Page 159 of A Trial of Two Worlds
Shaw Black
I followed Zola through the mass entanglement of High Fae scattered amongst the camp, yet my attention fixated on her.
Her long braid of ebony hair swung by her hip as she walked. I took the time to memorize her seductive curves as the heat rose in my core, my cock throbbing at the mere thought of running my hands along her dark-tawny skin. Her footsteps glided across the earth, barely making a sound as she led us toward the surrounding tree line.
My Gods, this female is as deadly as she is stunning.
Once inside the forest, I paused and closed my eyes to inhale a deep breath. My panther sprang to life inside me. I loved the smell of the trees and wild grass, allowing it to calm and center my damaged, restless soul.
“Do all shifters have this type of response to a forest?” Zola asked, breaking me from my trance.
“Not all,” I answered with my eyes closed. “But nature calls to us in a unique way that’s difficult to articulate. It settles our animals and helpsground us.” I opened my eyes to find Zola staring at me. “This forest is brand new in a sense. It’s come alive again. Reborn, and that is something to take note of.”
“I can feel it,” Zola said.
She was only a few steps away, close enough for me to reach out and touch her.
“You can feel it?” I asked.
“Through your emotions,” she said, stealing my complete attention.
“The bond,” I said, not needing her to answer, sensing a hint of jealousy that made my panther purr with delight.
We remained silent for what seemed like hours, even though it was only seconds. Neither of us knew what to say or do next, which was not a position I was used to navigating.
“This,” I began, gesturing between us. “I don’t know what to do, Zola.”
She was unreadable. Her face gave no hint of what she felt or thought, likely a defense mechanism developed from centuries of building a protective wall around herself. Even though I lived only a blink of time in this world compared to her, I understood why she was like this. I understood the need to protect yourself against the darkness lurking behind shadows cast by the light.
Zola remained silent, and I chuckled to myself, admiring her cunning mind.
She raised her brow at me. “What?”
I couldn’t hide my grin if I tried, running my fingers through my mesh of hair as I dared to take a half step closer. “Sorry, I can’t help it.”
She tilted her head and narrowed her brows. “Help what?”
“I like you,” I said.
“You like me?”
“Yes.”
“You don’t know me,” she replied, remaining in place.
Adjusting my weight, I dared to move closer, pleasantly surprised to see her position remain unchanged. “You’re correct,” I answered, noticing the slight twinge of her lips as she sucked in a breath. “But I’d like to.”
“Why?” Zola asked with a fire in her tone that sent chills of excitement along my spine.
My female was fierce, and I loved it.
“Because of this bond that the Gods sought fit to bind between us?” she asked with false sincerity.
“I won’t lie to you,” I said. “I promise I never will.”
Zola’s expression softened at this, and for the first time, I could see a crack in her armor lift.
I inhaled a caged breath as waves of emotion echoed through the bond. “I’m prepared to let you in, Zola. To let you see the good, the bad, and even the ugly. To lay myself bare and give this a real chance.”
