Protector Read Free Page A

enigma.”
    I curled my fingers inward. “So my mother constantly says, Prince Davio.”
    He came back around to stand in front. “It’s Davio. Just Davio.”
    My gut clenched further, but I held my tongue, waiting to see what he would do.
    “Apart from this skill of mind-merge, you know what I believe is happening between us.”
    “Well, not if you don’t share it.”
    “You and I are bonded,” he said with a hard, defiant tone.
    “I’m sorry, we’re what?” Surprise had my brows soaring.
    “No, not what , Faith Stryker. We’re bonded, and that’s a how .” Then he reared over me, almost toppling me as I moved away from him.
    “Hey,” I growled, slamming a hand into him. “Attempting to intimidate me will get you nowhere.”
    He peered into my eyes. “We’re somehow bonded, one to the other. Although how that could be is beyond my knowledge with you being of Earth. I demand to know who your parents are and how you came to have forethought.”
    Okay, his question was completely insane, and what the heck did he mean by bonded? I pulled on every one of my reserves. “First, I’ve always lived on Earth. Second, I have only my mother, who I might add has outdone herself in raising me.”
    “And your father? Where exactly is he?”
    I forced my gaze to hold his. “I do not know, nor do I care.” My chest tightened, and not because I spoke of my father, but because of Davio’s presence.
    Rocking back on his heels, his gaze was sharp. “Father aside, I feel the deep tension between us. It’s too physical.”
    I shrugged, not wanting him this near, the strain only increasing as each second passed. “I’ve decided I don’t want to meet you after all. Let’s forget this past morning ever happened and you can wing your way back to your lovely little planet of Magio.”
    “I don’t understand.” Belle came forward, her lips pinched. “Surely, this is impossible. You two simply can’t be mated. It can’t be. She’s a Halfling.”
    I gave her a glare. “I said let’s forget everything. Take him away.”
    Her hands trembled as she pushed them through her dark hair. “I can’t. I can’t interfere in a mated relationship. It is a soul-bound calling, one fixed between the two of you.” Her wide gaze begged understanding. “You have to understand. Only half of our population are mated once they come into their adult strength skills at eighteen. The male always senses the bond after he makes direct contact with his female. This is what has happened. It seems you are mated to our prince.”
    So this was real–which meant I was likely in a world of trouble. “Okay, so we’re mated,” I said the words, glaring at Davio as I let them sink in.
    He snagged my hand. “You are not one of my people.”
    I waited a moment, tortured at his tight hold and at seeing the scowl on his face. “Then quit touching me.” I pulled my hand free. “If you can’t tell, I don’t care for it.”
    He winced, the first sign that he wasn’t anything other than mad. “I will try. I can see you need some space.” He stepped away, propping his back against the wide trunk of the umbrella tree. Now given the opportunity, I scooted back, too.
    Then it happened.
    Five feet distance and a strange calmness descended over me. I breathed out the last of my tension and closed my eyes.
    Belle was there in my head, making herself, once again, at home. Ooo-kay. You need to tell me exactly what’s going on with you? First and foremost, I’m your friend.
    I ignored her, feeling a touch bad, and my eyes opened to see Davio. His thoughts were loud and clear as he eyed me blatantly in return.
    Random thoughts escaped him. He found the light blond of my hair captivating, the fine strands catching the sunlight sparkling through the leaves and making the golden color glow like woven silk.
    I grimaced.
    Next, he looked at my eyes, noticing the unusual violet, although a color he found incredibly intriguing.
    “Stop it,” I demanded,