Page 25 of Shattered Stars

Rhi

After dinner,I make like I’m taking Pip out for a walk and head out into the dark evening. I feel guilty for using him like this, but no matter what people may sneer and snap, he is important to me – very important – and it’s about time these mates of mine became better acquainted with him.

I take a deviating route, pausing twice to allow Pip to snuffle around in a bush, and then I double back, cutting across the meadow towards Stone’s cabin, my tracking sense switched on and scanning for anyone nearby.

I know Stone’s home tonight, our newly sealed bond humming with his presence, and I nearly trip over my feet in my bid to reach him.

The door swings open before I’ve even reached the bottom step of his cabin and he comes jogging down, his gaze swinging around the meadow.

I expect him to tell me off for coming to see him unannounced. It wasn’t exactly our plan, but to my surprise he sweeps me up into his arms, lifting me so our faces are level andthen kissing me, warm and passionately, as if he hasn’t seen me for months, not hours.

“Fuck, it feels like years,” he says. “This bond thing … I didn’t think it was possible to want you more than I did.”

I grin at him and kiss him back, but then Pip’s grunting unhappily by our feet and I slide out of the professor’s arms, and crouch down to pat Pip’s head.

“You brought the pig?” Stone says with obvious disgust.

“Yes, you haven’t been formally introduced and I thought it was about time.”

Pip snorts loudly at the man in front of him.

“I assume he’s finally thanking me for that time I rescued him from the cellar.”

“Nope, that’s the noise he makes when he loathes someone.”

“Seems a little unfair.”

“You need to win him round if we’re all going to get along.”

“You’re my fated mate,” he says a little sulkily, “not the pig’s.” He attempts to take my hand and tug me back up, but Pip gets there first, barreling his way into my arms.

“Jeez,” Stone mumbles. “Does he like Azlan?”

“They’re growing on each other.”

Stone shakes his head, plunging his hands inside his pant pockets and climbing back up the cabin steps.

“Come on. Let’s get inside before anyone sees us.”

I lift Pip into my arms and follow Stone inside.

Is it my imagination or has he spring-cleaned the place? It looks neater than it did the day before. Possibly even cleaner, the fragrance of citrus clear in the air and the piles of books and essays stacked away in a corner. Even the floor looks swept and the shelves dusted.

I drop Pip to the floor, and he immediately starts scurrying about.

“What’s it doing now?” Stone asks suspiciously.

“Heis exploring.”

“Doeshewant some food?”

“He’s a pig. He always wants food.”

Stone marches over to the kitchen cupboard and draws open the doors. “Does he like cereal?”

“What kind?”

Stone peers over his shoulder and grins at me. “Rainbow candy pops.”