CHAPTER 76: JAMES' MATE

Poor James stood completely frozen in front of his mate. His companions were just as mesmerized by the woman they saw.

Her hair was woven into long micro-braids that touched the small of her back. Her Nubian nose was a little different, it had a tiny jewel that glinted on the left side. But the ebony-black skin, the wispy eyelashes, the plump coral lips, and the eyebrows that were always turned up at the inward tips, furrowed, as if judging everything you're doing, were exactly as James remembered. His eyes raked her figure. She seemed more mature, and he liked that. It had been 19 years since he'd seen her, so of course she'd look different. But one thing was for sure: she was even more beautiful than ever.

“Lucinda,” James whispered. “Is it really you?” He held his breath and closed his eyes.

Lucinda stretched out her fist and ran her palm over his cheek. James gasped for air, leaning into her touch. His frame erupted with sparks at every juncture of his body. “Yes, my love. It i