The Silent: Irin Chronicles Book Five(68)

“I know.” Ginny nodded. “But you love her. She’s your reshon. You have every right to ask questions.”

“But not every right to cause pain,” Leo said. “I am sorry for that.”

Ginny nodded, looking across the yard at the scribes unloading the tourist van.

“It was a long time ago,” she said quietly. “I need to get over it.”

“Scars remain, even after a wound heals. I can show you a few of my own, if you like.”

“Why would I want to see that?” She smiled. “Everyone has their own stories. Their own wounds. Mine don’t make me special.”

“No, you’re special for many more reasons than your scars, Ginny.”

She grabbed his chin. “You have to stop being so sweet. Otherwise I’ll be tempted to get rid of your girl and keep you for myself.”

“You’re not going to do that.” He smiled. “Your heart is too good.”

“You’re killing me,” she groaned. “Okay, let’s go find Kyra.”

Leo halted. “Why?”

“I can’t fight with you in this one,” she said, rising from the porch. “But I can give you an edge that will make you more focused. If you’re not worried about Kyra, you’ll be able to focus on fighting this Fallen. And I guarantee my crazy energy will be enough to keep her going for a good long while.”

Leo’s heart pounded. “Are you sure?”

“Positive. Besides, it’ll give me an outlet. It’s been a dry spell for me, and the energy I have built up is starting to get to me. I need to expend some big magic, and I’m more than happy to give it to your girl.”

Leo grabbed her hand and rose. “Ginny, thank you.”

“Thank me later,” she said. “If she’s anything like me, she’ll be revved up afterward, so I’m guessing you’ll want privacy.”

Leo felt his face heat. “Are you talking about—?”

“Yep.” Ginny waved a hand. “Come on. I don’t have all day.”

Leo walked toward the bungalow where Kyra was helping with the women. “Niran wants to leave tonight.”

“I’ll tell him you need to wait until morning. You’ll want to stay with her and give her privacy until the first wave passes.”

“Wave?”

“Energy, man.” Ginny smiled. “This is as close to high or drunk that Kyra will probably get until you guys do your mating ritual. Nothing beats that, but this spell comes pretty close.” Ginny stopped and put a hand on his chest. “Do you understand what I’m saying, Mr. Wholesome?”

His face must have been flaming, but he nodded.

“Good. Now let’s find your girl, because you’re not going to want to be in mixed company after we do this.”

He swallowed hard. “She’s in the bungalow with the women and children.”

“Go get her and bring her to wherever you two are staying. I’ll wait. You two need to discuss a few things before we start. No euphemisms. Don’t be shy. Set clear boundaries for both of you. That’s all the advice I’ll give you. Other than that, have fun.”



Kyra narrowed her eyes. “So, this magic she’s going to perform…?”

“It will bolster your life energy with a huge punch of Ginny’s magic. But the side effect of that will be… Well, I’m sure it’s linked to life and the continuation of life and… the mating cycle and—”

“Oh!” Her eyes went wide. “You mean…”

“Sex,” he blurted out. “You’ll want to have sex. A lot.”

“I see.”

He nodded. “But you’ll be in a somewhat… altered state. So before we… According to Ginny, the excitement and enthusiasm can be overwhelming. Your inhibitions will be lowered, so I need to know—”

“My inhibitions will be lowered?” Kyra’s eyes lit up. “You mean I won’t be so nervous?”

Leo frowned. “Why are you nervous? Am I pressuring you? Am I—?

“It’s not you. Like I said, it’s just the unknown. I start thinking about what will happen when we finally… consummate our relationship.” Her cheeks turned red. “And I want to. But then I worry I’ll do something wrong. Or that something will go wrong and you’ll be disappointed.”

“I would never be disappointed in you,” Leo said. “Not ever, Kyra. I’m as unfamiliar with this as you are. We can learn together.”

“But this magic will make me less nervous,” she whispered. “It sounds like the perfect time to… experiment. Experiment more, I mean.”

Leo’s heart took off at a gallop. “I’m very willing to try that. But I want you to be sure.”

“Am I going to be myself still? I’m going to remember everything, won’t I?”

“Yes. According to Ginny, you’ll just have much more energy. You might be light-headed, but—”

“Then I want to have sex afterward.” Kyra nodded firmly. “This sounds like the perfect opportunity. I won’t be nervous. And you’re never nervous about anything.”

Leo wasn’t sure that was true. Just the thought of finally being with Kyra was enough to make him feel like a foolish and uncontrolled schoolboy. He’d barely become accustomed to seeing her skin bare. But he wasn’t going to deny her either. She was correct. Most of their hesitance had to do with her nerves. If this ritual would diminish her anxiety, it was the perfect time.