Page 115 of Tangled Hearts

Max rubbed his cheek. “I can’t help it when a beautiful woman shows up.”

“I’m sorry,” I said, wincing when he removed his hand; it was all red.

“It’s fine,” Max said, walking to me.

“Yeah, we were done,” Aeon said, wiping his forehead as I tried not to look his way.

Katarina was a very lucky woman because all of her mates were extremely attractive.

“I need to go grab a few things before we head out tomorrow,” he said, clapping Max on the back. “Be ready by three in the morning, so we can do the spell and find out where your mates are at.”

“Of course,” I said, giving him a smile. “Th-thank you, Aeon, for finding us.”

“I owe you, we all do,” Aeon said with a handsome smile.

He nodded at us before leaving.

“Are you ok?” I caressed his cheek, sending a little bit of healing to him.

“Better, I missed you,” he said, cupping my cheek in one of his big hands. “I don’t like this.”

“I know, I just—” I took a deep breath. “It’s gonna be fine. Want to head into town with me? I want to go see a few stores to see if I can find some tourmaline or quartz and maybe we can eat before we turn in for the night.”

“Are you asking me out on a date, Sol?” He smirked.

“Maybe a last chance to enjoy in case anything goes?—”

“Oria,” he said, hugging me. “We will get them back and take care of Laima.”

“I’m just being realistic,” I said against his chest.

“Come on, let's go on a date.” Max grabbed my hand, leading me through the kitchen to the front door.

The Belladonna estate was enormous with a small town just down the road. It was late afternoon, and the small town was busy.

“Food or shop first?” I asked, feeling a little bit of excitement as kids ran around and people went from shop to shop.

“Shop,” he said, grabbing my hand, leading us to a small shop.

There were a few people who looked at us warily, but they kept to themselves. Music was playing as a few restaurants had people eating outside.

We walked in and a bell rang announcing our arrival. There was a desk in front with a register, but no one was there. The shop had an amazing selection of stones, gems and every imaginable crystal. Max gave me a basket to put the handful of stones I had grabbed.

“Hello!” Max yelled out looking over the desk as I came down one of the aisles.

“Maybe they stepped out,” I said, feeling his worry.

“It might be nothing, but we should leave,” he said, holding out his hand for me.

“Ok.” I set my basket down when I felt a surge of energy.

“Max,” I said, pulling him back.

A blast of energy barely missed Max, coming closer with each blast. He pulled me down as another one narrowly missed us, we got up and ran to the door when we froze.

Taylin walked out of the shadows looking grim. “I tried, Max, but you put me in an awful position.”

“Let her go, Taylin; if you care for her like you say you do, let her go,” Max said, as Taylin came closer. “Please, brother.”

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