Page 38 of Heart of Dawn
Wendy took off, flying up to be level with my face. “No need for that, Orion. Wendy will do. I like Wendy.”
By the stars, she sounded exactly like Julie Andrews! I flashed back to a happy evening watchingThe Princess Diariesa few years back—having imported it from Earth on DVD. Goodness, I loved that movie, and it kickstarted an obsession with the rest of Miss Andrews’ work.
“I, erm…” What did I say to my friend?
“Thank you for finding me when you did.” She turned her tiny body to face the biggest tree with the hole carved into it. “Come inside. We’ll talk while I work.”
Work. Her work meant making honey, which in turn meant Miko stood a chance of?—
My mate. My mate wasn’t safe. Fear chewed on my soul, pushing me toward the edge of losing my mind.
“Miko?”I reached out to him, searching for a connecting point. “Please answer me. I’m so scared. I don’t… I can’t… Please be okay…”Goodness. The tears came hot and fast.
“Follow me,” Wendy said, flying toward the tree.
I followed, the dead leaves crunching under my feet.
“Miko, please.”
A slight crackle, the thumping of his heartbeat breaking through.
Yes. That was him. Still alive, still fighting on.
“Miko?”
Oh, stars! What if this distracted him and?—
“Ori?”
His voice brought me to a stop, relief slamming into me like a battering ram.
“You alright?”he asked.
“I am, now I’ve heard your voice.”
“Same, cherrypie.”
I wiped the tears away, giggling.“What about you?”
“Picked up Basil’s scent. Going after him right now.”
“Sorry. I’m distracting you.”
“You’re boosting me.”
I smiled.
“What’s up on your end?”he asked.
“Wendy’s awake,”I said.
A crackle in our connection sounded like a gasp.“She is?”
“I’m not sure what happens next.”
The queen bee hovered by the big tree.
“I’m following her into a tree. Think she’s about to start making the honey.”
