I nodded. “Yes. Be honest with me.” I wanted to hear his answer, because if he were offered the chance to take the throne again and seemed interested, I planned to cut off the relationship right there. I had no desire to be an interim diversion while he figured out how to retake his position. I had faith in him, but I wanted to be sure. I wasn’t going to let myself be surprised like last time.
“That part of my life is gone. It’s done. For one thing, they will never take a wounded king back, and the fact that I’m sterile means that I’m wounded.”
“What if they changed their minds? What if they changed the rules?” I asked, running my fingers through his hair.
“I’d say no. I did my duty. I ruled over the Pack. I put in my time. They cast me aside, and I wouldn’t give them a second chance.” He froze. “And yes, I hear the irony in that.”
“I was wondering,” I said. “I’m still skittish, Faron. You acted like I were dead. Worse than dead. You treated me as though I wasn’t worth even speaking to.”
“I’ll never be able to say I’m sorry in a way that makes up for that. But…I won’t ever do that again. I’m not going to toy with your emotions. I refuse to do that to you again.” He shook his head, leaning back as he let out a long sigh.
I kissed him again, a gentle peck on the lips, then swung off his lap. “I trust you, for now. Time will tell.”
“I understand,” he said. “I’d feel the same.” He stood, stretching. “I start work tomorrow, by the way. Early shift. I have to be up and out there by five AM. I’ll make a lunch tonight, and I’ll buy breakfast on the way. With all the storms we’ve had lately, there’s a lot of cleanup to do.”
“Well, you’re a working man again. How does it feel?” I asked.
He carried our coffee mugs and the shortbread plate over to the counter. “Good, to be honest. I hate just sitting around. I’m heading to the store. I need to buy a lunchbox and thermos. You need anything while I’m out?”
I laughed. “Yeah. Apparently, we need more flour and sugar. And can you get me some more roses? Oh, also, cooking oil.”
Faron texted himself a note, slid on his jacket and headed out. I followed him, standing on the porch. It was time for Fancypants to come inside. I waved as Faron drove off, then whistled long and loud—the signal for Fancypants to come home. Nothing. After a moment, I whistled again. Still nothing. Maybe he was wandering in the woods between May’s house and my own. I closed my eyes and sent him an emotigram—what we—Fancypants and I, called the non-verbal communication that existed because of our bond.
I waited, tensing up. Fancypants always answered right away. I paced the porch, not wanting to even go where my mind was going. Maybe he’d gone too far. Maybe he was on the way home. Maybe he’d slid into the Sescernaht—the dimension certain Cryptos could phase into—and couldn’t sense me there.
I glanced at my phone. Five minutes. Usually we were close enough that he always answered within that time.
Another five minutes and I was frantic. I tried to clear my mind in order to reach him through our bond. I sifted through the anxiety, seeking that one calm space where I could stave off the fear. Slowly, my heart rate settled. I took one more deep breath and let it out, forming a new emotigram in my mind.
As I readied myself to send it, a sudden flutter of wind hit me. I shivered.
“You called?” Fancypants asked.
I whirled.
He was hovering right above my head. “Are you all right?” he asked.
Before I knew what I was doing, I broke into tears. “I thought you were dead,” I said, crying with a ferocity that I hadn’t felt in a long, long time.
CHAPTER THREE
“Oh, thank the gods! I was so worried about you,” I blurted out. “Where the hell have you been? Do you realize how worried I’ve been?”
Fancypants landed on the porch swing, avoiding the seat which was covered with snow—the wind blew it onto the porch. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were worried about me like that. Has something happened to give you reason?”
I sighed, shaking my head. “No. I understand there are dangers, but I don’t usually dwell on them. I guess May setting off the alarm and the fact that Faron’s back in my life have amped up my emotions. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“I didn’t mean to scare you, either,” Fancypants said. He flew up to land on my shoulder. “How about we go inside, where it’s warm?”
“I’d like that,” I said, heading for the door. As we entered the house, I glanced over my shoulder. The winter seemed bleaker than usual, and I wondered how long the snow would last.
May had invited us to her place for dinner. She included Faron as well, but he stayed home and give us some time alone.
“I’m not going to start interjecting myself into every part of your lives,” he said. “At least, not until we’re settled. Give May my love and tell her thank you for the invitation.” He paused, then added, “If you happen to bring back dessert, I wouldn’t say no. She’s an incredible cook, and I’m happy to eat anything she makes.”
Bran laughed as he pocketed his keys. “Will do. Have fun.”
“And don’t let Fancypants stay up too late. He’s still a very young dragonette, even though he likes to think otherwise. He needs his sleep.” I shrugged on my jacket, slung my purse over my shoulder.
