Page 22 of Tangled Hearts

“How?” Oria looked confused.

“I’m a seer darling and a fellow alchemist, but you...” She paused, studying Oria. “You are so much more, I see.”

“You make potions too?”

“I do, but that portal potion you made is quite the potion and the necklace too,” she said.

“Oh, the necklace wasn’t me, that—” Oria stopped herself before she could say more.

“It’s ok, keep your secrets,” Addie said, glancing at me. “We all have them.”

I felt tense, like that comment was meant for me and when she looked directly at me, I knew it was.

“Can we get our locator spell?” I tried not to sound annoyed, but it was useless.

“Of course, but Gray is fine,” she said, looking at Oria. “He’s just doing a few things before he comes back to you that will benefit all of you.”

Oria sagged against me as a rush of relief washed over me.

“Are you sure?” she murmured.

“Yes, I promise he will come back to you,” Addie said, motioning for us to follow her.

“You should be able to speak with him, but I think your bond might be too fragile. Time away is no good for your bond,” she said, showing us into a room.

“It feels like a piece of me is far away; I’m constantly feeling like I’m anxious,” Oria said, standing near the shelves of items by the door.

“It's because you are,” Addie said, getting behind a table that had a map on it. “You are missing a big part of you, but always know when you are together, you are stronger and each of you is an integral piece of the bond.”

Oria nodded, biting on her bottom lip, glancing at me with a tear in her beautiful hazel eyes. My wolf bristled at her emotions and for once we were on the same page concerning Oria. We wanted to take her pain away, we couldn't stand to see her sad.

“Well, let's get Gray back so you can feel better,” I said, walking to the table with Addie.

“That isn’t the only bond that is hurting her,” Addie said, arranging a few things on the table.

Oria scoffed as I caught her rolling her eyes.

Addie looked between us, and I knew she was wanting to say something to me. Addie had always been a meddler. She was like your ornery grandmother looking to push you in the right direction, but failing at being sneaky about it.

“Ok, let's find your mate,” Addie said, pulling out a knife. “Your hand.”

She motioned for Oria to give her hand.

“No,” I growled, not liking that she was asking for her blood.

“Ryder,” Oria said, annoyed.

“No, why do you need her blood?”

My wolf was feeling extremely protective and what if she found out who she was?

“Ryder, we need to find him,” Oria snapped at me.

“No, we?—”

“Fine, give me your hand,” Addie said, looking bored. “It won’t be as strong as hers, but it might work. You do have a bond with him, he’s part of your pack.”

“No, use mine,” Oria said quickly.

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