Angelica.
Sparks burst around them and the vibrant colors of Eloise’s power swirled up to encircle Angelica. Slowly, both of Caedon’s parents transformed with color and health. The black circles under their eyes disappeared, their muscle tone filled in, teeth turned whiter and their eyes once again shone with life.
“It’s a miracle,” Eloise heard herself say.
“It’s you, Eloise. This is your power. You have saved our family,” Angelica smiled down at her. And Eloise could see all the beautiful features Caedon had received from his mother. He shared her gentle cocoa brown eyes and infectious grin.
Andreas rose to his full height — he was quite a formidable man — and pulled his wife into his arms. They embraced and Eloise felt the tears begin falling down her cheeks. She couldn’t wipe them away fast enough as she watched Caedon’s parents. Andreas touched Angelica as if for the first time. His hand stroked down her cheek and brushed his thumb over her bottom lip before he leaned in to place a gentle kiss on her forehead. It was incredibly romantic.
“You saved our family,” Caedon spoke into her ear as he pulled her up and into his embrace. Her body was pliable against his touch. All the fear and concern they’d held for his parents had evaporated. Seeing them healthy again was a balm for their worry. With each stroke of Caedon’s hand down her back, Eloise wanted more and more to be alone with him. Besides, she felt very much like a voyeur as she watched his parents. Quietly, she tugged on Caedon’s arm and led him from the room without being noticed.
* * * *
Eloise was amazed by Caedon’s strength as he cradled her in his arms . He had been through so much and yet remained steadfast through it all. While she worried for his parents, he researched. While she sat idly by, he tried everything to heal them. And in the end, it was his belief in her — in their bond as mates — that gave Eloise the power strong enough to heal Andreas and Angelica.
Caedon’s skin was cool against her own but she adored how it sparked when they touched. She sighed and stroked down his arm watching the dancing lights. Caedon raised his eyebrow in question.
“I’m learning to control them.” Eloise spoke of her powers, embarrassed by the effects he had on her that she could not hide, “though it seems whenever I touch you, they become a bit out of control.”
“I think I like making you out of control.” Caedon teased and Eloise lightly hit the side of his arm. He still held her in a tight embrace, his arms solidly wrapped around her.
They sat on their private balcony off their bedroom. It turned out his apartment was two floors and quite large enough for them and several guests. Eloise’s favorite places were still those that brought her outdoors. They sat on the sofa facing the most beautifully colorful sunset. Without any warning, Caedon used his powers to remove their clothing. Eloise had only a moment to gasp in surprise before Caedon dragged her onto his lap. He held her hips, his cooler touch causing shivers to run up her back and her nipples to pucker.
“I am awed by you.” Eloise’s voice broke as she spoke the words.
“I feel the same way about you,” Caedon responded. Their Acclimation period hadn’t been a typical one . The stress of their trip to Italy and the rescue, along with his parents’ recovery left none of the solitary time most mates had during the Acclimation. Eloise could feel through their bond how badly Caedon felt about not giving this to her .
“You know, I’m pretty stubborn sometimes. And I can be bossy and pushy. Oh yeah, and lots of times I just want my way because I can get it. I like to control things. Frankly, I’m not always very nice,” Eloise confessed, “but with you, none of that matters. All I want when I’m with you is to be yours. So if being yours meant this was how our Acclimation needed to be, it was the best.”
Caedon was grinning by
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