Freja nodded to him and smiled. “The timing … I just got lucky. The precision—years of practice will give that to you.” She gave him a crooked smile. “Nice to meet you. Sorry it’s under the circumstances of me putting silver through your son’s hands. Sometimes he needs tough love, though.”
Grayson started laughing. “I think silver pins in the hands is definitely tough love.”
“You really do seem like you’re the perfect match for him. I’m sorry about the circumstances, though.” Asher frowned. She was a good mate for his son. She was strong, and that was something a luna needed to be. It was tragic that she would have to leave Hunter.
“The circumstances suck.” Freja then caressed Hunter’s face with her thumb. “But I’m not giving up. There is still something else we can try.”
“And what is that? Will it put my son at risk?” Lita asked, walking up to them through the woods. She had sensed a strong presence, and she and her wolf Mira had gone to investigate.
“Freja, this is my wife, mate, and queen, Lita,” Asher said as he held his arm out to Lita.
“It’s nice to meet you.” Freja nodded her head to Lita. “Hunter might be your son, but he’s mine. He’s my mate.” Her eyes laid the challenge down for Lita. “No one can protect him better than me.” Freja could feel Hunter tense under her hands, his heart rate quickening at the way she was speaking to his mother.
Lita’s eyes met with Freja’s, each one weighing the other’s resolve. Through their eyes, both Ember and Mira regarded the other. Past luna and current luna. Lita’s lips curled upward. “Ooooh, I do really like you. You’re exactly what Hunter needs for a mate.” The men sighed with relief. It seemed no one knew how Lita would take what Freja had said. No one except for Asher, who could read her mind because of their soulmate bond.
Freja stood on her tiptoes and kissed the back of Hunter’s neck. She felt his body shudder under her touch. “Don’t give up, Hunter. It’s only been a few days.” Freja then giggled into his back. “Look who’s being dramatic.”
Hunter smiled. “Yes, when it comes to you, I can be quite dramatic.” He let out a quiet chuckle. “You said there’s something else we can try. What is it?”
Freja sighed. “I don’t know yet. I have to get something for Kali, the dark priestess. She needs a black pearl. Nothing is free. In order to get the information, I need to do her a favor.” Freja frowned but quickly wiped it off her face. “I was just stopping to check on you, and it’s a good thing I did. Really, Hunter? Claw your eyes out?”
“WHAT?!” Lita roared. Her son almost did what? She couldn’t believe it. She shot Asher a look in exasperation.We’ll talk later,Asher mindlinked her
“I won’t do it. I won’t live without you, Freja. I would rather die than live without you. Giving up my eyesight is an easy trade. I don’t care if I can’t see, as long as it means I get to keep you by my side.” Hunter didn’t care what his parents thought about it. He didn’t care what Freja thought about it, either. He needed her. No matter what. To him, his sight was an easy price to pay. And he would gladly exchange his sight for Freja.
Hunter. Let’s exhaust all possibilities first. We can discuss extremes only after there’s no more hope. It’s only been a few days.Freja spoke tenderly through their mate link.Besides … being blindfolded in the bedroom can’t be all that bad, right? We can even bind your arms and legs if you want,Freja said seductively.
Hunter’s breathing shallowed.I’m ready to try that now.He smiled softly. It was amazing how much better he felt with her near him.These have been the worst days of my life. I hate this. I’m not supposed to be separated from you.They should be enjoying their new mate bond to the fullest right now.
Freja smiled and leaned her forehead into his back.I know. It’s hard for me, too. But let’s see if there’s something else that’llwork. I’d hate to not see those beautiful, stormy eyes of yours again.
Hunter sighed and nodded his head.I promise I won’t do anything drastic. I wish you could stay with me longer. I miss you. I miss your scent. I miss your touch.
I miss you too, Hunter. I should only be a few more days.
Freja closed her eyes as she absorbed as much of her mate as she could. She was going to have to leave him again.
“Freja, you’re back!” Jin squealed as she ran up to everyone. She frowned, seeing the scene.
“Jin. Perfect timing. I actually have a friend of yours here. I ran into a certain luck dragon. She’s been giving me lifts.” Freja watched the excitement in Jin’s eyes.
“Where is she?” Jin jumped around in excitement.
“Just up ahead. She didn’t want to come into werewolf territory unannounced. She’s coming with me to help me look for a black pearl for Kali.” Freja’s voice dripped in annoyance.
“I’ll come too, then,” Jin said, nodding her head.
“No!” Freja and Chasen looked at each other as they answered in unison.
Freja didn’t want to put Jin in danger. “I’d feel better if you stayed here and watched over Hunter for me. Please, Jin, as a favor to me?” Freja could feel the tension in Hunter’s back as his muscles shifted.
“Okay … I can do that. Chasen, come with me to say hi to Ciana.” Jin grabbed Chasen’s hand in excitement, tugging him along.
“How dangerous is it?” Hunter asked once he could no longer hear Jin’s footsteps.
“Depends on who’s doing the task. For me, it’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be back soon. Maybe a couple days. You should expect me back in less than a week.” Freja rubbed herthumb along his cheek. Hunter lifted his hand and placed it over hers.
“Freja, no matter what, we won’t be apart. So don’t think we won’t be together. Promise me. Promise me that you know we’ll be together.” Hunter squeezed Freja’s hand tightly, as if his relationship depended on it. If he had to hold it on his own, he would. He couldn’t stand the panic he was feeling in his chest. He was afraid he was going to lose her.
