Free Witchmate (Skeleton Key) by Renee George, Skeleton Key Page A

world.
    “It’s really dark in here,” Emma said.
    He reached up and opened another hatch in the roof. Sunlight filtered into the small room. A bedroll and blankets were in the corner along with a small satchel.
    Keir opened the container. He pulled out a thick brown strip of dried meat. He smiled at Emma. “Dinner is served.”
    She narrowed her gaze. “Is that some kind of jerky?”
    “It’s dried elk. We smoke and salt it for the winter. It makes good provisions as well. He pulled out a bottle.
    “Water?” Emma asked.
    “Not exactly,” Keir said. “It’s a fermented fruit juice. It also keeps well in the winter.”
    Emma raised her brow. “You trying to get me drunk?”
    Her petulant expression made his pulse quicken. “Maybe.”
    “You know,” she said, grabbing the bottle. She pulled the cork off. “After what we just went through today, I can seriously use a drink.” She took a pull, sputtering as the liquid spilled into her mouth. “That’s… that’s… Jesus, that burns.”
    “It’s not for those with a weak constitution.”
    “My constitution is plenty tough.” She took another drink, gasping after she swallowed. She handed the bottle to Keir. “I rarely drink alcohol. Dulls the senses.” Whatever this stuff was hit her hard. Her mind went fuzzy, and she felt giddy.
    Suddenly, she giggled. “You know, you’re very cute.”
    “Uhm, thanks.”
    “Cute. Handsome. Hot.”
    “You find me attractive.”
    She took another swig. “Bingo! But you know I’ve never…” She wiggled her brows. “You know. Done the deed.”
    “The deed,” he said. Realization dawned on his face. “Ah. You’ve never been bedded? Good. I would hate to have to kill your other lovers.”
    Emma giggled again. She fanned herself with her hands. “Whew. Things are getting homicidal. Someone call the cops.” She sobered for a moment. “I killed someone.”
    He stroked her cheek. “You were very brave.”
    “I’ve never even seen a dead body. Let alone made a dead body.” Her eyes were red and watery. “I don’t want to kill anyone else.”
    “I hope you won’t have to, Emma. But this is the world I live in.”
    “I’m so tired,” she said. “I’ve been up for two days, and I can’t think. My brain is so foggy.”
    “That’s partly the drink.” He pulled out the bedroll and laid it out, layering it with the two blankets. “Here,” he said. “Lie down.”
    Emma crawled onto the makeshift bed. She curled up on her side. “Will you hold me?” Her voice was quiet. Small. Like that of a child. It broke Keir’s heart.
    He crawled behind Emma and wrapped his arms around her. “I’ll hold you as long as you want.”
    “Forever,” she mumbled.
    Keir kissed the top of her head, once again enjoying the scent of strawberries and lilacs. “Forever it is.” In a few minutes, her breathing evened out, and she began to snore.

Chapter Ten
    Emma awoke to the songs of tree frogs. The air was cool, but she was warm against Keir’s body. Sometime while she slept, she’d turned toward him. Moonlight streamed in through the opening in the ceiling, bathing his face with a blue glow. He’d taken off his vest, and, impulsively, she ran her fingers through the soft curls on his chest. God, he made her feel reckless. And excited. She tilted her head, her nose slid against the crook of his neck. He smelled earthy and masculine.
    His hands moved along her back. When she tilted her head, his eyes were open, and he was staring at her.
    “Hi,” she said.
    “Hello. You are a sound sleeper.”
    “Not usually.” Even with the attack, she’d felt safe with Keir. That sense of security had allowed her to let go and completely rest. “I’m lost in your world. I still find it hard to believe any of this is real.”
    “You’re cheeks are still pink.” He brushed at her face with this thumb. “What made you rub the leaves all over your skin?”
    “It worked to deflect the shit they were throwing at