Chapter 21
Something very strange happened.
I knew I was unconscious. My mind floated in darkness, yet I was acutely aware of my own body. I knew my three alphas surrounded me, taking care of me, all muttering and murmuring in concern.
In the distance, the sound of water, lapping at the shore. A cool breeze in the trees. The warmth of my alphas’ hands and the sun’s rays beating down. The rich earth beneath me.
Something pulsed inside me, thick and low, almost like a heartbeat. Something that wasn’t there before.
Something powerful.
My eyes snapped open and I gasped as I awakened with a start. Immediately I was rushed by the faces of my alphas.
“Matheson, are you okay?” Colton asked.
“Guys, give him some space,” Eric growled, but he looked just as concerned as they did.
I grunted as I sat upright. My body didn’t feel sore, like I expected it to.
Instead, I only felt a strange sense of calm. Peace.
What the hell was going on?
I lifted my head and took in my surroundings. We weren’t in Colton’s library anymore. In fact, we weren’t in North Pack at all. Familiar swaying trees circled us. I tried to smell the air, but the only thing I caught was the scent of burning wood and sweet smoke, like the ceremonial bonfire that was only lit in one place.
“Are we on the center island?” I asked.
“Yes,” Eric said.
“Did Colton swim here carrying all of us on his back?”
Eric’s mouth tightened. “No. Apparently there are boats in North Pack, after all. Swimming here is just a Coltonism.”
“Oh.” I smiled at the thought, which was strangely funny to me at the moment.
Eric’s brow was creased with worry. “Anyways. After we discovered the meaning of the verse, you passed out. I know it’s not logical, but that powerful reaction makes me think it’s the truth after all.”
“Right,” I mumbled as it came back to me. “The four petals. The flower. Us.”
Colton sat next to me so our skin touched and he nuzzled my shoulder. His warmth flooded through my body. “I was really scared when you went unconscious.”
I pet his white-blond hair. “I’m okay. It’s like Eric said, I just had a strong reaction to it.” I frowned as I suddenly noticed someone was missing. “Wait, where’s Ramsay?”
Eric pointed over his shoulder. Ramsay stood on the opposite side of the island, pacing around the shore and calling someone’s name. As the mind haze wore off, I recognized it.
“Why is he shouting for Noro?” I asked.
“We thought you passing out might have something to do with the prophecy, or magic, or something along those lines,” Eric explained. “We were all frightened you wouldn’t wake up, and we had no idea what to do, so we thought this was the best course of action.” He shrugged. “I don’t know if the gryphon will really show up, but this is where he met us last time. Ramsay thought it was worth a shot.”
As I listened to Ramsay’s strained voice, I realized how upset he sounded. I didn’t think he knew I was awake yet.
“Ramsay!” I called.
Instantly the figure on the opposite shore paused, then bolted over, throwing his arms around me.
“Holy shit, never do that again!” he cried, squeezing. “I was so damn freaked out, you have no idea.”
I laughed and patted him on the back. “I’m fine. Better than fine, actually. I feel pretty good.”
