Realizationcrashed over me. He was saying goodbye because he knew I would defeat Layla andthen I would die. “So, you’re saying I’m only strong because of the Devi. ThatI’m not strong enough by myself. To survive.” My hands shook.
Hegave me a pained expression and walked back over to me. “I’m saying it has beenmy pleasure to guide you. I’m here for you and I believe in you.”
Whatthe hell? Why was he always so serious? Why did I feel like I wouldn’t see himagain? “I love you,” I told him. I didn’t want him leaving without knowing howmuch he meant to me. Because this sure as hell felt like a goodbye.
Hesmiled. “And I love you, little sister. Remember that. Only love is real.”
Great.Leave me with a metaphor. Typical Nahuel.
Hewalked off into the woods, leaving me confused.
Iexhaled. It was true. I was super powerful, two affinities, Matefinder,werewolf, witch. Earthshaking magic, healing abilities. I swallowed. If I tookLayla down and survived the Devi leaving me, I would be a completely differentperson. Still a Matefinder, but … who knew? I shook off these thoughts andturned around to see Sylvia was waiting in the barn doorway for me.
Itried to put on a smile. “I got her full name.”
Sylvianodded, but her eyes gleaned with tears.
Iwalked over to her and frowned. “What’s wrong?”
Shelaughed. “I’m just proud of you.” She smoothed my hair. “I’ve watched you growfrom a scared, unsure, newly-changed werewolf, to a beautiful, strong woman.I’m very proud. As if you were my own child.”
“Sylvia.”I hugged her, but I couldn’t help but feel like people were saying goodbye tome. What the hell?
Whenshe pulled back her face was serious. “Do you trust me, Aurora?”
Ifrowned. “Of course.”
Shenodded and produced a dagger and glass jar, then asked for my finger tip. Ihesitated for a second but I did trust her. I extended my finger and shepricked it, milking the blood from it. Then she pulled a hair from my head andplaced it in the jar.
Iwanted to ask her what it was for, but part of me didn’t want to know.
Shegave me a sly smile and a big hug then walked back into the barn to get herthings and left with the rest of the witches. I stayed behind for an hour orso, lost in my thoughts. I thought back to a year ago; my biggest worry wasgetting enough donations to keep Safe Haven running. Now I had two locations, Iwas married, probably pregnant, and had a legion of vampires after me andanother soul sharing my body. WTF? Major life issues.
Iput my head in my hands. There was also RAIDOS to worry about. They were sohell-bent on taking me out, they almost killed Earl, a human. They had gottenreckless and it scared me. The world was a scary place right now. I was so lostin my thoughts I didn’t sense Kai approach until he was right behind me. Notbeing able to smell him was so weird.
“Ican feel your stress,” he said and began to massage my shoulders.
Isighed and let my head roll forward, pulling my hair out of the way so he couldrub my neck.
“I’mjust trying to make decisions that will be the best for everyone involved,while also having my happy ending, too. Sometimes I don’t think I can have both,”I confessed.
Kaistopped massaging me and sat down beside me on the bench.
“Don’tsay that. Where is my confident ‘I can do anything and I don’t give a shit whatyou think’ Aurora?” He gazed in my eyes and I laughed.
Godhe was gorgeous. My gaze roamed over his body.
“MaybeI just need something to take my mind off of everything.” I raised one eyebrow.He grinned and his white canines pressed into his bottom lip. I was told newly-matedcouples rarely left the bedroom. Kai and I didn’t have that chance with all ofthe drama. He got on his knees before me and peeled my shirt up over my headrevealing my black lace bra.
“Iam at your service,” he said and kissed me with heated passion. I smiled as helay back and pulled me on top of him. How would I explain this feeling to ahuman? This complete wholeness that comes over you when you’re with your mate.People go lifetimes without ever finding a love like this. I had made a lot ofstupid choices in my life, but being with Kai wasn’t one of them. No matter howmuch people wanted to bring us apart, Kai was my destiny; I knew it.
Healing
Ihad just finished another shift of watching baby Avery. Emma was doing well andKai was in the basement with Jeremy and Alek. Today was day five of feeding himclean blood and they were testing whether or not he could be let free. I sat thereplaying with Luna when Alexa knocked on the door.
“Comein!” I shouted.
Shecame in holding a tablet. “We might have some more trouble,” she said. Alexaand Jameson were so damn cute together. I was really happy for her.
