Page 187 of The Lands Defying
“You are safe with him.”
Another.
“He wouldn’t let them touch us again. He would rampage across the lands.”
Another.
“You know that, don’t you?”
Two more.
“You havefeltthat.”
Three more.
“So come to me and let’s show the lands just how amazing you are.” I hold out my hand to her, and she stops. “We cannot be scared, and you need to see that you can come out without harm.”
I hear the thumping of my pulse in my ears as the glow of the light shows the color of her fur.
I release a breath.
“Gods, you are beautiful, Runa,” I say gently, softly. Another tear falls from my eyes as I smile at her. “You are more than I had ever hoped for.”
Her head lowers a little at that.
“You are coming with me now,” I tell her, determined, and she tilts her head. “Okay? We are going to show the lands just how beautiful you are, and how deadly your teeth can be.”
I drop my hand and take a deep breath, hoping I don’t scare her, but I can’t hold myself back, not with all the emotions coursing through me.
“I’m tired of running, Runa, aren’t you?” I start walking toward her. “Instead, let’s run to each other.” After a hesitant moment, she takes a step. “Let’s overcome our fear.”
I nod encouragingly as I take one too, and then we are both taking steps. Runa follows me, and I follow her, eyes locked on each other.
And then, I’m running.
Running to my wolf that I haven’t properly felt since I was fourteen, running to a future we can only have together.
And she’s running too.
A wet laugh comes from me, full of elation and happiness as we close the distance.
“Let us take care of you,” I tell her, so close now. “We will, I promise.”
And then we are there, colliding with each other as I crash into her chest.
In the next moment, we are out of there, and she is taking us to her freedom.
Fifty Five
Darius
I watch as every possible emotion takes over Rhea’s face as she stands before me, eyes closed.
After Runa kicked me out—something the wolf is getting far too comfortable doing, I’ve been watching over Rhea, ready to be here for when she comes back.
I could force my way back in, but I hope the time they have together, helps.
Drax growls restlessly within me, impatient in his anticipation that he may get to meet her, and I have to hold him back tightly, making sure nothing can distract me while I watch over her.
