Page 99 of Between Imminent Fates

Her answer was Derikles.

She’d been meaning to let him know it’d worked for days. Her mental ping was answered straight away.

Celeste?

Nina’s improving,she gushed.Derikles, she might wake up!

That’s amazing news,his mental voice purred.I’d love to compare notes if you’re open to stopping by?

Thin threads of anticipation sparked in her blood. This time, his signature called her straight into his home.

It did not look like she expected it to. A full wall of books framed one side of the den, and art was showcased on the three remaining walls. A reading chair sat in a cozy reading nook, the crimson fabric matching the art.

The man waiting for her was even more fascinating, his emerald eyes shining with anticipation. He stood to greet her.

“Your suggestion worked! Her vitals have stabilized, too.”

“I’m glad to hear it! Has the white faded from her eyes?”

“Not yet, but we’re hopeful.”

And they truly were. For the first time since it happened, the tension in Nina’s closest family and friends had de-escalated. Kaien had even cracked a smile the other day when Celeste made an admittedly terrible joke. Aidan was still running around trying to collect every lone wolf like a hell hound on steroids, had stopped long enough to have a conversation of more than three words.

Instead of beaming at Derikles like a besotted fool, she opted to wander toward the bookshelf and read a few titles as she spoke. “Kaien has continued the double nutrition regimen with the IVs. For the first time since it happened, he’s actually hopeful.”

Spinning, she said, “Thank you for giving us hope.”

“Of course. We’re in this together.”

At the kindness in his gaze, the woman who’d lost her best friend wanted to throw herself into his arms and sob. Something about him made her feel safe. When everything at home had become hopeful but tangled with tension, the quiet of Derikles’ home allowed the knots in her stomach to untie.

Celeste turned her attention back to his library as weariness swamped her. Rubbing at her breastbone to ease the discomfort that’d spread across her chest, her eyes closed for longer than a standard blink.

“Are you okay?”

Knowing that he’d seen her struggle—and had reached out to comfort her—made it difficult for her to ignore what had happened. Her features pinched, attempting to withhold the tears that’d already formed behind her eyes, but she failed.

Celeste locked her jaw as she grappled with her fear, despair, and loneliness. She had held all of it inside, trying to keep her shields up to help her clan when they needed her most.

When Derikles’ hand gently settled on her shoulder, she collapsed in on herself, her hands coming up to cover her face, embarrassed and overemotional and so, so tired. The stress of dealing with Nina’s injury and losing her best friendandher home caught up with her, bubbling out from her throat in a whimper.

That was when Derikles pulled her directly into his arms—and she let him. Although she didn’t know him, the tenderness he displayed and the soft way his chest rumbled as he spoke kind words was far more comforting than anything else until this moment.

Derikles whispered to her that everything would be alright and that’d he’d be here for her when she needed him. There were gentle strokes through her loose hair while his cheek rested on her head.

She sniffled and gave a tragic laugh. “I’ve made a mess of your shirt.”

“Fortunately, I do have another one.”

His deep chuckle rumbled from within his chest, and by instinct, her hand settled on his breastbone to feel the vibration. Derikles didn’t seem to mind, and his fingers gently closed over hers.

At the thought of returning to Ontario, her stomach dropped. Hiding in Derikles’ home seemed safe, like a reprieve.

“May I stay here for a bit? I just need to not betherefor a while.”

“Stay as long as you’d like.”

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