Fates Entwined

42

I slumped to my knees and stared at the spot where Jordan had just been. Where could she have taken him that the mate bond wouldn't be able to follow?

No, I thought. Anything but there. But it was the only thing that made sense. Roxandra must have taken Jordan to the one place she knew I couldn’t follow.

Solundra.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Panic set in not long after I realized where Roxandra had taken Jordan. I had no idea how to save him in Solundra, or what I was supposed to do next. I stared at the space where he’d disappeared, replaying those last few moments. It had all happened so fast, and it was all my fault. My plan had failed, my magic wasn't strong enough, and now Jordan was gone.

I remembered the way Roxandra had smiled at him, like he was a slab of meat. She wanted his blood for something, and whatever it was, it couldn't be good. My stomach twisted at the thought of her trying to use his body to make a baby, but no—that was not going to happen. I was going to get him back.

There was one person in Daybreak who might know how to get to Solundra. I raced back to Jordan's truck, threw on the extra clothes that I'd packed, and then drove at reckless speeds toward town, to the one house I least wanted to visit.

The gate opened for me as soon as I pulled up, and I parked right next to the fountain and jumped out, racing toward the mansion's front door.

Debra opened it before I could knock, her expression worried. “What’s wrong?”

“Roxandra. She took Jordan to Solundra.”

Fear flashed in her eyes, but then her face became steel again. "Come inside."

“Mom?” A familiar voice asked, as Debra swept me into the house. Griffin raced down the stairs and spotted me. “What are you doing here? Where’s Jordan?”

“Jordan's been taken," I said. "I need to get to Solundra."

"How do you know he's there?" Debra asked.

"Roxandra vanished with him, and I..." I hesitated, but this news would come out soon enough. "I can't feel him through the mate bond anymore."

Debra's eyebrows shot up. "So you've become mates then?" She nodded, not even waiting for the answer. "Good. That will help once we get to Solundra."

"We?" I asked.

"Obviously I'm coming with you." She gave me a stern look. "Your moon magic won't work in Solundra. You'll need all the help you can get."

"I'm coming too," Griffin said, standing up straighter.

Debra shot him a sharp look. “Absolutely not."

He gave her a look that reminded me of Jordan when he was upset. “You can’t keep acting like I’m a kid! I can help too."

“It’s too dangerous for you there,” Debra said. “I won't let Roxandra take you too."

Griffin let out a frustrated noise and stormed out of the room. I supposed that was his way of backing down. I didn't have time to worry about him though.

Debra pinched the bridge of her nose and then shook it off. "I can open a bridge to Solundra, but we'll need to bring some warriors who can fight vampires and witches. You need to rally them quickly."

My mind immediately went to my family and friends, but I couldn't ask them for help. Larkin's magic wouldn't work in Solundra, and Ayla was about to have a baby—I couldn't ask her to go. I wouldn't risk my brother's life either. No, I had to do this alone. "I don't have anyone who can come."

"Nonsense. You're the Leo alpha female now. You have an entire pack of warriors at your service."

Me? Rally the Leos? It was one thing to be Jordan's mate in private, but being the alpha female of the Leo pack and expecting them to follow me was a whole other matter. I wasn't sure I could do it, or that any of them would even listen to me. But what other choice did I have?

For Jordan, I would try.

I stood up straighter, summoning the courage that the Leos were known for. "Okay. Let me see what I can do."

Debra's lips curved into a small smile, and for the first time I actually saw a hint of pride in her eyes.

I shaded my eyes against the sun and turned to look at the assembled Leo warriors. I was surprised by how many people had volunteered when I’d asked them to come. Most of them I didn't know by name, but after I'd called Cannon and explained to him what was going on, he'd jumped into action and summoned all the warriors he could get on short notice. Now we stood at the edge of the town, still inside of the wards, while Debra prepared to open the portal.

Griffin stood to the side, hands shoved in his pockets. I could tell that he was still put out by not being able to join us, so I caught his eye and motioned for him to come over. He looked reluctant, but shuffled over.

I dropped my voice low as he came close. “I know you want to come with us, but I need someone here who can protect everyone while we're in Solundra. While we're gone, you're the acting alpha."

Griffin’s eyes widened. “Me? Are you sure?"

I patted him on the shoulder. “I know you can handle it, and it will make me feel better knowing the pack is safe while I'm gone."

Griffin straightened. “I’ll do my best." I nodded, and gave his shoulder one last pat before I walked over to Debra, who was watching Griffin.

“Thank you,” she said. “I was worried he'd try to sneak inside the portal with us."

“No problem,” I said. "We're ready when you are."

"Then let's begin. I'll need a few minutes to open the portal." She turned away and raised her hands, muttering something in ancient Greek while light gathered in her hands.