Page 52 of Shattered Magic

He grunted and withdrew, backing away.

She got her hands under her and pushed up, folding her wings and then flexing them again.

Hari folded her wings in and carefully turned around to face Zerul. He had backed up so she wouldn’t clip him with her feathers.

She stared at him naked. Physically, he was different. Psychically, they had been ideal with the edges blurred and their senses were projections and memories of touch, not the real thing.

He was gold and tanned, his horns were shiny, his eyes gleamed, and his lips had a light staining of her blood.

His voice was rich when he said, “There you are, Anhara.”

“And there you are, Zerul. I wouldn’t have guessed at that freckle on your hip.” She smiled.

He lifted her jaw on two fingers. “I would never have guessed at your wingspan. I am glad my boost could bring them out.”

“Oh, that’s what the bite is for.”

“Of course. It’s hard to get energy into a self-healing body. The bite is the best way.” He smiled. “Plus, it is rather fun.”

She rotated her head and tested the healing on her neck. “And it’s healed.”

“I know. And I get to do it over and over again.” He chuckled.

Hari looked down and said, “Where did my nightgown go?”

He shrugged. “You were naked when I woke up.”

“Well, I don’t like wearing anything to sleep.”

“Yes, that must have been it.” He winked.

She flexed her wings, and they arced upward and swept down. She hopped over Zerul to land behind him. “Okay, that’s fun. Now I know why Livia is so happy about hers coming out.”

“She doesn’t have a partner?” He turned slowly.

“No. Not yet. Don’t worry about Steerik. He’s just a buddy, and if she says so, it’s true.” She flexed her wings. “I really want to take these suckers for a test flight.”

“Pace yourself. There will be plenty of time after tomorrow’s party.” He reached out and took her hands. “I am thinking something backless.”

“Oh, I can wear my wings out?”

“I think it would be quite impactful. Mind you, I am only going to declare you as my consort, and then I am going to flick you over my shoulder and carry you into my abode.” He wagged his eyebrows.

“That’s it? All this fanfare for a few minutes of excitement...” She paused and tapped her lips with one finger. “Wait a minute. That’s familiar.”

He snorted. “When we are free to spend all day in bed, things will be a little different.”

“Why, Governor, you can do that?” She chuckled. “I just get Sundays and Mondays off.”

“Would you be willing to take on a different role?” He moved closer to her and stroked her arms.

“Like what?”

“Wife. First lady. Partner?” His brows rose as he locked gazes with her. “Think about it.”

“Isn’t that what a consort is?”

“Yes, but a formal agreement will knock Serel’s family back on their asses.”