Hidden Fate

12

Edna tilted her head. “That’s actually beautiful and makes sense.”

I yawned. I couldn’t help it. I’d been struggling to stay awake, and now the adrenaline from potentially being in danger had vanished, along with every last bit of energy I’d had.

Elliott snorted. “I’ve been up just as long as you, and I’m not falling over.”

“That’s because you’re used to playing video games all night long.” Eva placed a hand on her hip and shot him a glare. “And Everly fought the warriors.”

Edna walked past our group and up the stairs to the front porch. She removed a key from her pants pocket and unlocked the front door. “I need to get back before the thunder wakes, and you all should get some rest.” She opened the door wide. It almost hit the back of a heather-gray cloth couch in the living room.

“There are six bedrooms,” she informed us as she handed the key to Thorn. “A master and another downstairs across the house from each other, three upstairs, and one in the attic. The attic bedroom actually has three full-size beds and a queen, so there should be plenty of room.”

I waited for her to go inside, but she remained at the door and continued, “You all go in and get some rest. I’ll bring Mindy by later today after lunch. If you need anything, feel free to call me. Just don’t come to the thunder.” She paused, glancing at all of us.

I forced a smile and murmured, “Thank you.”

Wincing, she sighed. “I wish I could say I was doing this for you, but honestly, this is for Mindy. If Thorn can heal her, it’ll be worth it.”

Our bond pulsed with Thorn’s trepidation. Each time he needed to use his magic, he grew uneasy. But his nervousness didn’t seem as bad as before. I hoped he was beginning to realize that his abilities might not be a curse.

“It will be.” Sol beamed as his arm brushed Eva’s. “He made a difference for me.”

“Good.” Edna strolled past us, heading back toward the woods where she’d shifted.

She must have had clothes stowed away for when they came here, especially since she’d flown all this way, and it was at least a forty-five-minute drive back to the thunder.

Let’s go inside, Thorn connected. His large hand pressed against the small of my back, buzzing against my skin and urging me in. A combination of grief and needing peace simmered in our bond.

I walked around the huge couch, which looked like two L-shaped pieces pushed together to form a U shape. There was a matching footstool in the center and a fireplace in front. A TV was perched over the mantel.

“We need to assign everyone a room,” Vlad said as he entered the house after Thorn.

After a few seconds, we’d all crammed inside. Elliott flopped on the couch. If I sat down, I’d be asleep in seconds.

Saphira pointed at the couch. “I’ll sleep here in front of the door. I’m tired of bunking with people.” With a lifted brow, she glared at Elliott.

He rolled his eyes but moved down the couch, clearing a spot for Saphira. “Just wait until I’m a dragon.”

“Everly and Thorn should have some privacy for at least a night, so Vlad and I can room with Peter.” Cassidy walked over to the doorframe on the right. A hallway left of the stairs led to a bedroom. The stairs were directly in front of us, with some sort of table to the right, but the wall cut off most of my view.

“I guess that means Eva, Dad, and I are rooming with Cassidy and Vlad in the attic.” Elliott pouted.

Sol bounced on his feet. “If you don’t want to stay in a room with them, I can.”

Cheeks flaming, Eva stared at the wooden floor but smiled shyly.

“What?” Theron shook his head. “No. They’re family. They should stick together.”

“Yeah, man.” Elliott scowled and crossed his arms. “You sleeping in the same room as my sister? Not happening.”

“We’ll take a room down here,” Thorn said and guided me to the hallway. “You all can figure out the rest. I need sleep.” The pressing heat swirled harder between us, a desperate emotion taking hold.

The rest of the group continued to talk, but I couldn’t focus on them. Thorn was struggling.

We headed down the hallway to the first door and stepped into the master bedroom. The wooden floor and beige color scheme matched the rest of the house, and a king-size bed sat against the far wall. Thorn locked the door and placed his head against the wood as those emotions he’d been holding back burst through him.

I stepped toward him and wrapped my arms around his waist. It was my turn to take care of him in whatever way he needed. Just know I’m here.

He spun around in my arms, his eyes darkening. I know. His lips touched mine as his tongue begged for entrance.

And just like that…all my exhaustion was gone.

As his tongue stroked into my mouth, my body warmed. It had been over twenty-four hours since we’d had s*x, which felt like forever. My stomach clenched with need, but I pushed it aside…for now.

My dragon roared in protest as I pulled back, breathless. Thorn countered my move to eliminate the distance I’d put between us.

Hands on his chest, I pushed him back hard enough for his eyes to open, allowing me to see his gorgeous sky blue irises. I’d already memorized every diamond fleck in them. They were one of my favorite parts of him and the first thing I’d noticed, even at night in a car.

His brow furrowed. What’s wrong?

You’re upset, and I want to make sure you’re all right before we go further. I cupped his cheek, noticing his long lashes framing those eyes. Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for s*x, but I don’t want you to use that as a remedy to ignore what’s going on inside you.

Blowing out a breath, he frowned and clenched his jaw. That’s the last thing I’d ever want you to think I was doing. He lowered his forehead to mine and wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me close.

In fairness, I didn’t think it was intentional. I smiled sadly. But you did just lose your biological father, and you’ve been a mess of emotions since we left the barn. I kissed his cheek. I don’t want to push, but I also don’t want to taint our bond, even accidentally.