“It’s even bigger than that. We went through all the data the Fae supplied as well as your memories, and for every journey, there’s a starting point.”
Of course. Ivar cocked his head. “Earth, right?”
She swallowed. “More importantly, earth at certain times of the year, which means certain positions in space. This week is one of the optimal times.”
That figured. “Okay.” Ivar’s brain had been healing for long enough. He drew on the power of the universe, letting it sing through his blood. Then he jumped through the void and landed at his cabin again. Yeah, he was stronger, back to normal. Grabbing a pinecone, he jumped back to the conference room.
“Show off,” Mercy said, licking maple syrup off her fingers. “So, Professor. Just how dangerous is this? I mean, should you two go spend a few nights together?”
Regret filled Promise’s eyes. “No. Faster is better. We’re definitely in a time crunch.”
“Now,” Ivar agreed. “Let’s do this right now.”
Mercy nodded. “Promise, I’m thinking your man will need assistance reaching the first jump-off point. Correct?”
Promise nodded. “Definitely. He could do it alone, but he’s not accustomed to otherworld jumping, so he should conserve his energy for the jump to Quade.” Worry glimmered in her eyes for the briefest of moments. “I would very much like to visit at least to that point.”
“I’ll take Ivar,” Logan Kyllwood said, looking at his mate. “I’m well familiar with Brookville.”
Ivar lobbed the pinecone at Promise. “Nice job, Professor. I knew you could do it.” But she was staying safely at demon headquarters whether she liked it or not.
She looked at him across the conference room, past the others present, her gaze serious now. “This is a quick hop type of mission. You had better come back.”
Ah, shit. She did know him. He had no intention of leaving Quade there, and if somebody had to stay, it was gonna be him. “We’d better suit up,” he said. It was time to go. If he waffled, she’d talk him into staying.
There was a flurry of discussion, issuing orders, and expressing good wishes, and then he stood outside the headquarters with Promise and Logan.
He drew Promise aside.
“I want to go to the first point,” she said, urgency in her tone. “In case there’s something to observe.”
“No.” He didn’t have time to treat her with kid gloves. “Stay here and stay safe so I can do my job.” He leaned down to press a kiss to her mouth. They’d been leading up to this moment since their first second together.
“You don’t have much time.” She picked a backpack off the ground. “We don’t know if you’ll make it through carrying anything, but it’s worth the risk of losing these. Here are the instruments I’ve had Emma create with notations on each for how to use it. Bring the atmosphere readings back. Also, you understand the Doppler effect, right?”
He nodded and slung the pack over his shoulder.
She clutched her hand against his forged ribs. “Promise you’ll return.”
“I will.” He didn’t know when or how, but he’d be back. “I promise.” She meant more than he could say. The woman was both cerebral and physical, and they were perfect together.
She handed him a picture of Haven. “Find out if they’ve met.”
He nodded. “I will.” Logan took his arm. It went against his nature to let Logan take the leap, but he did it to conserve his energy.
The jump to Mercy’s Brookville was smooth, and Ivar landed on the soft grass, releasing Logan instantly. He looked around the peaceful meadow and turned to face the farthest right sun. “We went this way.” Sucking in air, he tried to remember the paths he’d taken to get to Quade’s world, and then finally zeroed in just on that world. He was a demon, and he flew by straight paths. So that’s how he’d go. “Take care of Promise for me. Just in case.”
“You know I will, brother.” Logan grabbed him in a bear hug that would’ve broken his ribs had it been possible to break them. “Your woman is right in that you have to come back with information before we do anything else. There are worlds at issue.”
Ivar nodded. “I understand.” And he did. But if there was a way to bring Quade back, he was going to do it. “Bye, brother.” He shut his eyes and imagined the paths he’d taken so long ago to get to Quade’s hell world. Was instinct and subconscious memory going to be enough? He drew on the