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“I wasn’t very pleased by this rope when I first arrived, but I’m rather fond of it now,” he commented while taking a few breaths as he rested, alluding to when she’d tied him up.

“Seriously?!” she burst out in disbelief that he was making jokes.

“Yes. It’s performing very well.” He smiled at her.

Her mouth just hung open.

“See how much brighter it is now that we’re above the ledge.” He nodded as he glanced up, looking pleased.

“You’re a fucking superhero!” She gaped at him. He was breathing deeply and a sheen of sweat covered him, but beyond that he looked unaffected.

Payim cast her a cocky grin as he gave a slight bow.

“Are you ready to go again?” he asked after a short break.

“Are you?” she asked incredulously.

“Aye.”

He absurdly appeared invigorated rather than tired as he started climbing again.

Payim quo Desero

His heart thundered, his chest heaving with each labored breath as he finally pulled the stasis pod over the canyon rim. Exhausted, he surveyed the landscape. It wasn’t a delusion. They’d safely made it out of the chasm.

Blessed Kali, thank you, he sent up the prayer as he collapsed on the ground.

There were several moments when he wasn’t sure they’d make it, but he didn’t dare admit it, not to Elena and certainly not to himself. It had been sheer will that kept him going, knowing Elena’s very life depended on him, and even toward the end he wasn’t sure that was enough. The goddess had to be with them.

“You did it, you amazing man!” Elena declared, suddenly appearing beside him on the ground.

Her mouth slammed into his and her arms wrapped around his neck. The frantic press of her lips was just the reward he needed. He’d witnessed humans do this to their mates and always wondered at the strange custom. But here and now he understood the vast emotions it conveyed; gratitude, relief, caring, praise and so much more that couldn’t be expressed in words. Yet just as the magnitude of it hit home, adding to all the things he was feeling, she pulled away.

“I’m sorry. You’re trying to breathe.” She grimaced in embarrassment and concern. “Are you okay? Let me get you some water.”

He sat up as she swiftly grabbed their supply bag and dumped it out to find the canteen then held it to his lips. He steadied the spout while he tugged in several much-needed gulps.

“Oh, handsome, your hands.” Elena frowned, her eyes misting, when she noticed his raw palms.

“I’ll be all right,” he assured her. In truth, it was the cramping in his hands that was going to bother him more.

“No. There’s bits of rock in them.” She shook her head as she gingerly picked some of the debris out of his skin. “Where’s that knife? Let’s bandage them.” She grabbed the hem of her shirt and looked at the pile of supplies for the knife.

“No. Don’t ruin your shirt.” There wasn’t much to the sorry garment to begin with. “I promise. I’ll be fine now that we’re done climbing.”

“Okay,” she said but didn’t look convinced.

His eyes widened when she lifted his palm to her lips and kissed a part of his skin that wasn’t as abraded as the rest. Miraculously, it did feel better, which logically he knew wasn’t possible. This new wondrous kiss carried a host of possibilities. It seemed such a shock that he was just now learning about it.

“Although, I may have hurt myself here.” He pointed to his lips.

“Oh, well, we can’t have that.” Elena smiled as she leaned in and again pressed her lips to his.

His heart leapt that she agreed so readily to his juvenile ploy. This time Elena’s kiss wasn’t frantic, but sweet instead, and he sighed as he held her close, reveling in the softness of her lips.

“We made it,” she murmured against his lips as she clutched his shoulders, reflecting his thoughts.

Her mouth parted slightly and her tongue barely peeked out, the tip teasing the seam of his lips ever so slightly. He was unsure of what he was doing, so he mimicked her, tentatively greeting her tongue then exploring the texture of her lips. Her tongue dipped into his mouth and traced his blunt front teeth then one canine. It was surprisingly sensitive and he shivered, his fangs releasing a spurt ofconjugoserum.