“I’m the only one?”
“For now.” Her kind smile eased his growing panic.
“But not forever?”
“No. Each generation, I try again. Your mother’s Grove wasn’t as welcoming as I’d hoped, but maybe it will be better if we give the next one to your new guardians."
“Kat would love that.” The cheerful mountain lion had mentioned how he wanted a family.
“And Xavier?”
“You’d have to ask.” He didn’t know the Blood Mage well enough to speak for him. He suspected Xavier would give Kat whatever he wanted.
“That is for another day,” she agreed. “Now.” She smoothed her hands across Rance’s shoulders. “I need you to focus. I’ll feed you my magic in a slow trickle. You need to channel that into the earth. You will know when it is time to stop.”
Rance nodded, even if he winced internally. He preferred clearer directions, but he would not question her. He didn’t have a death wish.
“Ask,” she commanded.
“How will I know?”
“The magic from me will stop, and the meadow should hum with power.”
“Okay.” He set his feet shoulder-width and nodded. “I’m ready.”
“Are you?”
Rance didn’t have time to reply before magic slammed into him, stealing his breath. His bones burned as power filled him to overflowing. Opening his eyes, he was back in the clearing. Remembering his mother’s training, he released the magic in a small stream. If he rushed the outpouring, he might burn the grass and twist the magic, making the spot unusable.
Everything ached, and time became meaningless. He wasn’t going to make it. It was too much. Just as he was about to collapse, strong hands clasped his shoulders.
“You got this, kid.” Xavier’s firm voice snapped him back to the present.
He could do this. The Blood Mage wasn’t the type for false promises. If Xavier said he could do it, then he could. Rance shored up his strength and went back to transferring the power.
Abruptly, the influx ended. If Xavier hadn’t been near, Rance would’ve collapsed on the forest floor. Instead, with Xavier supporting him, he finished the final flow before falling into the strong body behind him.
“Is he all right?” Kat asked.
When did Kat get here?
“He’ll be fine after a good nap.” Xavier’s voice vibrated beneath Rance’s ear.
He yelped when Xavier lifted him. This must be what it was like for a child to be carried by their parent. A sigh escaped as he relaxed. He dared to peek through his half-closed eyes.
A circle of tall, straight pine trees surrounded them.
“You did well, son.” His Mother had caught him looking. She smoothed his hair and pressed a kiss on his forehead. “Take care of him.”
“We will,” Kat promised.
That was the last thing he remembered before falling asleep.
EPILOGUE
Anthony woke to Silver trailing his warm fingers across Anthony’s stomach. He sighed at his lover’s touch. Nothing was better than his Alpha’s hands. It had been three years since they met, but they had gone through enough adventures for a lifetime. Even the constant threats to their lives couldn’t take away the beauty of these quiet moments.
“I love you,” Anthony whispered, not wanting to ruin the morning calm.
