“I think I wanna go back to being a little boy.”
Chapter Nineteen
I had to keep reminding myself that Brevyn was more mature than his years, in both body and mind, but it was hard to do when confronted by his burgeoning sexuality. His first kiss! That was an epic moment in a person's life, and he had it at age seven. That felt a little young to me. But at least all he was interested in was kissing and holding hands. It had probably been a peck on the lips. At least that's what I hoped. With the knowledge of his past life, Brevyn could be showing little Gráinne things that she wasn't ready for. But no, this was Brevyn. He was a kind boy. He wouldn't . . . oh, but hormones made even the kindest person do stupid things.
“Mom?” Brevyn pulled me from my thoughts.
We were standing before the door of the room I'd left Thor in. “Oh. Right.” I opened the door and motioned Brevyn inside.
Thor was still on the sofa, staring out the window. He stood up when he saw us and met us halfway across the room.
“I'm sorry, Uncle Thor,” Brevyn said. “I was trying to help you. I thought Aunty Rae and you would make a good couple.”
Thor sighed. “I appreciate that you want to help me, but I'd prefer to fall in love on my own.”
“Yeah, that's what Mom said.” Brev glanced at me, then held out his hand. “I can remove it.”
“Thank you. I'd appreciate that.” Thor took Brevyn's hand.
All I saw was a glow between their palms, but as it faded, Thor's shoulders relaxed. He let out another sigh as he released Brevyn's hand.
“Didn't you like being in love with Aunty Rae?” Brevyn asked.
“Sometimes love complicates a relationship. Rae and I are better as friends. Being in love with her was too stressful for me.”
“I'm sorry.”
“It's okay.” Thor hugged Brev and rumpled his hair. “Just, please, never do that to me again.”
“Okay. I promise. I'll remove the magic from Aunty Rae when I see her later.”
“All right. We'll leave in a little while. I need to speak with your mother first.”
“I'll be outside.” Brevyn looked at me pointedly, then left.
I closed the door behind him. “Thor, I owe you an apology.”
“Don't be silly. You couldn't have known what Brevyn would do.”
“No, not about Brevyn. Let's sit down.” I went to the sofa again, and he joined me.
“You're starting to worry me, Vervain.” Thor scowled, his forehead wrinkling around a little chip of stone embedded there.
That chip was the oddest thing and barely noticeable unless you were up close, but it also made Thor more real. Less perfect. I had loved that piece of rock once. I had loved him.
I still did.
Shit, Brevyn was right.
“So, it turns out that when I healed your heartbreak, I didn't heal you completely.”
“You didn't?” Thor thought about that. “No, you didn't. You couldn't have.”
“I couldn't have?”
“I mean, uh, because I still have feelings.” Thor looked away and cleared his throat. “For you.”
“You're not alone,” I whispered.
