#book release countdown

[avrablake]

Book Release Countdown- Day 27

She couldn’t stay the way she was. Something had to change.

Thea doesn’t like being someone that other people have to take care of. She doesn’t like feeling like she’s a burden. But her desires are often self defeating. She ends up pushing herself too hard and burning herself out, causing the others to worry about her and feel like they have to take care of her.

She learns some valuable lessons throughout the story about herself and her relationship with those around her.

[ev-belknap]

Meet The Tenants: Sophie The Harpy.

I WROTE A BOOK!

And it’s releasing in 10 weeks, so fuck it, I’m yeeting my promo stuff on Tumblr too. The Tenfold Tenants is releasing November 10, so every week I’ll introduce one of the characters.

Every other day I’ll return to my regular fandom insanity screaming, no worries 😁

Art by the amazing @beansprean

[dotzines]

It's time! 10 days to Magic Book~ Countdown art by Blehcado @blehcado

[richellegoodrich]

8 days and counting until HOPE EVERMORE is released on Amazon! You can preorder the kindle version now. Paperback and hardcover formats will be available on September 16th, 2024. I can't wait! RichelleGoodrich.com

[authorkrysejay]

Step into a world of elemental magic, teetering on the brink of no return.

Pheonix Caged is a dark romantic fantasy, and second installment of the Hiraeth Song series.

Releasing August 23rd!

Pre-order now on Amazon, Barns & Noble and more!

Book Blurb:

The Peace Talks were a lie.

Kidnapped, chained and bound, Moira finds herself at the mercy of a band of Outlanders led by the Warlord’s son. With only the clothes on her back and a fellow kidnapped companion, she must escape by any means necessary.

Brought deeper into the fractured kingdom of Diablus, things are not as easy as they seem. Seduction quickly turns into a dangerous game of prying information and tip-toeing trust. As allies become enemies and enemies become somewhat more than friends.

With time running out, Moira must battle violence, betrayals and lust as she struggles to return home to Lyrely before it's too late.

[sbbarnes]

One week until release!

One week until Heart First is out! You can pre-order here for early access, otherwise it is available on Amazon/your retailer of choice!

Have a sneak peek at Daniel and Tony's first meeting:

“Sorry, I’m Tony. I should probably have led with that.” Daniel grins. “Hi, Tony. I’m Daniel, and I’m having trouble with my car.” “Well, you’re in luck. I happen to be a mechanic.” “Wow, what are the odds?” Tony shrugs and gestures to the rows of different-size chains hanging on the wall. “You walk into a setup like this, it’s an even split—mechanic or sex worker.” It shocks a laugh out of Daniel. He gets the impression he doesn’t need to worry about homophobia here if Tony’s using respectful language, which is a relief. “So, what’s wrong with your car?” Daniel winces. “It’s been making this weird noise all morning. Like a kind of irregular clunking?” “All the time or just when you go over a bump?” “Um…” Daniel considers. The roads are pretty shitty between Rhinebeck and Lobell College anyway, so he wasn’t exactly sure how frequent the noise was. He didn’t hear it much on the better-paved way into Kingston, but he was also focused on finding the garage and wasn’t really paying attention. “Your muffler might be loose,” Tony tells him when he fails to answer the question. “Okay,” Daniel says slowly. “And that’s…bad?” Tony blinks. “Not a car guy, huh?” “No,” Daniel says quickly. “Computers guy. Classic literature guy. Fourth season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer guy. Very much not a car guy.” A frown line draws tight on Tony’s forehead. “That’s a really bad season,” which, okay, no one’s perfect. “Here’s what we’ll do. Technically, we’re booked totally full today, but you’re here now, and I don’t feel great about sending you away when we don’t know for sure what’s wrong with your car. I’m gonna take a quick look at it to see what’s wrong.” “That would be amazing,” Daniel says. “Thank you so much. I’m sorry to put you out.” It figures they’d be busy. He chose this place because it’s the only auto shop in a twenty-mile radius that takes walk-ins, and he couldn’t quite work up the motivation to call somewhere. He’s probably not the only one. Tony waves a hand. “Don’t worry about it. Just don’t tell my boss or Mrs. Cooper when she comes to pick up her car in an hour.” He nods toward the car he’s been working on, and Daniel taps the side of his nose. For a long moment, they grin at each other widely. Tony has really nice eyes. Daniel’s always thought brown eyes exuded warmth, and Tony has exceptionally long eyelashes. There’s something kind in there, in the crinkles around the corners. He must laugh a lot. “I, uh, I’ll need your keys,” Tony says. “Oh, right.” Daniel fumbles for his pocket like an idiot. “Of course. Sorry.” “That’s cool.” He hands over the keys. Their fingers brush, and oh shit, Daniel has really done a full one-eighty here on the whole it’s probably a bad idea to hit on this guy thing. It’s still a really bad idea, but now Daniel wants to do it anyway.

