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ANNI’S HEART LURCHED. “Oh.” What more was there to say? The words to wish him well curled up into bitter embers on her tongue. “Should you be here with me, then?”
“Yes, I think I can say with conviction that she won’t mind.”
But I do. Her smile felt stiff yet wobbly. “She must be very understanding.”
“I think so.”
Part of her wanted to throw his arm off her so that she could storm away. That would only result in a scene, though. Another portion wanted to cling tighter to him since this would be the last time they’d be together. So she compromised and didn’t move an inch either way.
“And she’s sitting right here.”
His words hit her but didn’t fully sink in for a few seconds. She shook her head and stared at him. “What?”
He tapped her on the nose. “You’re it—my true mate.”
“I am?” Her sluggish mind spun uselessly. “How? Why?” She could barely form a coherent thought, and her questions tumbled out breathlessly.
“You just are. I could sense you miles away when we were flying toward the village.”
His hands slid down to her arms as if he was afraid she’d bolt. And she might have if not for his hold on her. “I-I...”
Emotions—fear, confusion, elation, joy—flowed like a tumbling sea through her. She turned to face him fully. “This isn’t some kind of joke?” If it was, she didn’t know what she would do. Probably flee in embarrassment because punching him was out of the question, given who he was.
“I have no reason to be that cruel.”
“All too often, that doesn’t stop humans.”
“It also doesn’t stop the fae, either, but I gain nothing by lying to you.”
“It’s too much to take in. Before today, I didn’t even know you. I still don’t know you.” She couldn’t even begin to imagine what being a true mate entailed. Right not, she doubted she could handle much more information.
Sighing, he released her arms and instead grabbed one of her hands. He glanced down as if studying their entwined fingers. “I didn’t mean to tell you this abruptly, but the turn of conversation demanded it. I wished to...ease you into the knowledge, not drown you in it.”
“What am I supposed to do or say?”
“Nothing that you don’t want to. But I ask that you still give me this evening.”
Given that she couldn’t seem to tear herself away from his side, he’d likely get that. Still, that brought up another question. “Why do you want me to spend the night with you?”
“Because I desire you and want you near. I’ve waited many long years to find you.”
Her heart soared until it slammed against her ribcage. Most women would offer their last penny to hear such things, her included, apparently. But did the whole true-mate thing account for her fascination and attraction to him? Or was it just that he was so different from every other male she’d met? Did she even want anything serious between them? It felt nice to be genuinely wanted, but there were too many issues that gave her pause.
“But after tomorrow, what do we do?” Just because she hated to say goodbye didn’t mean she was ready for a lifetime with him.
He shrugged. “I’m staying for a few days. Let’s enjoy the night and worry about the details during the daylight hours.”
Another issue pressed forward. “You live for thousands of years while I’ll be dead in less than fifty.”
“There are ways around that if we wed. You could share my lifespan.”
“Oh.” She wasn’t sure what to make of that possibility. It was outside the scope of all previous imaginings. Would she want to live that long? Her hand tightened around his. Lord Eacion made everything sound so simple, but it was probably anything but that. Lord Eacion? Given what was going on between them, she had to be less formal with him, at least while in the confines of her own head.
“Okay.” But how did one go about having a good time after such life-shaking news? She couldn’t promise him a full night, let alone a lifetime.
Could she still contemplate sleeping with him after learning what she had? On the other hand, how could she not? She’d been tempted when she’d thought she would never see him again. Now that there was the possibility for so much more... But did she want that “so much more”?
A rousing tune filled the air. He smiled and stood, pulling her with him. “That’s our sign since we haven’t danced. Let us enjoy one or two songs before we retire—either together or separately—for the night.”
She shook her head. Though she was glad to leave her chaotic thoughts for a bit, a new worry arose. “My leg. It doesn’t allow me to dance, at least not well. Especially not to a quick song.” Just the mention of dancing shot a jolt of pain through her knee.
“I will allow no harm to come to you. I care not for how much grace you have but only for your presence.”
Though a certain dread still tugged at her, she trusted him. She trusted him to not let her fall or look the fool. “Fine, don’t make me regret this.”
“I won’t.” With that, he led her into the crush of dancers. Though they still garnered some stares, they barely fazed her after the news he’d dropped on her. She and Eacion—she had to think of him that way now—found their space toward the middle of the makeshift dance floor. He grasped both her hands and adeptly set them into the motions of the quick dance.
She involuntarily stiffened, waiting for the agony to lance through her leg. But the feared pain never came. Wonder broke over her like a cool wave. It must be fae magic at work. What other miracles could he work?
As if sensing her thoughts, he grinned down at her. She gave an answering smile. The sounds of the fiddle, violin, and tambourine guided their feet. She stumbled a few times. True to his word, however, he never let her fall. Her feet were not used to moving that fast, and it was quite the wonder she could keep up at all. Eacion danced superbly, not that she expected any differently. His cool hands were strong and sure, just like he was. Soon, any fear and unease died, and she let herself feel the music wholeheartedly. And it was all thanks to Eacion and whatever temporary feat he’d performed.
His eyes held her captive until the background of the square disappeared, and he was all that remained. He had a way of making her feel as if she were the only person in the world that mattered. That was a ridiculous notion, as he was a busy lord with many thousands to oversee. What was one human girl, true mate or not?
He whirled her around and around until her head spun. A joyous laugh broke free from her. He joined in on her mirth. She couldn’t remember when she’d ever had so much fun.
The song still ended much too quickly. Breathless and glowing from too much pleasure, she leaned against him, all but swaying. Maybe she’d overdone it a bit. She wasn’t used to such physical exertion. But to dance that way! She’d never been able to before and might never again. Unless... No, she couldn’t travel down that path of thinking. Any future she embarked on with him wouldn’t be so hastily decided.
He chuckled, drawing away. “That was delightful. Should we do another set?”
“I don’t think my thudding heart will allow it.” She grinned ruefully. “Whatever magic you worked took care of my leg, but it couldn’t mask how terribly out of shape I am.”
“Then we shall sit and people watch.”
As she and Eacion moved off to the side, a flash of red snagged her attention. She frowned. It was Cassy, and she appeared to be whispering with her cousin, Alvin. Anni shivered. Out of all the men in the village, Alvin discomfited her the most. The tall, bulky man always stared at her with lustful eyes and had remarked more than once that he’d show her what being a woman meant if no one else would. He almost made it sound like an honor, which it was anything but.
She batted her concern away. Their conversation was probably nothing, mere family talk at the most. Before she could glance away, both their heads turned in her direction, and she swore they were staring right at her.
“Anything the matter?”
She tore her focus from the dastardly duo and shook her head. “No.”
Doubt shone on his face, but he didn’t press further. She was glad for that because she couldn’t articulate why they bothered her so.
“Would you care for any refreshments?”
“Just water.”
He seated her on a bench and went to retrieve a glass of water. Once he had returned and handed her the drink, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. She sighed. His action seemed so natural and familiar, as if she’d felt him doing it untold times over the years. Again, what a silly thought. She’d known him for less than a day!
“If you’ve quenched your thirst, I believe we both have another one we could attend to, if you’re so inclined.”
Fire lit low in her belly. She hadn’t been completely decided upon her course of action for the night, but suddenly, she knew her answer. Why deny herself—or him? She wanted him, and have him she would.
At least for the night. Anything else would have to be considered later. She nodded shyly. “Let’s go to your chamber.”
He blinked, looking adorably surprised. “You don’t need to think about it?”
She grabbed his hand, wondering where her boldness had come from, and pulled him up. “Not anymore.”