“Do you ever think about having kids?” Braxton asked me.
I raised my brows as I stared at him for a few extended moments. “Uh, no, not really. Mostly I find they are pains-in-the-ass. All those questions and getting into shit.”
He grinned. “Typical answer, Jessa, but I see the way you look at babies.”
“I just can’t stand when children are treated badly. They’re innocent and deserve a chance to grow up strong and healthy. Adults can fend for themselves. But children … well, that’s an entirely different story.”
His voice was lower than before. “I admire a strong heart. Your father should be very proud of you, Jessa. The shifter you have grown into is to be admired.”
I wasn’t sure how to react, there were so many layers to his voice. So many unsaid things in that simple, yet touching statement. I blinked rapidly a few times. Most people only saw my smartass exterior. I wasn’t sure I liked the way he was staring into my soul, seeing things I’d rather the world did not.
“Luckily, I have many years before I start worrying about having a rug-rat running around my feet.” I lightened my tone, ready to move past the serious conversation.
Braxton just smiled at me. Smug bastard.
Eventually the hours whiled away. I snuck in a few sleeps, knowing I’d need my energy later. I was starving, though, despite the few snacks Tyson provided from his jacket pocket. I was missing my meals. Another thing I’d have to get used to for a while.
Eventually Braxton, who’d been keeping an eye on the time, got to his feet. He had Nash’s hand firmly clasped in his own. It was time to go.
“Stay quiet and follow my lead,” he said. And we were off through the weird portal again. I hoped it would still be open when I came back; otherwise I’d be in trouble.
The side of the stone wall was deserted. The timing had been perfect. We dashed as one toward the shadowy sides. Braxton picked up Nash and tucked him under his arm, the muscles standing out as they flexed beneath their load. We made it to the edge, blending into the darkness. I slowly let myself fall back a little. In his rush to get everyone to safety, Braxton had moved forward, taking his eyes from me. Never a great idea. Despite the fact the boys still surrounded us, they’d fanned out and let me continue to drift backwards. Mischa seemed to be keeping pace with me, but I wasn’t worried about that, she wouldn’t be hard to lose. Her senses were not fully functional yet. And more importantly, she didn’t know how to call on her wolf.
We were in the low tunnel again, and as luck would have it I found myself at the back of the pack.
Braxton’s voice drifted to me. “All clear now. Let’s move into the forest.” One by one I watched them exit through the doorway. Braxton and Nash first – he was solely focused on getting the little boy to safety.
I slowed my footsteps but didn’t stop them. I would follow all the way right until the end so there would be no time for them to notice me pausing. Despite their mild suspicions, I don’t think any of them, including Braxton, thought for one second I’d stay in here by myself. If they’d had even a small inkling of what I was planning, I’d be over one of their shoulders, with no chances for rebellion.
They were going to be so pissed at me.
Jacob was second from the end, about to dive through the mist. I couldn’t see Mischa. I assumed she’d gone in somewhere through the middle.
“Hurry,” Jacob called. He had that glow about him, like at this very moment he was connected to the forest. His head was already on the other side.
My heart was pounding in my chest. I could still halt my plans now, it wasn’t too late, and I knew Braxton would keep his word and help me search again. But, in reality, what could we do to better prepare ourselves to rescue all of the supernaturals? I didn’t want to give myself a chance to chicken out. Something told me, deep in my gut, that if I didn’t do this now I never would. I was being urged on this mission, which should freak me out, but I was just going with it.
As the last of Jacob’s blond hair disappeared, I stopped and pressed myself solidly against the wall. The sudden silence was almost deafening. I huffed in and out, gathering my strength, searching for a speck of bravery. Damn, I was not cut out for this cloak and dagger, save-the-world missions.