Page 123 of Gift from the Stone

“You’re amazing, you know that? And I’m so thankful for you,” I whisper against his lips. I can tell he doesn’t know what to say, so instead, he just smiles, giving me one more peck as he sets me down and turns me back to Oakly.

“Be good and don’t give Jamie too much trouble. I’ll see you soon,” he says as he transports out.

“Come on. Jamie’s made breakfast and coffee. Then I’ll give you a tour,” Oakly cheers excitedly, pulling me in her front door.

The coffee aroma fills my senses as we step into the entryway, and I honestly could find my way to the kitchen without Oakly if I just followed that scent. I know her laugh is directed at me as I stick my nose in the air and sniff like a damn bloodhound.

“Don’t laugh at me. They dragged me out of bed, promised coffee, then never delivered,” I playfully scold.

“Well, I got you, babe. Your cup is already waiting for you at the table,” she promises.

“My heart,” I tease, fluttering my lashes at her. “So were you in on this surprise girl time as well?”

“Nope. I was pulled out of bed before the sun as well, but Jamie spilled the beans because they were all about to get the wrath of my morning temper.” She smirks. I snort at her evil grin as we turn the corner into the kitchen.

My eyes widen as I take in Jamie and a loud laugh bursts out of me. Standing at the island, flipping what appears to be pancakes, Jamie’s wearing a tall chef’s hat and a bright-ass hot pink apron that reads “Made of Sugar and Spice.” I can’t stop the laughs and I bend over, clutching my stomach, Oakly latching on to me for balance as she joins in.

“Hey! Don’t laugh at the hands that are getting ready to feed you,” Jamie fusses, pointing his spatula at us, which just causes us to laugh harder. It only takes him a second to crack and he gives in.

“Enough, enough. Go sit down and breakfast will be ready in a minute,” he orders once he composes himself.

My bond swells with love and appreciation for Corentin as I wipe my tears away with my finger, small chuckles still coming out of me. Within the few minutes I’ve been here, my racing mind has calmed, and my heavy heart has lightened. I did need this, and he knew it.

It’s not that the guys don’t give me this, they do, but the responsibilities follow them just as much as me. And Corentin knew I just needed a small escape to my best friend’s to get away from it all for a short time.

This afternoon, we’ll have our escape. Like it or not, they’re going to fly.

Me and Oakly clap and cheer as Jamie fills the breakfast table with an assortment of food, a kettle of coffee, and all the fixings. With a dramatic bow, he gives Oakly a kiss, then leaves us to it.

“Okay, I’ve let you sip some coffee and there’s food galore. Spill,” Oakly demands the moment I finish chewing this sweet and delicious bite of pancake.

“And what is it you’d like me to spill?” I ask, faking confusion. I know what she wants to know.

“Don’t give me that. What happened yesterday and what’s going on that Corentin, Corentin of all the men in your Nexus, planned a girl’s morning?” she asks.

I finish my chewing, swallowing hard. Then I let it all fall out.

“Well, apparently, I absorb or mimic—fuck, Oakly, I don’t know what I’m doing honestly, but I’m doing something, and after I bond, I seem to wake up with a new gift. Yesterday, when we walked into the gym, my mind transference gift emerged,” I say in a ramble of words.

“Wait, so that means you and Tillman…but how is—”

I cut her off with my hand.

“I’ve been mimicking yours and Gaster’s gifts as well since our bonds snapped in place. I just didn’t realize that’s what was happening. I think Corentin planned this morning for us because he knows I’m freaking out and need some time to come to terms with it. The reality of all the responsibilities and what I’ve been, I guess destined to accomplish is weighing on me, and I’m just going with the flow instead of freaking the fuck out like I want to because I don’t want to disappoint anyone. I have five gifts, I was stabbed and almost died, Draken almost died, Tillman could’ve died, I’m supposed to save this realm, and I just feel fucking lost and confused.”

I take a deep breath. The taste of salt coats my tongue from the tears I didn’t even realize were falling down my cheeks. I guess I really did need to talk about this. I know I could talk to the guys, but I also know that instead of being understanding and just listening, they’d baby me and try to figure out a way to keep me out of it all. But that’s not the reality, nor is it really a possibility.

“Do you want my advice, for me to just listen, or both?” she asks softly, reaching out and squeezing my hand.

“To listen…tell me what to do…okay, maybe both,” I say rapidly, changing my mind in split seconds. She snorts, shakes her head, and holds back a laugh.

“First of all, super stoked about you and Tillman. Maybe now, he won’t be such a damn dictator in class,” she picks, making me laugh through my tears.

“It was amazing. And he gave me this.” I sniffle, reaching my arm out to show her my bracelet.

“It’s so beautiful. Damn, he did good,” she squeals.

“He felt really guilty about what happened. They all did, but he took it extremely hard. First, I think he blamed himself, then I think he was fearful it may happen again. I’m fearful of what’s to come too,” I admit quietly.

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