"We’ll fix this," I said, determined. "Earth and Faerie need each other, and I will not allow whatever is happening to end these worlds."
Deloria looked at me fully, for what might have been the first time. "If you can fix this and return our daughter to us, I will understand why you’re worthy to be her true mate."
Justice met my gaze, and there was a slight eyeroll at her mother's dramatics.
"Sure, no pressure there," Tyson quipped from beside me. When everyone looked at him, he shrugged. "What? My brother is worthy without having to do one damn thing. We've saved the worlds multiple times already, and you'd do well to remember that."
I'd been trying not to force the issue, hoping they'd come around on their own—the best solution for Justice. Tyson clearly didn't feel the same way, and since it was second nature to defend our pack, I didn’t fault him for having my back.
"Thanks, bro," I said, slapping him on the shoulder. "Ready to save the world one more time?"
He nodded. "Fuck yes I am. We got this."
He turned to where Grace was hurrying back, having said her goodbyes, and took her into his arms. His magic swelled around us. "I can't open a portal," he said a moment later. "I'm trying, but nothing is happening."
"Are we too late?" Justice asked, voice hoarse.
Tyson reached out to me, grabbing my shoulder. "Power me up, Jake."
Our bond snapped into place, echoes of Braxton and Maximus tearing along the connection as well. Tyson's already impressive power surged even further and there was a stirring of energy, but not enough to bring the step-through to life.
"Maybe we should try," Grace said when Tyson looked ready to lose his shit. No doubt she could hear him cursing through their bond, just as I could.
She stepped over to Justice, the two of them holding hands as swirls of their icy jeweled power washed over everyone nearby. Conversations stopped as the fey turned to see what was happening, and when they realized it was their princesses performing their unique brand of linked magic, awe descended over them.
I was one lucky fey to have her as my true mate.
Truthfully, I’d half loved this prickly, snarky, sexy-as-fuck chick long before I knew she was fey. I wanted her when I thought she was human.
I was not losing her now.
28
Justice Winter
I'd only just recently come into control of my power by bonding properly with the jewels. Problem was, that recent meant that I was next to useless in knowing how to use my powers in a really productive way. Some worked by instinct, but a lot didn’t.
Here’s hoping instinct kicked in soon on how to open a pathway between the currently unstable worlds, otherwise everyone I loved would be destroyed. I agreed with Jacob that somehow this was the direct result of President Caine and his actions. He had plans that went far beyond what he’d put out into the world. I hadn’t known specific details to really warn the supernaturals, but the vibes were bad.
As Grace tightened her hold on my hand, we let our power mingle, the two jewels so strong that gasps rang out. I couldn’t see what they did, my eyes were closed as I focused, but I guessed it was something impressive.
"The line is hurting," Grace said, her voice loud to be heard over the energy building around us. "We need to get this portal open and stop whatever is happening."
There was nothing I wanted more than to open this damn portal, but it wasn’t working like it usually did … we were being blocked. Or maybe the line itself was just too damaged…
We were too late.
Hands touched mine, Cam and Gretley’s energy appearing in our bond, and my eyes flew open as a true cacophony of power erupted.
Screams rose from my chest, lodging in my throat as I fought the destructive powers. We were clashing against whatever was holding the ley line, and it was not going to be pretty if the two didn't find their way together. If we were rejected, the force might kill everyone here.
I met Grace's wide, panicked gaze. She knew what I was thinking and felt the same way.
Call on the jewels!
I shouted through our bond to my sisters.
We need their power if we want to live.
