Page 141 of Gift from the Stone

“You’re referring to the people who took him? None of them live with us. They’ve never returned since that day, and we’ve never been able to find where they went,” Sira pleads. Her mind is running wild between believing we’re really here to help or we’re leading them all to their deaths.

“I know we aren’t being very forthcoming and this is confusing for you, but I promise we’re not here to harm you in any way. It’s just that it’s not safe to openly discuss anything that he’s been through since he’s been gone, so it’ll need to wait,” I say, reaching out to grasp her hand.

I meant it as a reassuring gesture, trying to push some comfort to her, but as our skin touches, a jolt zaps across my mind, and I think intently, unconsciously about Layton. Her forcefully hitched breath causes me to pull my hand back quickly and step into my men as hers steps closer to her.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t—” I start.

“She’s telling the truth. They have our Layton. You’ll take us to him now, right?” she manically asks, reaching back out and grabbing my hand with both of hers.

“Sira, are you okay?” one of her guys asks, pulling her away from me.

“Yes. When she touched me, I saw images of Layton with these men. They have him. He’s okay,” she cries out.

I cast my wide eyes to my men, landing on Tillman, looking for an answer. We knew we could send each other stuff and things to the guys, but neither of us has broadcasted anything to other people.

Fuck me, I think I, we, I don’t know, just unlocked a new ability from our bond.

“Later, little warrior,” Tillman grunts.

“Let’s get the fuck out of here,” Caspian demands, pulling me into him.

“We’re going to transport you to where your son’s being held. You’ll have to hold on to the two of us the entire time till we pass through the ward. Once we’re in, there’s no way for you to leave without one of us, just to warn you,” Tillman states as he and Draken step up and stretch out their arms.

I force down the growl trying to escape me when Sira lays her hand on Draken because my very human side can obviously see and knows she has to, but my dragon does not like that shit at all.

Draken’s grin screams his pleasure at my jealousy and possessive claim. It’s not helping.

The battle over my feelings eases as Corentin steps in front of me, blocking my sight, but they swiftly turn inappropriate as he presses into me, sandwiching me between Caspian.

“Ready, princess?” he asks.

“Yeah, yep,” I stutter, clearing my throat.

Not one to be left out of getting me riled up, Tillman’s deep chuckle follows me through the transport, adding to my flustered state. It’s ridiculous how they can make me melt with a few words and looks.

Still firmly pressed between Caspian and Corentin, we watch as Draken and Tillman stand on the other side of the ward, preparing to walk Layton’s parents through. They’re bringing them in like they do the prisoners, where they don’t allow their signature to mingle with the ward. Instead, touching them allows them to pass in but not out.

“Lyker and his Nexus are about to be here,” Corentin tells me as he slips his communicator back into his pocket.

“I hope Aria can get the rune down permanently for this kid,” I whisper.

“Me too, baby, me too,” he agrees, giving my hand a squeeze as Draken and Tillman join us.

“Where are we?” one of Layton’s dads asks.

We really should make introductions. One of Layton’s dads is a little too much to continue thinking every time they speak.

“We’re waiting on another Nexus to arrive, then we’ll make our way in, and we’ll formally introduce ourselves and get your son,” Tillman states, shooting me a wink as I roll my eyes.

Me and my guys turn as one, feeling the subtle vibration of the ward letting us know that someone just entered, and a smile breaks across my face as I can barely see Aria from where she’s surrounded by the guys. It only takes her a few steps in to split away from her cocoon and ambush me in a hug.

“It’s so weird not having you come disturb my precious sleep,” she picks. It hasn’t been that long since the last time I dream-walked into her mind, but the days are long, and it feels like eternity.

“You never know. I may still pop in,” I tease, knowing the likelihood of that is slim to none.

“Fortune teller,” Lyker says as a way of greeting after Kian, Lennox, and Zane all say hey to me.

“Alphahole, how are you?” I ask sarcastically, earning myself a huff from him and chuckles from everyone else.

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