Chapter 18
Loretta took the food to the table. She could only shake her head. As much as Chatan wanted to claim he wasn’t his father’s son, he was. “You know, his father pulled the same move on Kimi. I’m sure Chatan charmed her into bed, and Jacinda has no clue she’s bound to him.”
Taryn took her hand. “Mama, let them sort out their mess on their own. She’s hiding something she fears will destroy Chatan.”
“And how do you know this?”
She shook her head. “My dream last night. She’s running from some dark presence. I’ve never seen anything like the creature.”
“That is disconcerting. And if she’s here for what I think she is, she may be Dove’s guardian, making Chatan Hawk’s.”
Taryn smirked. “Fitting, as his name is literally Hawk in his mother’s tongue.”
“True. I worry about that girl, though. She was terrified the night she came here. She’s been alone so long, I worry Chatan will suffocate her.”
Taryn giggled. “Oh, he’ll find a balance. One only he can manage.”
“How so?” Loretta asked.
“He’ll find a way. I dreamed of their children playing with mine.”
Loval plopped down in a chair. “I hate when you do that. I can’t ever surprise you.”
Taryn dropped into his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Well, stop trying. You’re all I want, and I already know what you want to ask.”
“Still waiting on the right time.”
“And you have my blessing,” Loretta chimed in.
Loval groaned. “Thanks, but I want to do it in my time, in the perfect way.”
“And you will.” Taryn kissed his nose.
Loval cleared his throat. “You don’t think he should have slept with her, Loretta?”
“Without explaining what would happen? No, he took away her choice. Then again, she may not have given him the proper chance if told the truth. I don’t know what’s right anymore. She can still choose to leave him. Even if it hurts her to do so.”
“What if she thinks she’s protecting him?” Loval asked.
“She will,” Taryn admitted. “But that doesn’t mean he can’t help her. I think she needs him more than she realizes. But if the story of the Dove and Hawk is true, then they were always meant to be together.”
“If they are the guardians.”
“Oh, I think they are. Have you noticed her pendant? It’s the old carving of Hawk. Strange markings just like the pillar.”
“Well, that does change things. I hope that boy doesn’t screw things up with Jacinda,” Loretta complained.
“He won’t. Have a touch of faith.” Taryn hopped up. “They should be here soon.”
* * * *
Jacinda changed in her room, alone. She felt more connected to Chatan than before they were together. And she expected that to some degree, but this was more.
His hands landed on her shoulders as she stepped out of the bedroom. She looked into his eyes and found deep worry. “What’s going on in your head? Did I fuck up by taking things there?”
“No. You gave me what I wanted.” She couldn’t shake the feeling he gave her more than she asked for. It didn’t make sense. She could sense his conflict within her. Something she thought went with mate bonds, but as far as she knew, she didn’t have enough of any blood in her to provide any kind of bond some casters or Fae had. And she wasn’t a wereanimal.
Neither was he.
Shaman. Though maybe shaman did form some sort of bond. That was something she should have considered, but it was too late, and she didn’t regret what they did.
“Think they’ll know?” she asked.
He lifted a shoulder. “They won’t judge. Promise.” Chatan pushed her hair behind her ear and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.
“We should go,” she whispered.
He nodded.
“And tonight, you’ll have me for a while, but then I need to meet with the elders. Hopefully they’re closer to stopping Josephine.”
“Sure.”
“And after the meeting, if you want, I’ll come back,” he promised.
She nodded, but honestly, she was looking forward to having him gone. She needed to figure out her next step.
He stepped outside, and she followed, locking up before taking his hand. They walked down the trail, back to his aunt’s. She glanced at the roses in the corner of the yard. “You know, you don’t have to cut flowers for me.”
“They were wilting.” He pulled her toward them. “I infused more life into them when I cut them from the bush. I wouldn’t have done it if they had much more life in them.”
“They look like they had just bloomed.”
He nodded. “I told you, I bring life to plants. More will grow in their place. And I wanted to do this for you.”
“Thank you.”
He watched her for a moment and finally opened his mouth only to shut it again. Whatever was on his mind, he wasn’t ready to share yet. She let it go.
