Aedan lifted the girl into his chest. She was still unconscious. He started crying and looked up at Lucie. “Thank you, Lucie. I can never … for what you sacrificed for me …”
“Shush,” Lucie said, her lips blue and quivering. They could hear loud footsteps rapidly approaching, and Derrick and Justice crashed into the room. Derrick sprinted to her and robbed her from Abe’s arms. She felt his heat embracing her body and calming her heart. And she HEARD his thoughts of worry.
“Oh Lucie,” Derrick whimpered. He knew what she had sacrificed. He looked up to see the steady streams flowing from Aedan’s eyes and nodded, letting him know that Lucie was okay. And at this moment she was. That could change in time, but for now, she was mostly in shock.
Justice placed his hand on Lucie’s cheek and pushed his energy into her to give her the warmth her body needed. He looked over at Aedan and the unknown girl who stirred ever so slightly. Lucie lifted herself to look behind the men and found nothing. Lycaon was gone.
“I’m good now. Thank you, Justice,” Lucie said quietly. She didn’t feel empty. She felt the disconnection like she had the last few days when her magic was blocked, so she was already used to the feeling. The difference was that now she could feel her other powers more prominently. She leaned into Derrick’s chest while looking at her brother’s mate.
The woman’s eyes opened to reveal pale silver irises. She looked around in confusion until her eyes met Aedan’s. The two of them just stared at one another, the moment incredibly intimate.
“Hey. We have a lot to catch up on. I’m Aedan.”
“Deeana,” she whispered. She glanced around the room and at the other people she didn’t recognize. “How am I alive?”
“My sister,” Aedan croaked out. “My sister gave a part of herself to you so that you could live.”
Justice’s eyes were instantly on Lucie as he studied her curiously. What had she given up?
Deeana’s eyes flashed over to Lucie, and she studied her for a moment before she gasped. “I’ve seen you before … in my dreams.” She squirmed slightly, and Aedan lowered her gently to her feet. “It’s quiet.” She touched her chest. “They’re all gone …”
“I’m afraid you’ve been in there for quite some time.” Aedan could see her shock and distress.
“What did I do in your dream?” Lucie was curious. Was this a premonition? Or was this something else?
“You told me not to be afraid, that you would come for me. I guess you did.” Deeana looked into Lucie’s green eyes. “But you don’t remember sending me those messages?”
Lucie shook her head. “No, I’m sorry. I don’t.”
“It feels like everything just happened. Like no time has passed. And yet …” Deeana looked at the clothes everyone was wearing. “It has been a long time. I can’t even smell the scent of my pack members anymore.”
“I think it’s been well over a century.” Aedan watched her silver eyes snap up to his.
“Hope you don’t mind younger men,” Justice teased, and a crooked grin landed on his lips.
“Let’s leave them alone to talk for a bit,” Lucie said quietly. She walked out with the three guys and back up into the light, which was now fading into dusk.
“What did you give up, Lucie?” Justice asked, his gaze locked on hers.
Derrick squeezed Lucie’s arm and looked at Justice and Abe. “She gave her lycan to Deeana.”
“How? The lycan is her! That’s impossible.” Justice growled angrily. Abe just quietly stared at Lucie, not saying anything.
“How does it feel?” Abe asked softly.
“Similar to how it did with the magic block. But I can feel my other powers.” Lucie watched as Abe slowly nodded his head. Something unreadable flashed in his eyes as he studied her closely.
“So, this was the thing that only Lucie could do.” Justice growled angrily. “I’m tired of these damn deities.”
“Justice, it’s okay. Aedan has his mate now. I’m okay. I have you guys and Derrick.” Derrick held her close. “I feel okay right now. Honestly. And I’m relieved that Aedan has found his mate.”
Levi materialized in front of them and looked over at Abe. The two seemed to have a quiet conversation as their eyes glazed over. He looked back over at Lucie and sighed.
“Always something going on with you …”
“I guess so,” Lucie said with a faint smile.
“Geez. Uncle Levi, you could have killed those Shrieks earlier for us. I thought we were goners,” Justice said with a snort.
