Changed by Fire (Phoenix Rising #6) - Harper Wylde Page 0,60
was most likely trying to destroy any evidence we could use against them, as well as abandoning the home we all grew up in and knew so well. Moving to a new location takes away any advantage we had to use our knowledge of the layout of the island and the Lodge against them, much like how the rebellion changes bases at random,” Theo rambled, his fingers tapping a nervous rhythm against his leg. I went and wrapped my arms around him, breathing in the fresh ocean scent of my Kraken. “Sorry. You know I tend to babble when I’m nervous. Spewing facts is how I cope,” Theo murmured softly, nuzzling his nose into my hair and breathing in my scent. The muscles in his back relaxed a little, though mine remained tense.
“What I don’t understand is why they’d willingly kill off so many,” Killian said darkly. “How many had to die to make their point?”
“They want loyalty. I guess they saw it as a transgression if a shifter refused to make a stand and choose a side, wishing to stay out of the fight rather than embrace it,” Hiro surmised from his spot on the wall. He was laser focused on me, giving me space while waiting with open arms to catch me if I fell apart. I wanted to drape myself around him and soak up his protection and support. I wanted to hide away from the world with all my men and pretend everything was okay, just for a little while, but none of those dreams and wishes would be complete without Joshua.
“They don’t want loyalty. They want fear.” Damien’s jaw jumped as he strode to the window and looked out into the falling snow, bracing his hand above him and hanging his head. “This was just another fear tactic to prove their power over the shifter world. And now they could be fucking anywhere.”
“We’re going to find them, Damien, and we’re going to end them for all they’ve done… to us and to others,” Theo promised, letting me resume my pacing so he could join Damien at the window, clasping his shoulder. We were all worried about our Gargoyle, waiting for the proverbial cherry on top that would finally be too much, revealing the cracks he hadn’t let heal.
“Are they here yet?” Molly asked, as she rounded the corner with Rini right behind her. They both rushed to me and wrapped their arms around my shoulders in a group hug. I let them, but my nervous energy had me nearly vibrating in place.
“They should be back any minute. Ciarán and Valleria left ages ago for the outpost,” Rini replied, though I saw her wince as she said Ciar’s name. The two of them were still on the outs with each other. I gave her a shaky smile as I pulled away and fidgeted with the hem of my sleeve. I appreciated the hell out of my friends and mates, but nothing would make me feel better until I was physically wrapped around Joshua.
“Joshua is so strong, Nix. He’s going to make it back here in one piece. He wouldn’t let anything come between him and getting to see you again.” Molly hugged me tighter, and I sniffled.
We were all quiet for a few moments until Damien broke the silence. “They’re close. I can feel Ryder’s mind on the edge of my reach.”
I rushed to the front door and wrenched it open, uncaring of the cold that whipped in and scattered snowflakes in the entryway. My nose was cold and red by the time I saw their forms emerging through the snowstorm. They were coming from the landing strip that me and other mythologicals with fire related powers kept clear for the small commuter plane we used to bring supplies and shifters to and from our base.
“Joshua!” I ran out the door, crossing the distance in a flash, and launched myself into his arms.
“Nix!” My name was a prayer on his lips as I clung to him. My nails dug into his back from my tight grip, and tears leaked from my eyes. Joshua squeezed me just as tightly, his arms circling my waist as he lifted me off the ground and held me against his chest. I kissed a line up his neck, nipped his ear, and grazed my lips over his jawline, breathing him in. God, this was so much better than a dream. “I’m home, baby,” he murmured. “I’m home.”