[magicalstevengames]

I swear, if Hazel (and ig the rest of the seven, but mostly hazel) don't appear in Wrath of the Triple Goddess I'm gonna be pissed. Like hello, Hazel knows the farting weasel! Hecate fought alongside her!

Plot summary says Percy's got to petsit during Halloween. Wonder what'll happen.

Maybe we'll get another Christmas story for the final quest. Timeline might work out

I was a bit disappointed about the lack of the 7/anything from hoo in CoTG, really hoping rick brings them back here

[authorkarajorgensen]

One Month Until The Reanimator's Soul

This week's blog is a small preview of The Reanimator's Soul, which comes out in a little less than a month!

I am so excited because in less than a month, The Reanimator’s Soul (The Reanimator Mysteries #2) comes out in ebook and paperback. During October, I’m going to be sharing more of the story along with some fun tidbits about why this book came to be, what it’s about, etc. Today, I want to whet your appetite by giving you some things I listened to and looked at while working on The Reanimator’s…

[joncronshawauthor]

Last Chance: Pre-Order The Fall of Wolfsbane for Just 99c/99p - Goes Live Tomorrow!

The countdown is nearly over! We’re just one day away from the official release of The Fall of Wolfsbane, the first book in the Ravenglass Legends series. The excitement is palpable, and I can hardly wait to share this epic adventure with you. But, before this fantastic journey begins, I have an incredible offer for you. For those who haven’t yet seized this opportunity, today is your last…

[authorajalexander]

Only Three Days Until River Guardian Is Available!

The ‘River Guardian’ Countdown is on! Book #6 of ‘The Council Of Twelve Series’ will be published September 25, 2023 Currently, River Guardian can be pre-ordered: Amazon Smashwords Your favorite retailers Dr. Eavan Delaney is frustrated. It is her destiny to reunite her people and work hard to protect the rivers and waters of the world, but she has no help whatsoever. So she has lived…

[clarislam]

2 Days until my amateur sleuth murder mystery “Engagement To Die For” is released! 🔍

Preorder at the link: https://books2read.com/u/38Wn7V

[ev-belknap]

Meet the Tenants!

Harut the Soul Guide

I am nine weeks away from publishing my book, The Tenfold tenants, so every friday I am counting down with one of the, err.. Tenants.

Art by the amazing @beansprean

That was all, carry on 😁

[dotzines]

[jandkwriting]

Twelve days until release! So 12 days of Christmas (I mean Releasemas) here we go!

On the first day of Releasemas TOTI gave to me…

A life-stealing alien entity.

