they’d called them. They were more like gigantic butterfly monsters that looked big enough to eat Rasha. Trusting Bas, I stayed to the side when he had one on his shoulder and kneeled down for Rasha to pet it. It nuzzled into her hand, climbed onto her lap after she sat, and stayed there for almost an hour. She was in love. I gave it a pat and was surprised how soft its furry body was, but one pat was enough for me.
When Rasha was hungry, we went back to the house, and Bas continued answering every single question she had. She didn’t stop talkin’ the entire time. A smile pulled at my lips as I walked behind them and listened to my two favorite people in the world gettin’ along so well.
Rasha was stayin’ at the house while Bas and I went for a walk. Leaving her with Basil’s family was becoming easier and easier, especially because they all seemed happy to stay with her. She was staying with all of them, but Delaro had assured me he wouldn’t let her out of his sight, which made me feel better since he seemed to be the most responsible one out of his entire family.
When we walked onto the pink sand, I exhaled loudly, and Bas halted and turned to me with the large piece of fabric he’d brought with him draped over his arm. His eyes searched my face before he asked, “You know I’m with you, right?”
I nodded. “I know.” My voice came out lower and harsher than I meant.
He pursed his lips. “Are you going to be able to handle this?”
Reaching for him, I grabbed the back of his head with one hand and wrapped my other arm around his waist to pull him flush against my body. As I tilted his head back, I leaned down so our noses brushed and our lips were only a hair away and said, “Just remember who you belong to and we won’t have a problem.”
A flash of lust ran through his eyes, and through our bond, before he cut it off and whispered, “I’m yours, Hiro.”
Before I had a chance to revel in that, I was pushed backward. Confused, I stumbled back a few steps, then stared at Basil with wide eyes. His magic was swirling around him, a storm of wind and shadow and lightning. His eyes were almost glowing and lightning was flashing through them. He took a step toward me, saying, “I’m yours, Hiro, but you better fucking remember that you’re mine, too, you possessive, crazy, asshat.”
I smirked at him. “Did you seriously just blast me backwards with your magic?”
He lifted a shoulder, letting his magic die down. “You’re covered in giant muscles, and I’m not an idiot. It’s the only way to get one up on you.”
With a chuckle, I stepped forward, then paused. “Can I kiss ya now, witch?”
He rolled his eyes. “I might make you beg.”
I groaned and took another step. When he didn’t move away or blast my ass again, I stepped up to him and pressed my lips hard to his, but didn’t push any further. As I leaned back, he frowned at me, so I said, “If I start now, I won’t be able to stop from devouring you right here in the sand, and I want to get this shit outta the way so I can have you to myself.”
He sighed, but nodded and began walking again. “If we walk along the shore, we might see them. If not, I’ll call them.”
“How are you gonna call them?”
He shot me a smile. “Magic.”
I snorted, shaking my head as I kept pace with him.
We walked along the edge of the water for a while before Basil went to the edge and pressed his hand in. He closed his eyes and whispered a spell. Unfortunately, I heard him say “Rebe” in the middle of it, so I was already growling.
When he finished, he stood and shook his head at me. “You’re being ridiculous.”
“I can’t help it, Bas. I’m not doing it on purpose!”
“I know.” He pinched his lips together, and when I saw his eyes filled with amusement, I knew he was trying not to laugh at me.
“I’m glad you find this funny.”
“I do not.” He laughed.
I flipped him off.
And of course, that was the moment a giant, sparkling rainbow horse with giant fins for legs popped out of the water. Their mane was a beautiful dark blue with black undertones and