Page 77 of Master of My Heart

Sometimes duty sucks.

Chase thought about the women he’d briefly dated in the past. He’d rather face the Elders’ wrath than marry most of them, but there were a few decent ones in there. Richard’s youngest daughter, Lindsay, was a nice girl. Super career-oriented, though. Would she be willing to settle down and become a “proper” Elder-Son’s wife? Tom, the New York Elder, had a daughter about his age. He’d met her once. There was also a girl he’d known at West Point. Sydney. At least she’d understand his military training. He hadn’t seen her in years, though.

Ethan sat across the fire, listening to whatever messages had come in since they’d left. His eyes widened, then widened again. Chase’s heart pounded, wondering what had happened. When Ethan stood, his eyes locked on his friend’s.

He walked over and held out the phone. “You need to listen to these.”

“What happened?” Chase asked, his throat tight.

Ethan’s tired face broke into a grin. “All good things, my brother.”

Chase frowned and grabbed the phone, pushing the button to repeat the messages.

“Chase, it’s Jayson. Hey, I know you’re out doing your thing right now, but some girl showed up and, well... Her name is Sabrina. She’s a dancer. I think she might be the Sabrina. Your Sabrina. I’m not a hundred percent certain, but... I just hope you get home soon. I think she’s in some trouble. Even if she’s not the same girl, she could sure use your help. Call me when you get this.”

Chase struggled for breath, as if he’d been punched in the chest. Sabrina? In Boston? Is it possible? The phone beeped and another message started playing. Another from Jayson just a few hours later.

“Chase, I’m pretty damn sure it’s your Sabrina. Martin said he knew her before. I can’t imagine it being anyone else. Damn, dude, I wish you were home. She needs help. I hope you get this soon.”

The messages were from the middle of September, shortly after he left. Oh God, what if something happened to her again and I wasn’t there to help her? He’d never forgive himself. His heart pounded so hard, his head started to hurt.

He rubbed his forehead as the phone beeped again.

“Chase, it’s Mom. Sabrina is here! In Boston. She’s all grown up and looks beautiful. But she’s scared of something. She wouldn’t even talk to me. She’s safe, though, staying with Jayson and Liz. Richard met her tonight and she’s... special, like he suspected. I hope you’re coming home soon. I miss you and know Sabrina will be thrilled to see you. I love you. See you soon.”

That message was from just a few hours ago.

The phone beeped again, but it was from the Brazilian Elder. Chase stabbed the screen to end the call. He didn’t care about the frickin’ Elder.

Sabrina is in Boston!

He looked around, calculating how quickly they could make it back to the river if they pushed themselves.

“You look as if you have seen a ghost, my friend,” Alex commented, arching a brow. “What happened?”

“Sabrina’s alive,” Chase choked out. “And in Boston.”

The men, who had been considerably subdued all evening, suddenly sat up, exclaiming their excitement for him.

“But she’s in trouble. Well, I think she is.” He recounted the messages and looked around the fire at his men. “I don’t know what to think.”

“Your mom said she was okay. Jayson can be a little dramatic sometimes,” Lance said with a shrug, tossing a stick into the fire. “I’m sure she’s fine.”

Alex nodded. “If something had happened, your mother would have called back.”

Chase couldn’t stop the grin from spreading across his face, the idea of seeing Sabrina again after so many years filling his whole body with warmth. He no longer felt the chill in the evening air. “Mom’s message was from today. Maybe they figured out whatever was going on.”

The men nodded in agreement.

“Mom also said that Richard confirmed she’s a half-Immortal.” He frowned and looked at Alex, feeling nervous. “What if that changes things?”

Alex laughed. “As in what? More interesting sex once you’re married?”

Chase rolled his eyes. “What if she’s like the other ones? What if she doesn’t want to get married?”

Alex clapped him on the shoulder. “Worrying and speculating won’t do anything except stress you out. Focus on what you’ll say to her when you see her again.”

“Yeah, and how you’ll kiss her,” Corey added with a laugh. “Tongue or no tongue.”

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