Page 20 of Finn's Solace

Glancing back to make sure my door was locked, I removed my glasses and placed them on the desk. While I'd trained as best I could to keep my magic under control, I still liked having the security of my glasses when I was around people other than my siblings—since they were immune and safe from it. I was glad Penny and Dean didn't have issues with their magic like me, but then again, they hadn't spent the night they turned eighteen freaking out because they turned their dad to stone. Only I got the pleasure of doing that, and I'd made sure they didn't have to experience anything similar by being there when they turned eighteen.

I was formatting a column of data when a knock at my window made me jump, and I glanced up to see Greta on the other side, this time without a letter in her mouth.

I slid the window open, and she came in, then looked around the room. Guessing what she was checking for, I gave her a pat on the head and said, "Padfoot isn't here, and the door's locked. You're safe."

Greta perked up at that, and started exploring the room. I shook my head, then got off my chair and went to her. "You can look around, but you're not allowed to tell Levi what you see, okay? You're not spying for him, are you?"

Greta shook her head, then gave me an actual salute before climbing up onto my bookshelf. Chuckling, I took a picture of her and sent it to Levi.

Me: I have a visitor. What does she eat?

He didn't reply, and I figured he was busy working. Would it be crazy if I found some reason to visit the packland? Yeah, it probably would.

I hadn't told my dads Levi really was my mate, or my siblings. I was pretty sure at least Penny had already figured it out, but I hadn't confirmed anything. I was sure they'd learn sooner or later, but I needed some time to get used to the idea before telling them.

Growing up, I'd seen how quickly the clan members got involved in each others' drama and romance, and I didn't want that happening with Levi and me, at least not yet.

I didn't believe in jinxes. I really didn't. But then my phone buzzed, and I got a sinking feeling in my stomach when the chat preview on my screen showed Levi's name mentioned in the Mistvale clan group chat. No, no, no.

I clicked it open quickly, and saw the text was from Noel.

Noel: I met an earth mage named Levi today. He's working on Calix's apartment complex with Caleb, and he's Finn's friend, so I told him he's practically a clan member now.

Because no one in Mistvale—or from Mistvale, in my siblings and Cam and his partners' cases—was ever too busy to gossip, the messages started pouring in as I watched with growing horror.

Penny: Oh, I think he's more than a 'friend.'

Papa: We can't really make that assumption right now, Pen.

At least Papa was on my side. I felt the sudden urge to go outside and hug him.

Dad: Sure we can!

Ames: Wait, did you say Levi?

Then she popped into our private chats, where I'd left her a few messages about Levi.

Ames: Oh damn, I didn't see these. It's really him, huh?

Me: Yep. He's alive and well. He said he came back once he was strong enough, but we were gone by then.

Ames: That makes sense. I'm an earth mage too, and we're nearly the same age. Remember how long it took me to get a hold of my powers? And that was after I had three full meals and a boost from DD. Levi had none of that.

Me: Yeah. I kind of freaked out when I first saw him, but we talked later and cleared things up.

Ames: And?

Me: And what?

Ames: The texts you sent me seem to imply there's more to it. Come on. You know I won't tell anyone.

That was true. Ames was the only one who truly knew how much our shared past still haunted me, and how much I was struggling with Dean and Penny's absence. She was the only one Icouldtalk to, because she'd been through the same things I had, and even though she and I weren't related by blood, she thought of the rest of us as her siblings, and she'd done her best to protect us just like I'd protected Penny and Dean.

Me: He's my mate.

Ames: OMG, that's awesome! I know you used to have a crush on him.

Me: I didn't. I was too scared to be crushing on anyone.

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