ARELYN AURORA

Lyn walked up to Thunder with her hand out. The horse sniffed and she took that as an invitation to pet her, running her hand over Thunder’s nose and along her neck. Thunder showed her an apple and Lyn smiled. “I don’t have an apple for you but I’m sure Kayden will.” Then she spoke to her with pictures showing her what she wanted. Thunder chuffed, both irritated and accepting, already knowing Kayden’s order. She went down to one knee as Lyn requested. After Lyn had settled, Thunder stood and promptly followed Kayden. Lyn let Thunder take over from there, knowing it was futile to ask the loyal horse to do anything other than what Kayden wanted.

Lyn considered the man, he confused and frustrated her but there was something about him that intrigued her as well. It was possible he was testing her with the knowledge of his daughter and even using his brother to do the same. Or, she was thinking too much into this and he was being truthful about it being easier to tell a stranger?

Was this act of kindness an attempt to erode her defenses? Or maybe he was trying to give her a little space? Or maybe he needed space from her and her questions?

She hadn’t been hiding her emotions when she’d spoken to Kieran; the fact that he was gay eased her into trusting him more. That could have been a lie to get her to relax but she felt like it was the truth once he’d said it.

She noticed Kayden walking next to Thunder. How could she not? The sleek muscles of the cheetah were beautiful and powerful, it reminded her of the man that he turned into. He glanced up at Lyn.

She looked down for a moment and only said, “Thank you.” Then looked back up in an effort not to pester the man.

It was difficult. She was naturally curious and wanted to know things. Anything, everything, about where they were going and what would happen next. She also wanted to make sure he knew that just because he was being nice to her didn’t mean she forgave him for his attitude or presumptions. That didn’t mean she’d jump into his bed either. Instead of ranting at him when he couldn’t respond, Lyn held her tongue.

Thunder’s pace was steady and with nothing but the bleak desert landscape and her own thoughts, she began to doze. Growing up around horses, Lyn knew how to keep her seat even half asleep. Eyes closed, she kept her back straight and gently swayed with the motion of Thunder’s even footsteps.

They reached the oasis and Lyn sat there on Thunder’s back, looking around. She jumped slightly but recovered quickly. She hadn’t slept deeply but she was feeling more rested. The sun was setting so they’d made it to the oasis in time.

"Go, wash up," Kayden said. "My men will make a fire and cook. Stay close to Kieran if you want to strip. The oasis is warded.” His voice was deep and rusty. “We’ll be safe from the demons tonight.”

Thunder took it upon herself to kneel again so Lyn could dismount. Lyn ran her hand over Thunder’s neck. “Thank you.”

She moved away but turned and watched as Kayden took care of Thunder, removing his bag, brushing, and rubbing her down before letting her go to the water to drink.

Kayden set up his tent, put away his belongings and stripped. The setting sun highlighted the scars on his abdomen and arms. His back was covered with scars too. To Lyn's eye they were the unmistakable thin lines of a whip. Her third husband Reese bore the same scars, just not as many. Relskald had whipped her, though he’d made sure she took healing potions. Not to prevent scarring but so he could do it again and again without fear of killing her. Lyn had learned to wield a whip there too but for other reasons that she would not think about right now.

Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

She watched him unashamed, as he walked naked to the small lake and dove into the water to wash.

Once he was in the water, Lyn turned to Kieran and wordlessly walked with him so she could wash up as well. She would not bathe, even if he was gay, she didn’t feel that comfortable with him yet. She glanced over and saw Kieran washed his hands and face too.

When they were done, she asked Kieran, "What's wrong with him?"

"It's the shifting. Being in animal form for long periods of time brings up the animal's feelings. Mostly primal instincts. Hunting, eating, sleeping. It's a little uncomfortable to be human again for an hour or two."

"My people aren't natural shifters, we use enchanted items. A ring, bracelet, or anklet usually."

"We were born with the ability to shift. It's a little like having another spirit," Kieran said.

She looked at Kieran, and not wanting to bother him again about a place to stay, Lyn said, “Thank you for the company, Kieran.”

Lyn headed towards Kayden’s tent; she was too damned tired to play games and if the man was an ass, she’d go sleep on a horse. Thunder liked her; she’d keep her safe as long as she didn’t ask her to do anything against Kayden’s wishes.

Walking to Kayden’s tent, she ignored his men as they bathed or laid out naked to dry off. Their nudity didn’t bother her as long as they didn’t harm her. She had her head down, watching where she was walking because she was that tired. That brief nap on Thunder’s back didn’t seem like it helped much.

She looked up when she caught movement. The way the sun settled over him it made Kayden somehow look more handsome than any man had a right to. Lyn pushed the thoughts aside. It was her exhaustion talking. She saw him open his mouth to say something but she suddenly tripped. As she fell, all she could think was that it was going to hurt.

But she didn’t hit the ground. Kayden had moved fast enough to catch her, pulling her back to her feet. "You aren't used to riding all day."

His touch pulled a startled gasp out of her, causing her to stiffen, but only for a second. She relaxed as she realized he wasn’t angry. “It’s been five years since I’ve ridden like that, but it’s the magic to get here and the difference in time that’s taking its toll on me.”

He made sure she stood steadily and helped her into his tent.

"Here." Kayden handed her some dried meat and bread. "Eat this, drink some water, and go to sleep."

“Thank you.” Her hands trembled a little as she took the food, whether from fear of the man or exhaustion she couldn’t say at the moment. She ate a little, drank most of the water, and laid down where he showed. She was too weary to worry about anything, including whether he would be in the tent when she woke or not.

…

Lyn woke with a start and groaned. Her whole body ached and her mind was reeling. A moment of panic hit her when she couldn’t remember for a moment where she was. She blinked her eyes open and when the tent came into focus, the early morning light filtering through, she swallowed, remembering everything.

Kayden and this new world.

Eating his food and… she sat up and looked around. She’d fallen asleep in his tent but he wasn’t there. Looking down at herself, she noticed her rumpled clothes were still intact and a blanket was pooling around her waist. She didn’t remember having a blanket when she laid down.

Her shoulders sagged. The man was thoughtful. He hadn’t slept in his own tent so as not to invade her space. She was going to have to thank him again and try to not get offended so easily.

Then another pressing need hit her and she rose slowly, walking to the flap, peering out. A cheetah lay asleep in front of it. Kayden.

Lyn cleared her throat and said, “Good morning, Kayden. Can you point to where I can go to relieve myself? Please.”