Free 2 Hungry, Hungry Hoodoo by Liz Schulte Page B

slowly through the great hall, reliving the memory of meeting my father, expecting the guards to rush in and carry me away again. With each memory Jaron gave me, I felt a little closer to my past self, which was beyond frightening. The memories I got on my own seemed forced, like I was ripping them from my mind. The ones Jaron gave felt organic. I didn’t just remember the one feeble scene; all of my life surrounding the event became clear. And now I could clearly see I’d put myself in quite the predicament. My intentions were good originally, but I took them too far. I couldn’t believe I had ever considered killing Cheney. I guessed I was trying to make decisions like an elf and ignore my feelings. Why had I agreed to be bonded to Cheney, and why did I give Jaron my memories?
    Sy’s voice rang through my thoughts. I needed to figure out what I wanted now , regardless of how I felt then. I couldn’t let myself get wrapped up in the memories.
    “I thought you’d be later,” Cheney said from the doorway.
    I looked up and smiled at him, still rooted to the spot where I’d spoken with my father, though Cheney pulled at me like a magnet. “I was ready to come home.”
    “I’m glad.” Cheney walked toward me with graceful, light steps. He was so different than Jaron. His thinner, rangy body coated with lean muscles seemed frail compared to Jaron’s taller, thicker build. Cheney’s face was smooth and timeless, and Jaron’s was weathered and rugged. His hair was wild and impish, whereas Jaron’s was wavy and relaxed. How did I manage to love two such different men? Then again, maybe I never loved Cheney at all. Maybe I just fooled both of us.
    Cheney’s arms curled around me, and he feathered kisses along the side of my neck. “What are you doing in here?”
    I bent my head to the side to give him better access and sighed. “Do you think my father is still alive?”
    Cheney froze. “Have you remembered something?”
    I almost told him my memory, but something inside stopped me. “Why do you ask? Does it matter if I remember something? Would it change your answer?”
    His embrace tightened. “He is still alive, yes.”
    “Why didn’t you tell me?”
    “You never wanted to discuss your family—any of them. I’m actually surprised you’re so close to Sy now. Do you want to meet him? I can summon him to the court.”
    “No,” I said softly, remembering our last meeting with a heavy heart. I didn’t dislike my elf side anymore. For better or worse, I understood her now—at least a little. “We don’t need any more complications.”
    He smoothed my hair from my face and resumed kissing my neck. “If it makes you happy…”
    “Finding Michael alive and well and putting an end to all of this fighting would accomplish that.”
    His tongue traced my pulse. “Has Sy made any progress?”
    “Mmm.” His hands grazed down my sides as he pulled my earlobe into his mouth. Elves have highly sensitive ears, and with enough pressure in the right spot, I could shatter into a million pieces. His tongue ran along the edge and my knees shook. I leaned into him for support.
    “Did I mention that I’m glad you came home?” He chuckled softly, his breath cooling the spots he’d just set to fire. “Let’s go back to our room.”
    I pulled away, shaking my head with a teasing smile. “I’m happy where I am.” I took his hand and led him toward the front of the room. “Are you worried someone will catch us?”
    He laughed. “Not at all.”
    I pushed him into the throne, straddling his legs. “There’s something I need to talk to you about.” I kissed him softly but couldn’t stop comparing him to Jaron.
    “Is it urgent?” He tugged my shirt over my head, pulling a nipple into his mouth.
    “God, yes.” He paused and my breath caught. “Don’t stop.”
    He chuckled and resumed the motion.
    Talking could wait until morning.
     

     
    Cheney and I made it down to the gym before Sebastian for once, and