B00XXAC6U6 EBOK by Caris Roane Read Free Book Online Page A

clothes and toiletries Olivia had sent over. She placed them in the striped violet and white satchel they’d come in. When she returned to the foyer, the door was wide open and Ian stood with his back to her. He filled the space from one doorjamb to the other.
    At six-six, and built like a tank, he was a big man, very much in Mastyr Jude’s mold.
    His attention was fixed on the night sky, so she stopped and allowed herself a good long look. Because his arms were bare, she had a stellar view of his ripped, corded muscles. He wore the sleeveless, black leather Guard coat which hung to mid-calf. His long, dark hair, gathered in a woven clasp, hung well down his back. She’d always loved the traditional Guardsman length.
    A familiar affection rose up within her before she could stop it and her heart swelled so big she felt like her chest would explode. Damn. She’d always loved him.
    And he’d always blamed her.
    In a minor way, she’d faulted herself as well or at the very least both of them. They’d been so caught up in their love affair, maybe it had caused Ian to miss critical signs that a major Invictus offensive was on the wind.
    The massacre had pulverized them both, ending their affair that very night.
    She knew she hadn’t done as he’d said; she hadn’t enthralled him. But if they hadn’t been involved, hadn’t loved each other so deeply, would the massacre have ever happened? Would Ian have seen the signs in his realm? Had his love for her and his drive toward her prevented him from being a proper ruler of his realm?
    Maybe what hurt most, however, was he truly believed her capable of such horrendous wrong-doing. Although, she suspected he’d been using her as a scapegoat to salve his own feelings of guilt. Yet, Ian hadn’t done anything wrong; he’d just loved her.
    But she couldn’t change the past or his beliefs.
    She lifted her chin. “I’m ready to go.”
    Ian turned in her direction and held out his arm to her. He was a quick flyer and despite the ocean between the realms, he’d have her home in no time.
    She crossed the foyer and went outside with him, savoring for a brief moment the feel of his hand on the small of her back. He even took her satchel from her. “I’ll carry it.”
    As she climbed aboard his foot, he pathed softly, Regan. Just her name, but she was always surprised by the way his voice sounded so deep and supremely sexy even within her mind.
    Yes? She responded. Did you forget something?
    When he slid his arm around her waist, it was all she could do to keep from crying out. It was like being held in the most beautiful embrace, even though it was just a simple flight hold.
    Apologies. I shouldn’t have yelled at you.
    Which part exactly? She had to ask the question. She didn’t want any misunderstandings.
    For saying what didn’t need to be repeated. You know what I believe, but I didn’t mean to distress you.
    You didn’t. You made me furious then really sad that you hold such a wretched opinion of me. No, please don’t say anything more. Just take me home.
    She slid her arm around his neck, but set her face forward.
    She was done.
    She mentally started making plans. As soon as Ian had her safely back at the Fae Guild retreat, she would contact the Fae Council in Tannisford and make a case for the most powerful fae to work with her to eradicate Margetta’s mist-spell. She’d seen enough before her escape to know it was much more complex than the spell that had hidden the Invictus camp near Angler’s Cliff.
    She felt Ian’s muscles shift in a way that meant he was ready to levitate and take off flying. Then, he stopped, his body growing oddly stiff.
    “Shit. Stone’s here. Zane must not have reached him in time.”
    Stone, Mastyr of Tannisford Realm, dropped down in front of them, fifteen feet distant. He was taller than Ian, almost six-seven, had thick, wavy, black hair, unusual green eyes, and more tats than even Ian. His appearance had always reminded Regan of a