A Cast of Shadows: An Araneae Nation Story Read Online Free PDF Page B

through the soles of my feet.”
    He led her through a copse of trees, drinking in the wonder on her face as she realized where they were. A river-fed waterfall plummeted from the narrow cliffs over their heads to froth in the shallow basin. “You look surprised.” He leaned in close enough to catch her floral scent. “Well?”
    Her head fell back, and he admired the gentle curve of her neck as she absorbed the splendor of this place. “All that time I spent in the woods, I had no idea what I was missing… It’s lovely.”
    “My father brought me here as a boy.” He pointed to a flat rock overhanging the basin. “We sat there and talked about all the things fathers tell their sons. We spoke of females, of wars, of a day when our clan would possess the wealth and status it deserved. Coming here was our secret.”
    Her smile widened. “I can see why you cherish this place.”
    “In the spirit of sharing secrets…” Brynmor toed off his boots and rolled his pants up to his knees. “There’s something I would like to show you.” He held out his hand. “Will you come?”
    Daraja glanced around and seemed to notice they were alone. Her hand tightened around her spear. She glanced from the waterfall to the forest and back, then to him as if expecting trickery.
    With a sigh that rang of defeat, her deliciously calloused hand closed over his.
     
    Forget the canis; this male was the most dangerous creature in the woods. Black eyes ringed with sadness, dark hair tousled by his hands. His thin lips pressed tight as if guarding a mouthful of secrets. Before we ventured any farther, I was determined to pry at least one secret from him.
    I used my grip on his hand to keep him still. “What is your name?”
    He didn’t answer, but he did begin toeing the rocks at his feet.
    “I won’t give you time to think of a lie.” I warned, “Tell me your name or I will leave.”
    He glanced up slowly, seeming to have made a decision. “My name is Brynmor.”
    “That sounds familiar.” I thought it over. “Wasn’t that the name of a Mimetidae paladin?”
    “It was, once.” He used our joined hands and led me to the basin. He climbed in first.
    I braced on his shoulders to avoid slipping on mossy stones. “You were named after him?”
    “Not exactly.” He grasped my hips and lifted me over the ledge.
    My toes curled when they touched the calf-deep water. “It’s cold.”
    I caught him staring where my nipples beaded beneath my shirt. He said, “I can see that.”
    I gave the front of his pants a frank assessment. “Pity I can’t tell if you were affected.”
    His eyes shot open wide and his lips parted, but he didn’t utter a sound.
    “It’s all right.” I patted him on the shoulder and waded past him to hold my hand beneath the waterfall’s spray. “You aren’t the first male to suffer the ill effects of icy water on his… pride .”
    His gaze bored into my back. “I assure you, my pride has not been affected.”
    “Of course not.” I smothered my grin as I turned to face him. “Now, why are we—?”
    Brynmor’s face was inches from mine. His scowl lined his forehead and mouth. He stalked me back until I hit a stone ledge and a torrent of water soaked me from shoulder to toe. “It’s not wise to tempt a male who might see your flirtation as an invitation for more.” He bent down, and his soft lips feathered across my cheek. “Do you want more, Daraja?” He fit his hips to mine, and I gasped at the hard ridge of flesh he pressed against me. “I didn’t think so. Come on.”
    He left me panting against the falls, asking myself, What in the gods’ names was I thinking?
    Never one to shy away from who or what I wanted, when had I decided I wanted him?
    One day my penchant for rebellion would land me in an early grave. How often had Father said so? If I wasn’t careful, the desire to explore the tingles burning my skin where Brynmor had touched me would land me in his bed. Dangerous to crave a male