Flynn turned around slowly, as if he was afraid this was a dream. His fists clenched and unclenched at his sides. “You don’t?”
The bewilderment on his face was such a far cry from the cocky, too-handsome witch Octavia had gotten used to over the past couple of weeks that it was almost funny.
She shook her head. “No.”
His brows knit together. “But you said?—”
“We can’t keep kissing, even though I’d love to do that, because we have things to do.” Octavia pointed in the direction of the Earth Elves they’d left behind. “I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be here when they wake up.”
Another moment passed as Flynn’s brown gaze flicked over Octavia. She saw the moment he realized what she was saying because his eyes lit up.
“You mean you’re not rejecting me?” He sounded incredulous.
Honestly, Octavia was surprised, too. But the more she thought about it, the better she felt about her decision.
“No, I’m not.”
“Why not?” Bewilderment was etched on his face.
Why indeed? There were several reasons, but the most important one was that despite everything, OctavialikedFlynn. A lot. She could see herself being with him for a long time. It didn’t mean she would accept their mate bond right then and there—it required consent from both sides—but she wanted to see where this relationship could go.
And as for the lying and stealing, she understood where he was coming from. He was trying to save his sister. How could she blame him for that?
Octavia didn’t say that, though. It seemed a little heavy for the moment. Instead, she grinned at the witch and started moving along the coast.
“I like looking at you,” she informed him over her shoulder. “It would be a shame never to see your face again.”
The corner of his lip twitched upwards. “I didn’t know you were so superficial.”
Octavia snorted and returned her gaze in front of her. “Apparently, I am.”
Also, there was the added benefit that having a mate meant she wouldn’t be alone any longer. After decades of being an outcast, she really liked that idea.
Flynn caught up with her, not that it was difficult, and he brushed his knuckles against hers. “You’re quite beautiful yourself, Lady Octavia.”
That again. This time, though, it didn’t bother her as much. Or maybe it was just her opinion of the witch that was changing.
Either way, as they strolled along the coast, she felt lighter than she had in years.
After a few minutes, Flynn asked, “So, what’s the plan?”
Octavia patted the bag. “Now, we go to Riverton and find Winnifred Black. Then, once I’ve made my delivery, we’ll get the rest of the money you need and rescue your sister.”
The witch didn’t ask where they would get the funds from, and Octavia didn’t tell him. Let him wonder for a bit. If he didn’t already suspect what she was, he’d know the moment she shifted once the Elders’ restrictions were lifted.
Flynn exhaled. “Thank you, Octavia.”
She wasn’t sure what he was thanking her for. Not rejecting him? Not telling him to leave? Or just for… understanding?
Either way, Octavia dipped her head. “Of course.” She glanced over at him. “You’re my mate.”
Even though they hadn’t sealed their bond, even though she wasn’t sure they would, that connection lay between them.
And for the first time in over five decades, Octavia felt at peace.
The scents of salt,sex, and alcohol slammed into Octavia the moment they stepped into The Crystal Plate. Like most taverns in the Rose Empire, it also doubled as a brothel. Moans of pleasure intermingled with the clicking of utensils on dishes and the murmur of conversation. It was the middle of the day, and several round tables were unoccupied.
Three days had passed since the incident with the Earth Elves. They hadn’t run into any other trouble on their way to Riverton, nor had she and Flynn broached the topic of their mateship again. But at night, he held her close, and she slept soundly.