Page 89 of Those That Are Lost
“How?” she challenges me.
“We don’t know how far I’d have to be in Froan.”
“I’ve been thinking about that too.”Gods, Red really has been busy whilst she’s been stuck in this apartment.“I’ve had a few calls with Claire and Bree. I think we could ask Claire to stay at hers. She’s at her parent’s place right now, it’s on the same side of the city as the ranch. I think the distance would be okay.”
“Okay? Red, nothing about this is okay. I’ve struggled spending an entire day without you, and that’s when you’re safe here. We’re talking about a week or two apart and you being in the literal hands of our enemy. Don’t think for a second Adicious won’t want to resume where he left off when it comes to you.”
She shivers in my arms at the reminder. But then her spine straightens.
“He won’t touch me. I’m at full strength, I’m better prepared and will have a very powerful air wielder with me.”
“And the prolonged distance?”
“I’ll admit I’m not letting myself think about that. I’m thinking of the end goal. We get a pack and our home back. We’d get the chance to set up a safe haven like your parents were planning to.”
“I don’t like it,” I repeat.
“I know.” She kisses my nose, staring straight into my eyes. “Neither do I, but would you trust me to do it?”
“Yes.” The word tastes heavy on my tongue but it’s the truth. “Of course I do.” I want to scream that I’ll go instead, but I don’t have the powers she does. Adicious doesn’t want her dead. Me? He’d kill me on the spot.
“I’m better skilled now. I can do this, with your support.”
“I know, Red. I don’t doubt you. I feel like I’m risking you but not because I don’t think you can handle yourself. You’re brilliant, clever, and the strongest willed person I’ve ever known. But you’re also the most precious thing I’ll ever have. What you’re proposing is dangerous. And you have no idea what it means to me that you’re this invested in getting Froan back under our control. It’s my family's territory. You could suggest we go anywhere else, there’s so much land we could settle in. The fact you want to do this because I want to do this is a great gift.”
“It’s my home too.” Red’s gaze spears into mine. Even without our mind connection I would be able to see the extent of her determination right now, her eyes revealing everything she’s feeling beneath the surface. “Thank you for trusting me to do this.”
That makes me grin. “No need to thank me, Red. We’re partners; equals.”
She leans down to give me a quick chaste kiss. “And soon to be pack leaders?”
“Looks like it. How’d you feel about that?”
“Good, I think. After spending time with the wolves,seeing the bonds they all share, I want that. I only hope I don’t fuck it up, because I have no idea what I’m doing.”
“You know more than you think. I saw the way you helped the younger wolves. The way you delved into my parents' work. I think together we could build something really positive.”
She smiles down at me and nods before wrapping herself around my body. I cherish the warmth of her skin, the closeness and being surrounded by her scent. We have one full day left before we leave for Froan. And now one full day before my mate embarks on a dangerous mission without me by her side.
CHAPTER 35
AURORA
The next day, Ty switches the rota so he stays in the apartment with me. We called Claire and set up the hideout. She’s thrilled that she’ll be seeing us so soon and has no issue allowing Ty and Henry to stay with her. It turns out her parents are away and have been for a few weeks. Claire doesn’t openly admit it but I hear the relief in her voice, and I remember Bree’s comment about her not likely being alone since I disappeared.
She chats animatedly about how David stayed for a few days but then he had to take off on a placement. She discusses food she’ll get in— all my old favourites—until I remind her that I won’t be eating anymore. That makes her pause, but then she asks a million more questions and I leave the call filled with longing and excitement. I can’t wait to see her again. I don’t let the circumstances dampen the fact.
After checking on our hostage in the closet, who remains the same, we spend the rest of the day alone. Together, but completely alone.
And we waste none of the time being clothed. We make love slowly, like it's our last chance. There’s not an inch of skin that goes untouched, unkissed. One round blends intothe next, with only short breaks to catch our breath. It’s the perfect afternoon of lazily fucking and savouring each other’s flesh.
All too soon, the others are returning for the evening and we’re forced to shower, dress, and move back into the living space.
Henry comes home first, having been at the university catching up with his commitments there, and organising his next academic paper. He’s filing stuff from his bag at his desk, with Ty and me curled up on the sofa across the room when the door opens and Mitch and Antares burst into the apartment, laughing at some joke and animatedly chatting.
Their final task of the day was to steal some blood for us for tonight so that we are all well fed for the journey tomorrow. Mitch moves to the kitchenette area and slings his backpack down on the counter. Unzipping it, he starts pulling out packets, which Antares takes, putting them in the fridge for later. We exchange casual conversation as the guys take it in turns to use the shower in the main bathroom.
Having taken dibs, and now in sweats, Henry brings his laptop over and sits on the sofa adjacent to ours, needing to finish a couple of emails to his editors on his fiction publishing side. Antares asks him how it’s going as he waits for his turn in the shower. Ty joins in the conversation too.
