Page 35 of Visions, Paws, and Claws

Brick stared at him, and the seconds ticked by.

Come on, Brick. Be the protector I know youcanbe.

Finally he shuddered, and Aric knew he’d gotten through. “You’re right. Even if itisin a dream, it was still wrong.”

Aric beamed. “That’sthe Brick I love. That’s our mate.”

“So that’s his name. I like it.”

Brick scanned their surroundings. “Who said that?”

Aric gasped. “I know that voice. It’s Seth!” He scanned their surroundings. “Seth! Where are you?” His pulse quickened.

“How can it be Seth?” Brick demanded. “This is my dream.”

“AndI’min it, so why not Seth too?” Aric’s heart felt as if it was about to explode. “Seth! You still here?”

“Hey, baby. Still here.”

“Then why can’t I see you?”

Seth chuckled. “I’m working on it, okay? And obviously I need to work a little harder.”

“But—”

Whatever else Aric had been about to say was lost when Seth sort of faded into view. He was thinner than Aric remembered, and he seemed exhausted, but it was definitely him.

Aric rushed over to him, only stopping a foot away. “Can I… can I touch you?”

Seth groaned. “Oh Gods, I hope so.” He held his arms wide, and Aric was in them in a heartbeat.

“I wish I could smell you,” Seth murmured, pressing his lips to Aric’s forehead, nose, cheeks, and at last his mouth.

Aric still couldn’t believe this was happening. “It’s really you,” he said with a sigh. “You’re here.”

“Do I get a hug?” Brick asked from behind them.

Aric sprang apart from Seth, grabbed Brick’s hand, and hauled him toward them. Seth gazed up at him, his eyes glistening.

“Oh wow. You’re huge.”

Brick chuckled. “All over, sweetheart.”

Seth’s cheeks pinked. “Good to know.”

Brick enfolded Seth in his arms, and Aric’s heart leaped to see them together. Seth appeared even thinner against Brick’s frame, and Aric tried not to think about what had brought him to that state.

Brick held Seth to him, his eyes closed. “Can’t believe this is real.”

“You and me both,” Seth whispered.

Aric joined them, his spirits soaring when both his mates pulled him into their embrace.

Brick stroked his hair. “Seth, where are you? I’ll come for you.”

“I’d tell you if I knew. All I do know is that it’s another camp, and we were brought here in darkness. We think it’s near the Canadian border, but that doesn’t narrow the field much.”

“Are you okay?” Aric couldn’t rein in the question a second longer.

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