Taryn stepped outside. “Loretta needs you, Chatan. Thought I could talk to Jacinda for a few.”
Chatan groaned. “Is that necessary?”
“Yeah, my mom wants a word with you, alone. About tonight.”
He took Jacinda’s hand. “I won’t be long. If she gives you any trouble, come get me.”
Jacinda couldn’t stop the giggle. “I’m not worried about Taryn.” No, she was more worried about what Loretta had to say to Chatan.
“Be that as it may, watch out and come find me if you need to.”
She dipped her head and pushed him toward the door.
Taryn joined Jacinda, nudging Chatan’s shoulder as she passed.
Putting on a brave face, Jacinda turned to Taryn. “What’s up?
She took a long look at Jacinda. “Are you happy?”
“Yes,” she answered slowly.
“I mean, does Chatan make you happy? Answer truthfully.”
Blushing, Jacinda glanced away. “Mostly. He can be infuriating.”
“All men can be. But as long as the good outweighs the bad, you should give him a chance.”
“I am, but it’s really none of your business.”
“Maybe, maybe not. But he is family, and I consider him one of my closest friends. So, yes, his happiness does become my business, to some degree.”
“We’re figuring things out. That’s all you need to know.”
She nodded. “I can honestly say I’ve never seen him like this with anyone. He claims he’s been in love twice, and he did love both those women, but he wasn’t in love. You’re the one who’ll show him real love.”
Jacinda took two steps away, contemplating bolting.
“Why do you look like you’re ready to run?” Taryn asked.
“I’m not discussing this with you or anyone else. He said none of you would judge, and you expect me to say this is forever.”
Taryn blew out a breath. “You can relax. I’ll drop it.”
“Thank you.” Jacinda glanced around.
“Want to hang out tonight? While Loval and Chatan go to talk to the elders?”
“No. I have some stuff I should do. Don’t worry, I’m not leaving. I just need to work out a puzzle, on my own.”
“Fair enough. But if I can help, you can call.”
“Sure.” Jacinda turned to the door. “Is Chatan one of the people looking into the abductions?”
“I don’t think that’s an accurate description. Let’s just say many of us are in the know, and if they feel they can use one of us to stop the abductions, we’re all on call. Including myself.”
Jacinda nodded. “What are your talents?”
“Offensive magic. I can call lightning. And I’m great with potions.”
“Interesting,” Jacinda answered.
Taryn changed the topic. “We could go in now. Whatever she had to say, she’s said it.”
“Think she’s scolding him?” Jacinda asked.
Taryn shook her head. “No, just reminding him to remember where he came from.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Don’t worry about that. He’s fine, and so are you. Now, are you sure you don’t want to join us for a movie night?”
“Quite sure. No offense. I’ve never been into movies.” Might have been a lack of time on her part.
“Then come inside.”
* * * *
Chatan stepped inside and immediately said, “I don’t want a lecture.”
“No lecture. But you remember the story your mother told you? About how your father bonded to her without warning her what would happen?”
Groaning, he dropped into a chair. “Of course I remember. And I realize I’ve taken the choice away from her, but you don’t understand. She’s determined to keep her past locked away from me. She keeps hinting that she’ll have to leave and won’t take me with her. This way, I can follow and make the choice for myself.”
“A predicament, but perhaps you should honor her choice to protect you.”
“Bullshit. I’m sorry, but even if I can’t help, I know those who can. So, I’ll stick by her and do everything in my power to help her. Which means following if she does leave. I needed this bond, to ensure that I can.”
She smiled sweetly. “As much as you hate the thought, you’re a lot like your father.”
He huffed. “For that one thing?”
“You’re stubborn. You rarely analyze your mistakes or decisions. And you’d blindly follow the one you love to the end of the world.”
“Yeah, and what’s wrong with that?”
“Nothing. But remember, you chose this path.”
“I won’t forget it.”
Jacinda came through the door and a smile burst across his face as their eyes locked and she visibly relaxed. Her shoulders settled, and her gaze warmed.
Deep down, he knew he’d made the right choice.