“Need a break?” Orion asks, leaning on his own shovel. His dark hair is damp, and his eyes hold a question.
“I could use some water,” Damon says, reaching for the waterskin hanging from a post. He takes a long drink and holds it out to me.
I don’t take it.
“I need to leave,” I say. “I need to go to Isla.”
The words come out rough and certain. I have been holding them back for days, telling myself to give her space, to wait, to be patient. But I’m done waiting. I’m done being patient.
Both males go still.
“When do you want to leave?” Orion asks.
“Tomorrow morning. At first light.”
Orion finishes drinking from the skin and seals it. “Thesha and Xander should be arriving in two days. Maybe three. Surely you can wait to meet with them first?” He glances at Damon. “Besides, we have plans to visit the shifterfae soon. Possibly as early as next week. We could all go together.” He shrugs.
I shake my head. “I can’t wait that long. I have to go alone, and I need to go sooner rather than later.”
I have a pressing need.
“Sebastian—”
“I can’t,” I practically growl. “Every day I wait is another day she thinks I’ve given up. Another day that she convinces herself that I don’t care enough to fight for her.” I scrub a hand over my face. “I want to go into town this afternoon and get supplies. Then I’m leaving at first light. Can you take me?” I look at Orion. “I would greatly appreciate it. I understand if you can’t.”
He studies me for a while. Then he nods.
“Of course I will.” He pauses. “But you should know that we haven’t officially been invited to the Shifter Court. I can only take you to the border. After that, you’re on your own.”
“I understand.”
“The shifterfae might not welcome you like you think they will,” he continues. “They could see you as an intruder. Or even worse, a threat.”
“I’ll take that chance.”
“You’re sure about this?”
“I’m sure.” I hold his gaze. “I need to see her. I need her to know that I’m not going to let her go without a fight.”
A slow smile spreads across Orion’s face. “Good.”
Damon steps forward and claps me on the shoulder with an open palm. The force of it rocks me forward, but his expression is warm and approving.
“About damn time,” he says. “About time you decided to fight for your female.” His grin widens. “So are you ready to bare your soul?”
“I am.” I nod, smiling. “I’m more than ready. And to beg if I need to.”
“That’s good.” Orion’s smile matches Damon’s. “Don’t take no for an answer. Go in there and win her back.”
“I will.” I mean it too. Every word. “But I need you to do something for me while I am gone.” I turn to Damon. “Something I had planned to do myself, but since I am leaving, I can’t. It’s a task for both of you and isn’t without risk.”
“Name it,” he says.
“I’ll help.” Orion nods.
I look at both of them. These males I once kept at arm’s length. They have become something I never expected.
“Thank you, my friends,” I say. “Both of you.”
