Ashes And Spirit (Book 3) by A.D. Trosper

Galdrilene, Dhovara had a few choice words for me as well. She was rather…forceful.” He looked at Taela for a moment. “We faced our loss today. We were even able to go through Anevay’s things.”
    Serena nodded. “You needed that, both the talking to and the closure of putting away her things.”
    Kellinar looked thoughtful for a moment, his eyes on the table. “I’m assuming someone took care of Emallya’s and Bardeck’s lair.”
    “Mckale, Marda, and I took care of it.” A little fist of grief settled in Maleena’s chest. Three months was hardly enough time to move past it all, though everyone had done a good job of moving on. The wound was still fairly fresh. It would likely be years, if ever, before they stopped missing those who were lost. “It was…difficult, but necessary. We also took care of Tallula’s and Tania’s lairs.”
    Their conversation was interrupted as the others filed into the room. Kirynn was teasing Varnen and Jocelynn about their attachment to each other despite not being bondmates. “You never take a turn in bed with anyone else? Really?”
    Jocelynn laughed as she sat down. “I’m afraid I’m too territorial for that.”
    Varnen sat next to her. “I don’t think that would make me very happy either.”
    Kirynn looked meaningfully at Vaddoc. “See, this is why one has to be careful when they choose a bed partner. They put too much importance on a romp and the next thing you know they’re attached to you and think there is more to it.”
    “Do not remind me, please.” Vaddoc heaved a sighed and sat down.
    As Mckale sat beside her, Maleena raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more to the conversation. “What happened?”
    Kirynn took her customary chair at the far end of the table. “Ever since the ball in Shadereen, the woman that Vaddoc spent the night with has been following him around like a lost puppy. She wants something more permanent than a one night romp.” Kirynn shook her head and chortled. “At least I know how to choose a proper mark. Lord Deslin has the good sense to know a casual romp for what it is.”
    “It is not as if I have encouraged her further.” Vaddoc growled, frustration rolling off him. “I have been quite frank with her; however, she seems unable to leave it alone.”
    Kellinar flashed him a grin. “You have to be careful who you bed, Vaddoc. The woman has to have the right attitude.”
    “Oh, really?” Taela slid him a dark look through narrowed eyes.
    “I didn’t always have a bondmate you know. “He cast a look around the table, his sudden discomfort visible.
    Serena nodded. “He’s right. Kellinar used to bed many different women. He was such a lecher.”
    Kellinar gave her a flat look. “Way to help me out there, and here I thought you were my friend.”
    Taela leaned forward. “Many women? In Trilene? Anyone I might know?”
    “No way, I’m not going there.” He held up his hands as if to ward her off. “You’re my bondmate and the only one for me now.”
    A sudden flash of sadness crossed Taela’s face, and Maleena picked up her unspoken thought. “Yes, I’m the only one now because my bondsister is lost to us.”
    Maleena reached out to her, “I don’t think he meant it that way.”
    Taela looked at her. “I know he didn’t but the thought hit me nonetheless.”
    “Hey now,” Mckale interrupted, “no talking in your heads at the table.”
    “Sorry, habit,” Taela said.
    Kirynn shook her head. “I’m glad I don’t have anyone in my head except Syrakynn.”
    Loki raised his glass toward Kirynn. “I agree. The last thing I want is some bondmate bossing me around.” He glanced at Taela and ducked his head. “Not that any of you do that or anything…it could happen though…”
    The arrival of Marda and the food interrupted their conversation. After the last dish and pitcher of drink was set down, Marda glanced around at them and dabbed her eyes. “It’s so good to see all of you here again. It’s