Free Silent Storm by Vivian Arend Page B

the community egging her on.
    Now, she had to make the deliberate choice to put aside her reticence.
    Kallen slowed. Stopped a respectful distance away. Dipped his head, and waited.
    Matt checked his own internal barometer. He’d been torn apart by jealousy not even a day ago, but try as he might, he could muster no grudge or anger toward the man. All his jealousy had been washed clean by the strength of Laurin’s love.
    She turned to face him. Straightened her shoulders, lifted her chin. The soft cough as she cleared her throat made him hide his smile. Brave, brave woman.
    “My love, shall we heal our friend?”
    A flash of magic shot out with her words, lighting the area, fluttering the flags on the rails. Her eyes widened and her mouth formed an “O” as she blinked rapidly.
    “I think we had better, before you use that wild magic and we find ourselves flying in the Stormchild to your Rocky Mountains.”
    The slight fear in her eyes faded, and she mouthed the words I love you . He winked before stepping forward and bowing to Kallen. Matt turned Laurin slowly, seeing the air shifter’s response as he admired her fully.
    There were no more words needed. Matt kissed her cheek, then pressed Laurin forward, his hand on the small of her back directing her unsteady limbs toward Kallen.
     
    The emotional roller coaster made her heart pound out of control. It was one thing to come and confess her love for Matt. Every cell in her body acknowledged that truth easily. To take the step and admit her admiration for Kallen? And now to witness his desire for her as well?
    It was unnerving and frightening, and so sensual she could barely breathe.
    He approached, wary. Like a hunter stalking a deer. She felt every bit the hunted, and yet the desire to turn and flee rapidly disappeared. The rising urge to envelop him in her arms and eat him alive grew faster than she thought possible. Laurin peeked over her shoulder. Matt had laid the blanket on the deck, and he stood to the side, watching. The most incredible expression covered his face.
    Desire for her was plain. No denying it at all. But there was interest even now in his gaze as it shifted back and forth between her and Kallen, and she remembered his words from their loving the previous day. How he would like to see her in another man’s arms, receiving pleasure, if he knew her heart belonged to him.
    It did.
    She took another step toward Kallen. His muscles flexed in anticipation as she approached. His dark eyes flashed, gaze dropping over her body. Another pulse of heat flushed her and yet she paused. There was something just not right. No matter how much she admired the man…no. Not like this. Her hand rose of its own accord to reach for her lover.
    “Matt?”
    There was no hesitation. He was there, his fingers meshed through hers. He stayed behind her, his mouth making urgent contact with the tender spot beneath her ear. Goose bumps formed instantly over her entire body. Her nipples tightened, her core grew wet and she ached for him to take her.
    Before her, Kallen waited. His expression hunger-filled. His body taut and ready—fight or flight. Or a hard driving desire to join with her. Kallen’s face revealed more than he probably wanted. That it wasn’t simply his need for a cure—her power alone—that attracted him. With Matt at her side, she could do this.
    She held out her other hand to her fellow air shifter, and the final distance between them disappeared.
    He let his fingers envelope hers, gentle yet firm. With his right hand he touched her cheek, a fleeting, delicate caress as he stared into her eyes. At her back, moisture painted her skin as Matt licked her shoulder blade. Kallen’s nostrils flared momentarily, as if sensing the fresh flush of arousal Matt’s touch had provoked.
    Kallen leaned forward and kissed her. Lips solid and confident in the contact. Laurin waited for guilt to arrive, but in its stead, a blaze of yearning ignited and she was