Page 35 of Gift from the Source
“Let’s go,” I say with a huge smile that causes everyone to erupt in a cheer.
My men have me squashed between them in milliseconds, but the ear-piercing squawk has them stepping back, staring in confusion.
“Primary, you know there’s an owl on your shoulder, right?” Cas asks.
“I’m well aware. He hasn’t given me his name yet, but he’s coming with us.”
“He speaks to you?” Corentin asks skeptically as if I’ve finally lost my mind.
“Of course. This little beasty could compete with Tanith on knowledge as well as power,” Draken says so confidently, we all whip our heads to him, but he’s engrossed in the owl.
The little bird has no reservations hopping from my shoulder to Draken’s outstretched hand. Then maneuvers his way up until he’s nuzzlinginto Draken’s head. My dragon man beams like he’s been given a plate of pastries but doesn’t bother giving anyone any explanation.
“Right…We’ll figure that out at home. Let’s move,” Tillman orders, turning me back around toward the portal.
“She will need to go last so it will seal when she passes through.”
My men tense at both the owl’s voice inside their minds and the thought of me passing through the portal after everyone, but I send them a hefty dose of reassurance and nod at each of them.
“It’ll be fine. I’ll be two seconds behind you if that,” I say.
Tillman’s face is stern, but his soft eyes trace every inch of me before nodding in return. “Ry, you and your Nexus take point, followed by Codi’s and Carrington. Gaster, Keeper, then Lyker’s. We’ll follow behind.”
I hold my breath as Ry links his fingers with Oakly and drags her to the front with him. She isn’t the least bit scared or nervous as she blows me a kiss and wave as she walks right through the portal with her growly man.
Each member of my family that passes through has the chokehold on my chest loosening and I cling to the knowledge that they’re fine on the other side. Home and safe.
“Okay, Draken, you and the bird,” Tillman says, earning himself a flurry of hoots.
“Thisbirdcould eat you if he wanted to.” Draken chuckles before giving me a quick, fiery kiss. “See you on the other side, little wanderer.”
I melt at his wink as he and our new owl step through without a hitch, then I’m swept up in shadows.
“You’re incredible, Primary.”
“So are you,” I whisper against his lips as he leans in close.
With a dark, teasing chuckle, he kisses me on the corner of my mouth, then falls backward into the portal. I swear I can hear his laugh fade through time. A rock-hard chest stops me as I unconsciously lean toward the sound and a tilt of my chin has me falling into a sweet glass of whiskey.
“Princess.”
“Your highness.”
His soft smile has my heart pounding against my ribs and when he lays his lips so gently to mine, I nearly float away.
“I’ll see you in aminute,” I mumble as my cheeks redden at the look on his face. His hungry eyes never leave mine, and my arm stretches out as far as it can to hold his hand until he backs all the way into the portal.
Last but not least, my gentle giant wraps his hand around the back of my neck and presses our foreheads together.
“I’m so proud of you, Will. Everything you’ve done, accomplished today has been breathtaking. You should be so proud of yourself.”
“I am. I really am.”
“Good,” he says quietly before he kisses me so fiercely, it takes my breath away. “I’ll be waiting for you right on the other side, little warrior.”
My tongue is so tied I can’t do anything but nod and he graces me with a small laugh as he too steps through the portal.
Those men, I swear.
