“Hmm. I think you do. I think you know exactly how intoxicating you are. How tempting…”

She breathes a small laugh, flicking her eyes to the side and catching mine with a heated expression. Before either of us can act on the charged energy swirling between us, the sound of wings beating the air punctuates the silence, breaking the spell and drawing our attention to the edge of the outcropping.

When I look, I’m met with the sight of Kaebl lowering onto the ledge near Roark, his expression made of stone, and his heated golden gaze locked on his mate. I thought I might find you here. I’m glad I was right. 

“Kaebl!” Dagny’s eyes light with excitement as she races toward Kaebl, throwing her arms around his middle with such force, it nearly causes them to topple backward off the cliff.

Kaebl’s chest shakes with a silent chuckle as his wings snap out, brushing the air in a sweeping downward stroke to propel them back onto the ledge. Easy, little one. You’re stronger than you think. 

“I was just so excited to see you,” she whispers, pushing her face into the center of Kaebl’s chest with a giggle. “I couldn’t help it.”

Hmm. In that case, I hope to always be greeted with as much eagerness. A brush with death is worth it to see that smile on your face. His arms curl around Dagny’s shoulders and back, pressing her flush against his torso with the force of his embrace.

A delighted purr rumbles in her throat as she nuzzles deeper into his hold. Meanwhile, Kaebl stares down at her with a small, rare smile, a look of unending adoration swirling in his golden eyes. Pulsing waves of electricity move down the bond as he leans in, pressing his lips to her forehead and nose before capturing her mouth in a passionate kiss.

“I missed you,” she whispers, reaching up to cup his face in her palm. “How was it?”

The human realm is ever the same. I did manage to find you a few of those red things you love. 

“Apples?”

Kaebl nods, his smile widening at the look of joy in Dagny’s eyes. They’re waiting for you at home. 

“You’re the best.” Dagny places an exaggerated kiss to the hollow of his cheek, and Kaebl’s eyes flash with pink for the briefest moment. “Have I told you how much I love you?”

Yes. But it sounds sweeter each time you do. He leans down, nuzzling his face into the crook of her neck, his chest vibrating with a silent groan. I will never tire of it. 

“Well, I love you,” she whispers, closing her eyes as a wave of bliss travels down the bond. “So, so much.”