Free Redeemed by Rubies (A Dance with Destiny Book 6) by JK Ensley, Jennifer Ensley

charms… hypnotized by their sweetly sour breath. It’s a drug tae her. She cannae deny or resist them.”
    Jenevier blushed. “Well, that part might be true, but—”
    Yui slid his hand around her waist, then suddenly jerked her against his side, cutting off her words.
    “Fear not, Guardian,” Yui said softly, but sent Jenevier a sideways glance. “I will make sure she understands that particular layer is off-limits… forbidden.”
    Jenevier’s mouth fell open. “Wha— Forbidd—”
    Yui tightened his grip, wrapping his magical hair about her waist as well.
    Vittorio chuckled. “Aye, that’s a good lad. I knew if I explained it tae ye properly, ye’d nae allow it. Glad tae see we’re on the same page, fair ninja.”
    Yui smiled with only one corner of his mouth as he inclined his head toward Vittorio, but kept his firm gaze locked with Jenevier’s startled one.
    When Jenevier finally sighed and rolled her eyes, Vittorio walked away… still laughing.

Chapter 6
    Ashgard
    (ASH-guard)
     
     
     
    The radiant beams of the morning sun began to trickle into the room.
    “When will you be returning?” Yui whispered into her ear as he pulled her against him.
    Jenevier loved the feel of his sharply defined chest pressed against her back, the growing heat where their skin now touched.
    “I won’t be gone long, my love. I wish to speak with the Elven King. He seems to be in-tune with things he should not be. Perhaps he knows something about the thinning going on with the veils. Vindicus tried to blow it off as if it were nothing… but I could see the worry in his eyes.”
    “Yes.” Yui buried his nose in her curls. “If something is threatening enough to ruffle Apollyon’s feathers, then you should not take it lightly. But first…” He turned her towards him and kissed her neck. “I desire more time with my enchanting wife. Waking to your delicious scent, seeing the sunrise sparkle off your iridescent skin… Mmm… Mornings with you, are my favorite .”
    Jenevier smiled… just before she slowly melted under his worshipping touch.
     
    *****
     
    Nilakanta snorted. Why did you have to bring the bug along?
    “Taka would have cried incessantly, had I not.”
    Then let him cry. You spoil the disgusting little thing.
    Jenevier smiled as she inhaled deeply. “Ahhh… Smell that, Brother? Home— my Ashgard.”
    Home? Nilakanta landed in a large field bordering the vast Mangladune Forest. You haven’t been here in decades, Naga. This is not your home.
    “Ahh, but you never forget the place you came from… especially the smell of it. With but the first whiff, my mind was flooded with the past. At the core of me... I am an Ashgardian.”
    Nilakanta chuckled. At the core of you… you are too many things to ever be labeled properly. Go, Little Fire. Find your old friends. I will patiently await your return. Oh, and make sure the bug goes with you. If you leave him here, I cannot guarantee his condition upon your return.
    Jenevier only giggled to herself as she slipped within the dense forest. Taka twittered a bit, looking back at the noble sapphire Dragon, but soon quieted upon her shoulder.
    “You know he didn’t mean it, Taka. He was only teasing you.”
    The Dragon Pixie purred against her neck, and then his tiny head shot up at attention, as if he had heard something odd.
    “What is it, boy? Can you already sense the Elves?”
    Taka remained perched on her shoulder, frozen in an almost pointing stance, before suddenly flying off to her left… disappearing within the trees. Jenevier followed him.
    She could smell the man long before she could see or hear him. He was definitely an Elf, but something was off . His scent was a bit… tainted.
    “What is that?” she whispered. “Where have I caught that particular aroma before?” She carefully tasted the air. “…No. This seems to be… a unique creature.” She smiled. “How very curious.”
    When Jenevier neared the solitary little home, the smell