Page 87 of Lost Girl

Turns out, it would bemehaving to practice patience, an attribute that isn’t always my strong suit.

Those teas Persia whipped up? They work, I’ll say that, but once Wendy downs it, she’s out shortly after,leaving me to my own devices while she sleeps to ensure there isn’t another episode in sight. The result? One, the worst case of blue balls ever continues, and two, I haven’t been out with the pack since the night the Fae’s broke out of the Hollow. Granted, that was only about a week ago, but Soren's been the one leading them through patrols while I’ve stayed with Wendy.

Wouldn’t be so bad if I weren’t dying to get my hands on her again. I would have already,long ago,but time isn’t our friend these days. If it’s not the hasty side effects of the teas, it’s Soren busting in whenever things get a little too heated. The constant interruptions have left us frustrated to the point where I’m about to say fuck it and take her to the house, period—half-built or otherwise.

Tonight, though, Wendy insisted I go. Said it was pointless for me to sit around when she’s sleeping soundly.

I’ll be honest, I’m glad she all but kicked me out. We both need it. One more second alone with her, unable to have her the way I want, was going to tip me over the edge. The urges are simply getting too strong, instincts imploring I stake my claim, and I can’t afford that route.

Why? Because when a shifter follows that instinct, it’s not a simple claim—it’s a permanent mark.

She becomesyours,always and forever. Breaking that bond can be life threatening.

Marking Wendy would undoubtedly be my greatest accomplishment, but also my greatest downfall. You can’t mark a woman who doesn’t call these lands her home.

As always, Soren and Levi lead the way, trotting through the darkened terrain at an easy place. Elias and Talon cover the middle, Niko and Cortez cover their flanks, and I’m keeping an eye out in the back. I didn't believe the boys when they'd said it's been eerily quiet, but the night has been extremely uneventful to say the least. What’s most surprising is the lack of leeches. I know Tinksley offered her apologies, but still...isn’t her Captain vexed at my covert entry?

Off in the distance, a lone whistle blows a hailing tune. My ears shoot up at the familiar melody, stopping me in my tracks. It's my dad's whistle, one he uses to call for me when he needs me. There isn't a sinking feeling that follows, but I haven't spoken to him since the morning he flat out told me Wendy wasn't welcome in our home. Either something is wrong or he's come to his senses.

I'm going to bet on the former, but hey—you never know.

The boys have already stilled in place, each one peering back at me from up ahead. They're familiar with the sound, too.

You guys go ahead. I'm gonna go check on him,I tell them, cueing Soren to take over. He gives a keen yelp just as I'm turning back toward the village, bolting off in a full sprint. A handful of minutes later, I'm clearing the sparse trees lining the perimeter, less than half a mile from the house. Dad's already on the porch when I approach.

I'm flashing into male form right before his eyes and quickly grab one of the blankets off the porch banister. "Everything okay?" I wrap the woven material around my waist.

"As good as it could be, I guess." That's his answer, elbows digging into his knees, his head bowed in his hands.

Hopping up the steps, I lean against the railing and casually cross my arms. "What's going on, old man?"

"Kimi," he sighs, completely disregarding the fact I’ve used that term he hates. "Her birthday's a few weeks away and she's having a fit. Aiyana doesn't know what to do with her at this point. She's adamant on not wanting to live this life and Aiyana's terrified she'll try ending it."

Aaand I was right.

This again.

"There isn't anything she can do, dad. You said you were sure she's got the gene, so it's going to happen. There is no delaying it or choosing against it.”

"That's exactly what I told her mother and she's passed that along to Kimi on more than one occasion, but the girl is resolute in her feelings."

"Unfortunately, those are feelings she just has to get over, Pa. She's going to shift whether she wants to or not."

"That's why I need you, son.” He drags his gaze to me, tired brown eyes begging for a reprieve. “I know things have been rocky over the last few weeks, but I need your help."

I expected this conversation to be far more tense given the circumstances, but there isn't anything remotely tense about it, as if the fight never happened to begin with. And as always, I want to honor him. I genuinely want to help him, there’s just one problem—"There's nothing I or anyone else cando. It’s going to happen."

"I know, but you promised me you'd talk to her, that you'd help her,” he stresses, voice straining quietly.

I’m assuming Aiyana’s inside.

"And I tried, dad, I did. Before I even knew about Wendy being in that dungeon, I tried twice. Kimi didn't want to talk to me." It’s the truth, too. I wasn’t saying the girl is beyond stubborn and set in her ways as an excuse.

My dad scrubs a hand down his face, sighing once behind his large palm. "You intimidate her."

I actually find myself a bit offended by that. "What? I've never been anything but cordial with her."

"Tavi.” He’s giving me that look. “You're not exactly the easiest to be around when you're doing something you really don't want to be doing."

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