Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 106600 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 533(@200wpm)___ 426(@250wpm)___ 355(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 106600 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 533(@200wpm)___ 426(@250wpm)___ 355(@300wpm)
“I have substitutions in their place, but who knows how long I’ll be able to keep that up. However, if he breaks them … if he can manage to harden just one of their hearts, we face dire repercussions.”
“Is there something I can do while we try to find him?”
“Bardo didn’t just kill his brother to get him out of the way. He killed his sister-in-law because that’s the key to keeping young water titans safe and happy. Their mother. She guards their hearts. It’s the warmth of her love and care.
“The boys haven’t trusted many since losing their parents. I’m having a hard time finding the right female to care for them and nurture that good and peace within them.
“I do the best I can, but it’s not enough. Reilly has been helping as much as he can, but we can’t keep stripping their powers like that. We don’t know the lasting effects it will have.”
I gasp. “That’s what he did to them? He stripped their powers?”
“Enough to get them to return to their natural forms. I’m not even sure how they are taking on titan forms. They shouldn’t mature to that level until they’re about sixteen.
“They certainly shouldn’t be able to attack with such skill. It takes most titans years after maturity to be able to wield their powers.”
I look down as my thoughts race with this new information. I can’t help feeling like this is my task to take on. I need to help the boys, and I need to find their uncle to keep him from harming those sweet little ones.
Ardan grasps hold of my throat and tips my head up. I focus my gaze on him as he breathes me in. In the next motion, he lifts me onto his waist.
“Now I’ve made you two promises, and I’ve broken them both. I never break a promise. I’m always a man of my word, which means I need to make some shit up to you,” he says against my lips.
I wrinkle my brows. “What?”
“I didn’t make it back in time for your morning blessing and I didn’t take your mind off work. You’re thinking about finding Bardo and locking up Candido. I can’t let either of those things slide,” he rumbles, then crushes my lips.
I grasp the sides of his head and allow him to devour me. No matter what, somehow, he also makes me feel whole. I think it’s the bond between us.
I groan and whimper as my stomach growls loudly, interrupting our kiss. Ardan releases me to slide down his front. He kisses my forehead and then pecks my lips.
“Shower while I make you something to eat.”
“Can you feed me with magic?” I pout.
“I could, but I want to do something romantic for you. It will all be ready by the time you’re done. Then I will make good on my debts for the rest of the night. Now, that’s a promise I plan to keep. No matter what,” he says then kisses my lips once more.
“Fine,” I say and turn for the bathroom. “What’s the point of magic if you’re not going to use it?”
Ardan rumbles with laughter. I look over my shoulder and stick my tongue out at him. He gives me this bright smile that makes his eyes twinkle.
“Man, I feel stupid,” I mutter to myself as I enter the bathroom.
I should have talked to him from the beginning. I guess this is what Mack is always talking about, but can I really outgrow the habit now? I’m almost thirty.
“You can only try,” I say to my reflection as I look into the mirror.
And try, I will. I’m going to do my best to make this work because, for the first time ever, I have someone who feels like home.
I wonder when Bourne and Beck last felt like they were home. I’m going to nail that son-of-a-bitch uncle of theirs and help them to feel safe again.
Ardan
I want to follow Billy into the bathroom to make good on my promises, but I want to give her time to sort her feelings. Here I stand in my kitchen preparing a meal for our first date. I truly do enjoy cooking.
It has been a pastime of mine for centuries. I have learned to prepare cuisines from all around the world. For tonight, I’ve made lamb over rice and samosas with Pakistani flavors.
The spices and tastes are sure to hit the spot for Billy. I think she’s going to love it. I get the nano ready and go to make a refreshing drink to go with the meal. However, I receive a mind link.
“I have one of yours down here in the main hall making a scene, brother,” Brass says.
I groan and roll my eyes. I didn’t used to mind when my folks would act out. I would head down there and straighten them out.