Page 41 of Into the Dawn
“Yes, that is exactly what I’m saying.”
“This is crazy,” Layla said, shaking her head.
“I told you it was going to sound crazy, but it’s true. You have the chance to go back to Arcadia with us. The problem is the goddess doesn’t know who your mates are yet. So, we will have to wait until we get there to find that out.”
“I need to think about this,” Layla declared as she stood up and began to pace. “This is a lot to take in.”
“Unfortunately, you only have a week to decide. The next storm is probably going to hit next week, then we will have to leave.”
“A week?” Layla gasped. “Wait, that’s too soon. Why can’t they just send the lightning for me later whenever I make my decision?”
“The goddess said something about time fluctuations and needing a lot of magic and energy to make traveling to other worlds work. The next time they send for you could be fifty years from now instead of five days.”
“That…okay, that does kind of make sense. Still, I don’t know what to think. This isn’t like getting an invitation to go on a cruise or something—”
“Go,” Abby said as she pushed the door open and stepped out onto the porch. She was carrying a small tray with a tall glass pitcher of lemonade and two glasses that she set down on the side table. “You have to go.”
Layla turned toward her mother and sighed. “Mom, I can’t just—”
Abby held up a hand. “Listen. You are my daughter, and I love you. So, I would be the first one to hold on to you if I thought that was the right thing. It’s not. You are destined for something greater, Layla. It would be selfish of me to want to keep you from doing it.”
A tear slid down Layla’s cheek. “But I don’t want to leave you.”
“I know, baby,” Abby said softly, wiping the tear away. “But I think you have to. I’ve loved you for your whole life, but now, your future belongs to someone else. Of course, this is a big decision and you have a lot to think over. But you can’t turn this opportunity down just because you will miss us. Think about what you will gain.”
When they both glanced over at Kylie, she smiled.
“What you will gain is a love that transcends time and space. Your mates will be completely devoted to you, body, heart, soul. Oh, and you will also have me there, so that is a bonus.”
Layla let out a shaky laugh before saying, “Who the hell could say no to that? Looks like I’m going to Arcadia with you, bestie.”
Chapter Fourteen
Standing outside ina rainstorm waiting to be struck by lightning seemed to be one of the most foolish things Dominic had ever done. However, it was necessary if they wanted to return home.
Their last week on Earth had gone by in a flash. Time always seemed to go by faster when one didn’t want it to, but that was simply because every moment was precious.
He had learned a lot about his mate after completing the mating bond with her, but watching her record her songs in the studio over the last few days had been a revelation. The fact that she could produce such wondrous music made it clear she had a gift that needed to be shared. Her voice had the power to evoke an emotional response from her audience, and that ability had only grown stronger since her conversion.
Now, she was a goddess with a magical voice.
Her voice was hauntingly beautiful, but so were the lyrics she wrote. She’d had to tone it down after she had all of the humans in the studio bursting into tears. Dominic had been surprised to find his own eyes burn with emotions when he listened to her sing. The power she wielded was amazing, but it also made it even more necessary to leave the planet.
Buddy claimed that Kylie was going to become a legend once her new album released. Dominic liked knowing that she would be remembered long after they left Earth. She claimed she didn’t care about that, but he knew a small part of her was pleased with the notion.
He hadn’t been surprised when Layla had announced that she had decided to go with them over dinner that evening, but her family’s reaction had been a mixture of shock, denial, and a little bit of envy. After talking it over, everyone had agreed it was an opportunity that she couldn’t pass up. Even though they weregoing to miss her, they were glad that she and Kylie would be together.
To ease everyone’s concerns, Dominic and Ronan had made a vow to protect Layla. They had grown fond of the human female since meeting her, but the simple fact that she was their mate’s best friend made her family to them. Whoever her mates turned out to be, they would have to treat her like the precious treasure she was or bring the full wrath of the Palace of the Western Forest down on them.
Besides watching Kylie record her songs, there wasn’t much Dominic and Ronan had wanted to do before leaving Earth. Sure, there were plenty of things they could have done, but it was more important to let their mate spend time with those she considered family before they left.
“So, are you really just going to stand out there until you get hit by lightning?” Jude called out.
The entire Ross family had gathered on the porch of Kylie’s house to watch them leave. They had spent the last few hours saying their goodbyes. There had been lots of hugs and tears, surprising Dominic and Ronan when they had been included.
Since Layla had decided to go with them, Kylie had given her house to Caroline, Frank, and their baby, Daniel. This way, they could remain close to the rest of the family rather than living a half an hour away.
The family was trying to be upbeat and brave, but Dominic could see the pain they were trying to hide. They all could. Separations were never easy, and they were saying goodbye to two family members that they would never see again.
