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Before I can allow myself to look for them, though, I need to meet Maggie and her eccentric family unit.
I put my hand over Ren’s. “Trust me, sweet one. It’s the only way, and we’re overdue for a visit.”
Ren bows his head, sighing. “Fine. Then I can say nothing else to change your mind.”
I hide my smile by kissing the edge of his chin.
***
“Are you sure you don’t need me to tag along?”
Rhyl stands in front of our communal fire, gnawing on her bottom lip. She’s been pacing in front Ren and I’s private home for the last half-hour, ever since we announced our trip earlier in the day. The girl and I have grown close since she’s been here.
I’ve learned many things about her. Like the fact that she’s shy and hates looking at her reflection, or that she’s secretly in love with Nevo, the most obnoxious of the twins.
They’re innocent love and her future are reasons I ask her to stay. “You’re needed here.”
Her face falls, and I’m compelled to continue. “No one else knows how to run this place other than the two of us. It’s important for you to stay, Rhyl.” I place my hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently.
She nods, but her disappointment lingers.
“I’ll take you next time,” I promise.
Ren interrupts us by blanketing me in a swath of pale yellow fabric. He wraps the material around my shoulders, tying it just below my chin. When I turn to excuse myself from Rhyl, she’s already gone.
I touch the edge of my robe, cocking my head in question at Ren. “What’s this?” The velvet fabric warms me on contact, layering my body with added insulation.
Ren finishes tucking the edges in around my neck before lifting his thumb to my cheek. He strokes my skin, heating me further. He dips his face, the warmth of his breath calming the butterflies before they have time to appear. “It’s cold,” he whispers.
I wait for his kiss to land, but it never does. Instead, his arms wrap around me, one at my waist and the other lifting my ass. We move, and I struggle to hang on while the force of the wind beats against my back. Somewhere along the way he repositions me, holding both of my legs while my face stays angled against his chest.
Traveling this way isn’t my favorite. I’d much prefer to take six hours rather than twenty minutes, but I admit it’s the best use of our time.
Ren is anxious, and his anxiety is brushing off on me.
His lips dip to my ear, cupping over his face to prevent the current of air from dragging away his voice. “We’ve close. If they’re paying attention, they’ll already be expecting us.”
I switch my attention to his thoughts.
Jacel knows my mind, he’ll realize I’m heading toward them before the others. Would it be wise for me to reach out first? To explain Thea? Or should I keep her a secret until we’re near the base? She can protect herself from the Queen. Shehasto be strong enough to save herself from any evil intentions.
My poor mate is a mess of worries. I sigh against his chest, patting him.
Eventually, his pace slows.
“Thea-”
I’m upright quicker than my body can handle, and I stumble, gripping Ren’s arm until the world stops spinning.
“Thea, are you alright?”
I nod, trying to gain my bearings. Ren squeezes my hand, and when I glance at his face, I realize it’s locked with double meaning. His eyes tell me tolisten.
Thea, listen. Thea, the Queen is behind you. She waits at the gates.
I turn, coming face to face with the darkest beauty I’ve ever seen.
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