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)
When they reached the final doorway, Argenis sent a blast to Khadar. We’re coming out. He could hear the emerald dragon warning the men who guarded the entrance.
A cheer went up as first Argenis and then Ciel emerged. In the sunlight, he checked her over, finding only scrapes and bruises she’d alerted him to, but no severe injuries. When he was sure she wasn’t hiding any injuries from him, Argenis turned to the men who’d backed him up.
“My thanks for ensuring my mate is safe. Know that your place here on my land is secure for generations.”
He would thank them with security for their loved ones. Just as they had loaned their strength to protect his mate.
Holding Ciel close to his side, Argenis shook hands with each one and learned their names. He would not forget their help that day.
“If you will forgive me, I will tend to my mate.”
Everyone nodded and moved to make a path back to the mansion as Argenis swept her up into his arms. He paused to look at Khadar and sent him a message.
Would you secure that opening after bringing the bodies out?
Khadar nodded. What would you like done with the bodies?
Burn them. I owe you one, Khadar.
I will count on your assistance when my mate is in danger.
You will have it.
Giving that promise, Argenis turned and strode toward the mansion. He pressed a kiss to Ciel’s forehead, concerned by her paleness. “You’re safe now.”
“I knew I was safe when you arrived. I’ve been trying to keep score. It’s like Dragon at four thousand, seven hundred and twelve to bad guys at zero. You’d think they’d learn a lesson,” she said in a light tone.
“You would think. Unfortunately, bad guys in critical situations make even worse decisions.”
“Is she okay?” the housekeeper asked, opening the door for Argenis to carry her inside.
“I’m fine,” Ciel rushed to assure her. “Argenis just likes carrying me around.”
“Abby, would you mind making us a tray for dinner? Something light.”
“Of course, sir.”
“Thank you, Abby,” Ciel called over her mate’s shoulder as he carried her away.
“You’re welcome, ma’am.”
“I think a warm bath is in order,” Argenis suggested, carrying her through their bedroom and into the large, attached bathroom. He set her on the vanity. “Are you okay here for a minute?”
“I’m fine, Argenis. You don’t need to fuss over me.”
“Get used to it, mate.” He hoped his gentle tone completely erased the bluntness of his words. Having her at risk had taken a few hundred years off his life.
“I’m fine, Argenis. Go start the bath for us.”
He kissed her lips softly and stepped away to turn on the tap. Thank goodness the old ways of pumping water had not been completely destroyed. He tossed a handful of healing salts into the water, knowing they would sting her wounds at first, but soothe them while she soaked.
As the water rose, he returned to her side. “Silly will need to stay here. We’ll give him a bath later.”
She nodded and set the stuffie on the vanity.
“Stand up for me, Little Sky. Let’s get these dirty clothes off.”
“Can we wash my hair, too? I’m sure there were spiders in there.”
“Of course.”
Argenis tried not to growl at every scrape and scratch on her body. The hint of bruising would blossom into colors tomorrow. There was no doubt that the men had not cared about his precious mate at all. He wished he could slaughter them all again and make it so much more painful.
“Stop it, Daddy. Whatever you’re thinking, push it out of your mind,” she ordered, smoothing a finger over his wrinkled brow. “We’re home together. It’s okay.”
“I will try, Little Sky. I don’t like seeing you hurt.”
He knelt in front of Ciel to remove the one sandal still strapped to her foot and the clothing bunched around her feet. When he had her stripped, Argenis discarded his garments quickly. He enjoyed seeing the spark of interest in her eyes. They had mistreated his mate, but she was strong and already recovering.
Leading her to the bathtub, he held her steady with one hand as he leaned over the water to heat it. Several short breaths of heat made the aroma of the bath salts perfume in the air. After testing it with a swipe of his hand, he lifted Ciel and sat her in the water.
“It hurts,” she cried and tried to scramble to get out.
“The sting is gone now, Ciel.”
She froze as she took stock of her level of pain before sending a pointed look his way. “It is better now. But it hurt. You didn’t warn me.”
“Would that have made it better?”
“No,” she admitted, leaning back against the side of the tub to wave her hands through the fragrant liquid.
“It could use some more water,” she pointed out.
“Not once a dragon gets inside.”