Winded by Sherri L. King Read Free Book Online Page B

so
simple. Maybe it was. “You desire me.” His gaze fell to her breasts and she
felt her nipples respond immediately. “I desire you. We can fight side by side,
ensuring the legacy of your bloodline. None of your efforts here need go to
waste.”
    She felt a thrill, but one last vestige of reality intruded.
“It won’t work.” Would it? He wasn’t even human. How could they ever really be
together? Desire was one thing. He was talking about a whole new way of life.
    “You are a warrior like none I’ve ever seen.” He challenged
her with his gaze to be courageous. “The war I fight is your war too. It is
only the battleground that will change, my little witch.” He brushed a kiss
over her knuckles and bared his white teeth in a smile.
    Vetiver conceived every carnal promise lurking in the deep
pools of his amber eyes and realized she wanted all he was offering and more.
“I’m scared,” she admitted.
    “I will keep you safe, Vetiver. No harm will come to you.”
He tugged her hand and pulled her across his lap, swooping in for a kiss.
    Vetiver put her hand in the silky hair at his nape and
pulled his head down for another kiss. This time, for the first time, she put
all her feelings into the meeting of their lips. All her fears—of him and all
the emotions he inspired within her. All her doubts—of her future, the new and
unmapped path wide open before her bare feet. And all of her desires, because
she did want him, more than she would have ever dreamed possible. These
emotions flavored her kiss, and she tasted the need and pleasure in his mouth
generously returned.
    Vetiver pulled back and grinned at him, then jumped up and
raced away, knowing he would give chase, thrilling to the danger of this ardent
hunt. Gusts whipped her hair and she let it fly behind her like a cloud of ink,
racing into the trees she’d known all her life. The woods welcomed, opening a
path that would not impede her. No thorn would touch her. No root would trip
her. Though this land was doomed, it knew her and loved her still.
    Boreas played the game, letting her hear his footfalls
behind her while he chased. Vetiver laughed and rain drenched her like a
refreshing shower, even as it stung her skin until she was rosy. The sky
rumbled with thunder, the ground beneath her feet trembling in answer.
Anticipation rent the air with a static charge.
    That wavering image Ball had shown her, of a girl child with
Vetiver’s hair and Boreas’ eyes…it tugged at her, propelling her, exhilarating
even as it frightened.
    If this was to be her last run through the forest, Vetiver
swore it would be a memorable flight. She whispered to earth to lend her speed.
She greeted each tree by name as she passed and bade it farewell. Thorn and
brush grew swiftly at her murmured command, hindering Boreas’ pursuit, eager to
join the play.
    If Boreas wanted her, he would have to fight for her.
    No witch worth her broom would settle for less.
    Vetiver would not settle for less. Boreas was a warrior used
to domination. She would show him that no Device witch, especially this one,
was easily dominated. He may tame wind and storm, but she would never be
tamed. Vetiver Device was awakened in her full power and it rivaled that of any
Shikar, radiating from within.
    And so she ran. Not to flee. But to celebrate the destiny
that chased hot on her heels, enjoying the calm before the clamor.

Chapter Seven
     
    A gust lifted her. This was no rogue breeze from the
hurricane about to make landfall. Boreas had sent it to slow her down. Vetiver
laughed merrily and turned into it, using it to gather even more speed,
trumping his move. But he had more tricks up his sleeve, more winds to send her
way.
    Her body twirled, whirled, all motion. She looked down to
find she was running in midair. The ground inches below her bare toes. As if
ascending a flight of invisible spiral stairs, she went higher with each step.
The earth fell away. She was no longer tied to it.
    A