Burning Stone by Viola Grace Page B

considered as she crafted the path that completed the journey.
    During her lunch, she sat and sighed. “Now for the tricky bits. The false paths.”
    Bohr smiled. “You seem to have a good grasp of what is needed in this situation. You have risen to all challenges and we have many more to embark upon.”
    She looked at him shyly. “We are still going on them all?”
    “Yes, and more as your skills gain you greater renown. I have my home, you will come to it one day, and if you deem it suitable, we will officially become mates at that time.”
    “What are we now?”
    “Partners.” He smiled. “In the tradition of the Citadel and Sector Guard, we are partners. I take you to where you can do the most good.”
    She smiled and finished her meal. “Or whoever calls out for my peculiar talent.”
    “That also. I do not tire of watching you at work.”
    “Because your people are made for patience.”
    He winked. “And that.”
    She laughed and got to her feet. “Back to the dance. This is where it gets tricky.”
    The rest of the day was lost in a blur as she pulled the false paths up and connected them to the swirling arcs of the existing labyrinth.
    When the sun tinted purple and caressed her skin, she stopped and left the pattern. She stepped into Bohr’s arms and silently asked him to take her home.
     
    The next morning, she woke plastered to him, and out of curiosity, she pressed a kiss to his shoulder and tasted his skin. There was a zing of energy that accompanied her tiny touch.
    His voice rumbled above her head. “Hungry, are we?”
    She blushed and ducked her head. “Just wondered something and now I know.”
    He chuckled and gave her a quick hug. “My body is yours to do with what you will. You are its only purpose.”
    She sighed. “I am unsure how to progress.”
    “Do what feels natural or normal to you at any given time. Well, not to ruin this little moment, but you have work to do.”
    She sighed, and the moment he released her, she rolled out and got to her feet, grabbing her clothing, heading for the lav and a quick solar shower.
    When she emerged, he handed her her robes and winked at her. “Your turn to make breakfast.”
    Smiling, she headed to the galley and got breakfast ready. By the time he had finished getting ready for the day, his food was waiting and she was into her own meal.
    “So, I should finish the pathway by midday. It won’t take too long. I can see the pattern when I close my eyes.”
    He inclined his head and kept eating.
    She smiled and finished her meal, taking her tray away and then returning to finish her tea.
    “So, I am guessing that you have the next assignment lined up?”
    “I do, and when this trip to Ciina is complete, I will share that information.” He quirked his lips as he sipped his tea.
    “Why not now?”
    “A man needs his secrets. I will tell you that Ciina has tentatively asked for you to return to create another, larger pathway. They have gotten their first contract done and out of the way now, so they will have to wait.”
    She chuckled and got to her feet. “Well, if you are done with your meal, we can get going, or do you need to wait an hour after eating before flying?”
    He made a face at her mockery and got to his feet. “Do you need to wait an hour after you wake before you get sarcastic?”
    She grinned. “No, sarcasm gets up with me in the morning, right next to the irritability that seems to jump on your head.”
    He sighed and scooped her up in his arms, opening the door while holding her easily with one hand under her thighs.
    He left the shuttle, locked it behind them and flew upward to the pathway on the mountain.
     
    Her work of the morning saw the pathway completed, and she smiled as the monks stepped up to admire the work. The head sister at the abbey came forward and bowed low.
    “Thank you for your work, Master Elemental Leyhara. In the future, when your schedule allows, we would be glad for you to come to the eastern