Page 51 of Tethered Magick

She collapsed back on the bed with a pretty smile on her lips and a laugh bubbling from her chest. I could almost feel her happiness.

I disappeared to the bathroom and cleaned up quickly before returning to Lorn’s side with a washcloth. I might not have made a mess of her myself, but she was slick, so I cleaned her folds, much to her embarrassment. But I liked taking care of her. In all ways.

Lorn rubbed her chest, and her eyes found mine as I conjured clothing and pulled on a pair of black boxers and some dark wash jeans.

“You’re so content,” she remarked with a smile.

It must have been evident on my face in the moonlight that spilled into the darkened room. That, or Lorn’s vision had improved, which wouldn’t have been surprising. She was bound to have newfound powers and skills.

Once we were safely back with the pack and settled somewhere I was sure wouldn’t be infiltrated by our enemies, I would set a new training schedule for her, one that involved the whole pack. It was time we bonded as a family, and that included spending time together. Better still if that time served a dual purpose. Each one of us wanted to see Lorn trained and confident in her abilities.

Holding out a hand, I helped Lorn from the bed and conjured her some undergarments which she happily stepped into.

“I think it’s because you like taking care of people. It’s one of the reasons you’re a great alpha.” Her praise settled right in my heart. Sure, my pack appreciated me, but hearing it from my mate held more weight.

“Maybe I just like taking care of you,” I murmured, and handed Lorn a new pair of jeans, a t-shirt, and the Vans I’d conjured for her. They seemed to be her favorite items to wear.

“I like it.” Lorn tucked her hair behind her ear when she was finished, trying to smooth the mussed locks back into place.

Personally, I liked the messy sex hair.

She looked like mine, and that made my primal spirit puff with pride.

“Good thing,” I replied, my hand glowing with gray magick as I summoned my phone from what Lorn liked to call my magick pockets. I swiped, unlocking the screen. “Because you’ve got five more men ready to take care of you too.” Lorn gave me a small smile, and something flashed behind her eyes that I couldn’t read. It was there and gone so fast, it could have been my imagination.

She had to be stressed about the guys’ reactions, but she didn’t need to worry. “I know they’re dying to see that you’re alright. Axel’s probably already annoyed the shit out of Jolon.” I smirked, imagining him whining, “How much longer?” like a child on a long car ride.

Lorn’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. She bit her lip, appearing scared for a moment.

“Are you ready for this?” I asked. “I know this isn’t going to be easy, but you don’t have to worry.” Reassuring her, I pulled her into my arms and hugged her close. It was good to allow myself this ease with her, something I’d been secretly yearning for and fighting off since she’d arrived. “My packmates are like my brothers, and I know they’re going to embrace your new changes. They just want you back.”

Lorn’s chest rose and fell against mine, and I felt the moment she steeled herself for the reunion. “Okay, let’s go.”

“We’re going to figure everything out. Together.”

Taking Lorn’s hand, I led her outside and made the call, ready to reunite my pack and reclaim what was mine.

Sixteen

Axel

The floor was warm under my feet from how many times I’d circled Lorn’s room, gathering items she’d need. I folded a few more t-shirts and set them in the suitcase, taking care to keep her clothes as unwrinkled as possible.

I drove my hand through my hair and glanced around. If my dark strands weren’t completely mussed from their usual style, I’d be surprised, but my appearance was inconsequential. Making sure Lorn had everything she required was all that mattered. I didn’t know when we’d be able to come back home, and if Lorn had to be uprooted for a second time, she’d damn sure have everything she needed.

Weeks earlier, when she’d first been stranded with us, Lorn had nothing to her name but the clothes on her back.

Piece by piece, we’d been replacing the items and conjuring extras in between, and I’d be damned if she lost it all again.

“Not this time,” I muttered, and headed back to the closet.

I grabbed her favorite Vans from the floor, pulled the few dresses off their hangers, and added everything to the bag.

With Dason and Lorn off grid, I was surviving by keeping busy. My stomach churned with nerves that wouldn’t settle until I was reunited with my mate.

“You okay?” Kota paused in the doorway, glancing around the room, his eyes settling on the suitcase.

“No.” I huffed out a breath, giving him my full attention. “Are you?”

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