A Little Night Muse(15)

                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.”