“She has three mates to help carry the burden,” Draven says, squeezing her hand.
“That may be, but I know better than anyone that the fates use those you love in a way that makes that weight heavier, not lighter. They will test you and I promise, I’m not trying to scare you. I’m just warning you the life of a hero is hard.”
“I didn’t ask for this,” Kira whispers.
“Neither did I, but can you leave saving the world to someone who wasn’t chosen by the fates themselves? Can you force the shifters to live in the dark?” I ask. “They aren’t joking about the dangers the supernaturals are facing if you don’t step up. I wish I could step up for you, but I can’t because I’m not a part of that world. You are the only one who can do that.”
If she doesn’t listen, it may not matter what happens in the coming days because the humans will kill us all.
15
“What’s going on?” Raven glances at Greyson as he slows the SUV.
“There’s a lot of humans up ahead.” Greyson breathes deeply through his nose. “This isn’t good.”
“Why would there be a bunch of humans at the border to Montana?” I ask.
“I don’t know. Could there be an issue with volcanic activity? Yellowstone is in Wyoming and Montana. It could have something to do with that.” Kira sits forward.
“Yellowstone is a hotbed for volcanic activity. Let’s check it out and see what’s going on because we need to get to Montana as quickly as possible.” I glance out the windshield.
“Agreed.” Raven nods.
Greyson accelerates and we bump down the road again until flashing lights in the distance flare through the trees. “What is happening? Why do they have emergency vehicles?”
“There’s a blockade at the border. There are also state troopers and the fire department there.” Greyson leans forward. “What the hell are we going to do?”
“Is there a way around this? Another place along the border maybe that’s not so heavily guarded?” I ask.
“Maybe but it will set us back. This is the closest we can get to Etna. It’s a straight shot from here.” Greyson shakes his head.
“Wait. Draven you got us through a security check before when we went to go retrieve the hammer. Can you do that here?” Raven asks.
“I don’t know. There were only a few firemen there. I’ll need to get closer to see how many people we’re dealing with.” Draven runs a hand down his face.
“What did you do?” Kira asks.
“He never told you?” I ask.
“No. I knew that he helped you retrieve the shield but never any details.” She shrugs.
“Because I was an asshole the entire time. It wasn’t my finest moments.” Draven frowns.
“We were in Colorado to help them with your dad’s golden bulls, Kira. The fire department was evacuating Grand Junction and blocking the road to keep people out. Draven used his magic to convince them to leave so we could get through, but he’s right. Other than that and the end of our journey, he was an asshole.” I grin at him.
“He’s redeemed himself, though.” Raven nods to Draven.
“She’s right. Don’t worry about the past. We wouldn’t have gotten even this far if you hadn’t shown up when you did in the fight for Artemis.” I shake my head. “All of you.”
“Thank you,” Draven says, turning red. “Should we get closer and see if we can get through?”
“Yeah, this is the best route, and if they have it blocked here, they are going to have the entire southern border blocked off. We may have to get out and hike to the mountain.”
“Let’s hope we don’t have to do that, but at least this time we’re prepared if we do,” Raven says.
“You packed hiking gear?” I ask.
“You didn’t see it in the trunk?” Raven frowns.
