Page 12 of Fated for Dawn

“Evelyn, you need to rest. You’re going to collapse at this rate.”

I spun to face Rafe. “No, I’m not resting until we get Alister. I see him every moment I close my eyes, and it’s killing me. I can’t just lie down and do nothing.”

Rafe sighed, running a hand through his beautiful hair. “I have an idea.”

“What else can we do?” I snapped. “We’ve tried everything! Nothing is working!” My voice echoed off the gym walls, sounding desperate even to my own ears.

Padding to me, he held out his hands in a calming gesture. “Let’s connect our energies. Maybe that’ll help you not get kicked out of the Shadow Realm. It’s worth a shot.”

Each failure had chipped away at my hope and increased my desperation.

“Fine,” I said, relenting. “What do I have to lose?”

We moved to the center of the gym and held hands as he gently smiled at me. A tingle of warmth spread up my arms, soothing my frayed nerves. Lashing out at my beautiful angel was wrong.

“I’m sorry, Rafe. I didn’t want to yell at you.”

“I know. You’re tired and feeling powerless.”

I nodded.

“Even if we can’t do it this weekend or the next… we’ll keep trying. The guys and I don’t want to give up on Alister either.”

His words reassured me, but doubt still lingered. “Do you blame me?”

“For what?”

“For leaving you alone all this time. For being broken when I came back. For spending my time trying to bring Alister back.”

Rafe held my gaze. “If it were me instead of Alister who’d been left behind, would you come and get me?”

I moved closer. “Of course! I only came back without him because you were still here. You, Chad, Ryker—even Lucien. I couldn’t leave you while Eris plots an Armageddon or whatever she has in mind.”

Rafe let out a quiet breath, his expression softening. He reached up and brushed his fingers over a loose strand of my hair, tucking it behind my ear. His touch was gentle, lingering just long enough to steady me.

A slow warmth spread through me. I leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. When I pulled back, he swallowed, eyes searching mine for a moment before he smiled.

“I’m feeling better. Let’s do this,” I said, my voice lighter now.

Rafe exhaled and nodded before closing his eyes. I followed suit, taking a deep breath.

“Imagine the door again,” Rafe’s voice guided me. “See every detail like before. I’ll anchor my energy this time, merging it with yours.”

I opened my eyes for a moment. “You can do that?”

Rafe nodded. “Yes. It’s easier because I’m your guardian angel—and it will be even easier once we’re mated.”

I was lucky to have a mate as patient and supportive as he was.

“Do you need to rest, Eve, before we proceed?”

I smiled and shook my head. “I’m just grateful to have you, Rafe.”

His thumb brushed over my hand. “Let’s concentrate, okay?”

I closed my eyes again, imagining the door and feeling Rafe’s energy envelop me. After a few moments, it appeared in my mind—its dark wood and eerie skulls were as vivid as ever. Rafe’s presence steadied me, his energy merging with mine.

“Place your hand on the handle,” Rafe instructed. “Take your time.”

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