Please? Well, at least he had manners, no matter his other “ailments”. Kyndel stood up with a groan she tried to hide. After kneeling for such a long time on the cold concrete, not to mention the extra twenty pounds she was sure she’d had since birth, her knees were not ready for the action. Before she was all the way vertical, he was standing before her and had gripped both her wrists in his hands to steady her when he was the one with the head wound.
Her eyes widened and she wondered once again how a man that had found it hard to stay conscious a few minutes ago moved so quickly. She would have sworn he didn’t have the strength to move his big toe by himself, let alone get up that fast and then lend her a hand. Just as she met his eyes, he sniffed the air again.
“We really have to get going. Which way to your home?” The urgency in his voice raised more questions in her mind.
This guy really had some odd habits, sniffing the air, running around half naked, fighting in the park, making her think thoughts she had never thought before and the list just went on and on. Even with the list growing exponentially, she figured it could be worse; he could eat with his hands or burp and fart in public, right? Those things were way more embarrassing than anything he had done so far. But nothing negated the fact that deep down inside she felt like she was missing something. She hated to state the obvious, even to herself, but this man was like no other she had ever known. The part of her that her granny had worked hard to bring out in her, the part that made her trust, told her that he meant something important to her. Everything seemed jumbled, like she couldn’t see the whole picture but she knew there was more at work here than the obvious. Her mind, body and soul accepted this man without any hesitation. Time to sit and digest all that had happened was what she needed. Everything had happened so fast. Unfortunately, time was not a luxury she had right now, especially with him staring at her like she was the loon. They just needed to get to her apartment.
“That way.” Kyndel pointed over her shoulder, “Just a little shy of five blocks.” She looked at him and took stock of his physical condition as objectively as she could muster. “You sure you can make it?”
Rayne nodded, “I can make it. Lead the way.”
She turned and with his hand on the small of her back warming her to the tip of her toes, she led him towards her apartment.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
As they walked in the direction Kyndel had indicated, Rayne scented more hunters. His senses were dull from his injuries and blood loss but he knew there were others. If he wasn’t mistaken, they were from the same pack whose leader he had killed and they were within a few hundred yards of the park. It was a scouting party, looking for their compatriots. When they found them dead, if they found them dead, they would be looking for him.
He constantly monitored the area surrounding Kyndel, moving his head as carefully as possible from side to side. On every pass, he scented a bit of fear, a lot of confusion, pure strength, a determination he never thought possible in another and something much more alluring coming from his gorgeous mate. The attraction between them was growing, even though she was more than a little suspicious and a tad intimidated by his presence. As soon as he was well enough to stand without gritting his teeth, he would calmly and carefully explain that she was his mate. He looked forward to her reaction to his revelation and the discussion he was sure they would have concerning their future together. He knew it was going to be a challenge but he also believed in the path the Universe had for him and the spectacular mate She had designed for him alone. The Universe knew what each person needed to feel complete and reach their full potential. Mates were created to truly and completely complement each other. Their union was like none other. He was strong in his belief that he and Kyndel’s future would be filled with a lifetime of joy and most definitely the happily ever after that his fascinating mate deserved. She was after all, the best part of his soul, the beauty in his heart and the completion that he and his dragon had been searching for since they had become one. How could they not have everything promised to beloved mates? Now for the hard part, walking as quickly as possible before the hunters figured out where they were and decided to make an appearance or he fell flat on his face. He believed with all certainty that everything would be fine. He had to believe. It was just another average day in the life of a Dragon Guard Commander. Right….keep telling yourself that, Commander.
CHAPTER THREE
He felt like he had walked four miles instead of just a little over four blocks. He could tell the beautiful woman that walked at his side had millions of questions but wasn’t asking them while they trudged through the streets on their way to her home. He reasoned that she was more worried about his well being than her need for answers. He picked up on the frustration and conflict that caused within her. He couldn’t wait to be healed so that he could learn everything there was to know about the captivating mate he’d been given. He concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other while trying to hide his almost unbearable fatigue and pain from Kyndel. Just when he thought he couldn’t make it one step farther, Kyndel pointed to the building just ahead on the right, indicating they had finally made it. He thanked the Universe. In just a few more steps she would be safe and he could get some rest.