Birthright (The Stone Legacy Series Book 5) Read Online Free Page B

soul would ever come.
    “Zanya.” He spoke softly at first, careful not to startle her awake. “We have to get moving.”
    She groaned and pulled the flap of her sleeping bag over her head.
    He smirked and tugged the fabric below her nose. She squinted at him, her eyes covered in a glassy sheen. “We have to wake up if we want to get to my mother’s home today.”
    She pushed onto her forearms and inspected outside through the open tent door. “You mean your home?”
    He paused, and then nodded.
    “Is the storm over?”
    “Yes.” He slipped on his socks and shoved his feet into tan hiking boots. “The ground will be wet and slippery. We have to be careful.”
    She gathered her hair into a bun and secured it on top of her head. “I know.” She rubbed her eyes. “For more than one reason.”
    He paused. “What do you mean?”
    “I heard this weird voice last night. Like singing. And then I looked outside and saw eyes, I think from a big cat.”
    “Singing?” It had to have been the wind, or perhaps her imagination playing tricks on her. But a big cat? The threats in Mexico were similar to what they’d be up against in Belize, which wasn’t good. Predators were plentiful now that they were isolated in the wild, and the reality was, they weren’t on the top of the food chain anymore. “We’ll keep an eye out while we’re hiking today.” Thankfully, he hadn’t smelled any large animals around, or noticed anyone nearby. Now that his senses were on high alert and in tune more than ever before, at least they’d have an indication if something were closing in.
    Zanya nodded through a yawn. “Okay. Do we have any breakfast?”
    He dug in his pack, pulled out a Powerbar and a bottle of water, and then offered it to her. “This will hold us over for a few hours.”
    She sighed. “A breakfast for champions.” As she reached out to take the rations, her fingers drifted over his hand, leaving hot streaks across his skin. Her breath hitched and she stilled, watching him. He held her gaze, searching for any indication of what she was thinking in that moment. What she wanted, and more importantly, what she wanted from him.
    Though their bonding was unexpected, now that they were united as one soul, he wanted more of her. But she had been through enough. He wouldn’t push. He wouldn’t move in until she was ready. That was how it had to be to earn her trust, and he’d be patient until that time came, no matter how difficult it was.
    Arwan cleared his throat, pushing away the urge to cup her cheek and press his lips to hers. “You eat, and I’ll start to pack.” Zanya tore open the energy bar and bit off a chunk before offering him the other half. He shook his head. “You need it—”
    “What? More than you?” She chewed a few more times before swallowing. “I’m the Stone Guardian, remember? If anyone needs the strength, it’s you.”
    He chuckled. “Point taken.” Deep down, she was more advanced than he was in almost every way. She was faster, stronger, with every Riyata ability at her command and an enchanted stone to fuel her abilities. She was incredible, and she was his. He still couldn’t believe it. Not completely.
    He took a bite of the energy bar. “Thank you.”
    “Well…” She pushed her bag aside. “What’s mine is yours, right?”
    He winked. “Absolutely.”
    She paused, her smile widening. She blinked quickly, and the blush in her cheeks made his chest tighten. She let out a soft laugh, averting her gaze. “This is…” She ran her hand down the length of her arm and shrugged. “Strange.”
    His smile disappeared and he lowered his head. Maybe it was too good to be true. “I’m sure you’re wondering how you ended up with me. I mean, how you ended up with someone like me.” He clenched his jaw. “Some thing like me.” His darker half clawed at his belly, consuming him from the inside out.
    “Hey.” She touched his face and ran her thumb over his eyebrow, her