#12daysofchristmas #bookrelease #sciencefantasy #adultfantasybooks #lgbtqbooks #2023debuts #indiebooks #scifibooks #fantasybooks

[frost-queen]

🆂🅸🆇 🅻🅴🅶🆂 // part 3 (Reader x Young-il / player 001)

Forever tag:@missmelodramatic, @floatlosers, @alex–awesome–22  @merlieve, @queen-of-books, @glimmering-darling-dolly , @denkisclown, @wildiefleur , @meyocoko , @subjecta13-thefangirl , @m-rae23 , @harleyquinnswifeyfrfr , @melsunshine , @panhoeofmanyfandoms , @venomsvl , @the-uncoordinated-house-cat , @rosecentury , @evilcr0ne , @vviolynn , @niktwazny303 , @avada-kedrava-bitch-187, @erikasurfer , @slythetic  , @eliscannotdance, @p0nycurtis, @anjautembear, @noiyaaa, @filmedbyharkness , @uniquecutie-puffs, @r3va-dwme, @annasnape7, @starkeyszn, @bonelessghoul, @carrotjuicepdf, @imenekiki, @gay4hotmilfs, @yummycement

Summary: The underdogs take on six legs. Each second lost creeps through your nerves. Unsure if you would thrive under the pressure, cheering errupts from the whole room. Sending euphoria to your team, yet with these joys, you easily seem to forget the ruthlessness of the games. For another vote awaits. [series]

One two, one two, one two.

The countdown had started along with the first step over the line. Strapped legs first then the other. Arms locked in strong. One two, one two, one two. All of you huffed out to find a synchronization in your step. Player 149 already huffing and puffing beside you. Your gaze meeting up with the timer. 10 seconds had already past.

10 priceless seconds lost and you hadn’t even reached the first game yet. The five of you reached the first game, stopping. Player 095 took the ddakji. The circle pink suit placed the red one on the ground. Player 095 holding the blue one in her hand. 

“Alright, throw it hard.” – Player 007 huffed out trying to get his nerves under control. You and all others watched as she threw it. Her blue one hitting just a side. Red one barely moving. A desperate sound escaped player 149’s mouth. Fail. You all heard clear over the intercom. Rubbing the failure even deeper in the wound.

Player 095 grabbed the blue one once more, throwing it without much thought. A ruthless gasp of frustration coming out of her. The blue one flapped hard on his side. Red barely moving. You felt your teammate’s muscles contract with each failure. You were already the underdogs. Barely anyone behind you believed in your team. Fail.

Once again booming through the speakers. A pink suit standing with his arms crossed like an X. Player 095 was panting loud. Desperately she turned to look at you. You tried to look confident back at her. Player 120 came leaning in closer against you. – “Try… try it with the other side.” – she said upmost gently. Making you wonder how she wasn’t losing her goddamn mind over this.

“The other side.” – she repeated with a gesture. Player 095 stared down at the blue one. Picking it up. Her hand trembling. With the use of her other hand, she flipped the card over. – “Here we go.” – player 007 whispered to himself. Player 095 raised her hand. Trying to settle her hand before flipping the blue card down.

Eyes widening as red bounced off the ground. Taking a flip in the air and landing face down. Pass. Boomed through the speaker followed by a buzzer sound. Euphoria erupted from your team. Cheering relieved at the win. – “Great job!” – player 149 called out. Player 120 was tapping your arm, trying to get a sentence through the euphoria.

The timer at 4:16. You understood what she mean, locking your arm with player 149 once more. – “Let’s go.” – you said. The other three nodded, locking in tight. One two, one two, one two. With some raised spirits, you moved to the next game. Flying stones. Player 007 accepted the stone. Giving it a blessing kiss.

He bend through his knees, all of you copying him. Breathing nervously as he prepared himself to throw. – “Three.” – he said releasing the stone. Clattering against the ground, missing the standing stone by a few bounces. Loud exclaims brought the spirits down again.

Player 120 didn’t allow much of grieving. Forcing you all to step forwards to grab the stone. Knowing the clock was ticking. Step by step moving forwards. Collecting the stone. – “All walk backwards now.” – Player 120 suggested. It made you look at her. Admiring her more with each moment. How she is able to remain calm and assist to make the assessment easier.

The four of you nodding, trusting her blindly. If anyone was going to prove everyone wrong with her team it was player 120. One two, one two, one two. Moving backwards at the counting to stay in tune. – “Alright!” – player 149 began. – “Imagine the stone is the face of the crook that scammed you.” – she gave him a slight slap against his back, meaning every word of it.

Player 007’s face contracted with pain and sorrow. – “This is the asshole that ruined my life.” – he let out, lip quivering. – “Ya!” – he let out, throwing the stone hard down. With anticipation you watched. Watched as the stone got knocked over. Circle pink suit showing off an O with his hands. Pass. Cheers erupted from within your group. Even louder cheers overpowering.

It made you look to the side. Seeing some players that were waiting had gone up. Cheering along with your victories. The underdogs getting cheered on. – “Way to go!” – you recognized Thanos’s voice loud.

3:30. Arms locked in, you ventured forwards. One two, one two, one two. Huffing and puffing with each step. Reaching the next game. Gong-gi. Player 149 accepted the tiny pieces. A pink suit placing the wooden platform down. All of you came kneeling down with a loud exhale. She grabbed the first piece.

Throwing it up to snatch two at a time from the wood. Throwing the next one up, she swiped her hand over the wood to grab two more. Her hand closing yet one red piece slipping through, hitting the wood hard. Your muscles pulled together. Knowing each failure took away your time. Panting loud, heart beating loud in your chest as you tried not to see on what the timer stood.

Player 120 interfered in your little panic breathing, covering your mouth up. Forcing you to look back at her. With one simple gesture of hers, she managed to calm you down. Player 007 grabbed his mother by her tracksuit. – “You said you played Gong-gi with bullets in the Korean war!” – he lectured at her. Giving back the same attitude she had given him before.

She took a deep breath letting the pieces shake in her hand. With swiftness and focus she tossed them on the wood. Almost blindly grabbing for them. Tossing a piece up, taking the rest. With all she tossed them up, catching them with the back of her hand. – “Mom.” – her son began once more to give her that extra comfort.

“Just imagine the stone is dad’s mistress’ face.” – he pointed almost with hatred at the stone. – “Rotten b*tch!” – she screamed out with disgust. Tossing them all up, hand moving back, snatching them from the air with a swift motion.

With barely any tremble left, she opened her hand to the pink circle suit. They formed an O with their hands. Pass. Screams and cheers erupted from the entire room. Bathing in victory. Player 120 pulled you up as the others followed. Nodding reassuringly at you.

It was only that you stood up that you truly realized you were up next. For a while now, you felt like a watcher. Watching your team stride to victory, you had forgotten you had to participate as well. Your legs feeling like jelly. Player 120 feeling your strength falter as she had to keep you upright with each step.

With each step you got closer to your task. The pink suit came blocking your view, holding out a box with the spinning toll and rope in it. You needed a nudge from player 120 to get in motion. With trembling hands and shaking knees you accepted it. The pink suit moved away as your eyes fell on the pool of blood on the ground. 

Shuddering out a gasp as it made you stumble a bit backwards. – “400 you got this.” – Player 120 said with comfort. Nodding shakily, you started to wrap the rope around the toll. Panting loud as you already felt the sweat form on your forehead. Heart beating loudly in your chest. The clock ticking panickily loud in your ears.

Turning it too fast, the rope slacked, making you need to roll it again. You felt your teammates grunt at the failure. You started again. Rolling it up. Feeling the pressure of a hundred eyes on you. Breathing shakingly as your gaze flashed to the countdown. Not doing any good to your nerves. The rope flopped as you needed to start again.

“Don’t look at the timer, you have enough time.” – player 120 spoke calmly. Nodding shakily, you could feel the sweat drip down your neck. Rolling the rope over the toll a third time. – “Take your time.” – the mother let out with a frantic pant. It only made you more nervous. – “Please stop talking.” – you replied with a shaky voice. Feeling a hand on your back, you presumed Player 120 was keeping her quiet behind your back.

The rope slipped once more due to your sweaty hands. – “I…I…I can’t do this…” – you panted out. Player 120 grabbed you firm by the shoulders, making you face her. – “You can do this!” – she let out. Making you believe every word of her. Your eyes gliding over the crowd, looking for your other friends.

They all had a fear in their eyes, you wished you rather had not seen. Young-il standing amidst them. He had a smile on his lips. Fist in the ready to chant for you. Cheer you on from the side-line. – “Breath and roll!” – Player 120 reassured you. You nodded with a new found encouragement. This time you could take control back. 

Have a say in whether you could live or die. You took the rope, rolling it around the toll. Not here. You weren’t going to be responsible for their deaths. Not now nor ever. Exhaling deep, you let the toll spin. The tip hit the ground as it toggled, spun and remained upright.

The loudest cheer released itself from you. The adrenaline shooting through your veins like a bullet. Player 120 firmly grabbed your arm once more. Heading for the final game. The crowd cheering you on. One two, one two, one two. All with their first pumping in the air. Knowing your friends were cheering you on from the side-line. “You must kick the jegi five times.”

The emotionless woman’s voice spoke through the intercom. Player 120 leaned a bit in. – “Please look away.” – she asked. Without hesitation you did. Turning around. She then turned to the crowd. – “Look away!” – she shouted loud. Everyone got in motion, shoving others to turn their backs as well.

“One.” – player 095 breathed out. – “Two.” – player 007 counted further. – “Three.” – player 149 whispered out, squeezing her eyes shut. – “Four.” – you added seeing the timer on the clock. A fifth sound made you all turn around. – “Five!” – Player 007 showed.

Player 120 could hardly believe it. The pink suit swinging their arms up to form an O. The euphoria shooting like fireworks through your body. Making you shout and scream in pure emotions. Needing that little moment of victory.

A player from the side gave player 120 a little shove to continue. The timer still going down. The entire room supporting and cheering for your team. Fists flying in the air. A heavenly feeling. The finish line in sight with four seconds on the clock. Three. Two. You kept your gaze forwards, determined to reach the finish.

One. The pink ribbon in sight. Player 149 let out a scream of tears as the ribbon snapped. Zero. The room erupted in chaos. Pure raw emotion as they all went wild. Shouting, jumping and throwing their fists up in the air. You started to cry, completely drained out.

Looking behind you, you saw them all cheer. Young-il grabbing Gi-hun in pure blissful that you had made it. That you had made it over the finish line. Your other friends joining in for the underdogs had done it. Cheers becoming louder than the fear. Player 120 pushed you closer to the others, cheering and jumping in a tight group.

All sweaty and crying. For death had missed another chance at you. Pink suits opened the doors for you to walk out. You got unhooked from your teammates. Looking back at your friends you jumped up and down. Bathing in your glory. Seeing the happiness on their faces made you forget for a moment about all the horrors.

Your teammates and you started to walk out. Giving one comforting gesture at your friends that you believed in them. Once you arrived back at the sleeping quarters, you truly felt how drained you were. Almost falling down against player 120 from exhaustion. She had to hold you up right whilst helping you to sit down. Exhaling loud, you let your head lean against her shoulder.

She wrapped her arm around you. Sighing relieved to live another day. After regaining a bit more of your strength, you sat up straight. Taking the moment to get to know each other. Geum-ja kept talking about preparing a good meal for you all once you got out. You were not really listening to her. Attention drawn elsewhere.

Eyes constantly going back to the door to see who would come out. Your friends still needed to play and you needed to be sure to see them come through that door. You don’t know if you would survive if they didn’t. A part of you wanted to be there and cheer them on as euphoric as they had. Yet another part of you didn’t want to see them struggle.

Didn’t want to relive the stress from them passing through with as much struggle as you did. You couldn’t even think about it if they would be shot in front of your eyes. You just couldn’t. Hyun-ju touched your shoulder, sensing what was haunting you. – “They’ll come through, just you wait.” – she told you.

You wanted to believe her very much. Holding on to the little hope she was giving you. Please, please, please come through. Hands pressed together, you knee trembled. With each other group that entered, you got more desperate. Desperate to see them once again. Hyun-ju took your hand to ease your nerves. Giving it a comforting squeeze.

“Unnie what if they don’t make it.” – you said to her, tears pooling in your eyes. – “They will.” – she reassured you with a smile. Tugging some hair behind your ear. – “They will.” – she repeated. You leaned up against her, craving the comfort she was giving you. Then the doors opened. Gi-Hun entering first. Young-il second as it made you stand up. Face contracting with emotions as you let out a relieving gasp.

Making your way through, you jumped down the platform to run at them. – “Y/n!” – Dae-ho called out. He opened his arms to you as you ran straight into them. Picking you off your feet with a spin. He dropped you back down as you moved over to Jun-hee. Hugging her tightly, both of you crying even more. Feeling a presence behind you, made you let go of her.

Turning around, nearly bumping firm against Young-il. His expression unreadable. You cracked up a smile, pressing your hands against his cheeks in joy to see him once more. Your touch shaking Young-il. It made him flutter his eyes, releasing the stern expression. Settling with bliss. Everything around him fading away. Staring back in your eyes. Only seeing you in this moment.

“Y/n!” – Jung-Bae called out, drawing your attention away. Young-il felt your hands slip from against his cheeks. Staring with sorrow in his eyes back at you. Somehow craving your touch on his once more. You joined the others in a group hug. He intentionally moved closer. His body needing to be closer to you. To want you all for himself somehow.

You turned to smile at him. An instant smile growing on his lips. Your smile suddenly faltering. Reminded once again of where you were. These moments of happiness were devilish. Blinding you each time off the truth till the hard reality of the games came swinging at your face once more.

For it is time for another vote.

------------------------------------------

Read more of my fics on my Masterlists!

[danikamariewrites]

Hi I hope it’s ok if i request this you really don’t have to do it. But a Xaden riorson fluff and angst where the reader gets really hurt but they are trying to help people so she hides it from Xaden and when he finds out he’s really mad at her but he’s really just scared of losing her and hates seeing her hurt with a happy ending. I hope this is ok and there is no pressure to do this I completely understand if you don’t want to.

My Greatest Fear

Xaden Riorson x reader

Note: I haven’t written for Xaden in so long, I’ve missed him. I’m so ready for Onyx Storm and I kind of want to do something to celebrate. Should I do a countdown with fics for each FW boy for the week leading up to the books release? I hope you like this fic anon and thanks for requesting :)

Warnings: mentions of blood, injuries, and stitches

More than anything you want to sneak away from the crowded hall. To blend in with the shadows of Riorson House and limp away to your bedroom. Clutching your side you skillfully dodge riders, healers, and everyone in between.

“Y/n! Can you assist over here?” Violet calls to you, her arms full of bandages. You meet her pleading gaze, putting on a generous smile and nodding as you make your way over to her. The slash on your ribs can wait. Others with worse injuries need help.

Pulling the laces of your vest tighter with shaking hands you take the bandages from Violet to help distribute them. “Thank you,” Violet breathes out. She rushes off to take another box from Liam, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek.

A small sigh escapes your lips at the sight, making you wonder where your own boyfriend is. Xaden wasn’t among the injured, not that he would ever let himself be seen like that thanks to the Colonel’s words in the last Assembly meeting. But this wyvern attack has been the worst one yet. Healers are still bringing people in and you don’t want to thank the gods until you lay eyes on an unharmed Xaden.

————

After an hour you were exhausted and light headed. The more you felt the cut on your side dripping blood the tighter you pulled your vest, hoping to keep your skin together. Slumping on the ground you rest for a moment.

Taking deep breathes you try to focus on the chaos around you, tuning out the pain.

Opening your eyes you see Liam staring down at you, a worried look on his face. “Hey,” he says softly. “Xaden is back and asking for you.” Your heart picks up at the mention of your boyfriend.

