She was wrapped in a cradling hug. “Dethina, will you have me?”
Tentatively, she returned his embrace as the words settled in.
Laiden’s strong arms picked her off the ground. In response her fingers crawled up his back, to his neck, his hair. Laiden moaned in pleasure; his arms tightened their melting hold. Dethina’s roaming hands explored his face. He leaned down to kiss her, and her magic touch set lightning to his senses. She was as exciting with her lips as she was with her fingers.
A long while later, he lifted his head. “Dethina, you haven’t answered. Will you have me?”
“I’m not sure I understand.”
“Will you be my life bond?”
She rested her head against his chest. “Yes.” He held her while she cried in happiness and relief.
Laiden said, “I have a gift for you.” He put something in her hand. “It’s a new tapping stick.”
She examined the stick with her fingers. There was the smell of mint; he must have rubbed the herb leaves into the wood. It was straight and sturdy. A figure had been carved into the top end. At her curious expression, Laiden said, “It’s a deer head.” He took her fingers. “This is the nose and here are the ears.”
“I love it. Thank you.”
“Do you love me?”
“Yes.”
He pulled her into a loose embrace. “Do you remember telling me that as a child you wished you could run?”
“Yes. That was silly of me.”
“No.” He turned away from her. “Put your arms around my neck.”
She did as he asked. He grabbed her legs and easily lifted her onto his back. “Hang on,” he shouted.
Instinctively she held on. “Wh—?” And then he was running, running down the steep hill they had just hiked up. She felt a moment of panic before she let go of fear and gave herself up to the pleasure of the ride. Laiden heard her gleeful laugh and ran faster. Her hair blew back from her face, and she hung on as he careened around switchback after switchback. The trail descended, and Laiden’s sure steps continued the steep flight down. When they reached a bumpy section, Dethina screamed in delight.
The path widened and smoothed for one last burst of speed before they neared the bottom. Laiden felt his legs weaken. He pulled onto a patch of grass where he deposited Dethina before he collapsed to the ground.
“I’m tired,” he admitted, breathing hard.
“Thank you, Deer Rider.” She sat down next to him. “I think that’s the most fun I’ve ever had.”
“Oh, yeah.” He raised his head. “I think my kisses should be more exciting. Let me see what I can do.” Some hands of time passed before they sat up. “We should be getting back,” Laiden said reluctantly. At that moment, he looked down and noticed her feet. “Dethina,” he said in alarm, “we’ve lost your new boots.”
She smiled. “I know. It’s all right. I don’t need them anymore.”
Endnotes
Thanks for reading. Please visit my website https://PangeaLegends.com for some DIY craft ideas and a list of books by L. Christina.
Other books by L. Chritina
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Leaf Hopper
Angry Hands
Kita
Mia
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