Page 23 of Between Imminent Fates

“Eden.” Reaching for her, Nina swathed the other woman in a warm embrace before retreating to hold her at arm’s length. “You’re looking well.”

“You look tired.”

“A compliment if I ever heard one.” Chuckling, Nina gestured at the pile of books on the table. “It’s these archives. They’re leaching all the life out of me.”

“Then a bit of fresh air might do you good!”

Hooking her arm around Nina’s, Eden tugged her toward the door. Dutifully following, they plodded up the stairs and out into the brilliant sunshine of the Hawaiian oceanside. Dragging in a breath of the salty sea air, Nina was contented as they settled into a leisurely walk. The wooden planking they walked on separated rocky cliff from lush green plant life.

“How are you adjusting?”

“Do you mean to life after mating, becoming immortal, or potentially being one of two people who are more than one supernatural breed? Or, there is always the fact that Key’s just told us we’re all going to die.”

A rueful chuckle. “Any of the above.”

Eden shrugged. “I’m doing alright. Nero’s kicking himself because he didn’t know any of this and the fact that Key was alone in it. He blames himself. And I feel awful because I’d just assumed Key had her own motivations for everything—little did I know she was doing it for us all this time.”

“That’s the truth, isn’t it?” Nina replied. “At least we can support her now through to the end.”

“The end. That’s awfully final, isn’t it?”

For a moment, Nina was lost to thought. Key’s visions had proven, over and over, what was to come. A beat of despair filled her, and immediately, Zeke’s presence filled her mind.

Nina, are you okay?

Shoulders sagging, she replied,Fine. Just tired.

Can you come home?The twins are asking where mommy is and so is her mate.

Soon, I promise.Speaking with Eden.

The warm sensation of her mate’s presence curled around her, then floated away as his attention shifted elsewhere. Eden, having fallen silent, now glanced over at her.

“How are Zeke and the kids?”

“They’re wondering where I am.” Squinting up at the sun, she eyed the woman next to her. “For a new fledgling, you’ve become immune to the sun quickly.”

“It’s crazy, isn’t it?” Eden followed her gaze toward the illuminated sky. “The sun doesn’t burn, and I can stay awake during those hours now—if I want to.”

“A benefit due to your dual nature, I’d guess,” Nina sighed. “I suppose I’ll abandon hope for my research and admit defeat today.”

“Anything I can help you find?”

“Peace of mind, perhaps.” Grinning, Nina stopped walking and opened her arms for her fledgling. “Tell Nero hello for me.”

Eden stepped into the embrace eagerly, squeezing her ruefully before stepping back. “I’ll tell him for you. Now go and get some sleep, sire.”

“I’ll do my best.”

And with that, Nina teleported into the playroom at home and wrapped her arms around the first wiggly body she saw: her toddler son. Zeke propped a muscular shoulder against the doorway where he’d been watching over them.

“Find what you were looking for?”

Those gorgeous jade eyes saw every line of strain on Nina’s features, and his psychic senses catalogued every ounce of fatigue that seemed to drum from her soul. Zeke never missed a thing.

With a single shake of her head, his face fell. “You can’t keep doing this. You’re running yourself ragged.”

To hide from the man who saw too much, Nina buried her face against Zak’s bare tummy, blowing a kiss into the baby soft skin. Giggling riotously, her son’s chubby fingers clambered for purchase in her hair, accidentally yanking out a few strands.

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