Chapter 9
My mind was still fighting the wine induced muddle, trying to grasp the fact that Azriel was really here. My body thought, acted on a reflex. I had packed the basket, rolled the mat and was out of the clearing before Azriel opened his mouth to speak. I heard nothing but the gush of blood into my head, and I quickly went inside and locked the door of the main entrance.
I didn't know what to think. Azriel had come here. He had come to a place which was unknown to everyone but me and father.
The mat and the basket slipped from my hands and thumped on the wooden floor. The cloak was halfway down my shoulders as I pressed myself against the door, parting the curtain of the window adjacent to it a little to see if he was outside.
He was.
There was a verandah extending from the front door with a wrap-around porch. The roof over the verandah was held upright by two carved pillars, and Azriel was sitting down and leaning back against one of them. His head was turned the other way, watching the stars still falling.
His usual leathers that he wore were absent; in their place was a black shirt and pair of black trousers. The buttons of the shirt glinted in the light like gemstones. His hair was ruffled, silver jewellery adorned his neck and hands. He was the still the most beautiful man I had ever laid my eyes on, and the mating bond within me flared to life for a moment and tugged painfully.
I wanted nothing but to open the door, walk out and hold him.
The sensible part of me held me in check. Even though he was supposed to be my mate, he had given me nothing but pain until now, and I couldn't let go of it that easily. I clamped down the bond, let the curtain fall back went upstairs to my bed.
The entry of my room's balcony was set with French windows, and its curtains were always parted to let in the scenery. This was the second time since that night when I cried myself to sleep.
•~᯽~•