will recover.”
“You’re definitely my lovebug, and I’ll recover fine after you show me you didn’t mean your cruel words by giving me a little loving.”
Gabby didn’t even realize she had moved until she saw the blade of her dagger pressed to Liam’s throat. She heard a couple of gasps but ignored them. “The only loving you’re going to get is the kiss of my blade.”
He growled, and it was definitely a growl this time. To her surprise, he leaned down and pressed his forehead to hers. The movement caused her blade to break his skin, and a trickle of blood ran down his neck. “Bloody hell, female. If you were any sexier, I’d get kicked out of the academy for completely inappropriate public groping.”
“It would most certainly be inappropriate to grope yourself in public,” Gabby whispered as she soaked in the heat from where his skin touched hers.
Liam chuckled. “Sexy and funny. You’re the whole package, baby. You can pull every blade you have on me. Cut me a thousand times, and it won’t change how I feel about you.”
“Perhaps it’s time we talk about our mission and where our team is going,” said a voice Gabby recognized as Zuri’s.
Before Liam pulled back, he shifted his head, pressed his lips against her forehead, and whispered. “You’ll realize it soon. I’m yours and you, Gabby, are mine.”
Chapter 6
Ra held Shelly’s hand as they stepped through the portal onto the training fields of Terra Academy. They spotted Aviur immediately and headed in his direction. The fire king smiled, his eyes on Shelly.
“As you pointed out,” Aviur said, “you do not have fire magic that can be joined with Ra’s. I am going to remedy that.”
Ra looked at Shelly and nearly smiled at the shocked look on her face. “I’m going to be able to control fire? And heat up my food?”
Aviur laughed as Ra shook his head at his mate. “I believe your priorities are a bit misplaced, beloved.”
Aviur nodded. “I suppose that is one of the perks of being a fire elementalist.” He reached out his hand and placed it on her forehead.
Ra wasn’t surprised when a surge of possessiveness and protectiveness rushed through him. He was beginning to realize he was a bit of a Neanderthal when it came to Shelly. He didn’t like others touching her, especially males. He also knew just how dangerous the fire king was, and that if he wanted to, he could wipe Shelly from the face of the earth in a second. Not that he would, but it was the fact that Ra wouldn’t be fast enough to save her if that happened.
Shelly’s gasp yanked his mind away from the possessive train of thought. He watched as fire rushed down her body, starting at her head and ending at her feet. Aviur muttered something under his breath and then removed his hand.
“It is done,” the fire king said. “Ra will be able to teach you how to wield your power, and you will learn to utilize it together. It will make you both stronger—a force to be reckoned with.”
“Thank you,” Shelly said.
“Yes,” Ra agreed. “Thank you. It means she will be able to protect herself when I cannot.”
Aviur nodded and then said, “I promised you I would take you to see your parents. If you are ready, I’ve let your team know that you will be joining them after we visit your family.”
Shelly looked over to Ra with wide eyes. “What will I tell them?”
“The truth,” Ra said simply.
“I will stay and help you explain,” Aviur said. “All will be well.”
“Not to intrude,” Elias said as he stepped up beside Ra, “but, Tara needs to see her foster mom, too. Can we join you?”
Aviur nodded. “Of course. Just let your team know that I will bring you to them later.”
Ra felt Shelly’s hand on his arm and looked down at her. Her lips were trembling. He cupped her face and frowned. “What is wrong, Mery?”
“Is it weird that I’m freaking out about seeing them, but I’m also excited because I honestly didn’t think I’d ever see them again?”
“Why are you freaking out?” Ra asked. He ran his thumb back and forth across her cheek as he stared into her tear-filled eyes.
“Because I’m about to tell them there’s this whole supernatural world they know nothing about, that I’ve been to hell and back, and that I’m basically married, only it’s even more permanent than marriage.”
“Marriage isn’t permanent,” Ra pointed out. “I’m glad we are more