“Of course,” they said in unison before stepping back into the clearing and shimmering into bear form. They both spun around a few times before shifting back and rejoining the group.
Sienna nodded. “It was him,” she whispered, pointing toward Surge.
“I’m sorry if I inadvertently frightened you, Little one,” Surge said. “I’m not aware of it. It wasn’t intentional. Apparently whatever you experienced is no longer in the future since you’ve now shifted. I’ve heard lore of our spirit side being able to act outside of our bodies. I’d like to think that if my spirit nudged you, there was no malice involved. Perhaps seeing me in person helps confirm that for you.”
Sienna leaned her cheek against Jayce’s shoulder. “Thank you. It does,” she murmured. She didn’t know how to explain that she hadn’t been specifically scared of him. It wasn’t that. She’d simply felt like he’d been warning her of something. And he was right. Now that she’d met him, she didn’t get a single sense that he would ever harm her. She was comforted by that thought. It would ease her mind if he appeared in future visions.Perhaps that explained why he’d felt compelled to come visit her this evening. The encounter calmed her nerves.
Jayce kissed the top of her head. “You sense something none of us can see, don’t you?”
“I think so,” she whispered. “I don’t know what it is. I can’t describe it.”
“I’m concerned it’s the lions,” Thorn stated, setting his hands on his hips.
“We all are,” Rylee’s mate agreed. “I’m Hayes, by the way.”
Hayes… She said the name in her mind to remember it.
“And I’m Gavin.” This was Molly’s mate.
“I’m Isaac.” He lifted Amber into his arms and propped her on one hip, imitating Jayce’s stance holding Sienna. Maybe he did so to make Sienna feel less awkward. She appreciated the effort.
“I can’t see them, though,” Amber added. “It’s so frustrating. If lions are in the area, why can’t any of us sense them?”
Rylee nodded. “I only scented the one lion one time.”
Surge sighed. “I suspect they are able to block all of us from detection. Apparently from sight, sound, and smell.”
Jayce adjusted Sienna in his grip. “It’s a reasonable assumption. Based on the visions Sienna has had so far, I suspect she will have more of them in the coming days. Hopefully they will shed light on what’s happening and provide some clarity.”
Thorn nodded. “Many from my community will be on patrol at all times.”
“Same with us,” said Gavin. “Though it’s unnerving since there’s a possibility the lions can sneak up on us.”
Hayes groaned. “We shouldn’t let our mates out of our sight even for a moment.”
“Agreed.” Jayce shuddered against her. “It’s disconcerting that you all felt compelled to congregate here this evening. Therehas to be a reason. My mate needs to rest. I’ll keep a close eye on her and let you all know if anything changes.”
A chorus of agreement was followed by everyone dispersing. It was truly awe-inspiring to watch them all turn, leap into the air, shift, and bound into the tree line.
Jayce took Sienna back inside and locked the door.
“You’re nervous,” she whispered.
“I am, Little one. It would be futile to sugarcoat it. We don’t know the extent of your powers or what your role is in the pack, but I’m certain it’s important. We’ll learn more in the coming days. You need to sleep.”
As he carried her into his bedroom, she eyed the bed. “Can I sleep with you, Daddy?”
He glanced at her. “Baby girl, I’m not letting you out of my sight even for a second. Not only will you sleep with me, but I’ll be holding you the entire night.”
She blew out a relieved breath. The thought of sleeping with a man was strange. She’d never shared a bed before, and she hadn’t been certain if he would expect her to sleep in the crib. So far, he hadn’t put her down even for a nap.
“Why do you have a crib in the nursery?”
He lowered her on top of the bed and cupped her face. “Usually our mates nap in their cribs during the day. It’s a safe place where we don’t worry much. But I haven’t felt like separating from you yet.” He smiled. “Maybe someday I’ll be able to but not until this odd unrest is over. There is something out there threatening our way of life. Until we know what it is and remove the danger, I want you close enough for me to touch at all times. Understood?”
“Yes, Daddy.” She was glad. She didn’t want him to leave her alone.
Jayce grabbed the hem of her dress. “Arms up, Baby girl.”
