love that binds me

chapter 40

Jothi

I sat upright before I even had the nightmare. How odd? Hakeem didn't stir from my sudden movement. He laid happily curled into a ball on the other side of the bed. I quietly eased out of bed and left the bedroom. My heart was beating fast and I had no idea what I was doing. I just needed to be outside.

Slipping on something reasonable for January weather I tiptoed from the bedroom. My heart was ready to beat out of my chest.

I had to get outside.

I managed to get out of the door and tried to walk casually down the road. As if walking at midnight was a normal thing. Having no idea where I was going I let my legs carry me.

No one was out to see me or what I was doing. Once the trees were covering me I started running. It felt good to feel free even if only for a short time. My wings untucked and carried me faster.

The wind whipped my hair around my face and the speed felt incredible. Then I fell down to my feet.

She was the first thing to catch my eye. Her dirty blonde hair still prim and proper around her doll like face.

This was a dream a really bad dream. I started to turn back and run.

"Jothi aren't you being a little dramatic? You should be glad to see me." Ariel put a hand against her chest in mock hurt.

"Ariel.." I muttered not believing my eyes.

That's why I seemed so drawn to come here. It was our bond pulling me here. A trick.

"I know what your doing here." She admitted with a smile.

My blood ran cold and I was scared. To get what she wanted all she had to do was kill me now and Chris would go into turmoil.

Stupid. Stupid.

"I approve." She said shockingly.

My mouth hung open and she explained herself.

"Were more than prepared for any war they can plan, but this...this is the ultimate thing I needed. Since your Chris's mate it wouldn't be hard to get the council to think he was in on this operation too. It would be treason. Giving the crown to the next in line." She piped happily.

"Why would you hurt your brother like this?" I ask in disgust.

"Because he hurt me a long time ago." She responded vaguely.

"What's going to happen to Chris and I?" I ask in a whisper.

I shouldn't have asked. I didn't want to hear the answer.

"When you get back to the castle you may not want to complete the bond. Having a fully bonded mate ripped from you could kill you. Trust me I'd know." She said almost sorrily.

Having a fully bonded mate ripped from me? A lump caught in my throat and tears sprung to my eyes. She planned on having him killed.

"Please Ariel-" She cut me off by cupping my face in her small hands.

"You won't tell anyone of my visit here. Or that your my loyal." Her eyes turned a deep red holding my own.

Then like that she was gone.

I turned around helplessly. Unsure of which way I came I just started crying and started my way back in the air.

How stupid could I have been? I thought I could save him but both of us were doomed. Why did I have to be his mate? Why did Ariel buy me that day?

I landed on my feet knowing the rest of the way. I hastily wiped my tears and tried to look normal. No matter how much I hurt on the inside.

A strong hand yanked my arm and I almost screamed.