Chapter 13
Asound startled Theo out of a weary healing sleep.
He found himself sandwiched between Radu and Lucian.
His heart flipped over with anxiety for a half-second, searching for Star, but Star’s arm was wrapped around Radu’s waist from behind, thick blankets curled around them all.
Only Lucian had mostly tossed off the blankets.
None of them moved more than to breathe softly, and Theo’s guilt rose over making them all worried when they still sought Yuri every day and the final link to feeling complete.
A huff brought Theo’s gaze to the end of the bed, and the giant purple cat standing there. He gasped, and mouthed, “Barney.” The creature leapt onto the bed with a careful grace that barely moved the mattress at all. Theo heard Star grumble.
Barney stared at them all for a moment before slinking up to curl up beside Lucian, tucking nose to tail and closing his eyes as if they were all too annoying for taking up most of the bed.
Theo smiled and let out a long sigh of relief.
Yuri wasn’t home yet, but he would be soon.
And Theo knew that having Barney back would help fuel their search if only to keep Lucian’s depression at bay.
Lucian’s brows scrunched and Theo gently kissed them to soothe him, praying he didn’t wake him.
“Is there a giant purple cat behind me?” Lucian whispered without opening his eyes.
“Yes,” Theo agreed.
“He’s purring and warm.”
“Yeah? Is it okay?”
“Yes,” Lucian agreed. He tugged Theo a few inches closer and buried his face beside Theo’s, their cheeks sliding together. “Everything is going to be okay.”
“Cause Barney is gonna help us find Yuri?”
“Hmm. We will find Yuri.” Was all Lucian said.
But Theo could sense the tension leak out of Lucian’s exhausted body. Even after months of searching and during sleep, he’d been stiff and filled with anxiety. One more piece of home falling into place.