"Don't go all predator on me now," Farley joked. "You won't be alone facing Animus, remember? I'm here, too."
I felt a rush of affection for him, followed by a wave of protectiveness.
"It could be dangerous," I warned. "I don't want you to get hurt."
Farley glared at me. "Seriously, Quinn? You're the one stepping on rocks and getting hurt. Or are you saying that because I'm an omega?"
"Of course not!"
"Because I'm a finch shifter, then?"
I groaned, laughing in exasperation. "Can you at least give me one second to play the doting alpha who tries to protect his omega?"
Farley snorted. "No. If anything, it's gonna be the opposite. Got a problem with that?"
I couldn't help but grin. "Nope. Should I swoon and call you my hero?"
"I might not hate that."
He was still holding my hand. The warmth of it made me giddy.
"All right," Farley said. "Let's go meet Animus or Mistral or whoever the fuck is waiting on the mountain top."
11
Farley
Quinn's excitementradiated off him like sunshine. Since his paw was still healing, we both climbed the rest of the way on two legs. It took a little longer to reach the peak, but I also got to see Quinn's sweet ass flex each time he took a step, so I'd say it was worth it.
By the time we reached the peak, the midday sun hung directly overhead. The cool breeze relieved us from the heat.
When we got there, the first thing I noticed was that Animus was gone. The narrow glass house was the only thing present.
"Where's Animus?" Quinn asked, looking around.
"I don't see him. Guess he left," I said, thinking about our conversation last night. Was it possible he reallydidgo to the Society?
Either way, that wasn't my concern right now. This was about Quinn and I was here to support him.
Quinn shuffled. He brimmed with anticipation. "You said Mistral's in that house?" he asked.
He nodded at the building. Though it was made of glass, I didn't see anybody inside. There was minimal furniture and all of it was quite small, almost as if Mistral only decorated it with things he could physically carry. But despite the minimalism, it looked like a hurricane had passed through it. The place was a mess with things all over the place.
"That's what Animus told me," I said. "If he's as malicious as you said, then I hope he was telling the truth."
Quinn's mouth was a thin line of concern. "I hope so, too..." He tentatively approached the house and knocked on the door. "Um, hello? Anybody home?"
I snorted. "Is that how you talk to spirits? I thought they'd want you to be all formal."
Quinn shrugged. "How should I know? I've never spoken to one before, either." He put a finger to his chin in thought. "I guess Zak is pretty chummy with Nautilus, but they're related, so maybe it's different. Let me try a different tactic." He cleared his throat. "O Great Air Spirit Mistral, if you're home, uh, please let us know?"
No response.
I peeked into the house. There didn't seem to be anybody home and there were no signs of life until I noticed a half-eaten chocolate bar on the floor. There was also a blanket lumped nearby. I raised a brow and nudged Quinn, pointing at the chocolate.
"That looks pretty fresh from where I'm standing," I mumbled.
Quinn pursed his lips in a determined way, then knocked again. "Uh, amazing and wonderful Mistral, are you home? I need to speak with you. It's important."
