“Regrets?” Matt asked softly, his fingers caressing the back of her neck as he nestled her body against his.
She shook her head.
“You could have ruled the mountains with him.”
That wasn’t an appealing thought. “Too much like work. The air clans are all about power and hierarchy. You people of the sea know how to play more. And besides, he’s right—you and I—we bring balance.”
Matt turned her to face him. “You to me, and I to you. But I think it’s even bigger than just between us. Our people are going to benefit from the lessons we can share. It’s been too long since the air and the water shifters have worked together.”
Laurin laughed. “Some of the lessons are going to come as a shock.”
He grinned and nodded. “We’re still planning to go to visit your people in a few weeks, correct?”
“Of course. I think we should stop in at the Assiniboine tribe first though, and cast our support behind Kallen’s leadership.” It felt wonderful to be certain of at least a few things. “I’m not sure what we’ll find, but I now believe that whatever I am supposed to do there, you’re supposed to be a part of it.”
He stroked the back of his knuckles against her cheek. “I’ll go anywhere you need me to.”
Together.
She led him toward the wheelhouse. A sudden thought struck her. “Wait a minute. Kallen said he’d return when we stand in need of him? What was that about?”
His gaze heated. “Remember your science, teacher.”
She shook her head. Nothing came to mind.
When he reached for her and cupped a breast in his hand, his lips descending to tease and nibble on her neck, she still wasn’t sure what he was talking about, and she was growing less interested in finding out. Laurin returned his advances, attempting to bring their mouths back in contact. He laughed at her, eluding her attempts.
“Still not sure? When we want to start a family, we have some twisted magic to perform—air and water combined. And Kallen can act as our third.”
Laurin froze. “You’re… Oh my God, you’re right. That’s true.”
She couldn’t get pregnant right now. Didn’t want to get pregnant yet. But someday… Wild images from the previous night poured through her mind. Bodies tangled, the dual possession. Four hands caressing, two mouths teasing her passions higher.
Matt groaned and clutched her close. “Hell, woman, you’re doing it again. Making me see all the dirty things I want to do to you.” He grabbed her hand and forced it against his groin, and she grinned at the obvious power she held.
“Not dirty. Passionate, and perhaps creative. Exactly what I need and want.”
He grabbed her by the butt and a gasp escaped her lips as he manhandled her against the door. His strong body forced her back, his arousal a clear and solid temptation as he ground against her. She countered by building a scenario in her mind. Her, naked on the bed. Rolling to her knees and reaching between her legs. She highlighted his entrance to the room and poured a healthy dose of what she felt for him. The lust and the desire, of course they were a part of it. But more importantly, the love, and unending need for his presence in her life.
She packaged it together and then let it free. Her magic flared around them, hitting him solidly. His head fell back slightly and he groaned, receiving her gift, her passion.
Accepting her.
As well as accepting all the crazy things that went along with being partnered together. His responsibilities to the People of the Sea would constantly change, as wild and far-reaching as the ocean itself. Of her future amidst the air shifters—she had no idea what to expect.
They’d face it together.
His hands shook as he stroked her body, dragging his hands up her torso until his fingers were buried in her hair. Matt tugged her face up to meet his gaze full on.
He spoke, the words inducing a shiver up her spine at the need in them, the dark hunger barely contained. “I love you. All of you. With all of me.”
Laurin drew from deep, deep inside her to confess the truth. “My life would be so much less if I hadn’t met you.”
His face lit up. “Through the storms and the peace, I’ll stay with you.”
She nodded rapidly, choked with emotion. She had to say it—had to let him know. “Matt—you bring me balance.”
The ship rocked under them, but his grasp on her body kept them upright. They both smiled, joy filling up to the top and overflowing. The wind picked up, singing through the high wires, rattling the lines and the sails. Laurin’s hair whipped around her face and she pulled it back.
Matt brushed his lips against her cheek then pushed her lightly toward the stern to start the chores that had become second nature to her with practice. She watched him for another second, admiring his smooth gait forward. His lingering glance over his shoulder in her direction heated the warm spot in her heart like a glowing ember.
They moved silently, working as a team. Tightening straps, pulling in anything that could be lost if the storm raged too hard. Then they retreated below to the compact cabin. It was more than enough—the place filled with memories from the past months. Filled with hopes for the future. Laurin tilted her head toward the forward berth and Matt grinned as he crowded her into the tiny space. They stripped off each other’s clothing before their lips and bodies moved together in a perfect harmony. Outside the Stormchild the seas turned rough, rocking the ship. She was solid enough to withstand the challenge—well-enough built to face even an unexpected storm or two.
Laurin felt the connection, strong, wild. This time it was Matt’s magic that filled her, overwhelmed her. Brought her to the place that she knew she never wanted to leave. In the center of any storm, she’d found the place she belonged. With Matt—somewhere between both their peoples. One day, one adventure at a time.
About the Author
Vivian Arend has hiked, biked, skied and paddled her way around most of North America and parts of Europe. Throughout all the wandering in the wilderness, stories have been planted and they are bursting out in vivid colour. Paranormal, twisted fairytales, red-hot contemporaries—the genres are all over.
Between times of living with no running water, she home schools her teenaged children and tries to keep up with her husband—the instigator of most of the wilderness adventures.
She loves to hear from readers: vivarend@gmail.com. You can also drop by www.vivianarend.com for more information on what is coming next.