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TRINITY SAT AT the table inside Verly’s hut, exposing and retracting her claws. They should’ve left this morning but she hadn’t been able to locate the Forest Witch until an hour ago and now it was too late. Dusk was approaching and she didn’t want to be on the water at night, but this delay wouldn’t happen again.
“We’re leaving tomorrow. Mirra’s ready. She needs to find Nirankan and tell him...” He’d be devastated at the loss of his offspring, but it was past time for Mirra and her mate to mourn together.
“Ah, my dear, I don’t think that’s a wise idea. Not yet, but soon.” Verly placed two cups on the table and returned to the fire.
“My friends will worry. They might think the worst and do something drastic.” She’d die if Hugh turned himself over because of her.
“I’m sorry, but you need to stay. The others will do what they do and your fight will go on, but for now, your place is here.” Verly moved the teapot away from the flame.
“How can you say that?” She didn’t want tea and she wasn’t going to stay here. “You don’t know anything about us. You fled instead of helping with this war.”
“I’ve been fleeing or hiding most of my life, not unlike you. However, fate always finds us.” Verly poured tea into both cups. “Just because I’ve fled doesn’t mean I don’t keep abreast of situations.”
“Then send a message, however you do it, and let them know I’m here. Safe.”
“They’ll know soon enough. Do you think the Handler won’t find his Tracker? That he’s not already searching? Their bond is like that of few others. He will find her.”
“What others? Are there other bonded pairs?” She’d seen the Tracker on the other side of Harbor Point. What else was over there?
“Those tales are not for your ears.” Verly paused. “At least not from my lips. What you hear from your mate is a different story.”
“I don’t have a mate.” She stared at her cup. “Probably, never will.” Hugh would never forgive her for what she’s done with Jethro.
“Oh, you sweet, innocent thing.” Verly’s laughter tinkled. “It’s not the lack of a mate that’s your burden but the choice.”
Choice? Besides Hugh, she supposed she could’ve had Travis or Curtis or maybe even Rocco. A small voice whispered Jethro, but he’d never truly cared for her. He couldn’t have, not when he’d been going to use her to hurt the ones she loved.
Rocco stepped inside. “A boat arrives.”
“See my dear, your wait is almost over.” Verly turned to Rocco. “Bring them here.”
Rocco nodded and she stood to follow him.
“You shall wait here.” Verly’s tone was sweet but there was no mistaking that it was a command.
She glared at the witch, but sat back down. There was no guarantee it was Gaar or anyone she knew. She sipped her tea and waited while Verly began preparing food. She moved from the table and began helping. There was no sense sitting and doing nothing.
“How many do you think have come?” she asked. Verly was putting out a lot of food.
“You shall see soon enough.” Verly smiled and patted her hand. “Your hiding is done. Fate has found you and comes to put you back on your path.”