Filed to story: The Chosen Saga Novel PDF Free
Araiya jerked back from Mac. “Love?”
“Sorry I… you don’t like it? Not there yet, I get it.”
Araiya tried to back away from him, but the pain was somehow getting worse. “You are not.” Her voice broke. She fell back as she continued to stare at the man before her.
The man that she had spent months getting to know, every time she was beaten into this dream realm.
The man that held her as she cried. The man that whispered to her every night for months.
The man that never once called her love.
Firebug, Araiya, Rai, but never love.
“You’re not Mackenna.”
“Babe, what are you talking about-“
“You are not my mate.” Araiya screamed as Mac charged at her. Araiya awoke to her own screams again.
“Hey. We’re okay. Araiya. It’s okay.”
“Korine?”
“Yes. I’m here. We’re okay.”
“What? Where are we?”
“Araiya, remember, your mates saved us. We are in Water. You fell asleep on the way here, so River kept you asleep as we came here. He healed us both and then left us. This is your room here, the guys are right outside waiting to check on you. Remember?”
Araiya laid back down next to Korine and focused on slowing her breathing. “We’re safe?”
“Yes.”
“Okay.” Araiya clutched at Korine’s hand and calmed down. “Who would have ever thought we would end up like this.”
“Not me.” Korine laughed and then the two women jumped at the knock on the door. Korine got up and opened the door and the men all rushed in. Even Talon trailed in at the end, just to be glared at by Korine.
“Lamb. Are you okay? We heard your screaming, and we were worried.” The rest followed in, and Korine just smirked at her and wiggled her eye brows.
“Just a nightmare.” Araiya wiped at her face. “I need a bath.”
“As do I. Now that you are awake, I will take your mate up on the offer of my own room. I didn’t want to leave you while you were asleep. Just in case.” Korine shuffled off the bed and walked over to the men. “Would one of you be able to show me to the room you offered me?”
“I can show you. Just give me a moment.” Mac walked over to Araiya and kissed her brow. “Are you sure you are okay, Firebug?” Araiya nodded and Mac straightened and started to leave.
“Wait.” Mac turned back and waited. “While I trust you all, Korine needs a guard. I will not lose her.”
“I do not need a keeper, Rai.”
“Please, Kora. I refused to allow you out of my sight without a guard. Mac, can you call Ember here? Please.” Mac nodded and quirked his head to the side as his eyes unfocused for a moment.
After a few minutes there was a new knock on the door and Talon opened the door for Ember. “Young mother.” Ember walked over to the bed and dropped to her knee. “Enforcer Mckenna said you had need of me.”
“Ember. Please stand. There is no reason to be so formal with me. It’s just Araiya. But I do have need of you. You have proven yourself to me when we escaped the Keep together. Now I have a position to offer you if you are willing.”
“Anything Young-Araiya.” Ember gave a small bow.
Araiya gestured Korine over. Korine rolled her eyes and walked over with a small smile playing on her lips. “Ember, meet my sister, Korine. In the coming weeks, the Enforcers and I will be traveling across the realm- “
“You’re not leaving me behind Rai.” Korine turned on her. “You cannot expect me to stay here.” Korine stomped her foot.
“Before I was so rudely interrupted. Ember, my sister will be coming with us. She needs a guard. And while I know my mates will be concerned with me and Talon will be off doing whatever…” Talon jolted at the sound of his name. “She needs someone who would be willing to either let her ride or stay with her. I made a promise that no man would be forced on her again, so this is my compromise.”
“You want me to come, and you’re asking my guard to be a female…”
“After everything Kora, I would never leave you behind. Even here in Water. And I would never force you into another man’s arms, even one of my men. I trust Ember. I trust Ember with your safety, and with respecting your wishes. She is a good woman and a good Dracoy.” Araiya turned back to Ember. “Do you accept the position? You will work hand in hand with the Enforcers, and us.”