Free Rylin's Fire by Michelle Howard Page B

passionate heat that exploded between them.
    Rylin’s gold eyes flared and he slowed to a stop beside her, allowing his stern mask to slip. Dara licked her lips, unsure if speaking was allowed at this point. Willow’s instructions very clearly stated she wanted Dara to stand and say yes when she was asked if she supported the mating, but otherwise, silence was expected.
    Rylin touched Dara’s chin with a pointer finger and lifted her face this way and that, his amber stare burning a hole right through her. His gaze paused on the markings about her eye, darkening with an emotion she couldn’t decipher.
    He moved closer, their thighs brushing, and Dara’s core moistened in reaction to being in such close proximity to him after two days of silence. She wanted to be angry. Indignant at the lack of contact when he’d promised to come for her. But in this moment, her only thought was one of extreme desire. 
    “Rylin?” Dara whispered, keeping her voice low.
    He shook his head abruptly in admonishment and she clamped her lips tight. His fingers trailed over her face. Everywhere he touched, small bursts of heat tickled her senses. His thumb brushed the dip in her bottom lip, but still he didn’t speak. In annoyance, Dara nipped his finger.
    Flames of passion lit his gaze even as his upper lip curled, revealing a hint of sharp teeth. Fear skittered along Dara’s spine. This was not a man to trifle with. She searched hard for a glimpse of the lover who’d held her tenderly and made promises. Only the eyes of a dangerous predator stared back. Dara flinched.
    At last, Rylin released her chin with a soft caress across her cheek and stepped back. Then, as if the moment hadn’t occurred, he wiped his face clear of all expression and took his place in front of the fountain.
    Silence fell about the room and Dara realized Rylin’s actions had shifted the focus from the couple to her during those brief moments. She shot him a glare, but his lips curled up on the side as he slid the hood of his robe about his face, obscuring his features, and raised his arms above his head.
    “Willow of the Black is here to accept the pledge of Arwen of the Silver. We wish her well on her journey. May she be his most treasured lira .” Rylin paused and his head shifted in Dara’s direction.
    Though she couldn’t see his face, she knew he looked directly at her. “On behalf of the Black, do you support Willow’s mating, Dara of Earth?” 
    Dara nodded. “I do.”
    “Then let the Goddess of Fate bless the union.” Rylin faced Willow. “Do you give up your place among the Black, little one?”
    Willow’s gleeful smile split her face and she nodded eagerly. “Yes!”
    Arwen’s rich chuckle burst forth, as did others. Rylin lowered his arms and pressed his palms together. A fireball flared to life and hovered over his hands. Dara jerked and Rylin’s head tipped towards her again.
    Flushing, Dara ducked her head.
    Rylin continued. “By the power of the mantle, I declare Willow mated as lira to Arwen and under the Silver sect.”  
     
    ***
     
    Ry passed the flame that represented Willow’s connection to the Black over to Arwen, who accepted it with a pleased grin. The orange glow flickered in Arwen’s palm before being absorbed beneath his skin and fading. From now on, Willow would not be under Rylin’s mantle and only Faris, King to the Silver, would sense her going forth.
    “It is done!” Ry shouted and shoved back the hood from his face.
    Willow and Arwen reached for one another to exchange a passionate kiss while cheers and whistles went up. When Willow’s parents drew near, Ry moved away to give them privacy, his gaze going to the woman who stalked his dreams.
    Nothing could have surprised him more than seeing Dara stand for Willow. He wasn’t sure how the two knew each other, but his Dracol pulled at Ry in an effort to get close to her. Giving in to the urge, Ry leaped the short distance between them and lowered his voice.