Graham nodded. "That's the Gods' honest truth. Welcome to Lycaonia!" He and Quinn waved goodbye and went back to their exercises.
"Maybe you and Amelia should walk around the property, just to make sure she's okay." Keelan suggested.
"Good idea, Keelan," Aiden agreed.
"Subtle," Darian said, eyeing the two men.
Aiden shrugged. "It's either us, or Meryn gets involved, and you know subtle is her middle name," Aiden joked. Darian remembered Aiden's hard lesson about ignoring his mate and shuddered. Would Amelia set his car on fire? He looked over to see her smiling up at him. He wouldn't put anything past her.
Darian realized there was no way to ignore the suggestion and, without saying a word, began walking toward the front of the house. Amelia jogged to catch up.
"Wait for me, princess."
"Stop calling me that."
"You can only order me to do that as your mate; otherwise, it's just a request, and one I will continue to ignore."
When they reached the back of the house, he slowed down then stopped. He turned around to face her. "Why are you trying to hard?"
She looked surprised at his question. "Because you're my mate. As much as your instincts are telling you to stay away to keep me safe, mine are just as loud--and probably more obnoxious--and they are telling me to save you."
Darian felt his mouth twitch. Something about her got to him. He turned and began walking again, slower this time. "If I knew for certain that I wouldn't drag you down with me..." He shook his head; he might not risk it even then.
"Maybe that is my destined future. Maybe we're meant to fall together."
He stopped suddenly. His head snapped back to face her. "That is unacceptable."
She scrunched up her nose. "You say that a lot."
He resumed walking. "Only around you."
He felt her grab the back of his shirt. When he turned around, he saw tears in her eyes. "Please," she whispered.
Unable to stop himself, he leaned down toward her. When their lips touched, he felt as if he had finally come home. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to his body, enjoying the feel of her soft curves pressed against him. When he felt the tiny flicker that was the remainder of his soul trying to merge with hers, he broke off their kiss and stepped away. His breathing was ragged and labored. There was no way he could deny that she was his mate now. She had to have felt the merge begin.
He walked over to the large oak tree at the edge of the property and placed a hand on the trunk. He felt a modicum of control return.
"Damn that spell," he whispered.
"I dreamt of you before the spell remember? We were always meant to be. Almost from the moment of my birth, I belonged to you," she said softly.
He took a deep breath and straightened his shoulders. He turned to face her. He owed her that at least. "I'll walk you back."
They walked in silence until they stood at the front door.
"I'll see you at dinner," he said, stepping off the porch.
"Is that a date?"
He felt himself smile and dared not turn around. "Don't read anything into it."
"I'm wearing you down, princess."
"You need to find someone from your own planet," he called after her. She laughed and reached for the doorknob.
He waited until her heard the door open and shut before he walked back over to the men.
"I take it she's okay?" Aiden asked.
"Yes, she's fine." Darian stretched, looking around the workout yard.
Keelan walked up beside him. "She's getting to you."
"I can't afford to let her get any closer. If you were my friend, you would help me save her."
Keelan looked away. Pain shined behind his eyes. "It's because I am your friend that I am trying to save you. Did you ever stop to think that maybe it's not up to you? Trust that Fate knows what she is doing."
"If I..." Darian hesitated looking around.
Keelan stepped close. "I will protect her with my life, Darian. I'd take care of you myself," he promised.
Darian ruffled his young friend's hair. He hadn't felt brotherly affection for his friend in nearly forty years. "As if you could take me," he joked, enjoying the ability to do so. Every time he was around Amelia, it was as if his emotions were restored with her smile.
Keelan's eyes danced with relief at his playful attitude. "My kung-fu is strong."
"Come on, princess, we don't have all day!" Sascha yelled across the training grounds sending the men into peals of laughter.
Darian heard Keelan whispering under his breath and smiled. Crossing his arms over his chest, he waited.
Seconds later, Sascha's curses rang out over the men's laugher.
"Dammit, Keelan, undo the spell right now!" he ordered, banging on an invisible wall. Keelan had hardened the air all around the Gamma Unit leader.