Pure Healing by Aja James

Author:Aja James [James, Aja]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-05-04T06:00:00+00:00

“Goddess above,” Rain whispered, laying down the dicing knife. “We need Cloud to return with us more than ever.”

“Agreed,” Ayelet nodded, closing her minicomputer.

She met Rain’s eyes and hesitated, unsure how best to approach the question. Finally, she asked, “What is your level of confidence that Cloud will consent to join our ranks?”

Rain blinked and frowned a little. Why would Ayelet assume she’d have a better read on the warrior’s intentions when Ayelet was the one with the Gift of empathy?

“I’m not sure,” she responded slowly. “He clearly prefers his seclusion and this peaceful way of life. Yet, I also know that he is extremely honorable and would struggle to deny our request for aid. If we put our case before him, update him on the recent events, surely he would lend his strength.”

“And there would be no other incentive besides an appeal on his honor?” Ayelet pressed softly.

Rain’s frown deepened. “What are you implying?”

Ayelet sighed and went to stand opposite Rain across the stone table where she worked on the ingredients for their luncheon.

“I apologize for being roundabout,” Ayelet said, “I just thought that there was a more intimate connection between you and Cloud from your interactions yesterday. Perhaps an old friendship, perhaps a cultural bond. And maybe some… mutual attraction as well?”

The Healer’s cheeks pinkened, whether from embarrassment or anger, Ayelet could not tell. Rain cast her eyes downward and said, “You are mistaken. Cloud and I do not have a prior relationship, nor do I imagine we will be more intimate than comrades in the future. Valerius asked me much the same yesterday.”

At that realization, Rain looked back at Ayelet. “Why are you both asking me these things? There is nothing out of the ordinary between me and Cloud.”

Ayelet held Rain’s gaze and, despite her Mate’s warning, she couldn’t resist interfering just a little. “Drako seems like a prime candidate for your next Consort, Rain. Anyone can see that. He is more than qualified to Serve you, and you seem to genuinely like each other. If Cloud thought along the same lines, perhaps it would be added incentive for him to return with us.”

Before Rain could object, as she was clearly getting ready to do, her frown darkening into a scowl, her head already shaking, Ayelet put up a hand to delay her. “But clearly, you are preoccupied with the current Phoenix Cycle, and very much invested in your current Consort.”

“Rain.”

The heavy emphasis Ayelet put on her name made Rain grow still and listen closely to what the Guardian had to say.

“Exactly what does Valerius mean to you?” Ayelet paused several moments to let the question sink in.

When the combativeness seemed to deflate from the Healer as she considered her feelings, Ayelet continued softly, “It seems to me that he is more than just your Consort. Even when you first met, you seemed inordinately drawn to each other. Although at first I thought it was negative tension, it did not escape me how he drew your attention whenever he was near, despite that at the time, you had a different Consort.

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