 |
 |
|
|
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] for Miranda. His entire body relaxed when he found her sitting with her back against a tree, twiddling with the stems of some wildflowers. She seemed to be patiently waiting for something. Mitch arose from his spot and moved to sit down next to her. You changed your happy place again, he commented, taking a moment to look around. They were in a beautiful meadow bursting with spring grasses and tufts of wildflowers in a myriad of colors. A dense forest circled the meadow, making it still and peaceful, protected from the outside world. Mitch could hear a small stream trickling nearby, along with songs from several birds. The air was rich with the scent of growing things, clear of the taint of human habitation. The temperature was just a touch cool, but the sun beating down on them from a clear blue sky warmed them gently. Yes, this is another one of my favorite places. It s just so peaceful and protected. I always feel safe here. How did we get here? We weren t asleep. Or am I hallucinating? Miranda smiled gently at him before reaching over to take his hand. No, not hallucinating. I am able to withdraw my consciousness from the tactile plane at will now. It took years of concerted effort to achieve that. I didn t know, however, that I could pull you in whenever I wished. I just took a chance at it. Mitch cupped Miranda s face, stroking along her cheekbone with his thumb. You re amazing, Miranda. I am in awe of you. I love 88 Meagan Hill being here with you, away from all the stress and danger of the real world. I just love being with you. You make me feel so complete, he whispered huskily, his heart showing in his eyes before he leaned in to press his lips to hers. I love you, Miranda. I love you, Mitch, Miranda murmured in reply before pressing her lips back against his. They continued kissing for several moments before they pulled apart with a sigh. They d stolen too much time for themselves as it was. They needed to return to the problem at hand. So, does the injunction work here? I don t know. We ll have to test it. Mitch could see Miranda cast around in her mind for something to say before settling on something. Miranda s eyes returned to gaze into Mitch s, before saying, Cabela likes to hurt people. He is a murderer. He is evil and must be removed from this earth. She broke into a wide grin at the proof the injunction was unable to touch her in their private sanctuary. Yes! Wonderful! I love being able to talk to you without that looming over us. Now you can tell me exactly what you really think, and not have to try to talk around the restrictions. So, what do you think is holding you back from completing the renouncement? As I said, I think you re right it is his hold on me, rather than my hold on him. I think he infused the allegiance oath, and therefore the injunction, into the brands he gave me. I think we re going to have to remove the brands to remove the injunction and allow me to finish the renouncement. Mitch was quiet for several moments, looking away as he considered Miranda s conclusion. As horrified as he was by the branding, he could see how Cabela had used it to permanently possess his coven. It would take someone extraordinarily strong and determined to break away, characteristics Cabela would not allow to flourish. Finally, Mitch returned his gaze to Miranda, who was patiently awaiting his conclusion. I think you re right. Especially considering how evil he is. I know a bit of the dark arts from my Master Me 89 battles with them, and there are rites that could do that type of binding. I hate the idea of adding more pain to what you ve already experienced, but I think you re right. I think we re going to have to cut them out before you can finish the ceremony. Obviously I can t reach them, so someone else is going to have to do it for me. Mitch, I trust you more than anyone I ve ever met. Will you do it? Mitch was astounded at how calm Miranda was about the whole thing, but he knew what was coming was nothing compared to her past experiences . It was Mitch who had to steel himself to face the new development. If that is what you wish, Miranda. You know I would do anything for you, though cutting pieces out of your flesh is really counter to anything I d ever imagined. Are you nervous at all? You seem too calm. Mitch, this is nothing compared to what I ve dealt with. Plus, there is something positive resulting from the pain. You could compare it to childbirth, I suppose. It s painful while it s happening, but the results more than make up for the pain. I get a new family and a chance with the love of my life. Of course it s worth it. Okay then, Miranda. Let s go back and get on with it. I imagine they re probably getting worried. Just remember, baby, I love you, he breathed out, before capturing her lips for a searing kiss. Miranda s heart was pounding before he released her from his sensual spell. Giving him one last small kiss, she replied, I love you, Mitch. Let s go set me free. * * * * A moment later, Miranda s eyelids fluttered open before focusing on Nina s worried gaze. She sat up quickly, glancing around the room, her attention briefly snagged by a new face that seemed much more wizened than his physical appearance suggested, before 90 Meagan Hill refocusing on a still unmoving Mitch. Miranda moved to kneel over [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |