Serix smiled when he felt the connection open up between their minds. He stayed as still as he could, as if he could enhance Cassie’s focus by his lack of movement. He remained like this for a few minutes, calmly enjoying the sensation of their closeness. He always liked two-way links. Feeling the other participant’s essence was an intimate experience that brought Lunairans closer together. He had practiced and applied two-way telepathy many times, but this particular bond was strikingly different. Maybe it was because of their emotional bonds, or maybe it was because of Cassie’s human side, but Serix felt something he could only compare to physical warmth when she completed the link. It was unexpectedly pleasant.

Serix felt Cassie squeeze his hands in their signal that she was getting tired. He cut off the connection and opened his eyes, meeting Cassie’s blue-eyed gaze. She looked tired, but not nearly as pale as she did the first time they tried this exercise. She was progressing much faster than he expected her to, going from a time of just two seconds to two whole minutes. If she continued at this rate, they might even be able to start conversing soon.

[b]“Well, that was easier,”[/b] Cassie said, looking up at him. [b]“But I still think I might need help getting back to the room.”[/b]

“Oh really?” Serix replied with a wry edge to his voice. “That innocent smile of yours isn’t fooling anyone, Cassie. You know you just can’t keep your hands off of me.” He grinned at her teasingly. “I guess I’ll have to satisfy your neediness.” He helped her stand up and then slipped one arm around her back and the other arm behind her knees, sweeping her off her feet in one clean motion. “Back to the room, we go,” he smirked at her mischievously as he walked down the hall, carrying her in his arms.