Soren's Bondmate by Mardi Maxwell Read Free Book Online Page B

although my parents died seven annuals ago and I only have one brother."
    "What happens to a Krystali female if she chooses the wrong male?"
    "That only happens if one of us is forced to mate, or really stupid, but she would become weak, lose her powers and eventually die." Skye produced a hot drink for him and a plate of sweet bread. "Try to eat something."
    Soren ignored the food. "Will your brother's love for you continue to sustain you now that we're mated?"
    "No. Only you can do that now."
    "If something happened to me would your brother be able to sustain you then?"
    Skye shook her head. "I'd die as well. Krystali females mate for life. They live and die with their warrior."
    "What happens to you if I don't take care of you?"
    "I'd still have the powers I have now but using them would weaken me and it would take a long time for me to build up my energy again." She tried to think of a way to explain it to him. "I'm like a weapon that has to be charged. A strong, steady current makes me very powerful. A weak, interrupted current makes me weak."
    "I don't love you," Soren said.
    "You don't have to love me, although it would be nice if you did but as long as you agree to protect me and are kind to me I'll be okay." She smiled. "My brother will be back to see me in about two moon phases. We could use that time to get to know each other and see how it goes."
    Soren took a sip of his drink then set it down. "According to you we have to stay together."
    "Wouldn't it be better to stay together because we want to rather than resent our mating?"
    "You claimed me. I didn't claim you." Soren frowned. "This feels wrong to me. Knowing you can read my mind feels wrong to me. Trusting you feels wrong to me."
    "I can teach you to link with my mind then you'd know my thoughts and memories," Skye said.
    "And, you'd be able to know mine."
    Skye leaned toward him. "I learned only a few things about you when I healed your wounds. When you woke your memories were gone. I could try to bring them back if you like."
    "I'll think about it and let you know. In the meantime you can teach me to use krystal as a weapon."
    Skye cut a slice of sweet bread and offered it to him. "We'll begin after we eat."
     
     

Chapter Four
     
    Skye led Soren into a clearing behind a high bluff that blocked the wind. "We can practice here."
    Soren pushed the hood of his cloak away and glanced around. The high walls trapped the sun, warming the area. He removed his gloves and dropped them to the ground. Skye copied him and he frowned when he saw her shove her hair away from her face. He'd hurried her out of the shelter and she hadn't had time to braid it. "Skye, come to me."
    She smiled as she walked toward him then reached out and laid her hand on his chest.
    He grasped her shoulders, turned her around, then gathered her hair and pulled it from her cloak.
    "What are you doing?" she asked.
    "Braiding your hair."
    She glanced over her shoulder, smiled and turned around to hug him. "Thank you."
    He hugged her, patted her back then turned her around again and combed his fingers through the long strands of her golden hair. He separated it into several thick bunches and began braiding it. When he reached the end she offered him a thin leather cord to use to secure it. He wrapped it around the end several times before tying it in a knot. She leaned back against him and he tugged on her braid until she tipped her head back. Their eyes met. She looked happy. "Is this what you call taking care of you?"
    "Yes."
    He nodded, brushed a kiss across her lips and released her. "Teach me to cast krystal."
    Skye moved a few steps away. "We'll begin with white krystal. It's easier to handle and not as dangerous as dark krystal. Hold out your hands."
    He did and gloves covered them. They fit him like a second, tougher skin. He flexed his fingers then examined the palm area. The material there was grooved with a rough texture.
    "The gloves will help protect your hand and the texture will