““A beast he might be, but he would always keep her safe. That much she knew beyond doubt. If not for her own sanity, then to at least protect his own life. He was her beast, and never had she been more grateful for it. Devyl hesitated at Mara’s embrace. At the warmth of her breath on his skin as she clung to him. Never once had she touched him so intimately. She sank her hand into his hair and fisted it there to hold him as if he were sacred. As if she were desperate to keep him close. “Thank you,” she breathed against his ear, causing chills to rise up along his arms and back. And other things to rise he was best to not think upon. He gave her a bashful grin. “You’ve got to quit falling into such messes, my lady. One day I might not find you and then what would happen to us?” She laughed nervously. “Perhaps you should teach me to use a sword, then?” He arched a brow at her teasing tone and knew better than what she suggested. “A Deruvian swordmaiden?” “Why not? You’re a Druid warrior.” She had a point. It would be no more unlikely or out of character than his own past. “Perhaps I shall teach you, then.””
