Page 33 of Rhadan

Hello beautiful.

“I have missed you,” she whispered against his neck.

I have missed you too, lass. We don’t have much time, as Adara is not strong enough to maintain your connection, but I need you to call on me when she needs strength. Promise me you will do it when the time is right.

“Of course. I can’t wait to have you back with us. Daisy misses you so much. She sleeps with the blanket you shared.”

Your wolf has a beautiful soul, and she chose you to be part of her pack. She made a promise to your mother, and she will keep it until she takes her last breath.

Tempest let her arms fall from Ren’s neck. “What promise?”

Your mother went to a facility that housed the animals trained to assist their human owners. She met many suitable pets, but Daisy called to her. I believe your mother had an affinity for animals and Daisy promised to protect you with her life. She kept that promise. She is tired, Tempest. She is happy you have a strong mate. One who will take up the mantle of your protection when she is forced to move on.

“NO! I can’t lose her. I lose everyone.”

Ren’s face was sad as he licked her face.

Tempest sobbed and knew that her body was shaking in Rhadan’s arms. “Please.”

CHAPTER 18

Tempest drew dry air into her lungs and sobbed against Rhadan’s chest. She appreciated him not rushing her for an explanation. He seemed content to run his fingers over her hair and kiss the top of her head softly. She couldn’t remember feeling so safe, loved.

She took a stuttered breath. “I’m sorry. Adara told me some things...”

“You were able to commune with the temple?”

She felt a tentative push in her mind. A subconscious knock before he connected with her and filled her world with color. The large room with tartan coverings on the window and oak furniture was comforting, despite the throbbing ache in her chest.

“Are you ready to tell me what happened?” Rhadan asked.

“I met with Adara. She looked just like she had back at the girls’ camp. How could I not have noticed she wasn’t human?” She snuggled closer to him.

“Tempest, she was never really at the camp. She connected with your mind, and you saw her as she wanted you to. Children’s minds are open to vast possibilities, and they are willing to accept what seems impossible.”

“I often wondered why she was able to influence us as children but not as adults,” Tempest said.

“Humans grow more... set in their ways as they age, but in a druid’s case, your mental shields become stronger. With her not residing in this realm, she lost the ability to connect with you.”

“I guess I should be thankful she was there when I needed her. That she was able to influence my mother when I was born.”

“Your mother’s power never... matured. Her mental shields were weak, which was why Devlin was able to influence her so easily, but how did Adara influence your mother? Did she do something to protect you?” Rhadan asked.

“She had my mom write the wrong date on my birth documents. I’m twenty-three.”

Rhadan sighed. “You have no idea how happy this news makes me. Honestly, I wasn’t sure I could keep my vow.”

“I’m older, but I don’t feel wiser,” she whispered honestly.

Rhadan squeezed her slightly, trying to offer comfort. “Adara did the same thing with Mara and Alana. I will not be surprised if she has done this for other druids as well.”

Tempest shook her head. “Why?”

“To protect them. Darks won’t look farther than a human document. You do not understand the lengths they will go to ensure they have a supply of druid blood. Their hunger is a sickness. One that must be purged from the world.”

“Hopefully she will be back soon, and the need for this kind of subterfuge will end.”

“I hope so. Allorin is aware that Alana’s birth certificate was altered. I’m sure they will be more diligent in the future.”

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