“Is he ok?” Liam smiles at you. “Of course he is. He’s Xaden.”

You chuckle, “Don’t let him hear you say that. It’ll go right to his head, it’s already big enough.”

Liam holds his hand out to help you. You brush him off, using the wall to help you stand. Liam eyes you as you take a shaky breath. Pulling yourself together you do your best not to limp toward Xaden. You can feel Liam’s gaze burning on the back of your head at your slow movements.

Whipping around — as slowly as possible — you scowl at him. “Stop it. Are you coming or not?” You snarl. Liam holds his hands up in surrender, hurrying his steps to catch up with you.

Stepping into the throne room you take another steadying breath, using the wall to help keep your balance. As leaders of the rebellion mingle, discussing the wyvern and Venin, your eyes immediately find Xaden. You let out a sigh of relief at the sight of him unharmed.

Before you can make your way to him Liam waves him over.

The first thing Xaden notices is how pale you look along with the dark spot growing on the side of your uniform. He wordlessly reaches for your ribs, watching for your reaction. Your hand flys out to grasp his wrist. Your grip weak. “Don’t,” you whisper harshly.

“What’s wrong?” You shake your head. You’re struggling to breathe now. Xaden looks to Liam for answers but all his brother can do is shrug, mirroring his worry.

Your other hand grips Xaden’s bicep as hard as you can. “I can’t…I need,” Xaden holds you closer to his body. His hand gently touching your side. You hiss at the contact and try to push Xaden away. “What do you need baby?”

You don’t know what happened after that. When you blacked out all you heard was Xaden yelling for help and your vest being ripped apart.

When you came to the dizzy feeling is still with you. You try to sit up but a large hand on your shoulder stops you. “Don’t even,” the worry clear in Xaden’s voice. You stare up at him with big eyes, remaining flat on the bed.

Xaden sits on the edge of the bed with a huff. He looked like he was struggling not to scold you. “Why?” Is all he asks.

You knew what he meant. Why walk around tending to the injured when you were bleeding out. Truthfully, you knew it was bad. The Venin you went hand to hand with fought nasty.

“Colonel Gerault yelled at me last time, saying leaders shouldn’t look weak even if we feel weak. You know how he gets about image. Violet needed help and so did our other riders. I needed to know they were ok before I asked for help.”

Xaden let out a deep sigh, annoyed with your selflessness. He rolled his neck while simultaneously clenching his jaw. The tension this man holds in his whole body is astounding. “That’s not true and you know it.”

The two of you sit in silence for a while as Xaden contemplates his next words.

He gently holds your hand, running his thumb across your knuckles. “Do you know what the biggest loss in this war would be to me?” You shrug as the possibilities run through your mind knowing Xaden can hear your thoughts.

With each passing thought his frown deepens. “Not this house, not my dragon, or my father’s legacy. It’s you, sweetheart. You would be the greatest loss for me. I can replace a house and all that other shit. But there is no replacing you.”

A tear escapes down your cheek. Squeezing Xaden’s hand you give him a sad smile. “I need you.” He whispers, leaning down to press a kiss to your forehead. “I’m sorry.”

Xaden shakes his head. “There’s nothing to be sorry for, baby. I just need you to get better.” You hold out your pinky for him. Your sacred tradition when making sure one sticks to their word. “Promise.”

He wraps his pinky around yours before adding, “And, you will stay in bed until that wound is fully healed.” You open your mouth to protest but Xaden gives you a look, lifting your entwined fingers. Showing that you are bound to do as he wishes while you’re hurt.

“Fine.” You agree begrudgingly. “Thank you.” He drops your finger, pressing another kiss to your head, then your lips. You grab the back of his head to deepen the kiss. Xaden moans at the feeling of your tongue swiping against his bottom lip. After a few more minutes of passionately making out Xaden pulls away.

You whine at the lack of lip contact. “You need to rest. If we do what I want to do you’re going to need new stitches.” He smirks at you. “Guess I better get to healing.”