Chapter 19
Gracie
“Are you sure you’re comfortable with this?” I asked Owen and Nori.
It was warmer today than I’d expected, the damp breeze of the Bloodrose Sloth territory pushing through the open platform train station. Jackie stood at my side, bouncing up and down, while Ever sat on Nori’s hip staring at me with curiosity.
“We aren’t making an official move—not yet,” Owen explained. “But we’re going to take an extended stay there. We have to at least try.”
Nori spoke up. “And we want to be around you. If it means moving to Ironsun to keep our family together, then that is what we’ll do.” My throat was tight with emotion as I crouched down to be level with Jackie.
“When I get back to Ironsun territory, I want to take you to a treat shop. Does that sound fun?” I asked her seriously.
“Can I?” She looked up at her parents in question, her eyes lighting up.
“Of course,” Nori answered. Jackie squealed and threw her arms around me, and I closed my eyes, savoring the hug.
The Bloodrose Sloth territory had been an unexpected reprieve, but all of us were aware of what would come next as we moved closer to Cold Moon Pack territory.
Even our travel had been rearranged because of our increased caution.
“Train is here!” Thornar called. I stood and immediately moved Jackie back, my family shifting to a safe distance. In a rush of emotion, I gave Nori and Ever a hug before turning to my brother. I could see unshed tears in Owen’s eyes, and I let out a small sound of relief as he hugged me tightly.
“I’m so grateful we found you.” His words had me nodding as I pulled back, knowing my mates—who had already said their goodbyes—were waiting for me.
“We will be together again soon,” I said. “Stay safe. Siguun and Zia will escort you personally.”
And I absolutely trusted the two of them to do that. The care and consideration they’d taken so far, coming to their house this morning to explain all of their options, showed that to me.
Basir appeared by my side then and took my hand, leading me toward the train that had pulled up. Shiny black and red paint adorned every inch of it, the gleaming metal sparkling underneath the sunshine. This would take us right across the border into Scarlet Sloth territory.
I didn’t mind the change in travel, but I knew it was to keep a low profile as we grew closer in proximity to Ivan’s sphere of control.
“Welcome aboard!” A friendly voice had me looking away from my family on the platform as we entered a cabin that was completely private, with the exception of an attendant.
I had been on trains before, but never like this. The seats were expensive leather, and there were velvet curtains shielding every window’s light while still offering a view.
“Thanks.” Thornar offered a charming smile as Basir led me to sit down at a table between two rows of leather couches. The four of us got comfortable as the train began to move, creating a steady rumble underneath us.
“Coffee or tea?” the man asked. My gaze darted over his warm expression, his uniform impressively crisp. His name tag read Noah.
“Tea,” I answered. My mates ordered as well before the man disappeared through a set of doors.
“How long is the ride?” I asked.
“Only two hours,” Ravik assured me.
“And this ensures Ivan won’t get wind of our jet traveling through the area,” Basir pointed out, visibly more at ease on the train compared to the jet.
“For someone who claims they hate the territory next door, Lacey goes to lengths to ensure they’re interconnected. I mean, they have a shared rail system,” Thornar pointed out, making me smile.
I had grown fond of Lacey in the short time we’d spent with her, and I looked forward to seeing her again. Even if she did like a bit of gossip.
His words triggered a thought though, making my eyes go wide. I’d been so distracted by my brother that I hadn’t thought about how our train ride into Scarlet Sloth territory…would unintentionally reveal that we hadn’t talked to Alpha Kaliyah yet.
“She knows we haven’t talked to her yet,” I mused.
Thornar’s gaze lit up as he chuckled. “So all of that bravado yesterday was what?”
“A show of power,” Ravik offered.
I had a feeling we were missing some piece of the story, but I also didn’t think we would get an answer anytime soon.
As the train chugged along, I rested my head against Basir’s chest, his body angled so I could watch the surrounding country landscape out the window.
Thornar was resting as well, his eyes closed, and Ravik sorted through papers until Noah came back with a tray of tea and some pastries.
I eagerly grabbed one, pleasantly surprised by the cherry taste.
