The Weaver's Source

Chapter 81

Snuggling deeper into his cloak, I let myself doze off, only faintly aware of the warmth I felt dancing within him.

The next thing I knew, my name was being squealed and a small body was bundling onto my lap as Grigore's magic flared in alarm, preparing to weave and defend me, only to settle as he registered what was happening.

"There you are!" Lorry gushed, not at all bothered by Grigore looming around me dangerously or Jen as she called her sharply from the doorway.

"Come here!" Jen hissed. "I told you to leave them be!"

"But I wanted to see Lyra." Lorry pouted, clutching at the cloak surrounding me.

Jen scowled heatedly. "I don't care, now come here."

I smiled at Lorry gently when she gazed at me sadly. "I'll be with you in a minute." I promised.

Appeased, she retreated from me, hurrying back to Jen who scolded her sharply as the door was closed. I felt Grigore's magic unwind but his body was still rigid and his large hand resting on my head protectively.

"Sorry if she startled you." I said.

He only grunted in response, clearly ill-tempered. Trying not to smile, I stood slowly, keeping his cloak surrounding me and gazed at him. He watched me, his gaze hooded with irritation, his arms folded over his broad chest and his legs stretched.

"Go join them. Eat what you want. A Weavers' family won't harm you." He said gruffly as he leaned forward, pressing his elbows into his knees and rubbing a hand over the back of his stiff neck.

I felt the urge to touch him grow as I watched him, my gaze flitting over the lines of his neck, his large hand and his dark hair, but I looked away nervously when his attention fixed to me curiously, his stormy eyes making my pulse quicken. I slipped his cloak from my shoulders and shyly stole myself away, relieved when the youngest girls instantly distracted me.

I was swiftly filled, enjoying the chatter of the girls, but noticed a distinct lack of men when Grigore slipped by, delving deeper into the house and avoiding the noise. When asked, Jen tersely informed me her father, Remus and No-Tongue had gone out before swiftly cleaning the table and ushering me away. Soon I was clean and dressed, standing in the kitchen and watching the white world outside, listening to the house as the girls tore about as I waited for them. As Grigore had yet to find a lead, I felt I could let them take me outside.

I looked up when I heard Grigore's heavy steps and saw him approaching me; fully dressed and armed.

"I'll see if I can find Sorin in the city." He said as he loomed over me, his gaze irritated still even as he wove a ward to dry my damp hair. "I still don't like the idea of you leaving the house. Remus has yet to confirm if it's a human problem."

"I'll be with the girls and we'll stick to crowds." I reassured.

He tightened his jaw, clearly not happy, but he conceded all the same and slipped his fingers around the nape of my neck, pulling me closer as he dipped his head. I felt my magic stirring softly, fluttering over my skin warmly, responding to his quiet demands as his mouth brushed mine. I parted my lips for him as he kissed me, deep but unhurried and meaningful, his tongue drinking the magic I offered for him with slow strokes. I could feel myself growing hot and responding to him with too much need, swelling myself with magic for him to devour and coaxing him with my song. I couldn't help it. His taste filled me, his song surrounding me, his mouth possessive. My whole being sung for him sweetly, wanting more but dimly aware I couldn't.

Grigore parted from me reluctantly, his gaze shimmering darkly and his song curling hungrily when I took small greedy kisses from him.

"Be careful out there, Lyra. Sing for me if you need me." He demanded huskily.