Total pages in book: 136
Estimated words: 125037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Rubin leapt out of the seat carved into the log and paced across the clearing. He stood with his back to Diego, his hands pressed to his temples, a clear sign of agitation. Diego knew his brother enough to know that he was fighting back anger. Maybe disappointment. But Diego had watched Rubin for years and knew how adept he was. How amazing. Even if there were others around with his ability, Rubin would stand out.
Diego rose as well. The ground trembled beneath his feet, and he could see the trees closest to his brother shivering. A few lizards and two mice raced out from under the leaves and grasses, running away from Rubin. Ants poured out of a small hill along with two brightly colored salamanders. Several frogs hopped through the grass toward the forest.
Diego was always amazed that his easygoing brother could stir up enough dark energy to send wildlife running. He produced a wave of calming energy to counter Rubin’s mood. Then he waited. It was never a good idea to disturb Rubin in a rage. That would be worse than poking a bear with a stick. Like Diego, Rubin had been enhanced with predatory animals. They both had to fight the aggression the DNA produced in them.
Diego? Is everything all right? I can get to you.
Stay there, Warrior Woman. Everything is under control. I think I pissed off my brother, or rather our past has. He’ll pull it together in another few minutes.
He didn’t know about your ability to perform surgery, did he? He must be so hurt. I could tell the two of you are very close.
Yeah, he’s upset. I’m just going to let him calm down.
I find it interesting that you both feel the same. Everything about you.
Not sure I like hearing that. The last thing he wanted was for Leila to compare the two of them. He was certain he would come up wanting if she did that. And what if she was attracted to Rubin?
Her soft laughter poured into his mind, filling all the lonely places with something bright and beautiful. Instantly he found himself relaxing even before her reassurance.
I definitely don’t find him attractive the way I do you. Nor do I trust him the way I do you. I know he’s your brother, and he risked himself as well to help me, but honestly, Diego? There is only you. I see only you. I would never allow myself to rely on anyone else.
She humbled him with her trust. He still didn’t feel he deserved her, but he had no intention of being a martyr and giving her up. He intended to do everything possible to make her happy for the rest of her life. She’d had a terrible start and had every reason not to trust, yet he’d been granted that privilege. He intended to make sure she was never sorry.
Rubin rarely loses his temper. He felt compelled to defend his brother even though she hadn’t said one word against him. When he does, it’s best to leave him alone until he calms down. Believe me, you’ll like Rubin. He’s worried about me.
I got that he was. Even when he was working on me, I could feel the weight of his anxiety. It wasn’t centered on me. He actually admired your work, but he was truly worried about you.
There was a question in her carefully worded statement.
Diego sighed. Didn’t want to discuss this until I have a ring on your finger.
Pushy much? Are we really talking rings when we barely know each other?
You know me.
Her soft laughter filled his mind with joy. Seriously, Diego? You’re totally reluctant to tell me whatever it is your brother was anxious over, and yet you tell me I know you.
Some things are best left out until a woman is well and truly hooked.
She laughed again, just as he’d known she would. That was one of the many things he loved so much about her. She had a sense of humor that swept him along, made him feel that same sense of play.
So, you’re hiding something big from me. Lay it on me, honey. We may as well figure it out now.
Would it be easier to admit he suffered from depression at times when he was speaking telepathically? When he wasn’t facing her? Or was that cowardly?
I know we’re joking around, Leila, but I do suffer from depression at times. I can be moody, and I definitely have triggers.
He came out with it. He had to know if she was going to stick. That meant telling her the strict truth.
She seemed to know he was being absolutely serious, and she went quiet, the humor slipping away.
You have to know I can have a problem at any time. I’m discussing ways of coping when I feel like I’m not good enough, but it won’t just go away magically.