Page 85 of Desire

Satisfied with my efforts to help, I joined Garron outside.

“Would you like to try again?” he asked. “I promise to follow your lead and not push for more than you’re willing to attempt.”

“No, Garron, I need you to push. I apologize for yesterday and promise not to lose my temper again. Are you well?”

“I’m well. I promise.”

With a small smile, he took my hand to lead me to the garden where I spent another frustrating hour attempting to grow a thorn on a pea plant.

“It would be easier to grow a pea on a bramble at this point,” I said, crossing my arms in irritation.

“Then let’s try that,” Garron said. “I’ll be right back.”

He disappeared around the cottage and returned several minutes later with a piece of thorn-covered bramble, which he poked into the ground at my feet.

With barely a brush of my energy, I rooted it and watched it grow. I allowed its trunk to thicken but suppressed any offshoots, holding the energy back. The plant was brimming with the need to use the excess energy it stored.

I focused on the pea plant beside it, feeling the energy of the bloom. Clearing my mind of everything else but that pea bloom, I touched the bramble with my energy once more and whispered to it in my mind.

Be more than you are. Be what I need.

I watched a small bud burst out from the thick stem of the bramble. Then another and another. They bloomed and grew into pods in seconds. I didn’t stop there. I turned to the pea plant and touched it with the same intent—to make it more than what it was. To make it what I needed.

Thin thorns erupted from the vines.

Smiling, I looked at Garron. Awe reflected in his gaze as he looked at the plants.

“You truly are incredible, Snow,” he said. “Well done.”

“Thank you.”

We didn’t stop at pea pods on bramble or thorns on the pea plants. He pressed me to try more, watching me closely for any signs of fatigue.

By dusk, I could change a rock to soil and soil to water.

I yawned continuously as Eadric fed me and leaned into Brandle’s comforting hold.

Liam walked me to the privy and playfully washed my hands for me, claiming I was too tired for such work. I didn’t contradict him. The day’s effort had seemed to drain me. Yet, when I checked the well, the energy within seemed the same.

“Come, Love. Let’s put you to bed.”

After guiding me to the cottage, he helped me undress then handed me to Edmund, who rebraided my hair and kissed my forehead.

“Sleep soundly, Trouble. You’ve earned it.”

Nodding, I lay down on the mattress and listened to them clean up our dinner. I never felt who settled in next to me.

I wokeon Liam’s chest with his hand gently stroking my hair. Outside, I heard the low murmur of conversation.

Rather than opening my eyes, I opened my senses. Dawn had passed several hours ago. Another spring storm was on its way. The trackers were oddly subdued, with no immediate intent to attack.

Eadric was still hungry. Edmund was bored and annoyed. Garron was worried he’d pushed me too far. Daemon slept, and Darian was thinking of tipping him out of his bed. Liam wanted me to continue moving my fingers against his skin. And Brandle was worried about…so much.

I turned my head to kiss Liam’s bare chest.

“Thank you for holding me. I slept well.”

“It was my pleasure.” He kissed my temple. “We have another bath waiting for you.”

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