Witchful Thinking Read Online Free Page B

wouldn’t it be better not to tell him, better not to dredge up something that was so incredibly painful to him? I mean, we weren’t bonded anymore, so maybe it was better just to let that conversation die and focus on the future? Focus on a fresh start? Besides, Rand had made it pretty clear that he wasn’t interested in bonding again, not after the first time around nearly killed him.
    “Rand,” I began.
    “Rand an’ Jolie, where be ye?” The voice boomed from outside and seemed to rattle the walls of my makeshift cottage room.
    “Odran?” I asked Rand with a smile, referring to the fact that the baritone voice could belong to none other than the King of the fae.
    Rand nodded with a sexy grin. “You and I have a party to attend. Are you ready?” He held out his arm and I took it with a nod, pushing thoughts of bonding conversations to the deep recesses of my mind.

Rand escorted me out of my room in the fae village. As we walked down a dirt pathway, the sound of birds singing and insects humming was thick in my ears. It was almost as deafening as the echoes of laughter and merriment. Festivalgoers reveled all around us, but I didn’t feel like celebrating. Instead I could feel my heart swelling with anxiety like a water balloon expanding beyond its limit. My mind refused to relinquish the possibility that Rand might not react happily to the news of our bonding. What if he hated me? What if this whole bonding thing sabotaged any chance of us being together? Was I to blame? I mean, yes, I knew that sex between us could lead to bonding, but I sort of got carried away in the heat of the moment and the rest is history. So maybe it was my fault? Of course, on the flip side, maybe Rand would be thrilled to know I was the woman he bonded with. Maybe it would come as a relief … hmm, maybe. And maybe not.
    As we entered the cobbled courtyard, I looked around and drank in the beauty of the fae. The flowers surrounding the courtyard were as tall as I was—in hues of vibrant yellow, pink, red, blue, and violet. A canopy of tree branches stood even taller, enveloping us in a lush hug. The sun’s rays leaked through the branches, warming my skin and making me wish they could heat thecoldness in my soul. But not even the beauty of the fae sun could vanquish the emptiness there.
    “Lass!”
    It was Odran, and although he was far from my favorite person in the world, he had such warmth in his smile that it chipped away at the ice inside me, ate at the knot of worry in my stomach. It’s funny what being on the brink of death will do to you—it makes you happy to see just about anyone.
    Odran broke away from a crowd of fae women who’d no doubt all been clamoring to hear his battle stories. Then, like the great leader he was, he ambled toward Rand and me, his extreme height and expansive build impressive by anyone’s calculations.
    Physically, Odran is very striking. The first thing you notice about him is that he’s built like a bull, exuding strength with not even an ounce of fat—nope, just rock-hard muscle. Next you might notice his long mane of slightly wavy, golden hair that trails to his butt. Then you would probably notice that his facial features resemble those of a lion—solid, angular planes with a strong jaw. His eyes are deep set and wide, the color of amber. He’s definitely a sight to behold, but he’s also a complete and utter man whore.
    “Odran! Congratulations!” I said with a heartfelt smile.
    Odran smiled broadly, reaching out to envelop me in his beefy arms. As if a hug wasn’t enough, he spun me around in the air.
    “I thought ye were dead,” he said, bringing me back to the ground and pulling me against his massive chest. I felt like I was hugging a wall.
    I eyed Rand, a little worried he might not be taking Odran’s familiar greeting very well. Rand never trusted Odran and always tended to be overprotective where I was concerned. But not today. Today there was a smile etched on his