Total pages in book: 126
Estimated words: 123779 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 619(@200wpm)___ 495(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123779 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 619(@200wpm)___ 495(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
I do as I’m told while he carries me deeper into the pool.
His left hand grips my thigh, his fingers skimming my butt, and my eyebrows almost pop right off my head as they fly into my hairline.
Don’t think.
Don’t think.
Don’t think.
“What are you doing?” he mutters, actually sounding amused.
“Keeping you out of my mind,” I mutter.
Glancing over my shoulder, I see he’s taking us toward the curtain of the waterfall, and when he steps beneath it, all I can hear is the rushing of water.
It feels so good.
Cool water pelts my hot skin and shivers race over my body.
The weirdest thing happens, and I begin to feel the energy of nature flow through me, soaking into my soul. It feels as if I’m being recharged.
Raighne moves out from beneath the spray into a cave-like area behind the waterfall’s curtain.
When I look at his face there’s a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Feeling nature is one of your talents.”
Right. I forgot about that.
“Why haven’t I felt it before?”
“You did. The peace and calm while watching the sunrise. Recharging after school at Fish Creek Falls.”
“Oh yeah.”
It feels as if we’re in our own little cocoon, and I never want to leave.
Raighne looks deep into my eyes, and his features soften.
“I’ll always take care of you. Your needs and safety come first.”
I nod, and just needing to be close to him, I wrap my arms around him and press my face into the crook of his neck.
“Thank you,” I send the words to him.
He presses a kiss to the side of my head. “Feeling better?”
“Yes.”
I pull back a little, and when I realize how close Raighne’s face is to mine, I freeze like a deer in oncoming traffic.
His breath skims over my skin, and as our eyes lock, there’s one hell of an intense fluttering in my stomach.
The droplets running down his tanned skin make him look next-level hot, and I swallow hard on the attraction I feel for him.
Lord, have mercy on my ovaries.
The second the thought crosses my mind, I shove away from Raighne and free myself from his hold.
Ducking beneath the water, I swim in the direction of the embankment while I consider drowning myself right here, right now.
I come up for air and make my way out of the pool. Not caring that my feet are wet, I struggle to put on my boots, but before I can make a run for it, Raighne steps out of the water.
I make a huge mistake when I glance at him, and seeing the leather clinging to his muscled body like a second skin, my abdomen clenches hard.
Shit. Don’t look.
“What happened?” Raighne asks, his tone tense again.
Feigning ignorance, I shake my head. “What do you mean?”
“You’re blocking me from your mind.”
“I am?” My head snaps up. “You can’t read my mind right now?”
“No.” He shakes his head, and I let out a breath of relief.
Thank you, sweet baby Jesus.
Raighne narrows his eyes on me. “Is something wrong?”
I quickly shake my head. “Not at all. I just needed privacy.” His eyes search mine, and I add, “Really, besides the vision from hell, I’m fine. Thank you for bringing me to the waterfall.”
He seems to be satisfied with my explanation, and once we have our boots on, he says, “Let’s return to the group.”
I nod, and falling into step beside him, I’m grateful when he doesn’t try to make conversation, because I’m too focused on hiding my attraction from him.
Chapter 15
Alchera
When we get back to the campsite, everyone stares at me as if I’m the weirdest thing they’ve ever seen.
“They’re not looking at you like you’re weird. What you’re seeing is a group of people concerned for your welfare.” Raighne’s voice sounds in my mind.
“Uh-huh,” I mumble.
“Is she rested now?” Brenna snaps, the bite back in her tone.
“Yeah, Raighne, she sure looks concerned.”
“Enough, Brenna, she’s our sister,” Roark’s voice booms over us. “How can you vow to protect her when you can’t even show her any support?”
I watch as her expression changes to respectful, then she murmurs, “I apologize.”
Oh wow. At least someone can control her.
“Do you feel better, Alchera? We don’t want to strain you too much so soon after your vision,” Roark says.
Ugh, I really don’t want to talk about the visions.
Letting out a slow breath, I nod. “I feel better. Thanks for asking.”
Raighne surprises me by speaking on my behalf. “Alchera won’t be able to talk about the vision. I felt her pain, and I can understand why.”
Brenna steps up to us, her eyes blazing. “It’s not for you to decide what she does and doesn’t share, guardian. The chosen ones–”
“Quiet, Brenna,” Raighne’s voice is downright icy. “I’m Alchera’s guardian, and it’s for me to decide what’s best for her. She’s my charge, and I get the final say regarding her life. She won’t talk about it, and don’t forget the role you play in all of this. You’re only here to assist her.”