Chapter 96 AURORA I was barely aware as Dane led me away from Holdens rooms .


    I thought , vaguely , that we were going to mine .


    But he took me to his .


    I struggled weakly , but stopped when I realized why he was bringing me here .


    Tristan and Seraphina werent there .


    Neither was Mrs.


    Jamison .


    Evander and Trajan were still out searching .


    I would be alone .


    Tears burned behind my eyes again .


    I didnt know how much weeping I could do before I would turn to dust .


    I want them back .


    I said the words with every part of my soul .


    It felt like they should be a scream , but they were a simple whisper only one man could hear .


    We got to his rooms , and he led me to his bed .


    I know .


    I feel it .


    I wasnt sure what he meant .


    He felt the same ? Or he could actually feel my pain ? But that intimacy was reserved only for Chapter 96 2/5 the strongest spirit bonds .


    Only for kindred souls or fated mates .


    Wed been in each others lives for eight years .


    If we were fated , we would know , I put his words from my mind and let him pull me into his arms .


    He held me , rocking gently .


    He didnt speak .


    We both knew there were no words for this pain and uncertainty .


    Finally , he let me go .


    I need to get back to the search .


    I want .


    you to rest .


    No ! The word tore from me .


    I didnt mean it to .


    Of course , I wanted Dane out there searching for the twins .


    And I knew I needed to rest , or I was going to be useless .


    It was gettingte , and I was so tired I could barely stand .


    No ? he asked .


    I closed my eyes and rested my head against his chest .


    Dont leave me alone .


    Rest with me .


    Just for an hour .


    Then take me with you when you search .


    I cant … I cant just sit here .


    He was quiet for a long time , then he said , Ill rest with you , but I want you to sleep .


    Not just rest for an hour .


    I cant .


    ?? You can , he insisted .


    Im here with you .


    Chapter 96 3/5 His hands were already moving over me , gently removing my clothes .


    It sent a shiver of heat over my skin , but I was too tired , too nauseous , too worried to feel more than that .


    Dane … Shh .


    He removed everything except my panties , then ran gentle hands over my skin .


    Any time he touched me , heat flooded my body .


    But this wasnt sexual .


    It was just …fort .


    He stripped down to his boxers , then lifted me andid me in the bed .


    He got in after me and pulled me against him , so our bodies pressed together .


    Again there was a spark of heat , but it was overtaken by that feeling of connection .


    Of peace .


    Offort and soft energy flowing from his body into mine in every ce our skin touched .


    You arent alone , Dane whispered .


    His big hand braced against the small of my back , then trailed up and down , stroking my skin .


    It was beautiful , and despite my fear for the twins , which was as strong as ever , my body began to rx into this intimatefort that even if it wasnt making love only a lover could give .


    My mind stopped racing .


    My breathing slowed .


    Like he had said I would , I slept .


    *** Chapter 96 DANE 4/5 Aurora slept , thank the goddess .


    I wanted her to rest .


    I wanted her to be on top of her game .


    We needed her clever mind and her steel spine if we were going to find the twins .


    I meant to climb out of the bed as soon as she was sleeping , but when I was tangled in the sheets with her , soft and warm , I could make myself get out again .


    The pack was still searching .


    Trajan had organized them since Archer was still hunting for Remington Reed .


    I couldnt touch his mind , but I could speak to the others .


    Trajan knew his job , and he was doing it well .


    I could leave .


    things in his hands for a few hours .


    I could stay here with the woman I had fought against wanting for so long .


    Than the goddess that was one fight I had finally lost .


    Aurora felt so incredible against me , but I kept my mind and body reined in .


    I would have her again .


    I would explore her and love her and hear her whimper my name .


    I would feel her fingers tangle in my hair as I pleasured her the way she deserved .


    But now , today , I would just feel her next to me , breathing softly as sleep allowed her to release her worries , even if it was just for a little while .


    Chapter 96 ***** 5/5 EVELYN I hovered outside Danes room , my hand raised to knock .


    But when I breathed in , I caught a scent I wasnt used to .


    Not here , in his bedroom .


    Aurora .


    I gritted my teeth .


    Then I flipped open my phone .


    If my mother had those twins , it was damn well time for her to tell me her ns .