Page 80 of Cultivating Caden
Caden wrapped an arm around Ten’s shoulder, not surprised when Ten leaned closer. “What does that mean?”
“It means that either A’kosh or Dad—maybe both—is a focal point of something that’s going to happen. Whatever they do over there will have an impact on all of reality.”
“And you can’t see it?”
“I’ve been trying.” He slid closer to Caden. “I try to see what’s coming, but when I look ahead, I find something staring back at me. It’s ancient and powerful and scary as hell.”
“Language, Ten.”
He blew out a breath and glared at Quade. “Really? We’re talking ’bout the end of everything, and you’re going to worry about me sayinghell?”
“Just because reality might end doesn’t mean you can forget all the rules. How many times did I tell you that you catch more flies—”
“With honey, yes, I know. Geez.”
It was obvious that Ten didn’t mind. Since he’d come into their lives, he’d blossomed, opening up to people he would normally have shied away from. Caden felt as though Ten had been waiting for him and Quade.
I was.
“Ten?” Hearing his voice inside Caden’s head was weird.
Quade’s eyes met Caden’s, and his heart soared.
He’s been waiting on you for his whole life. A half soul is never happy. They always look for the other part of themselves. Most people think that the idea of fated mates is ridiculous, but it’s really not. Your souls were always working to bring you to this point at this time. When Dad needed you most, you were here for him. Just like when you need him, he’ll be there for you.
Why do I get the feeling you know more than you’re letting on?
I don’t, I swear. When Dad said he’d help A’kosh, it was like a huge explosion took place inside my head. Millions of potential futures that had been closed off were there again, and some that shouldn’t have been possible were suddenly just… there. I can follow them to their logical conclusions, but too many are whipping so fast from one extreme to the next…. It’s like trying to wrestle a shrieking eel.
Caden chuckled, which earned him a raised eyebrow from Quade.
When A’kosh had come to visit, they’d watchedPrincess Bride.Ten had never seen the movie, and he and his new friend curled up on the couch, eyes wide, the tub of popcorn forgotten as they watched the movie play out. Caden thought he’d be uncomfortable with A’kosh, but nothing could be further from the truth. The young man had been cordial, almost sweet, as Ten translated for him. The thing that was a little strange was when the lights were low and everyone seemed to be intent on the movie, Caden noticed Ten slip his hand into A’kosh’s and the way their fingers twined together. The soft trill from the demon… theboyalso reached his ears.
Something you want to tell me about you and A’kosh?
Nope.Ten didn’t even seem surprised he was asking.
You know you can talk to me about anything, right?
I’m not ready for you to explain the facts of life to me. In fact, I don’t think I’ll ever be ready for that conversation.
Caden grinned.You know your body is changing and—
Poppaaaaa, stop. Please, I’m begging you.
Somehow Ten was projecting his discomfort, and Caden’s stomach squirmed along with the feelings that coursed through him.
Do you like him?
Ten’s sigh was loud enough that it was audible over the movie.We can’t do this now. I promise, one day I’ll tell you everything. Assuming there’s an everything left.
That shut Caden down. Ten’s words made everything a lot more real to him. He’d watched as Quade fought the Bogran, and even then, with Matt and Kieran next to him, it still seemed surreal. But the words of a child made everything sharper and reminded him how dangerous their lives were.
“Caden?”
A hand on his shoulder jolted Caden out of his memories. He turned to find Quade standing there, his head cocked.
“You okay?”
