8. Gruffydd

Chapter 8

Gruffydd

I'm floating in a blissful haze, the warm water loosening my muscles, when suddenly my soulstone starts humming, then vibrating, then full-on singing like it's auditioning for Sasquatch Idol.

What the...? I crack open an eye, peering down at the glowing red beacon between my legs. Maybe it’s defective. I’m defective. Maybe I don’t have a fated mate and the beautiful creature, Maria Garcia, is not my mate at all.

I'm debating the possibility of an anatomical malfunction when an irresistible aroma hits me like a punch to the gut. Daffodils, crocuses, tulips, and hyacinth—the scent of springtime. My nostrils flare, drinking it in.

No way. It can't be.

I whip my head around so fast I nearly give myself whiplash. And there she is. Standing just inside the entrance looking like a deer caught in headlights.

She's even more beautiful than I remember. Those big brown eyes, those luscious curves. My brain short-circuits, leaving me gaping like a slack-jawed idiot.

Her eyes widen, and I brace myself for the earsplitting scream that’s sure to come.

Say something, you big, hairy buffoon. Say something.

My mouth opens. Words tumble out.

"Please don't scream."