“How are you feeling?” Basir asked a minute later, his fingers gently twirling a strand of my hair. I wasn’t sure he even realized he was doing it, but I didn’t want to risk him stopping.
“Good. The side effects of the tonic wore off pretty fast.”
When I took it this morning, I had felt sick to my stomach for half an hour.
With that being said, I’d woken up feeling much better than yesterday, after only one dose.
We had a box of tonics with us and the rest were being shipped back to Ironsun territory along with notes Starr had written for the attending healer there.
Part of feeling better may also have had to do with the amazing orgasm and mating bite on my throat, though.
One that Thornar made a show of looking at and kissing whenever he had a chance, to the point that my cheeks had been hot pink this morning in the suite while packing up.
I didn’t mind in the least. In fact, I loved it.
I was incredibly relieved neither of the other men seemed bothered by it, and the connection between all of us felt strengthened because of Thornar’s actions.
“Been on a train before?” Basir asked, breaking the comfortable silence.
“Yes,” I answered. “That was really the only way we traveled, although we didn’t leave our village often. My parents loved our home too much.”
The soft affection in my voice piqued Basir’s interest. “What were they like?”
I considered his question for a long moment, knowing the other two were listening and hoping I could do them justice.
“My mom was amazing. She was always trying out new hobbies or learning new skills. I think she taught us more than any schooling did. Sometimes it would be hunting or gardening, but other times it would be creating entire pieces of furniture from wicker. It was really fun. She was always smiling and happy.”
It had been that imagery I’d hung onto, even while in captivity with her.
“And your dad?” Basir asked.
“Funny,” I said, looking up at him. “Really funny, and he loved cooking and baking. He was a farmer by trade, but he also did a bunch of random jobs around town. His favorite thing to do was build out the garden for my mom. They loved each other so much. I knew that even as a child.”
I paused for a moment. “Until Ivan took over the territory, our lives were peaceful and happy. Almost perfect.”
Of course there had been problems, but nothing that held a candle to what came after.
I looked at Basir and then the others. “I wish you could have met them. But I feel really thankful we found Owen and Nori. Especially since we could help them.”
“Your nephew is going to be okay, glow. I didn’t have any constructive influence around me until my early teenage years when I arrived in Ironsun. I didn’t talk much until then either.”
Gratitude hit differently in that moment as I realized Basir wasn’t just reassuring me about Ever—he was addressing his own past. Something he rarely talked about.
I knew it was hard for him, but this was his way of telling me that even with all of the pain he endured, he was here and in a position that was far different than he probably ever expected.
“And now he won’t shut up,” Thornar said, eyes still closed, pulling a sound of amusement from Basir and a chuckle from Ravik.
“He’ll be okay,” Basir assured me, his tone turning serious once more.
“I know,” I said, looking back out at the shifting landscape. “Because of you three.”
Following that, the compartment settled into a relaxed quiet for about fifteen minutes, Thornar’s breathing slow and Ravik eventually standing to go find Noah about getting more tea.
I tipped my head back against Basir’s chest and spoke quietly enough that it was just for him—needing to express my gratitude.
“You didn’t have to tell everyone at my brother’s house. About when you were young. You could have just told them you’d seen it before.”
“I know,” he said simply.
“But it helped.” I paused. “And I’m glad you told me.”
His arm tightened around me. Basir didn’t say anything else and I snuggled against him, loving the security I found in his arms.
The landscape slowly changed as we watched the world pass by. The soft green rolling fields of Bloodrose territory had given way to something more built up and developed, and after a bit I sat up a little straighter to get a better view.
I recognized we were in Scarlet Sloth territory before it was confirmed by the large crest-covered signs that lined the flat, distinct roads leading into the city. My stomach clenched uneasily because despite its beauty, this place represented so much to me.
The last time I’d been here, my life had been so different—I hadn’t experienced it like this.
Not with warm arms around me and tea going cold on the table or the sound of Thornar breathing softly across the way.
Last time I had been here, Ivan’s hand had been at the back of my neck like a shackle and my eyes had been pointed at the ground, unable to even react to my surroundings.
But I remembered sneaking a look through the car windows. It had been the first time I’d seen beauty in over a decade.