“Yes, around midnight,” I confirmed.
“Why don’t you take our girl for a walk?” Zeke smiled.
“I thought we decided it wasn’t safe to have anyone see us?”
Zeke nodded, “That’s true, but there’s a gate at the very back of our yard that leads to a trail in the woods.
“Yep, it’s extremely private and it leads to a beautiful view of the lake.” Zane yawned and leaned his head back, closing his eyes.
“Why are you helping me?” I was confused.
“We need you to get close enough for my Nexi to mark you. We all agreed that we need a fully bonded Faction, and you’re the last holdout, my friend.” Nathan explained.
“I’m not arguing. Now that I realized how wrong I was keeping her at arm's length, I want her tied to me in as many ways as she’ll allow.” And some she won’t, I thought to myself.
Iknocked on Chloe’s door, and Reverie pulled it open.
“Would you like to go for a walk with me?”
“Sure, I’d love to get some air.” She whispered, “I thought we were on lockdown. Are you breaking me out?”
I smiled and leaned down to whisper in her ear
“No, we’re going for a walk in the woods behind the house.”
Reverie shivered, looking up at me with heat in her eyes,
“Let’s go.”
When we went downstairs, Adelaide and Meredith were still talking about the plans for the ceremony.
“Where are you kids going?” Meredith asked.
“I’m taking Reverie for a walk to see the lake,” I answered.
Adelaide frowned, “Is it safe? We don’t want to advertise that we’re here.”
“It’s safe. No one is ever back there, and the path goes deep into the woods.” Meredith reassured her.
“Okay, just don’t be gone too long or I’ll worry.” Adelaide tried to make her words sound teasing, but we both knew she was serious.
“We won’t, Mom,” Reverie leaned down and kissed her cheek.
We left through the back door and luckily didn’t run into the other parents. I was reasonably sure that Reverie’s dad would stop us, and I really wanted this time alone with her.
Leaving through the gate, the path was clearly marked. It led through a small field and directly into the woods.
I took Reverie’s hand.
“Are you really okay?”
“Yes, why wouldn’t I be?”
“Well, it’s not every day someone attempts to kidnap you.” I smiled.
“Oh, that.” She grinned, “How could I not be okay when my five big, strong men rescued me in seconds?”
“It was only fair, since my little, tiny Nexus rescued me a few days ago.” I brought her hand to my mouth and kissed her knuckles.
