53. Opaline
Opaline
Hand in hand, Adrian and I make our way to the others after sending a text to find out where they are.
As we approach the courtyard of the resort, away from the noise of the festival over in the fields, it's immediately clear one of my mates is missing.
Sage and Calder stand imposing and huge against the twinkling lights and impressive, spouting fountain behind them.
Even with our bond muted on my end, it's like they sense me coming, both turning in unison to run towards Adrian and I.
Big hands and warm bodies surround me, concern etched between their brows as they take me in. "Babygirl, what happened? Are you okay?"
Nodding my head, I lean into his touch, reassuring him the best I can. "I'm okay. I'm okay. I'm so sorry… The entire thing was an overreact—" A growl sounds, cutting me off and making me jump simply at the unexpectedness of it.
"Nuh uh, omega. What did we just talk about?" The guys all share a look above my head, something silently being communicated between them that only years of being packmates could accomplish.
Replaying our conversation, I remind myself that my reaction was valid and I'm not a burden.
And while that's important, it's not as important as finding the one man I really need to see.
The urge to go to him, to soothe him is eating at me, growing under my skin, nearly making me physically sick.
Peeking around their biceps and chests, I move to see if Everette just so happens to be standing nearby where I can't scent or see him.
Lifting the veil between us, I let my emotions out and my mates' in.
And of course, I certainly can't feel him. Not Ever.
"Where is he? Where's Everette?"
"He needed a minute to himself, babygirl. He's just over there…" he points, "in our SUV. But, I think we need to talk first. I can text him to come join us." Pulling out his phone, I stop him, shaking my head.
"No. Please. I need to see him. Alone, I mean." Looking up to Adrian, I give him a look he seems to decipher quickly now that we can feel each other again.
"I'll fill them in. But I'm walking you over there, first." He crosses those big arms, raising his brow slightly.
Taking a slow, deep breath, I try to keep my patience even though every part of me is trying to run to our other mate, knowing he's hurting…and because of me. "Adrian, please. You can all watch me from here and I'll run there. This is your own property, o—"
"Our property."
"Fine, love. Yes, our property. I promise it's safe. Okay? But I just-- I have to go to him. Now. I can't wait any longer." The sense of urgency and panic lining my voice are clear and after a moment he finally concedes.
"Go, kitten. We'll handle this, okay?"
Putting my trust in my mates, I know they will in whatever way that means. If the emotion, fierce protectiveness, and overwhelming sincerity aren't clue enough? Their loving gazes as I back away are.
My feet move faster than ever with my mates' protective eyes on my back.
All I know in this moment is that I need my final mate. Need to feel this deep connection with him, like the others.
And I am done waiting for the perfect moment for him to claim me with his bite.