Bearing Her Wishes Read Online Free PDF

to honor whatever choice she makes. Do not let her service to me be what holds you back from making your claim.”
    “She does not want me, Saul.” Leiv groaned into one palm and straightened.
    The big man grinned. “Perhaps she wishes you to chase her. Stride into her room, sling her over your shoulder, and take her to your home. Show her your strength and vigor.”
    I would if she appeared before me. Instead, she hides away within her lamp and shuns my very presence as if the idea of a commitment is too shameful. “This is not a conversation we will have. We have spoken enough of Mahasti and her choices. Please. Attend to your mate.”
    “I will once you have cast aside these foolish wastes of your time. You worked plenty during my absence, Leiv. Go to your home and enjoy the evening off from your duties. Tomorrow as well. I want no work from you.”
    “Who will tend to the livestock?”
    “Chloe and I shall do it.”
    Leiv raised a dubious eyebrow. “She is a city girl, but if that is what you want, who am I to complain?”
    Saul chuckled and clapped him on the back. “I knew you would see it my way, friend. Now go, enjoy a dinner and time to yourself.”
     

Chapter 4
    Mahasti occupied a reclining chair on the tiled veranda overlooking the grounds. With her legs drawn to her chest and arms around them, she laid her cheek against one knee and listened to the melodic songbird chirping in the trees.
    “I see many things have changed during my month-long hiatus,” Saul remarked from the open door.
    “Was the room not to your liking?” she asked, lifting her head. “Have I displeased your cherished mate?”
    Saul dismissed her concern. “No, nothing like that. Chloe’s resting quite comfortably, I assure you.”
    An hour ago, Mahasti heard the sound of the garage door opening and closing around the other side of the small mountain. Leiv had returned with their Master and his newfound lover. True to his usual habits, he spent an hour meticulously cleaning the expensive vehicle inside and out before he shed his human appearance and lumbered toward his cabin. Mahasti’s position on the veranda gave her the perfect long distance view of him. He slept like a baby amidst the grass, as he did each afternoon to unwind.
    “When you failed to greet me, as has been your custom for over a century, I wondered if you were away for a change.”
    Mahasti lowered her legs and sat up in the chair. She turned her eyes toward Saul and frowned. “Forgive me, Master. I became aware of your return and remained lost in my own thoughts.”
    “I noticed,” Saul replied dryly as he approached. “Not that it inconveniences or upsets me in the least that you failed me to meet me at the door. It would be nice to see you seek respite from your duties.”
    “I did for a time during your absence. After two weeks’ time within my lamp, it’s nice to feel the sunshine against my skin again.”
    “Was this two weeks before or after the failed attempt to take your lamp?”
    Mahasti winced. While she had expected Leiv to share the tale with their friend and Master, she hadn’t expected him to confront her on the matter. During their century together, he’d thwarted similar efforts by smarter criminals.
    “A little of both,” she admitted grudgingly. “Mostly after. What did Leiv tell you?”
    “Leiv gave me the basics. He has been quite tight-lipped. In fact, it was like pulling a drake’s teeth to convince him to utter a single word during our drive from Los Angeles.”
    Her gaze dropped away. “I apologize for your distress.”
    Saul waved off her remorseful words with a hand. “No need. My two best friends are troubled. I came seeking answers, not to voice complaints, Mahasti. Speak with me. Please. What troubles your heart, my friend? What may I do to help you?”
    “I slept with Leiv before the vampire came.” In her experience, honesty was always the best policy when it came to dragons. They excelled at riddles so trying