“But you always find me.”
And some part of me counts on it.
He shakes his head with a smile before dropping down beside me on the grass.
“What were you thinking about?”
“The day Anxo found me.”I turn on my side, propping my head on my hand.“You know, I tried to kill him.”
“Of course you did.” Dean laughs. I love the sound. It’s deep and a little growly in a way that settles inside me, burrowing into my soul.
That was the first time I felt the full force of Anxo’s most powerful gift: His ability to seamlessly diffuse a stressful situation.
I still don’t understand how he convinced me to follow him through a fucking portal into another realm. But I’m glad he did. Once I got here, I never wanted to look back.
“I was hiding because I’d heard stories that you’re supposed to run the other way when you see Horsemen of the Apocalypse.”
“Who’s spreading these lies? I’m friendly as fuck.”
I laugh at his outrage because he’s not wrong.
Things would’ve been different if he had found me instead of Anxo.
But I’m also glad Fates waited. I wasn’t ready for him back then… and he wasn’t ready for me.
I was too jaded back then, and he was drowning in guilt for failing to protect Nevaeh. We would’ve destroyed something that was meant to save us.
“I’m glad he convinced me to come here.”
Dean takes my hand, threading our fingers together. “Me too.”
Anxo says his Divine dragged him through that alley until he found me. He always said it compelled him to help… and now I know why.
The bond between Dean and me was already there, the strings wrapped around me like invisible threads. Anxo’s Divine saw it.It knew I belonged here. I was meant to find Dean.
I tug his hand until he turns to face me.
I still can’t get used to how easily my guard falls around him. Now I don’t even think before saying whatever is on my mind.
“You know, in some cultures, people believe that sirens are born from women who were thrown overboard into the sea when they were no longer useful to the crew. Their legs were tied to stones so they’d sink. When the ocean goddess saw innocent women being killed, she was so outraged that she gave them the power to avenge themselves.”
“I love that theory. It’s badass. Just like you.” His grin is wide, unbothered by the darkness of the story. He only sees strength where others would see pain.
“I always found it inspiring. The whole universe, the ocean, the gods, and even the Fates helped them make things right. Someone was finally on their side.”
“I can be that for you,” Dean says softly. “If you want revenge, I’ll be your universe, your fate, your weapon. Just say the word, and I’ll have them on their knees before you.”
The thought of facing my past scars me, but I believe him.
Dean’s eyes soften as he looks at me. A warmth settles in my chest at the way he smiles at me. I love it when he looks at me like that.
Like he can’t believe I’m here.
Like I matter.
Like his life wouldn’t be complete without me.
26. The wedding
