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If I can even remember his face.
“Yes. I couldn’t have chosen them better myself,” he said honestly, then he turned to me with that West wisdom, eyes hard but genuine. “And now you’re at a crossroads. You can accept your fate and spend the next two weeks or so before you have those babies to get to know your mates. Because even your stubborn ass can’t deny that they’re your mates. Or you can be miserable and lost and sulk. Alone.”
“Damn, West. Always a savage,” I grumbled. He laughed and patted my leg as he got up from the couch.
“I’ll let you stew on that one, but just know that you won’t go wrong by giving them a chance. They’ll be great dads to the baby,” he reassured me.
“Babies. There’s two. I’m positive,” I said absently.
He laughed. “See, you’re stronger than you know, and I’d wager your magic is there somewhere.” I stared after him as he left, trying to not let those words give me too much hope. Could my babies have tethered my magic to me so he couldn’t take it all? Would I survive their birth? Maybe it wouldn’t kill me, just leave me in a weakened state?
But if that were true, where was Zehra?
The thought of my lost dragon had tears welling in my eyes. In the most literal sense of the word, she was my soulmate. We shared our souls in this body and our other form. Being separated was torture.
What I needed right now was comfort. I decided to give what West said some merit and pulled out my new phone, though I didn’t send any texts until I was in my bed and snuggled under the covers. Even here, I could smell them. Those small signs were getting me through all of this even though I wanted to deny it.
Farren:Can you tell me about you guys? I know it’s odd since I should know you… but we’re having babies together. I don't want to give birth with strangers.
Kane:No apologies. Let’s just start over for now. I’m Kane. Resident asshole who was taught to fight, so I tend to be the destructive, out-for-blood alpha of the group, but you’ve changed me. I’m going to treat this like a second chance. I’ll be able to get to know you all over again. And I won’t ever give up the hunt for justice. He will pay for what he’s done.
Avi:I’m Avi, a witch from an awful coven who learned not to trust easily, but I want to fight for our babies to have a better life than I did. I will spend every day from now until forever earning your trust and love back.
Levi:I’m Levi, dragon and chef extraordinaire. I’d love it if we could have lunch at the cabin tomorrow. I’ll make your favorite. Maybe that’ll make this whole getting-to-know-you process less awkward.
My heart clenched at the adorable answers, and I found myself wanting to agree without thinking about it. Not to mention I was curious if he truly knew my favorite food.
Farren:I’m in.
Niko:I’m sorry I’ll be missing it. Perhaps we could have a video call date tomorrow evening? It’ll be right before we reach the university, so perfect timing.
Farren:Okay. I’ll call when I get back?
Niko:Perfect. Goodnight, Farren. I can’t wait to get to know you all over again. Life may have thrown us some twists, but I can assure you that we are mates for a reason. We won’t give up until we have your magic back and you know us just as well as you did before.
My eyes blurred with tears at his sweet words, and it took a moment before I could see well enough to type a reply. Now that I’d talked with them even just this little bit, it felt like what I’d needed was someone to reassure me that I’d be enough for them—with or without my memories.
Farren:Thank you for not giving up on me. Goodnight.
Levi:We would never give up on you.
Even if I didn’t know them well yet, having someone else who was solidly in my corner felt amazing. West was my family, which had brought me so much comfort over the years, but having them made me feel a little less alone.
Maybe this will work out after all.
ChapterThree
Farren
In the chaos, I’d forgotten about my cabin until Levi mentioned it. We were set to meet there in an hour, but I was too excited to wait. However, I wasn’t going to just leave without an escort. My attacker hadn’t succeeded in killing me, and I wasn’t foolish enough to think that he wouldn’t try to rectify his mistake.
“West, I want some time to myself in the cabin before the guys come. Will you walk me over?” I asked as I poked my head into his office.
“Damn, you did take a hit to the noggin,” he teased. “You never ask for help. But I’m glad you did.” He was already up and pulling on his snow gear.
“Thanks,” was all I offered. I couldn't exactly argue since I knew I was stubborn as hell. But it would be stupid to go out there with no magic or dragon to protect myself with, and I liked to think that I wasn’t stupid.
“I’m glad you’re giving them a chance. You’ve all been moping around here, and I can't take it,” he joked as we stepped into the falling snow. The crisp mountain air was refreshing, so I took in a big lungful. It was the first time I’d stepped out since waking, and it was revitalizing. In fact, it was grounding. My anxiety lessened, and as I gazed up at the mountains, I longed to stretch my wings. In reality, I wasn’t sure I could ever shift again, but I refused to give that thought merit. I’d fly again, one way or another.I’ll get Zehra back.
