“I’ll worry about how the assholes who did this managed to harvest enough genetics from a tiny eight-year-old boy to split into four new beings another time. Especially when I’m damned sure my son died over a hundred years ago.”
Beaumont brushed down his shirt and straightened his pants, determined to get in touch with Todd and find out more about Andromeda’s collection, harvesting, and storage methods as soon as they got back to the house. “Lead the way. Let’s get something to take back to those smug Putney brothers.”
Chapter Fifteen
Duron
Duron had lots of thoughts on why the three men and woman all smelled the same. Only he kept them all to himself at Beaumont’s disquiet he wasn’t able to mask.
Now he had the scent, his bear and elephant would find the elusive Selina. Duron followed his nose. If Roiu was with Selina, Duron as yet hadn’t picked up the panther’s scent.
The muggy heat was less intense in the dense trees as they continued deeper into the rainforest, but still, sweat trickled down Duron’s back. The lushness of the plants made the world a green wonderland. It was alive with sounds of creatures who didn’t seem bothered to have him or Beaumont traveling through.
His nose twitched as they came across a clump of trees that was positioned in such a way it didn’t appear natural. With his gaze searching the area, he held up a hand to get Beaumont to stop, his senses all alert.
Vibrations similar to those in Kylo’s home were warning intruders to go a different way. While Duron’s animals were stronger than Selina’s magic wards, he suspected it would sway others to change direction.
The magic was powerful and when he didn’t move, it slithered over his bare arms as he crept forward silently. Reaching towards the nearest tree that formed one of the six points—guarding something—it repelled him.
The force sent him back two full paces, nearly plowing him into Beaumont.
What was that?
Wards. Selina is inside the trees.Duron scanned the area, going back to the tree, looking for the magic shimmer he’d not seen until he’d touched the bark.
The glimmer was barely noticeable; however his eagle didn’t miss it. Inside the ring of trees was a structure. A home?
“You know we are here. Come out, Selina,” Duron said aloud, his gaze not moving from the glimmering air. He was strong enough to get past the wards if he used all his animals. Only he didn’t want to give away too much, knowing his foe was how he’d survived for so long.
Beaumont’s arm brushed his as he came to stand next to him. Back were the tumbled thoughts, all circling around his son James and the person hiding. His mate wanted to go in, to see what Selina looked like. It was the prominent feeling.
We need her to come out on her own.
Yes, but what if she won’t?
Then I’ll go in and get her.
Beaumont’s gaze didn’t move from the trees, yet his whole body tensed.You can break through the wards?
Using all my animals together, yes.Duron didn’t say that it would hurt him to do it. There was no point in worrying his mate about that. It was part of being who he was, what they’d made.
The sound of twigs breaking underfoot came first before a figure appeared between two trees off to their left.
Beaumont exhaled noisily. “Holy fuck!”
Duron caught his mate as his legs gave way and he crumpled next to him. A sob tore from Beaumont’s throat. “Victoria. Oh, to the goddesses, she looks like Victoria.”
Selina came forward, moving towards them, but not close enough that Beaumont could reach her with his outstretched hand. Her lips moved, and a softly spoken voice filled Duron’s mind.
Who is Victoria?
Beaumont dashed a hand over his eyes as he strove to stand up on quivering legs.
Shit, Duron had never thought to ask how she communicated. He’d wrongly assumed she used sign language.Can you hear her?
Duron kept his arm around Beaumont’s waist at the nod.
“Victoria was my daughter,” Beaumont answered in a thready voice. “You smell… like my son James.”
