Page 103 of Touched

Leaning up, I blink away the sleep from my eyes. “I must have fallen asleep on the sofa.” I say, stating the obvious as I note the bright morning light in the room. I glance around.

Last night, Devyn was dozing in the small chair in the corner. Cyrus was sprawled on the floor, near the door.

Cyrus nods, stretching. “It is. But it’s early. Why don’t I put together some breakfast?”

Standing, I reach for the sky, arching my back, and moaning as my muscles stretch. I nod, walking to the door. The small porch is beautiful in the early morning light. The Preserve is soft and serene. The normal sounds of birds and bugs create a symphony around the cabin. No sign of Callum.

He said he’d be back soon. I hope he heard me last night, but he never responded.

Too much time had passed.

He should have returned.

Something is wrong.

Walking back inside, I grab the magickal herbs and look over to the flamethrower. As I reach over to grab it, a strong, but small hand grips my arm, stopping me before I can.

“What are you doing?” the ethereal fairy asks.

“Leaving. I must find Callum. I cannot reach him through our bond. I briefly heard him late last night, but I cannot this morning. He should be back by now. Something is wrong.”

She cocks her head. “The distance may be too great for the bond to reach. He asked us to get here andstayhere. Don’t you think it’s best we listen?”

Pulling my arm from Devyn’s grasp, I pick up the flamethrower. It’s heavier than I remember, and I stagger under its weight. I must have missed that fact last night from the fear and adrenaline coursing through me. I glare at her. “IthinkI don’t like being told what to do. And have never really listened to Ma and Da… Callum does not own me. So, why would I listen now?”

Cyrus strides over, glaring at me. “Because you’re not a petulant child any longer, Aeris. You’ve Zinged. You’ve found your mate. Your Kindred. Callum wants you safe. Especially when he is not with you. That’s not control. That’s love. ‘Tis a different connection than that of parents and child.” He shoots an almost unnoticeable glance at Devyn. But it was enough for me to see before he looks back at me and gently grips my shoulders. “He’s only trying to protect you. What do you think he would do if something were to happen to you? What would you do if something happened to him?”

He's right. I would die.

I would be unable to go on if Callum, my Kindred, my love was gone.

But I cannot stay here.

Rolling my eyes, I snap, trying to hold back tears, “Yet, it wasmewho first protectedhim.”

“I know this is true, Aeris,” Cyrus says with a sigh. “But he’s come into his power.”

“Hejustcame into it!” I shout, throwing my full hands into the air. “He has the power, but he hasn’t practiced how to use it. He forgot he had wings yesterday at the warehouse! He can’t handle this alone.” I hear the fear in my voice, and I hate that I’m feeling it.

Devyn’s hand lightly snakes over Cyrus’s forearm, cupping it lightly. My eyes lock on the spot. She doesn’t falter. Instead, she moves closer to Cyrus, turning her head to look up at him. Her tone is reflective. “Maybe she’s right. We are here in the protection of the wards, but he has nothing. If he forgot his wings, he could forget the cloaking spell and be seen by the wrong Gifted… or human.”

Even though she’s agreeing with me, I still feel a ping of ire in my chest at how comfortable she is with her hands onmybrother.

They only just met.

Why are they so comfortable together?

Although, I haven’t known Callum all that long either.

It’s not the same though… is it?

Releasing a deep breath, I admit to myself I am being obnoxious about Devyn.

But do they have a bond? Or is this something shallow and unworthy of my brother’s attention? A mere flirtatious attraction?

Enough, Aeris. ‘Tis not the time.

Shaking my head to clear out the odd feelings, I try to remember the main issue at hand. “So, we go find him then?”

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