“I think he’s figured out a way to save his child. And he knows his mate would kill him if she knew his plan.”

“What?” Elle and Cynthia asked at the same time.

Peri shook her head. “Let’s just say that if what I think is happening, is really happening, it’s going to get so much worse, and never better.”

“Don’t you mean it will get much worse before it gets better?” Cynthia asked.

“If he’s doing what I think he’s doing doc, then there is no getting better.”

Chapter 10

“Free will is a gift and a curse. It is a gift to the one to whom it is given. They then have the right to choose their thoughts, actions, and beliefs. It is a curse to the one, like me, who grants it. I have to watch when the ones I have gifted with free will make decisions that I know are harmful and dangerous. And though I can direct and guide, I cannot force, and sometimes when you love someone so completely, you desperately want to force.”

~The Great Luna

She was being called again and there was a jolt of joy inside of her that brightened her spirit at knowing her children called upon her. Creator and created working together as it should be.

“I did not expect you,” The Great Luna stated not unkindly to her guest.

Perizada bowed low before standing back up. “It is an honor to be in your presence Luna.”

“The honor is mine, Perizada. You have ministered to my wolves so long now, and still you do not grow weary.”

Peri laughed. “I wouldn’t go that far. Your wolves frequently make me weary.”

The Great Luna smiled as she walked slowly around the yard.

“This is the home of Lilly.” It was a statement but Peri nodded her agreement anyway. “How is she doing?”

Peri glanced at the house and then back to the goddess. “She’s very resilient.”

The Great Luna nodded her head. “She will have to continue to be so, for there is much more in store for her that will require not only resilience, but strength and bravery. Now,” she turned and faced Peri directly, “what troubles you High Fae?”

Peri let out a deep breath and rubbed her forehead. “Decebel has to be the most devoted mate I’ve known in all my centuries. His love for Jen is at times sickening. You know his plan?”

“I do.”

“And you approve?”

“There is no greater show of love than to sacrifice oneself.”

Peri growled in frustration. “There has to be another way.”

“Are you offering your life in place of the child’s?” The Great Luna’s voice was not condescending or expectant. It was simply a question.

“Is that what you would have of me?” Peri asked, her voice a whisper.

“I would have you do what you wereput here to do, Peri. You have always been an ambassador of sorts to the wolves. You offer your wisdom and council when needed. You serve when needed, but the sacrifice in this case is not yours to give.”

“Isn’t it,” Peri asked desperately. “I am the one who snatched Jen from the hands of the Fates. Shouldn’t it be my life and not the child’s that they take?”

“It is not your time, Perizada.”

Peri watched as The Great Luna began to fade. “Wait,” she yelled, “what do I do?”

“You be there for her. When the time comes that she needs you most, don’t let her down.”

“I miss you,” Fane whispered into his mate’s mind. It had been two weeks since the females had left. Two weeks since his father had decided to go and confront the warlock Reyaz. Two weeks since Costin and he had ripped into one another. Two weeks away from his mate and it felt as though he hadn’t touched her in two years.

“I miss you too,” her voice was a caress against his wolf’s fur. His ache for her was a physical pain, not just because of the bond between them, but because he truly hated to be without her. She was the brightest part of his life, and especially now, during these dark times, he needed her light more than ever.

“You seem better,” Jacque told him, “more in control.”

“I am.”

“The fight helped?” he nearly laughed at the skepticism in her voice. How can a man explain to a woman that sometimes you needed to hit something, or in his case someone, for things to be right?

“I wish I understood it myself, Luna, but yes it helped. I’m sorry that I hurt you. I love you more than anything. I want you here with me, where you belong.” Fane imagined he probably sounded a little like a petulant child, but he didn’t care. He wanted his woman.

“Are you going to stomp your foot?” Her laughter warmed the cold dark places inside of him and he couldn’t stop the smile that spread across his face.

“Will it make you get on a plane and get your cute butt back here?”

She laughed again. Oh how he missed seeing the smile that came with that laugh.

“No, but it would be funny to watch. Stop worrying about me and help your father. We are completely safe here. We’ve been shopping and listening to Jen whine about how big her butt is getting.”

“Sounds fun,” he told her dryly. “And both of those things are things you can do here.”

“Fane.”

“What?”

“Soon.”

Fane growled. “Not soon enough.” He sent her an image of him kissing her, letting her feel through their bond the need he had for her. He heard her breath catch and smiled to himself.