I hesitated, not wanting to do something he might regret later. “Rowan…”
“Trust goes both ways.”
I spread my power deeper into his borders, ensuring our link stayed strong so as not to wrest his territory away. Snow melted as the temperature rose and flowers bloomed everywhere I touched. Birds sang in the sky, and a gentle mist of rain fell onto our shoulders. That glowing golden thread between Rowan and me resurfaced, this time wrapping around both of us, a bright sparkling thing of joy.
Rowan sucked in a breath. “Evie?—”
Sunk deep into the glorious magic of my ancestors, I welcomed that thread, knowing it was good, and allowed it to soak deep into my blood and bones. My neck arched asRowan’s magic explored my very soul. Rowan’s heartfelt groan of pleasure next to me told me he was experiencing much of the same thing. That spot in my chest warmed, golden light suffusing our beings with light and magic.
I’m not sure how long we sat there, but when my power was exhausted and Rowan and I now shared thousands of miles of territory, I opened my eyes only to see a botanical wonderland.
Hundreds of wolves and other creatures lay prone in a sea of multi-colored flowers and vines, glowing eyes watching us.
I started, but Rowan’s hand in mine reassured me. He let out a shaky breath and ran trembling fingers through his hair. “I’ve never felt anything like that in my entire life,” he said quietly. “We will need to speak later.” Rowan looked at me, eyes widening. “Your eyes,” he whispered.
I was a little magic drunk. His words registered, but I needed to sit there for a little while to let my magic settle. Getting up was out of the equation as I was covered in flowers and still flooded with power. Smiling, I lifted my hands. Trees sprang from the earth, away from Rowan’s shifters, and bloomed, sending a shower of falling blossoms all around.
Rowan rose and reached for my hand. I let him pull me to my feet. When I swayed, he wrapped a firm hand around my waist. His people remained quiet and watchful.
“Everything okay?” I slurred.
Rowan let out a slow breath. “They’re curious about you. People all over the world will feel what you’ve done here today.”
I glanced at him. “I stayed within the boundaries of our territory.”
His eyes glowed at the wordour. “I know, but it doesn’t matter. You’ve created a full spring in a land of winter. This won’t go unnoticed.”
“Can you walk?”
I took a step and wobbled like a newborn deer. Rowan chuckled and swept me into his arms. “Come. Let’s eat.”
Food sounded amazing. I patted his cheek. “You always know how to charm a girl.”
To my surprise, every shifter rose when Rowan turned and followed behind, all the way to Rowan’s main residence.
“Is this normal?” I whispered.
Rowan snorted. “Nothing you’ve done since you got involved with us has been normal.”
He deposited me into a kitchen chair and rummaged through the fridge. A few minutes later, he set an enormous sandwich and a glass of water in front of me. “This should tide you over until we can get to town.”
He cast a critical eye over my still wobbling body. “If you’re still up for it.”
I took a huge bite of the sandwich and mumbled I was. Rowan chuckled and ruffled my hair. “Good. I’ll be right back.”
I heard his words but was too into my sandwich for them to register.
Chapter
Twenty-Five
ROWAN
Hope and Declan shifted as soon as I stepped outside. I held one finger to my lips and jerked my head for them to follow. When we were out of hearing distance, Declan spoke. I rarely saw the man disheveled, but Declan’s eyes were wide, and his tan skin was pale.
“What the fuck just happened?”
Hope was slightly less freaked out. She wore a dazed and happy expression. “That. Was. Awesome! Everyone feels like they’ve been tripping balls for the last two hours!”
