Read Online Magical Lover by Karilyn Bentley - Free Book Online

long?
    “Around about there, yes. Because we live so long we don’t usually have many offspring.”
    Five hundred years? Keara’s mind stuttered trying to think of that many years. Might as well give the poor brain a break and ask what will happen to Lily.
    “I’m sorry. That’s going to take me some time to get used to. Five hundred years? Back to Lily. Why did Enar claim her? What’s going to become of her?”
    “I don’t know. Enar won’t hurt her, he’s my best friend and I know he loves females almost as much as he loves a good fight, but although I know Watchers claim women, I have never seen a claimed woman and Enar changes the topic every time I go near it. There’s a lot about Watchers I don’t know.”
    Judging by the hard set of his lips, there was a lot about Watchers he knew and didn’t care to tell her. Hopefully his lack of knowledge didn’t bode ill for her friend.
    Back to more questions. If she filled her head full of new information, she wouldn’t have to dwell on whether or not the Draconi would accept her.
    “And the what-did-you-call-it ceremony?”
    “Unlocking?”
    “Yes, that one. What’s that?”
    “All female Draconi have limited powers until they reach puberty. After puberty, they undergo a ceremony to unlock their powers. You must have strong powers because you can see through the invisibility blanket with your powers locked.”
    “And that’s good?”
    “Oh, yes. That’s very good. Females usually have the strongest powers, but the males change into dragons.”
    “Dragons?” Big scary mythical creatures? That was what he shape-shifted into? Until his hand clamped on her forearm, she hadn’t realized she’d scooted backward.
    “Like the shape of your mark. Don’t be frightened.”
    Relaxation coursed through her veins. Why was she backing away from Thoren? She should be trying to get closer to him, to join with him as one being, to become his.
    What on earth was she thinking?
    “You’re casting a spell on me.”
    A hint of white gleamed as he smiled. “No spell. Just my touch.”
    “It puts me at a disadvantage because whenever you touch me I want to do whatever you want me to.”
    “I’ll have to remember that.” His grin widened, showing even white teeth, but he stopped touching her.
    Keara blushed, thinking about what she’d like to do with him. About how she wanted to start with kissing his lips, then work her way down his body, licking and stroking every inch. But she felt that way only because he touched her. Wait, he wasn’t touching her now and she still wanted him, wanted his touch.
    Talk, Keara, talk.
    “Uh-huh. What’s your home like?”
    “That will take all night to describe. Suffice it to say, you’ll fit in fine. There are other Halflings like you...”
    “How do you know I’m a Halfling?”
    “Draconi have green eyes. We look for green eyes coupled with red hair since all Halflings have red hair. Well, almost all, very rarely there’s one that doesn’t. It hasn’t happened in some time, but the last time a Halfling didn’t have red hair, they had incredible powers.”
    “What happened to him?”
    “It was a female and it’s a long story. We need to go to sleep.”
    “Oh. So Halflings like me are common?”
    His face tensed. “Lately they are.”
    “And this makes you unhappy?” Did he resent her?
    “No, no. It’s complicated. But it has nothing to do with you. Don’t worry. You’ll be welcomed in Draconia. Draconi are friendly to those with Draconi blood. Enough talking. You should try to get some sleep. We’ll be leaving at first light and it’s a long journey.”
    “How long?”
    “About two weeks.”
    Ouch. Her feet already hurt and they hadn’t even started walking.
    “All right. Good night.”
    She rolled over into her original position, turning her back to him. Luck walked with her. He didn’t want to bed her. But if she was so lucky, why did she feel so disappointed?
    ****
    Thoren watched Keara’s ribs rise