Page 108 of Tangled Hearts

I saw a wad of money as well as a few potions, invisibility and silencing charms, artifacts and a sunflower. The sunflower was warm to the touch. I put the phone back into the bag, zipping it up and putting it on my back like I had seen the guys do.

Max was staring at me, and I knew he wanted to say something, but I shook my head.

“Come on, let’s get some clothes and food then we can get back in the air,” I said, walking towards the buildings.

Max followed me silently, but I could feel the heaviness between us. It was like our bond was wrapped in lead. They had broken our trust. I felt like I was making a big deal out of nothing. I was alive and that was something, but life without them wasn't a life worth living. I glanced back at Max behind me to see his hands in his pockets, staring at his feet as we walked.

My stomach soured at the thought that it might just be us from now on. I had to make the most of it and I’d be damned if I didn’t try to get them back. They were mine, no matter what.

30

MAXTON

My mind was reeling at how different everything was after being a cat for two hundred years. I wasn’t allowed in the store since I didn’t have a shirt or shoes, so I sat on a bench waiting for Oria to come back to me.

Her anger seemed to have faded slightly and while I understood why she was mad at me or us, I would do it again if it meant that she would be safe. I still felt guilty though, the bond felt hollow without the guys, and I wondered if maybe I should have taken them all with me. After a quick breakfast at a place that had these round things called donuts with coffee they called cold brew, I was feeling like I could run laps for days with the energy I was feeling.

Flying eased that sensation, and I was grateful for expending the energy.

Uh, Max, we are passing the blue dot! Oria squealed. Turn around or find somewhere you can land and then I guess we can walk.

I turned around looking for a spot that would be the best, but it was a tight space, and I tried something that might have been a little risky.

Hold on, Sol, put your bag on you and hold the other stuff. I said, giving her a moment.

Ok, I’m?—

I shifted, her scream made my heart pound as we free fell. I grabbed her, seeing the ground come too quickly before I landed on both feet.

“Max, what the fuck was that!?” she yelled, pushing herself away from me.

“I wasn’t going to fit, and I didn’t want you to walk too far,” I said, grabbing the bag from her, taking out the sweats and the black shirt she got me with the large shoes that still felt a little snug.

“I mean—” her voice trailed off.

I looked up through my lashes, seeing her staring at my chest. Her cheeks grew pink as she scoffed. She turned around, muttering to herself and I enjoyed her flustered look, but it wasn’t the same without the guys. My mood plummeted at the offensive thought.

Oria looked at the phone that was spinning until she found the direction we needed to go towards. She was walking and I hated this awkwardness between us. I followed her, worried we might be falling into a trap.

The hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I walked fast to pull Oria towards me. She came willingly as we looked around the small field.

It’s a trap, isn’t it? she said. Do you feel it?

I don’t have a good feeling about this. I said, pushing her in the opposite direction we were supposed to go.

We made it to the trees before I looked back again, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Oria’s hands were on my back as she peeked around me.

Oria’s fear slammed into me when I turned around ready to shift, pushing her behind me.

“I’m not here to hurt you. I promise.” A man with multicolored eyes and a blond man stood behind us with their hands up. “Katarina is our mate.”

They were big guys, almost my size, but just as bulky in sweats and no shirts that made me want to scowl and tell Oria to avert her eyes.

“I remember you,” Oria said, looking at the blond one.

“I’m Lucien and this is Aeon, he’s a seer and we were hoping to make it to you on time because it’s a trap,” Lucien said.

“Addie betrayed us?” Oria scoffed.

---