“Are you sure?” I ask, still not loving the idea of rooting around in someone else’s head. I know all too well what kind of damage can come from stumbling across the wrong thing in someone’s mind. I will spend the rest of my life being overly cautious and diligent to avoid a repeat performance.
No one has, or can fault, me for being hesitant to try out this particular gift.
“I’ve got nothing to hide.” Rhosyn shrugs, then freezes, eyes going wide. “Unless you accidentally stumble across what Canaan likes in bed. Then I definitely have something to hide.”
Seren bursts out laughing. Siggy sinks lower in her chair, cheeks pink.
Rhosyn considers it for half a second longer, then waves it off with a shrug. “Eh. Whatever, I’ll risk it. Worst thing that’ll happen is you get some new ideas to use out on Nick.”
“Rhosyn,” Seren chokes.
The beta female just grins wickedly and closes her eyes, relaxing deeper into her seat. “All right, honey, let’s do this.”
I draw a steadying breath and let my magic reach for her.
There’s a familiar buzz as the connection forms, a faint crackle that snaps into place, and suddenly my perspective shifts. I’m not seeing through my own eyes or in my own head. I’m inside Rhosyn’s. As if it’s mine, I can feel the unshakable bond between her and her wolf. It’s a seamless coexistence that makes my chest ache with longing. The trust and familiarity between them is something I want so badly for my own wolf. When she reaches inward, calling her animal half forward, there’s no uncertainty. No wavering. She lets go.
I retreat before the shift itself begins. Heart pounding, I settle back into myself.
“Okay,” I murmur with a sharp, determined nod. “I’ll try again.”
I step back, shaking out my hands like that might help my body relax enough for this to actually work.
Eyes closed, I find her instantly, seemingly right beneath my skin, and reach for her. I imagine my fingers brushing through her fur, a quiet offering for her to come. She continues to pace back and forth, but her movements are unhurried, her presence only patient and watchful now. That anxious and desperate need to be freed that I’ve grown accustomed to isn’t there anymore. And I don’t know what to make of its absence.
I try to coax her forward. Silently pleading with her as I wait.
Nothing happens.
After another long moment, my eyes pop open again and a frustrated sound builds in my throat.
My friends are still watching, quietly waiting.
“Maybe she just hasn’t found the right motivation,” Seren offers lightly.
Rhosyn’s grin turns conspiratory. “Yeah. Go find your man. Have him hunt you through the woods for a bit. See if that motivates her.”
My heart stutters.
And somewhere inside, my wolf lifts her head, intrigued.
The thread in my chest,made up of strands that make usus, now braided strong and unbreakable, pulls tighter and brightens the closer I get to the conference room door.
When the snow started coming down, we left the firepit and headed inside.
At first, I really did try to make a conscious effort to not search him out. I knew he was busy and didn’t shut himself away with Canaan and Rook all afternoon for the solitude. What they’ve been working on matters, and hovering at his side would only get in the way. This reason held until I reached the main floor of the house. Then my feet started moving without conscious thought, carrying me down the long hallway that leads to the offices on the administrative side of the house.
And now, with every step, the itch to be near him digs deeper.
I make it to the closed door and stop. Light spills out from underneath it and voices seep through the wood, low and serious. My hand hovers near the handle, then I pull my fingers back at the last second as reason snaps back into focus. I really shouldn’t interrupt.
I manage to take half a step back, getting ready to force myself to turn around.
But then…
Come here, little mate.
His voice slides into my head like it belongs there, warm and steady, laced with that quiet dominance that never fails to leave me a little unmoored.
