I start smiling and then immediately frown. God, how gullible do I have to be to want to believe his silly dreams and promises to be my mate? Pretty freaking gullible because after everything I’ve been through, my heart still aches for it to be true.
6
GALEN
“Shh,” I whisper, pausing mid-stride to have a listen. “Do you hear that?”
Drip. Drip. Drip.
Henry angles his nog my way, his brown eyes wide. “Water!”
Stella manages to grab his arm before he takes off in a sprint down the dark, narrow passageway. I sidestep her and start in the direction of the sound.
“Stay back,” I warn her. “Let me make sure it’s safe first.”
The woman doesn’t argue and wisely stays back. I creep down the dark crevasse, nearly getting stuck when the rock walls seem to compress at the end. My chest screams in pain when I turn sideways and shimmy through the crack. I take a deep, thankful breath when I make it through to the other side.
I’m stunned by the beautiful, open cavern. An unfamiliar yellow plant grows up the rock walls, shimmering from the reflection of the giant, sparkling blue pool. Plants bearing fruit grow near the edges of the water where creatures swim below the surface. It’s cool in the cavern, but steam rises from the water, indicating its warmth. As soon as I see a histaberramine plant along one wall, near the mouth of another wider pathway, I let out a sigh of relief.
This must be the cave Draven discovered once, long ago, while on a hunting mission. Turning around, I peek back into the crack to find two pairs of curious eyes staring back at me. I’d be annoyed by their not staying put like I told them to if it weren’t for the awe on their faces.
“It’s safe,” I say, grinning at Stella. “Come, Henry.”
He reaches his tiny arms through the space, not at all afraid of me. Stella, on the other hand, scrambles through the crack, eager to take him back. But, as soon as I set him on his feet, he starts to giggle, running in circles like this is the most exciting thing he’s ever seen. Stella’s blue eyes fill with tears as she watches her mortling.
“The water should be safe,” I assure her. “I can see redfins. They don’t live in bodies of water where there are larger predators. They might be curious and swim close, but they don’t bite. Can you wash Henry so I can apply the histaberramine paste to his rash?”
She nods, relief in her gaze. “Um, thank you for bringing us here.”
“Keeping you and Henry safe is my promise, zelfyre.”
Her soft, sweet stare quickly morphs into a hard one as her spine stiffens. Stella battles with trust and now I know why. I hope one solar she’ll learn I am a trustworthy mate.
My mate.
I’d said it—needed it to be true—and fully expected more of a fight at my proclamation. Instead, she merely seemed tired. Skeptical. It only stoked a fire inside of me to prove to her I can be a mate unlike her Kevin Evan was.
Stella needs actions.
I will act and act and act until I’ve shown her and Henry I’m not only capable of being a good, loving protector, but that they both can trust me completely.
This feeling between the three of us is soothing to my soul. It’s as though I’m finally connected to a family of my own. Though Stella doesn’t believe it yet, it’s true. We’re meant to be together. Despite all odds, we were brought to the same place, at the same time.
As I make my way over to a histaberramine bush, I imagine a life where Henry calls me Father and Stella warms my lips with hers. Images of her belly swollen with my child warm me from my nog to my toes. As much as I try to banish the thought from my mind, because I’ll need to not get ahead of myself, it seems to relentlessly take root, teasing and taunting me.
One solar, it will be true.
I know it in my bones.
I would be the finest mate Stella could ever ask for. I’d protect her and Henry with my own life. I would teach Henry all there is to know about plants. My family would never hunger or worry or be sad. I would provide for them in all ways possible.
Crouching in front of the plant, I begin plucking the berries off. I use one of the large leaves to wrap around the berries. Then, I mash them, keeping the crushed pulp and juices trapped inside. By the time I finish, Stella has Henry washed up and sitting on the edge of the pool.
“You have it?” Her eyes flit to mine.
I give her a nod as I squat next to them. “You need to rub it on the areas with rash present. Once it’s in his system, it should heal him and hopefully keep the fever away for good.”