Page 157 of The Ranger
She gazed at him some more. “What happens now?”
He drew in a shaky breath. Her song had kept him from death, but he did not have all his strength, and wouldn’t until after she sang her final Call. What she just sang wasn’t it, but at least she understood what was happening now. Most of it anyway.
He gave her a warm smile. “I will teach you things.” His voice was soft, gentle. The last thing he wanted was to frighten her. “You will need to know things about me.”
She nodded as his eyes darted to his mouth.
He didn’t hesitate and kissed her again. Maida’s lips were soft, sweet and everything he imagined they would be. Too bad he didn’t think of it until he was almost at death’s door. But in those moments, everything he’d done to ensure he could be alone and survive as a ranger, shattered. It was gone, all gone, and he was left with a raw heart, starved for connection, companionship and love. He would have to slip away at some point to be with the Creator. Only He could fill it to the point where Markhel could give Maida what she needed.
He wanted to love her, to give her his heart. Both of them.
“You’re cold,” she said and rubbed his hand.
He closed his eyes a moment and realized she was right. It was an after effect of her song and his hearts shutting down.
She shook with a chill and held her hand over his. “It will pass.” His jaw shook with the effort to keep from shivering, and he hoped he was right. He could have sworn the ground was shaking. He wasn’t going to pass out, was he?
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Someone get a blanket!” Grandma Waller called.
He ignored the sounds of scurrying feet and horses approaching. He didn’t know what would happen when others entered the barn. He was still stunned from her song. The only thing guiding him was his heart and pure raw instinct. He had to touch her, hold her. If he didn’t keep her near, he’d be on death’s doorstep again.
“You are lovely to look at,” he whispered between chills.
She smiled.
Markhel sensed a familiar presence but didn’t bother looking up. In fact, there were quite a few new arrivals. Someone must have gone to fetch Maida’s father and grandfather.
Markhel didn’t care.
He ran his fingers through her hair, enjoying the silky feel of it as he studied her face. “You will be envied.”
“Why?” she asked, her voice so soft he wasn’t sure he heard her.
Someone draped a blanket over his shoulders and pulled it around him, going so far as to put one of his hands on the edges to hold it in place.
His eyes never left Maida’s. Her eyes never left his.
“Am I going to have to go away with you?” she whispered.
“Yes, my beautiful one. You will not leave my side.” He drew closer, and ever so gently, rubbed his cheek against hers. “But I will bring you back,” he whispered in her ear. “You will not be denied your family.”
Her eyes closed, and she drew in a small breath as he kissed her other cheek with his own.
“Markhel,” she said breathlessly. “What are you doing?”
He smiled, his cheek against hers. “Making you mine.”
* * *
“Gah!”Harrison managed this time and cringed again.
Major paced beside him looking as if he’d like to shoot Markhel. Duncan, Maida’s older brother, just gawked as Markhel and Maida continued to solidify their bond.
Makama and Vale watched in quiet awe. It was a thing of beauty, their movements slow, graceful, and all encompassing. She could feel Markhel’s heart surrounding Maida, touching her here and there, looking for its home. Only her final Call would open the door that would let Markhel’s heart find hers.
“Does he have to touch her like that?” Major said in dismay. He ran his hand through his hair, took another look at the couple, and groaned in frustration.