Silent Storm by Vivian Arend Page A

Laurin’s ability to enhance his strengths meant a cure was possible. As long as the three of them had sex together.
    And not just any sex. Wild, passion-filled, off-the-charts sex linked with magic.
    Above him, the sky shifted colors as sunlight reflected off the mountains and hit the drifting clouds. Out toward the west there was a warm haze rising from the ocean, but over the mainland and Interior Mountains clouds gathered, clinging to the peaks. Matt would have given anything to simply sit on the deck and stare at the amazing beauty surrounding him with Laurin at his side.
    He loved her. Wanted her in his life. They had so many questions still to solve, and he had been looking forward to a lifetime of finding the answers. Heading to the mountains with her—all of it was important and still a part of his plans, but now…
    High overhead the shadowy outline of an eagle blotted out the sun, bringing into focus exactly what was on his mind.
    There was no way to deal with this situation without confirmation that Kallen was completely on his side.
    The air shifter descended, shifting on the wing to land lightly in human form on the deck not two feet from Matt. Kallen’s wide grin and pleased body language said it all.
    “Nice day for a flight. Did you see anyone else?” Matt asked.
    Kallen shook his head as he reached for the shorts Matt had loaned him, pulling them on to cover his nudity.
    There was no reason to make small talk. To the point, before Laurin woke. Matt wanted to make it clear what was, and wasn’t, going to happen.
    “Kallen, I love her.” The man nodded slowly. “Among the People of the Sea, sex is often treated more casually. The idea of having two lovers or more in a bed isn’t unheard of. But it’s not what I had planned for us. For Laurin and my relationship.”
    Kallen grabbed the pad of paper and wrote rapidly, passing over the notepad with a raised brow.
     
    I do not intend to attempt to steal her from you. But I refuse to take a woman who does not desire me.
     
    “She does desire you.” The air shifter frowned. Matt sighed, stomping off to the side. He picked up a loose rope from the deck. As he coiled it, he leaned back on the mast, watching Kallen carefully. This had to be a part of the whole. Curing Kallen—that was one part of the picture. Laurin’s doubts, and her desire to be there for her people needed to be considered as well. Allowing Laurin a chance to find exactly where she belonged—to the water or the air—was vitally important. “She also loves me. Your brother is an evil genius. He’s managed to come up with the only plan that ensures the maximum chance of you not getting healed.”
    Kallen stared out over the water for a long time before turning to the paper.
     
    Laurin is of my people, but she has never truly belonged there. When she disappeared, I was glad. I hoped she had found a new home. While I do not love her, I wish the best for her. There is nothing I can do to prove it beyond telling you—if it is right for Laurin to stay with you, I will honor that. If she desires to return to the mountains for good, then I will do whatever is needed to make that happen, including take her as a partner. I’m sorry if that angers you, but it’s the truth.
     
    Another ache formed in Matt’s soul. “You know, this would be a lot easier if you were an asshole, Kallen. I’d simply tell you to get the hell out of here and never have to look at your ugly mug again.”
    The air shifter grinned.
     
    I find myself enjoying our time together, Shaman. Tell me, do you ever hunt?
     
    Matt laid aside the coil of rope. “What are you thinking?”
    Kallen wrote and then strode to the railing, leaving the paper behind for Matt to read.
     
    An animal when hunted runs to safety. Finds the most attractive location. An animal being wooed by a mate reacts similarly—showing their preferences without even saying a word. Shall we hunt Laurin together? Let her reactions tell us what her