Bonded to the Rakian Berserker (Rakian Warrior Mates #3) - Elin Wyn Page 0,10
through it, the work precise, perfect.
And he’d been worried that she wouldn’t be happy.
Silly giant of a man.
Dangerous of course.
Deadly, she had no doubt.
But still, her giant was a sweet, kind man.
She blinked, blushing and glad that from his position behind her Gavin couldn’t see cheeks that she was sure were flaming.
Her giant?
Nonsense.
They’d help her find the children. Find Auntie Layla. And then she would join one of the other clans, find a new home on the road.
No room there for giants in magic castles.
Another time, another life.
Maybe things could have been different.
For a moment, she let herself regret that other possible future.
Because this man, this giant, called to something in her.
Something she’d barely considered before.
But now…
She stuffed the errant thoughts away, focused on the here and now.
Esme could feel the low level worry radiating from behind her without any special gifts.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
He didn’t answer, so she spoke louder, leaning back into his chest.
And instantly the vague worry was overwhelmed by a sharp rush of heat so intense she couldn’t tell if it was from him or herself.
Oh. Those carefully stuffed away thoughts sprang free once again.
“What?” He answered sharply. “Nothing, just wondering how they’re doing, if they were able to find Matilde or her brother, or if we’re going to have to deal with those idiots on the Council.”
She sat upright, nodded, then turning slightly without leaning back she asked, “Who is Matilde, anyway?”
“Adena’s cousin, more like sister really,” Gavin answered. “Nice woman, more spirit to her than you’d think at first glance. Teaches the children in town.”
Perfect, Esme decided. Anyone that willingly taught children would fight to protect them.
And she had no doubts that this would be a battle.
The tall black spires of the star men’s castle had just come into view when a chime sounded from Esme’s left.
“We’re on our way back,” Gavin said to the air. “Just a few minutes out.”
Nic’s voice coming from the broad metal band on Gavin’s wrist startled her. “Good. Adena found Matilde last night, and she sent a messenger down to her brother. Luckily, he was already on the road north. Apparently, he’s very fond of his little sister.”
“That’s a good thing, isn’t it?” said Gavin.
“In general, yes, and in particular, it is for us. He feels like he owes us for getting Matilde away from B’tar’s horde.”
“We would’ve done it anyway, but glad it’s useful,” Gavin grumbled.
“Head to the lower reception room when you get here,” Nic ordered. Another chime sounded in the air, and everything fell silent besides the rush of the wind around them.
“What was that?” Esme asked.
Gavin paused for long moments before answering. “I guess it’s hard to describe if you don’t have any sort of comm system to compare it too. It’s just something that lets Nic’s voice, any of our voices, really, reach each other no matter how far apart we are.” He huffed. “Well, as long as there’s not some other sort of interference, which has been more trouble than we’d expected here.”
“That sounds terrible,” she said. “What if you wanted to be alone with your thoughts? How do you ever get away?”
“Well, you might get good at not hearing it,” Gavin admitted. “But staying in contact with my team has saved my life more than once,” he added softly. “The inconvenience seems worthwhile in the balance.”
As he finished speaking, they entered the metal clad room they had departed from, just the day before.
Esme looked around curiously. “It all looks so cold, dead.”
Gavin followed her gaze to a row of sleds like the one they’d traveled in, other things shaped more like metal wagons, all of the same unrelenting gray.
“Like I said, weapons,” he answered shortly.
The empty tone of his voice made her want to shake him, but she kept her hands to herself. “Come on,” he continued. “Let’s go see what Matilde’s brother has to say.”
The hallway was a little better than the strange metal room, with soft lighting and wooden walls, but it was all far too close, pressing on her.
“You were a little out of it before,” Gavin said as he paused by a panel in the wall. “Do you remember using the lift?”
She shook her head. “Halls and rooms and more halls,” she answered. “All I remember is being trapped.”
“Hmmm,” he said.
But when the door opened before them to another room, he didn’t go inside, instead tapping his cuff.
“We’ve landed, but can the discussion be moved outside? Our guest would prefer it.”