He reached around her to slide the gun behind the horse’s saddle. “You ready to go?” When Wolly barked, he smiled at the dog before returning his gaze to her. “Where are your things?”
She resisted looking down at the remaining mushroom and lifted her satchel in mute explanation.
“No boots even?” Josh shook his head. “Never seen a woman travel so light.”
If only he knew.
He swung up onto the horse in a fluid move she didn’t quite follow. Then he reached a hand down to her and waggled his fingers. “C’mon.”
She stared at his big, wide palm and those long, strong fingers. With a reluctant sigh, she slid her hand into his.
The shock of her musetta powers seeking a target rattled through her again, weakening her bones. But he hauled her up with the strength in just one arm and sat her across his lap. The front hump of the saddle pressed her close to the human. To Josh.
Oh, he was so warm. She hadn’t realized how the cold had sunk in until his radiant heat surrounded her. For days now, she had been loosing her powers in this world that seemed endlessly hungry for the touch of her magic. She longed for the phaedrealii where—she couldn’t believe she was willing to admit—she was nothing special. Her head bobbed wearily, the warmth and the rocking of the mere horse lulling her.
“You never told me your name.” His voice rumbled through his chest, intimate with their forced proximity.
“Adelyn.” The truth escaped her lips before she could censor it. A sliver of shock pierced her. Why had she told him that? Did his voice have a power over her?
No, he was a simple human. He couldn’t use her name against her.
“Adelyn.” His tone was soft, soothing. “Pretty. Does it mean something?”
“No.” Agitation made her twist upright. “And I ask you not to share it with others. I prefer not to be known.”
“Fine by me. This is a good place for people who want to get away.”