“Not strange,” he said adamantly, upset that she had overheard his sister analyzing the children and making plans for mentors for them.“Celina said you were unusual because you’re so young.But I think you’re one lucky little girl.Do you know why?”
Opal shook her head.
“Since you got your magic so early, you were able to talk to Midnight and the other horses while you were at the fortress.And you were with Veda, for me to find you and bring you home.Just think, by the time you’re Brenna and Gavin’s age, you’ll be way ahead of everyone else who’s just learning things you already know.”
“I like that idea.”She leaned back against him.“But… you’re getting your family back.Do I have to go to another orphanage?Like before?”
“No.You’re my family now, too, little mite.”
“I get to stay with you?”
“Yes.We’re going to stick together.So just ignore Aunt Celina when she says things like that and come talk to me about the things you overhear when you’re supposed to be in bed.Okay?”
“Kay,” she agreed with a smile.“I’m glad you found me.”
“Me too.”He just wished it didn’t feel like half of their family was missing.
Sam and Alayna greeted them as they approached the stable, offering to help with the children and all the gear.Sam muttered good-naturedly about the estate becoming a halfway house but hugged Celina nonetheless as she dismounted.
“Connor!”The high-pitched shriek sounded in his mind as well as his ears as Cat mind-spoke to him.
Connor jerked his gaze up and his heart nearly burst to see his baby sister racing toward him from the main house, her red hair tumbling around her like a halo of light.Leaping down from Rogue, he situated Opal with the reins.
“You okay to take Rogue into the barn?”
Opal bit her lip but nodded.Patting Rogue on the shoulder, she redirected him toward the barn without using the reins he’d handed her.
Shaking his head in amusement, Connor turned around just in time to catch his sister in a hug.
My little spark.He held her tight, blinking back tears as he crushed her to him.The snippets of memory he’d seen of her childhood were forefront in his mind, even though she was here, all grown up.
Don’t you ever die on us again!I mean it, Connor!
I missed you too, Spark.He smiled as he as she leaned back, her sharp eyes going over him and cataloguing everything for future questions and lectures.She did it every time he came home.Though usually with less anger.
“What are you doing here, Cat?”
“Would you believe me if I told you it was coincidence?”
“Not for a moment.”
“Mmm.Well, in that case, I decided to tag along with Alayna—who was already coming to visit Sam—when I heard you were on your way home.”
As happy as he was to see Cat, her presence was a little concerning.Her leaving her normal routine was bound to be suspicious.
“Quit worrying.”She waved away his unspoken concern.I was with Morgan when Cass came to see him.He already lectured me and was the one to suggest traveling with Alayna.We made sure people overheard my meltdown and her generous offer for me to join her for a restful visit to Rosewood to help alleviate my overwhelming stress.Morgan will be here after dark with your team.
I hope he gave you a good lecture,he teased, relaxing a little.
Top-notch.His disappointed parent scowl has improved since he adopted Sarai as his daughter.I told him if he was that concerned, he needed to give me lessons in subterfuge.
Connor laughed and shook his head.Of course Cat had found a way to get something out of a situation when she should have been in trouble.She was technically an adult, but he swore sometimes she’d never outgrown the mischievous little girl she’d been.Something told him Opal would be a lot like her when she gained some confidence.
“Come on, then.I want you to meet someone.”He tucked his sister under his arm as they walked together toward the stable.
Speculation lit in Cat’s eyes as she looked up at him, but he just smiled.
“Opal!”he called as they entered the darkened stable, trying to find where she’d gone.
