Page 163 of The Hunt
“You haven’t given Megan back her phone yet, have you?”
“No. She’s still trying to meddle in your life.”
I grinned. Even hundreds of miles away and newly mated, Oanen was still trying to protect me.
“I love you and miss you, too. But, can I talk to her anyway? I promise to hang up on her if she gets heavy-handed in her meddling.”
There was a rustle of noise then Megan came on the line.
“Please tell me that Adira is still shaking in her boots somewhere.”
“When I saw her last night, she was too busy being a pain in my backside to shake.”
“I’m so ready to come home.”
“Any luck with your lead for Ashlyn?”
“Zayn is being particularly difficult to find. However, I’m positive he’ll show up soon to help. According to his sister, he’s on an extended leave of absence. She couldn’t say where or why. And I mean that literally. He spelled her for her protection.”
I sighed.
“I hate all the time that’s passing. What if—”
“Don’t. Those what-if’s will mess with your head. Now, tell me what good you’ve been up to.”
“Well, I tried saving an infant brownie’s life. I’m not sure that worked, though. I’m having Eugene give Jenna kissing lessons if that counts. I’m sure Eugene thinks it’s an act of goodwill.”
Megan laughed.
“I’m sure you’re right. Why does Jenna need lessons?”
“To counter all the bad I’ve been doing.”
“Uh-oh. Talk.”
I glanced at the house. There was still no sign of Jenna. Given Eugene’s age, I’d assumed he knew how to kiss. What if Ashlyn, the human who’d been stuck in Uttira her entire life, had been his first kiss? The likelihood of Ashlyn not knowing how to kiss was extremely high.
“Silence isn’t talking,” Megan said. “What bad do you think you’ve been doing?”
“Keeping the reason behind Ashlyn’s disappearance secret from the Council. Being rude to just about every adult in my life. Almost killing Piepen at least three times because he keeps sneaking into my room. Letting my own life drama get in the way of watching after the humans like I should be.” I took a big breath and admitted my worst sin. “Enthralling Fenris.”
“First, you’re not keeping the secret from the Council now. I am. And, if the adults you’re rude to include Adira or anyone else on the Council, then it’s allowed. As for Piepen, bless your sweet southern soul for having the level of restraint you do. If I’d been the one, he’d be dead already. So I hardly think your efforts fall into the bad category. And it’s not your job to watch over the humans. That’s Adira’s job.”
There was a long moment of silence.
“Saying nothing about that last bit is probably going to kill me, but I don’t want my phone taken away from me just yet. I can tell you still need to talk. I’m here to listen.”
“It was an accident. I always pay attention. I thought I was keeping it all under control.” I rubbed my forehead. “I didn’t see it until it was already done. But I’m working on a fix. Fenris should be fine by the time you get back.”
“Come on, Oanen. Just five words of friendly advice.”
“Stay out of it,” I heard him warn in the background.
“Fine. Eliana, I love you, and I will never consider you putting your hoo-doo on anyone a black mark against your soul. Do you know why? Because you are what the gods made you. You’re fighting so hard against your nature. More than anyone else I know. And if that effort doesn’t tip the scales in your favor, I don’t know what will. So breathe easy. I don’t have a one-way ticket to hell with your name on it. I’m sure of it.”
“I’d still feel better if we could put off seeing each other for a little longer. At least until Fenris is better?”
“I’m not sure I’m willing to wait that long.”
