Wild Magic Two: The Dark of the Sun- a M/M shifter fantasy romance

9- Oil and Water

RIECE—

Cain's words were like a spear in the gut, and I barely managed to excuse myself and reach my room before I broke and became a sobbing mess.

How had a man I'd barely known three days seen straight through to my soul, and knew exactly what words would tear into me so deeply? How did he see me, my desires, my pains, so clearly?

The only thing he'd gotten wrong was his belief that he was just another of the quick fucks.

As pathetic and obsessed as it made me sound, he was the closest I'd come to that perfect man he'd described. Because I knew he would do everything he had stated— cherish me, protect me, love me for me— if he could stand to even tolerate me.

I avoided Cain like the plague for the next three days until I left for Sywer Palace— home. I spent my time getting to know Edon— a truly stunning, heartfelt man— and roaming the quiet, peaceful countryside that was such a divergence from my own home.

And then by a twist of some merciless god, Lhiam sent Dasan and Cain as extra guards to escort me back home. Lhiam always complained I never travelled with enough guards, so every time I visited, he sent me home with at least two of his own men.

So I was forced to spend another 24 hours in Cain's presence. Luckily, we seemed to have come to the same conclusion: we were like oil and water. So he avoided me, I did him the same courtesy, and in that way I reached the palace in one piece.

With most of my dignity still intact.

Dasan and Cain left me and my men at the palace gates, turning back around immediately for home. And if I watched their retreating forms for far longer than I should have... that was between me and my five guards. All of whom were loyal to me and wouldn't spread the gossip.

At least that was what I hoped.