Druidess Found (Druidess Trilogy Book 1) by Machelle Hanleigh (interesting novels to read txt) 📕

tree on either side of her. He blocked her escape. He breathed in her sweet floral scent mixed with the spicy scent of the forest. He drew a light path from her temple down her cheek with his fingertips as he brushed her hair back from her face. Her wide eyes held his. The most unusual sea-green he ever saw, not that he saw many green eyes. His peoples' eyes tended towards brown and hazel, depending on those who could touch the energy of Ki. Her eyes hypnotized and he knew he just might lose himself within their depths if he didn't take care.

Secretly pleased she didn't look away. Her fear of him lingered there, but fire as well. He thought she might not be as timid as she appeared from her outward actions. "You're supposed to be sleeping," Moto said as he softly traced her lips with his fingertip. It pleased him that she drew a breath in, affected by his nearness as much as he by hers. He deliberately spoke to her in Kahoali knowing from the previous night that she understood which indicated the Queen gave Kesho permission to remove the barrier that would allow the girl to understand them. It would take her time to learn to speak Kahoali, and that too pleased him. He probably should speak to her using the Agenors' language. He didn't. It surprised him that she spoke the Agenors' language during the meeting with the Queen. He knew so little about her. So much so he wanted to learn. He hoped he would have time to learn more about her, to understand their connection. For now, he liked having the advantage speaking Kahoali gave him. "Are you afraid of me?"

She shook her head no.

He smiled down at her, "liar." He laughed when the girl crossed her arms over her chest and glared up at him in defiance. He felt sorely tempted to kiss her senseless, instead he put his arms to his side and took a small step back. Not far enough back that he couldn't reach out and draw her to him if she decided to bolt. Part of him wanted to know if she would attempt it, although he would be disappointed if she did. He wanted to know all he could about her. What she thought about when no one watched? What she desired most in life? Would she run from him? Moto took another small step back. It took a great deal more willpower to step back the second time than he would care to admit. He, a disciplined warrior and his willpower well-honed from years of training. It disturbed him just how much control he exerted over his desire to take her into his arms and never let her go.

"Why did you lie to your Queen?" She asked glaring at him.

He could hear the pounding of her heart and knew that it took courage for her to face him. Her fire amused him. The audacity to glare at him not so amusing. It took him a moment to realize she asked him the question in Kahoali. It took him a moment longer to answer. "I didn't."

"You did. You told her you found me with the Agenors, but we both know you found me on Earth." She took a deep breath. "Why did you lie to her?"

"It's complicated," Moto crossed his arms over his chest, less amused. He decided that he might prefer her to be a bit more on the timid side. "How is it you speak my language?"

A smile spread across the girl's lips, "it's complicated." She said.

One of the things about being empathic, he knew when others were near and when they were not. Right now, they were not. Moto moved so fast the girl didn't have time to react. He pressed her hard against the tree. The heat of her body burned his in every place she pressed against him. He cursed. His fault, he would endure it. His breath slide across her ear as he whispered, "you can't even begin to imagine what complicated truly is." He took her sweet scent deep into his lungs before he forced himself to step back. "Do you know the way back?" He looked into her eyes as if he could memorize every nuance about her in that one instant.

The girl nodded.

"Good," he turned to leave. He felt a hand grab his arm. The unexpected contact shocked him, and he reacted on instinct. He turned sharply breaking the light hold on him and startled the girl. Her hand dropped to her side, and a wave of fear washed over him. He felt the loss of the contact between them. He felt remorse for startling her to the point of fear. He wanted to drag her into his arms to offer what comfort and apology he could. Instead, he stood perfectly still and waited for her to speak. He needed to remain in control of his desires.

"Are you the reason I found myself at the Agenors' castle?" The girl asked with some difficulty.

He could tell she collected what courage she possessed to ask the question. She was afraid and it angered him that he caused that fear in her. He could tell she held her breath while she waited for his answer. He almost smiled to himself but managed to keep his emotions in check. He gave no outward indication of the amusement or desires which flowed through him. As for the answer itself, it was complicated, but he didn't think the girl would appreciate that answer. In truth, he didn't know. He suspected yes; he might be at fault. But he didn't transport her there. The Gateway didn't stay open long enough for her to travel to Ki. Even if it did, and even if she followed, she would come through the Ancestral Gateway. At the same time, it was too coincidental she traveled to Ki on a day he traveled to her world. She possessed