Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 41518 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 208(@200wpm)___ 166(@250wpm)___ 138(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 41518 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 208(@200wpm)___ 166(@250wpm)___ 138(@300wpm)
“Are you going to be okay?” she asked a few minutes later, amazed as he depleted the volume of food left for him.
“I’m already fine, Little Sky. Normally, I would have feasted on a cow to replenish myself. I didn’t think you needed to see that,” he said with a smirk.
“Oh!” A visual image popped into her mind.
“Exactly.”
“I heard you in my mind,” she whispered, to change the subject.
“Yes. When you’re ready, we can make that easier,” he commented casually.
“How? Why do I have to be ready?” she asked, confused.
“It involves opening the barrier in your mind between us.”
“I don’t understand,” she said, shaking her head.
He scooted his chair back and plucked her up to sit Ciel on his lap. “I want to hold you for this, Little one. Close your eyes, Ciel.”
When she followed his directions, he pressed a hand to her forehead. “Concentrate on the front of your mind. When you’re ready, turn around to face everything behind you.”
When she turned physically, he prevented her movement. “I’m sorry, Ciel. I didn’t explain that well. You’re going to do everything in your mind. Imagine you’re following my directions and it will happen—inside.”
“Oh. Sorry.”
He leaned forward to kiss her forehead before leaning back. “Close your eyes and focus on that kiss.”
Obediently, she followed his instructions.
“Now, in your mind, turn to look at everything behind you.”
“Wow!” She couldn’t look at everything at the same time. Lights flashed from all directions. It was so beautiful.
“Do you see a silver light?” he asked.
“Silver like you?” she blurted.
“Yes, Little Sky.”
“There it is. Focus on that one. Follow its path through your mind. It will weave around many other colors. Don’t lose your focus. It is easy to become confused.”
She sensed that would be bad. Laser focusing her attention down to the silvery light, she traced it to where it ended at a barrier. “I found the end. It disappears behind a door with a three locks. One is already open.”
“That happened when we met. Reach out and press your hand to the door, leaving your print on it. Remember how you got here. In an emergency, you can open all the locks, connecting our minds. Never open any other door for your safety.”
“Okay,” she said and heard her voice quake.
“If you’re ready to connect us further, open the second one. Be prepared,” he warned as she turned the deadbolt.
A rush of sensations streamed toward her. Startled, she opened her eyes to find herself gazing directly into his eyes. “Argenis?”
“Daddy. Try talking to me in your mind.”
Argenis?
Daddy.
I didn’t have to shout that time.
Our connection is closer now.
Pulling her gaze from his, Ciel laid her head on his broad shoulder. All the changes that had happened in the last few days boggled her mind. How could everything turn upside down in such a short time? Not just the lack of technology, but the transformation inside her. His soft kiss on her hair drew her from her thoughts.
Daddy?
Yes, Ciel.
Is this real?
“Yes, Little Sky. Is life with me so difficult?” he teased aloud. His voice sounded loud in the quiet house, making her jump.
“No. I could have never envisioned all this happening, but… It feels right.”
“That is the best indicator that we are on the right path.” He rubbed her back with one hand as he reached for a handful of walnuts. Popping a few in his mouth, he rocked her gently as she struggled to address everything brewing inside her.
“The dragons will continue to protect Wyvern?” she asked, still slightly frightened by the events of the evening.
“To our last breaths. Our oath was not easily given for that exact reason. We made a promise to keep Wyvern safe.”
“Thank you for keeping my family safe.”
“Your family is mine now.”
After another minute, he told her, “I am finished. Is there anything else you would like?”
“Like that one piece of cheese?” she joked, pointing to one of the last items that had welcomed them home.
He reached forward and plucked the slice from the board it sat on. Bringing it close to her mouth, he tempted her as if he fed her. When she opened her mouth, he quickly placed the bite into his mouth.
“Hey! That was mine.”
“You wouldn’t begrudge an old, tired dragon a small slice of cheese. Would you?” he teased as he stood easily, lifting her into his arms.
“I can walk, Argenis. You should conserve your energy.”
“Good idea.” He shifted her to drape over his shoulder. One large hand swatted her bottom, reigniting the heat from her spanking. “This is totally not taxing.”
She tried not to look at his firm butt as she bounced with every step he took. That was an impossible task. What she wanted to do was grab a handful and squeeze.
Gently, please.
The polite request echoed through her skull as he neared their bedroom. “You can read my thoughts?” she squeaked.