125. Tempting Times

~ CASIMIR ~

When Jesse faded from the link it was a relief.

And a niggling anxiety.

I could still feel her, knew her to be drawing closer to Maya’s cave. But there was a fog between us now that wouldn’t let me reach her with words. Or rather she couldn’t reach me. The cold side of me could finally breathe.

The warm half of my heart wanted to storm out into the tunnels and go after her, making certain that she could hear me when I got close enough. But I knew that was stupid. Of course she’d hear me again when she returned. I’d told her as much. Bonded mates didn’t lose their connections unless… unless one of them breached the bond.

And neither of us was going to do that.

I swallowed quickly and considered that thought and the curious feeling it spawned in my chest. Something tingly and—

“Cazz?”

I startled, realizing I was standing on the opposite side of the room, staring at the wall, and had completely tuned out from the discussion of the Council. I turned quickly to face the