“Sorry,” I apologize sheepishly, curling my fingers over my palms and feeling the magic subside. “I was practicing.”
Dawson nods thoughtfully as he slows down. “No need to apologize. I think that was quite impressive.”
“It’s nothing,” I giggle nervously, hiding my hands behind my back. “It happened for the first time today. I still have a lot to learn.”
“I think you got it in the bag, Yvie. What you did out there today was incredible,” Dawson praises, his eyes twinkling with wonder. “You were amazing.”
I feel the way heat spreads across my cheeks as I blush, and I lower my gaze sheepishly.
“Thanks,” I whisper, shrugging nonchalantly. “It’s not a big deal.”
“Are you kidding?!” Dawson chuckles as he slowly stalks forward. “It’s a huge deal, Yvie. I always knew you were special, but out there, you proved just how spectacular you really are.”
“I couldn’t have done it alone,” I admit shyly, suddenly realizing that if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have been able to attune so well to my powers.
Perhaps Aurora was onto something when she determined that her powers were unleashed in the presence of her mate.
Does that mean…?
“Well, you don’t have to do it alone anymore, Yvie. I’d like to help you hone your skills.”
I lift my eyes to find that Dawson is standing closer now, watching me curiously, as if awaiting my response. I notice that his injuries have already begun healing, as if being connected to me has quickened his already fast-paced healing abilities.
I nod my head slowly, and Dawson smiles proudly as he comes even closer, then turns to stare out at the moon and stars twinkling the night sky. I follow his gaze, finding myself enjoying the comfortable silence that spreads between us.
“If it’s okay with you, I’d like to take you out on a proper date,” Dawson breaks the silence.
“Oh, you mean to make up for today?” I giggle, flipping my hand beside my face dismissively when he turns his eyes to me. “That’s not necessary. Gio will—”
“Yvonne…” Dawson sighs as he comes closer. “I’m not talking about one of the dates I have with our son.” I’m startled when Dawson reaches out for my hand. “I’m talking about a datewith you. If there’s anything I realized today, it’s that I’d like to work on whatever it is that draws me to you, and vice versa. I can’t keep running in circles with you. You deserve more than these games. And I am tired of playing them.”
“Oh.”
Oh!
So I wasn’t hyping up that note for nothing, after all.
My heart skips a beat when I notice how earnest Dawson’s eyes are now, how sincere he is in what he just said. Of course, there’s an undeniable attraction between us, and it isn’t one-sided.
“So?” Dawson presses as he leans in. “Is that a 'yes?’”
I nod my head slowly, blushing again. Deep down, something about opening up to Dawson feels right, especially for my powers.
If this is how I unlock the true potential of my gifts, then I’m willing to risk getting my heart broken if it means creating a safe living space for Gio when these powers can help defeat the demon.
It’s a risk worth taking.
For my son.
And for me.
Chapter 22 - Dawson
The giddiness I feel is magnetic as I get dressed for my date with Yvonne. I’ve been trying to chip away at her walls ever since she returned to Girdwood, and she’s finally letting me in by allowing me to do something nice for her.
I shrug on my suit jacket and give my reflection another once—over, satisfied that I’m presentable enough for this date. It isn’t safe to travel outside of Girdwood during the night, especially after learning that the group of Moonshine wolves who’d attacked us the other day were found ripped to pieces on their way back to Sunrise.
It was the demon that caught them out there—the alphas of Snehvolk discovered this when I reported the attack to them, and we were on our way to Sunrise to deal with them. The demon’s attack on the group was obvious; it had torn their furry limbs to shreds and scattered them all across the forest after drinking their blood.
