Page 35 of Heron's Flame

I had never begged a soul for anything until now, but I wasn’t too proud to plead for Rebel’s forgiveness. She needed me. Ishould have listened to her, been patient, and let her come to me when she was ready. Instead, I became angry and let that old demon of mine take control. I wasn’t that guy anymore. Rage didn’t rule me like it once did.

Three texts, and still no response. I had to find her. I was sure that I could fix this once I saw her. My thoughts turned to desperation when another hour passed, and I still heard nothing. Giving up any pride or the need to appear macho, I dialed Bella. She answered after four rings, but I spoke first as soon as I heard her pick up the call.

“Hey, Bella. Have you heard from Rebel?”

“Hey. No. I thought she was with you.”

Shit. “Uh, no. We had a bit of an argument and decided to cool off apart for a bit. But I can’t find her now.”

“Oh.” She paused. “Let me ask the girls.”

“Thanks.”

A tiny click followed, and I knew she muted me. It took way longer than necessary for her to come back.

“Heron?”

“Yeah?” Christ. Just tell me.

“No one has heard from her since we all met your ex.”

I cringed. “Well, fuck.”

“I’m sure she just needs a few minutes. I’m going to keep trying her cell until I get through. Okay?”

“I really need to know she’s alright.”

“As soon as I know something, you will,” Bella promised.

“I’ll hold you to it.”

She ended the call, and I held my phone, tempted to smash it on the nearest table. It wouldn’t do any good at all if Rebel or Bella called, so I turned up the volume and stuffed it into the pocket of my cut, where I’d hear it if anyone tried to get ahold of me.

Sulking, I began to pace the tent, torn between trying to find Rebel and staying put so I was here if she showed up. I almost let the crow take over so I could fly above the crowd and find her. I should have done that earlier when I had the chance.

“Heron.”

I turned to Crow as he entered the tent, followed by Hawk, Raven, and Talon. “Pres.”

“Heard you had quite a flight earlier.”

“Yeah.” I should have been thrilled to feel Crow’s pride in me. It dimmed somewhat by my reaction.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s Rebel. No one has heard from her since,” I paused, not wanting to bring up Cerys.

He sent me a knowing look. “Since we all met Brax and Cerys.”

“She’s pissed at me.”

He snorted. “She’ll get over it. Grovel. Apologize. Do better.”

It wasn’t that easy. I started to say so when he held up a hand.

“Don’t have time for this, Heron. Hammerhead is on his way.”

The meet. I forgot all about it. “I saw some Grave Robbers cuts a couple of hours ago.”

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