Page 214 of Born of Blood and Ash

Laughing under his breath, he pressed a kiss to my cheek.“Then do it.”

Excitement filled me, and it kind of felt wrong to feelthat, considering what message I had to share. But I would get to see Ezra andmaybe even my mother.

“But,” Ash added, and my anticipation wilted, “we bothcannot go. With everything that is happening, one of us needs to remain here.And that should be me.”

I pressed my lips together. “That makes sense, especiallyconsidering what happened the last time we returned from the mortal realm.”

Ash stiffened against me. “That’s not going to happenagain.”

I wanted to believe that, but the mere fact that we bothcouldn’t leave said differently.

“I don’t want you to go anywhere without me. And yeah, Iknow how that sounds, and I don’t care.” Ash relaxed a little against me. “I’mgoing to be…”

I knew how it would be for him while I was gone. He’d besick with worry, as would I.

And the fact that he didn’t want me to go without him didn’tbother me. It didn’t come across as overbearing or overprotective because Iknew he had a real reason to be concerned, but I also knew he wouldn’t preventme from going.

“I know you can take care of yourself, but I want Nektas to go with you.” He paused. “And I will ask Attes to be here while you’re in the mortal realm, just incase.”

Just in case things went sideways, which was alwayspossible. “Okay.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem unless it becomes a problem.Meaning Nektas will do anything and everything toprotect you, including taking on his true form.”

My brows lifted as I imagined everyone’s reaction to seeinga draken. Or tried to. It would be pure chaos. Atiny, evil part of me wanted to see that.

I shook my head at myself. “I understand. I won’t be gonelong. I promise.”

“I know.” His lips touched the corner of mine, and they feltcolder than they had earlier. “Anything else on your mind?”

“No,” I lied.

“Then you’re going to sleep?”

I nodded.

His lips found mine for a quick kiss. “Good night, liessa.”

“Good night,” I murmured.

Ash settled beside me, the slow, comforting circles of hishand slowing and then stopping altogether after a few moments. I concentratedon where our skin met. His leg felt colder, didn’t it? So did where his chestmet my shoulder.

My heart kicked around in my chest. He’d given me so muchblood since I’d awakened. My throat dried as anxiety rose, but I pushed pastit. He needed to feed, and I needed to provide for him. “Ash.”

“If you’re saying my name, you can’t be sleeping.”

“I haven’t fallen asleep yet.”

“No shit,” he replied dryly.

I rolled my eyes. “I’m not a guy. I can’t close my eyes andfall asleep in five seconds.”

“Have you thought about trying?”

“You’ll be shocked to learn I have, but that’s not what I’mthinking about.”

“So shocked,” he drawled.

I took a deep breath and exhaled loudly.