Lie or the truth?
“Yes.” The truth it was. “But more than that, I don’t want to invest in something when the other party isn’t as equally invested.”
Len straightened, his expression serious. “You are the only female in my life. Romantically. From the moment I felt your energy, heard your call for help, I’ve been lost to all others.”
He looked like he was about to continue, but I didn’t need anything else. I’d seen something innocent, and he’d cleared it up. This almost felt like a grown-up relationship, and I was so here for it.
“Thank you for being honest with me,” I told him, relaxing. “I just didn’t want to keep wondering and considering worst case scenarios. Asking was the easiest option.”
Len leaned down so our faces were closer together. “I have no secrets from you, Sam. Never be afraid to ask me questions. We have lifetimes to learn about each other, and I personally can’t fucking wait.”
My lips tilted of their own accord. “And you think I have a dirty mouth.”
His eyes turned to my favorite winter storms. “You have no idea.”
Yeah, I was going to need a demonstration of that, because his expression was promising meallkinds of goodness.
“Now that your questions are out of the way,” Len said, still close enough that his icy power was coating my bare skin, “I think it’s time for us to attempt to unlock our memories. Mother will keep Tabby safe. It’s probably better she’s not in the house anyway, just in case there’s any energy blowback.”
Whoa!Was I ready for that? Leaving Tabitha here, in a room of virtual strangers, in the land of Faerie, went against every grain of my being. But, as I took a second to consider his proposal, I had to admit that he’d made some decent points. After Shadow almost killed me trying to lift the block, I knew there was a risk of energy explosion, which was a risk to Tabitha.
“Swear to me that my daughter will be returned to me as soon as we are done,” I said, my tone brittle. Blind trust was reserved for those without my history. “Give me your word.”
“I give you my word, vow, and promise,” he said without anger or hesitation. “Tabitha will be safe with my mother and returned to you the moment we’re done.”
Once again, my instincts told me I could trust him. And his mother.
“Okay,” I nodded, “but I want to say goodbye and explain what we’re doing, so she doesn’t think she’s being abandoned.”
Len nodded. “I’ll bring her to you. Wait here.”
He hurried off to Glendriel, and feeling a little parched I stumbled over to a nearby table of crystal glasses. Choosing one with clear liquid, I was anticipating the citrusy water again, but when a sweet fizz of blackberry hit my tongue, I paused. “Whoa.”
Taking another tentative sip, I almost moaned as the sweet and tart flavor coated my tongue. It was so damn good, and by the time Len returned with Tabitha in his arms, tracking me down at the refreshments area, I’d finished the entire glass. Looking between me and the empty crystal, his lips tilted in a crooked grin. “You’re going to regret that one tomorrow, Sam.”
Blinking slowly, I smiled broadly at him. “You’re very beautiful,” I said.
His grin grew, even as he shook his head. “You are beautiful, sweetheart. And I’ve got your baby so you can say goodbye.”
This was probably the point I figured out I was a tiny bit tipsy. Not enough to really impair my judgement, but enough to loosen my tongue.
Tabitha went eagerly into my arms, and I hugged her close, breathing in her delicate and floral scent. “I love you so much,” I gushed. “Mommy and Daddy are just going to see if we can lift the Faerie glamour. Are you okay staying with Granny Queen for a little while?”
Len snorted. “Granny Queen. She’s going to love that one.”
Ignoring him, I focused on Tabitha, who shot me a toothy smile. “Yes, Mamamama.”
I couldn’t help myself, leaning in and kissing her little cheeks over and over. “You are so clever, baby girl. We’re so proud of you.”
It hurt me to know she’d been suffering all those years on Earth. Weak, not getting the sustenance she needed. No matter how much Len reassured me she’d existed in a stasis, to see her so vibrant and healthy now broke me into pieces. There was no level of pain I could inflict on Alpha Lorenze that could make up for what he took from her. From us.
As soon as my memories were unlocked, I would go back and deal with him. For good.
Returning Tabitha to Len, he bowed his head to me before moving through the crowd once more to hand her to the queen. I followed, since there was no point waiting behind this time. “We will all guard her with our lives,” Glendriel assured me when I got closer. “Call if you need any energy assistance.”
Len nodded. “I have some ideas to try first, but if that fails, I’ll ask for help.”
Tabitha waved at us, and I blew her a kiss, all the while ignoring the ache in my chest at walking away from her.
