“It’s funny,” he says, looking at me. “Now that Lynx has joined with me, I realize he was being honest. It makes me feel better to know he wasn’t hiding things from me without reason. Even though I do not understand why, I saw his memory of the God of Creation instructing them that we need to learn the truth on our own.”
His statement makes me wonder. When I was joined with Astra it felt like we were one, but I did not gain access to any new memories. I give her a questioning look. “What happens when you join with us? Are you still… you?”
She smiles. “In a way, yes.”
Cael looks to me. “Lynx says it’s difficult to explain.”
I study his teal eyes now swirling with blue. “How long does he have to stay with you?”
He purses his lips. “He says all night to make certain I’m healed.”
I understand what his expression means—no intimacy. At least… not the kind we were about to partake in before Lynx and Astra showed up.
Cael rolls his eyes.
“What is it?” I ask.
“Lynx says he’s saving us from having cubs too early in our relationship.”
I laugh as my cheeks heat in embarrassment.
Cael spreads a blanket on the sand for us to lie down. He lies next to me and wraps his arms around my form, tugging me against him. He curls his body protectively around mine, and I snuggle back against him. Despite how tired I am, I turn in his arms to face him. Reaching across, I brush the hair back from his face and cup his cheek.
“I love you, Cael. Whatever happens, I want you to remember that.”
His brow furrows softly. “What’s wrong?”
I lower my gaze. “Nothing.”
Placing two fingers up under my chin, he tips my head up to face him. “Tell me, Kyra. Please.”
I meet his eyes evenly. “When we reach the castle, I’m going in alone.”
His head jerks back. “No. You need me.”
I press my lips to his. “I know. That’s why I can’t lose you. I remember how horrible it was for my mother when she lost Jareth. I—” my voice catches. “I can’t go through that. Not now that I’ve found you.”
He drops his forehead to mine. “We’re in this together, remember? You’re not going in there alone. We’re stronger when we combine our powers.”
He’s right, but I don’t want to admit it. And I also don’t want to spend tonight arguing either. So instead, I reluctantly nod, letting him think I agree even though I do not.
When we reach the castle, I’m going to have to find a way to keep him safe and away from danger. I’m going to face the Great Serpent alone and retrieve the gemstone myself. I cannot risk anything happening to Cael. I love him too much to lose him now.
He hugs me tight to his chest as he runs his fingers through my hair. “The mage… what she said about us repeating our mistakes… I—”
I place a finger to his lips to silence him.
“I only want you, Cael. You and no other.”
With a slight clench of his jaw, he lowers his gaze.
“As much as it…” His breath hitches. “As hard as it is to even think of… I cannot allow my jealous and possessive nature to put you in danger, not like before. I could not bear it if something were to happen to you, Kyra.”
I press a tender kiss to his lips. “I don’t want anyone else.”
“Lynx is in my head. He thinks…” Cael stops short as if what he means to say is too painful. “He thinks the other guards are supposed to be your mates as well.”
“It doesn’t matter. I only want you, Cael.”
He grits his teeth. “I don’t want you with anyone else either, Kyra, but I love you more than anything. I cannot allow my selfishness to put you in danger. Not again.”
I press my finger again to his lips. “Do not speak of it anymore. I don’t want to talk about it. I refuse to take anyone else. I refuse to have a harem when all I want is you, my love.”
Chapter 35
Cael
As she sleeps in my arms, Lynx whispers in my mind. He knows how strongly I feel for her, but he also knows the truth—she will not be safe unless she takes a harem. I cannot bear to lose her again, so I will have to find a way to live with it—to allow other men to touch her, to love her, and to seal her to them as I long to seal her to me as well.
The thought burns like poison in my mind, but I understand it has to be this way. Now, I will need to convince her before it’s too late. As much as I want to, I cannot keep her all to myself. Her safety is more important than my jealous and possessive feelings. If I want to keep her alive, I must encourage her to take a harem as she should have before… and then, I will have to find a way to live with it.
“You are right to try to convince her of this. You do not want to repeat your mistakes of the past,” Lynx whispers in my thoughts. “I know it is hard for you to consider. But if you want to protect her, the cost is your heart. Are you willing to sacrifice for your queen? To share her with others as you were unable to before?”
Frustration burns through me, but I know he is right. “I will do whatever it takes to keep Kyra alive. My vow.”
Closing my eyes, I try to get some sleep.
Something startles me awake, and my eyes snap open to the sound of distant voices. I gently shake Kyra’s
