,” I say dryly and shrug.
“This is where you are wrong. Your father has done more than you know. Freedom is upon you, my king. Be patient.”
“Can you tell me where to find the others’ mates so we can protect them?”
“Each of you is on your own journey. The paths have been set, and each of you is on your own. I will not and cannot interfere.”
I purse my lips and frown. None of this has been very useful so far. Not in the manner in which I want it to be.
“And the child?”
“He will play his part. In due time, in due time. For now, you should bond with your mate. Make it official so your power is shared with her.”
“Is it not too soon? I don’t believe she knows anything about her own powers. She knows even less about me.”
“The old witch will serve her purpose as well. Don’t worry. This is not her time. She can’t remain forever. The stronger your mate becomes, the easier it will be for her to push her out.”
“What has changed? We feel it, but what has happened and how are the Riccis connected?”
“The Ricci family wanted to play and never bothered to learn the rules. Instead of rigging the game as they think they have, they offered an opportunity to your father.
“You don’t play with gods and expect not to get burned. The Ricci family is about to learn a lesson. As for the change… a veil has been lifted.
“An essence has been given to set things in motion. They are all coming. You will be ready when the time comes. For now, bond with your mate. You won’t be ready without her at full strength.”
I drop my gaze to the table in thought. There is a war within. I have to know the truth.
“Venus… did she truly betray me, or is it as I think? She used the temple for whatever this is with my child and my true mate.”
“The answer to that isn’t going to make this easier. You were in love with one woman. She’s now in the body of the woman you will love with your entire being for the rest of eternity.
“Her pain is her own doing. Now and then. You cannot allow this to hold you back. Bond with your mate.”
I nod and stand. With my power, I pull a few coins from our world and go to hand them over. She lifts a hand to halt me.
“This one is on the house. I have a vested interest here.”
“I think I’m starting to see that,” I mutter.
“Congratulations, my king. On your mate and your son.”
A grin comes to my face. I heard her say the child was a boy earlier. However, this time, it truly sets in. I am to have a son.
Escape
I wake with my face in a pillow. I inhale and his scent fills my lungs. It sets my whole body on fire. My scalp tingles and it’s like I have lava rushing through my veins.
Groaning, I roll over. That doesn’t seem to help. He’s everywhere. Glancing around the room, I take in the dark colors and masculine vibe. This must be his room.
I groan again and sit up. My head spins with the motion. I palm my forehead and try to remember what happened.
“This is crazy,” I murmur to myself.
Pulling my knees into my chest, I then wrap my arms around my legs and wiggle my toes. There’s such a stillness about the space. Leaning my cheek on my knees, I close my eyes again.
I need to get back home. My father will be livid when he finds out who I was planning to go meet. I found out about Taylor, Billy, and Lee Ann by accident.