That’s the best f**king news I’ve ever heard. But why aren’t you shaking this off?
I don’t know. I think I have to pop the cocoon somehow, but my wolf is still out cold.
I can push more energy toward you, like a direct hit. Do you think that will help?
Give it a try. I must be in a state of limbo of some kind. I wasn’t breathing and my heart wasn’t beating. I tried to gather some of my own power to me, but when I opened myself up, it felt completely empty. I couldn’t find anything to draw from. I pulled anyway, and as I did the bubble bowed, sucking back at me.
The totality of my power was being used to protect me. It had all shifted outward.
Tyler, all my power is on the outside. It’s keeping me safe in this enclosure.
I’m going to give you some of mine. A current of raw power hit my senses immediately, igniting me. My wolf stirred for a second, shaking her legs and growling. It wasn’t enough to wake her, but we’d both felt it. Supernaturals, especially the older ones, could focus their power like Tyler was doing now. Witches were especially gifted at doing this with their familiars, who stored the extra power until the witch needed a boost. Tyler wasn’t that old, but the new connection between us made it seem like a natural thing to do.
I absorbed it greedily. It’s working. It’s easier to communicate with you now. Once I accumulate enough, I’m going to aim it outward. If I can break whatever’s holding me in with enough energy, I think I’ll be free.
Be careful, Jess. I’ve never seen a wolf in this state. Are you sure if you pop it you won’t die? What if the cocoon is the only thing keeping you alive?
I paused. I had no idea. I have to go with my gut on this one. It feels right to burst it open. Honestly, what other option do I have?
Fine, Tyler grumbled. But if you die, I’m going to kill you. He continued siphoning power toward me, taking me at my word.
How long have I been out?
A couple hours.
I was relieved we hadn’t lost another day. By the way, you’re my hero. I heard what you said to Danny about saving Rourke. It would’ve been the stupidest, most foolhardy thing to do, but noble and awesome at the same time.
Saving the cat would’ve been a byproduct of killing Selene, Tyler groused. Don’t get too excited.
Keep telling yourself that, little brother, and maybe you’ll start to believe it. I’d been born seven minutes before him, but it was the gift that kept on giving.
Harrumph.
His energy filled me quickly. Am I taking too much? I asked. I hadn’t thought of what it could do to my brother.
No, he said between clenched teeth. Take as much as you need.
I quieted, concentrating on what he gave me, making sure I placed it optimally. I could feel his strength wavering, despite his arguments. If I depleted everything from him it would be a hardship when he needed to shift. Changing took massive amounts of energy. Okay. I think I have enough. Back off.
Reluctantly he slid his hands away.
I need you to leave wherever we are, I said. I have no idea what’s going to happen. I don’t want you caught up in anything.
Okay. His voice held more than reluctance.
Tyler, I mean it. If something happens, I don’t want to blow you up. Plus, you need to be able to help me if something goes wrong, and you can’t if you’re in pieces.
I waited until I heard his footsteps retreating.
My wolf rolled back and forth, but she still wasn’t fully awake. I closed off my mind from her and gathered Tyler’s energy as best I could, trying to harness it. It felt like a mass of slippery oil, foreign yet powerful.
Are you awake? I could use help containing this. My wolf lifted her head at my voice, searching for me, but her eyes were still closed. She wasn’t in any shape to help me yet, but I didn’t want to waste another minute. Brace yourself if you can, I’m going to try to do this on my own.
All at once, I released the energy. It shot out in a straight line and collided hard against the protective wall around me, shaking the inside of my mind like a sledgehammer. I tried to steady myself, but the intensity threatened to pull me under again.
I grappled to stay conscious.
As the power rebounded back again, I used the momentum and turned it around and shoved it back at the walls, harder this time.