Page 92 of Echo and the Homicidal Sea Panda

“There’s little time to waste. Every minute counts.” His mother lifted a brow, glaring at Echo. “Don’t get lost in his bed before you can make it back.”

20

Seven weeks later…

In the wee early morning hours, Echo sat out on the bluffs across the street from his house, looking over the ocean. The cliffs were high enough that he could see for miles. For some reason, he’d gotten into the habit of doing that a few times a week since Mael left, like he was some old-time captain’s wife, waiting for his sailor to come home. While they hadn’t been together long, it felt as if it had been forever. Theywerefated mates, their souls bound. Mael belonged in his life, and he missed that presence.

A part of him was missing.

There hadn’t been any news that he was aware of. Tempest messaged him every so often to check in, but otherwise, Echo had nothing but his imagination coupled with mounting dread. What if they ran into danger? What if Mael didn’t make it home? What if he spent the rest of his life mourning his mate?

Memories of Mael eviscerating that shark actually gave him peace for once. His badassed orca could take care of himself, that was clear, but outnumbered, an orca could be taken down.

His phone vibrated, pulling him from his terrible thoughts. He lifted it, hopes dashed. It wasn’t the one person he wanted to speak to most.

Tempest

Morning! Got some news.

A smile widened across his face.

Echo

Good news, I hope?

Tempest

I returned to the cave with a friend—brought underwater floodlights. We got photos. I thought you might wanna see them.

Echo’s delight faded. While hedidwant to see the images, he’d much rather hear good news about Mael and his brothers. As pictures arrived on his phone, he scanned them one by one. He might be disappointed it wasn’t the news he wanted, but he was still curious.

There was also a part of him miffed she hadn’t asked him to go, too.

Echo

These are great. I’d love to come with you if there’s a next time.

Tempest

Not happening. I promised Mael.

Echo

Promised him what?

Tempest

Your skinny ass isn’t going in there without him.

Echo

I’m perfectly capable.

Tempest

Of course you are, but one, the second still hasn’t been found. Two, if you were hurt, my brother would me. Three, the last time you were there, you went into . I’m not going to take care of that next time.

As if she could.

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